Sony rdr-vx511 Connect and program codes for use w/ DirectTV

[Robinbird]

Hi all!

I bought this Sony combo & cannot get it to respond. It won't display setup. It will not take any of the offered codes or set a code with Code Search!

In order to reach the Easy setup screen and program the DVD/VHS, I need to get the Sony to work on the AV1 or AV2 switch on the Direct TV remote. You program the direct TV remote to display/operate the Sony rdr-vx511 on one of those two switches, either av1 or av2.

However, I keep going through the steps (press mute and select, wait til flashes twice, enter code, try power, do again with new code.... ) with no response. I tried Code search, doesn't respond. I have the dvd/vhs connected to my direct tv with the cable from the directtv, and also with the audio/visual red-white-yellow cables.

I have the basic black/white DirectTV remote, as well as the remote that came with the Sony rdr-vx511.

I have experience with computers, I can read/follow directions, but this Sony does not respond? I am wondering if I have the cables right, or if anyone has a code that worked for them? I am also wondering if there is a company that can be hired --- like a geek squad for dvds-- that can be hired to come program it? (Or anyone out there near Ventura, Ca wants to program it for $50 or dinner? Drect tv is useless beyond handing codes, and Sony says get lost.

Is there a better model that's easier to set up with Direct TV, and do you recommend I cry uncle and return?

Help, going batty here...

thanks for any helpful replies...
Rob

[The Robman]

Basically, you are looking for a code to input into your DirecTV "RC23" remote to work your Sony RDR-VX511, is that a correct summary of your post?

Would I be correct in assuming that you have no problem working the unit using the original Sony remote?

[MaskedMan]

When testing sony codes on the rc23, any code make a numeral show up in the dvdr panel?

[Robinbird]

Yes I need to find a code that works for the DirectTV remote, in order to program that remote to shoe the dvd Easy Setup menu on the tv screen.

A few codes bring up Channel 3 on the dvd/vhs but those codes don't power it on or off, change the channel, or show the setup screen. Also I don't know those codes, because they were from Code Search, which doen't show the codes.

The DVD sony remote is fine, but it's not much good until I get the direct tv to recognize the rdr-vx511 on either switch av1 or av2 -- nothing from the Sony will show on my tv sceen until it can program through direct tv, and have direct tv tell tv to view dvd (vhs) on av1 or av2.

Some of the searched for codes bring up a "channel 3" or "channel 21" on the Sony screen, but that's all - no powering on/off, no changing channels, etc.

thank you, perhaps there is hope yet?
Robin

[The Robman]

Are you looking to program the "DirecTV remote" or the "DirecTV" itself?

[MaskedMan]

exit the directv menu, do the following on the remote itself:

1. av1 or av2
2. press and hold MUTE & SELECT for two blinks
3. enter 2 0 8 6 4

[Robinbird]

Direct tv works fine. I am trying to program line av1 or line av2 to show the Sony rdr-vx511 screen for setup. I can not see anything from the dvd on my tv, nor can I reach the Easy setup screen to program the dvd.

This dvd records to vhs or dvd. When it wsorks I guess.

The code did not work, but I tried it a few times to be sure.

I'm going to take the direct tv out of the picture and see if it will program just with the regular tv... just to test the Sony part of the equation.

I can't believe it's this difficult, most people could not set this Sony up.

thank you for trying. I'll give it a week then ship it back, I'll only be out the shipping costs if I do.

thank you, I'm a remote-dummy

robin

[MaskedMan]

First the dtv/ av1/ av2/ tv are just devices on the remote, has nothing to do with what appears on your tv screen.

If the directv remote controls your tv, and hitting TV INPUT key in the tv device doesn't change to direct inputs on your tv, the input key may need to be programmed like so:


1. tv
2. press and hold MUTE & SELECT for two blinks
3. enter 9 6 0

As for the code for your dvdr, directv just released a new remote with extended library of codes, its the rc64rb. You can ordered it on the directv website, just buy the RF remote, you will receive the rc64rb. This remote also has backlighting and larger keys then the rc23/24.

[Robinbird]

Okay, thank you all, it mostly works! Without this forum I'd have given up, but you all are so calm, well I kept at it.

First I switched the Sony to the newest tv in our home, more connection options. Mext I bought the red blue green compenent cable, (I only had yellow-whiye-red ones)

I was able to get to Easy set up screen, and program the DVD/VHS !

Now it plays dvds and vhs, and show direct tv just fine too.

The last piece, still now working : I try to record to dvd, it seems to record (writes to disk, updates disk info), but then will not play that dvd. It looks liike it's playing, (the Sony is counting the time going by or whatever its countng..)but no picture.

Hey I am way happy to get this far, I can record/ pllay on the vhs side.
I'll mess with the record/play on the dvd side but it's not urgent.

The av program worked fine too thank you!

I don't know where you guys are, but if you get to sunny alifornia, I definately owe you lunch!
thanks a million!

Yeah, I don't have to return it!!!!!
Robin

[GLT]

Hi Robin,

Welcome to the forum.

Glad to see you made it from the AVS forum. Aren't these guys great?

GLT

[Robinbird]

Oh gosh yes these guys are great. They really took time to help out a newbee.

They actually made remotes fun! (Instead of just torture).

My last bugaboo with this particular model (the wonderful rdr-vx511) is that the dvd recording instructions say, "press the rec mode button repeatedly to seect a mode of recording on the dvd".

That's all well and good, but MY remote hhas no rec mode button. Nor is there a rec mode button on the dvd/vhs recorder itself. NOW that is a challenge! I checked online and the model remote the send out/ associate
with the rdr-vx511 is the same I have. But the remote doesn't match the manual instructions. No rec mode button.

I'm trying to contact Sony for help, or see if there is a better remote for this thing. But I am calm, I have help and partners in "remote". LOL
I can record on vhs just fine so I can take my time with this mystery. I definately THANK these guys, there is no other help of this sort I could find on the web, I was lucky to have found them, thank you!

Anyway the darn thing works, mostly and I am happy happy!
If I get it to record to DVD, I may have to have a party or at least bake a cake!

rob

[GLT]

Does it happen to have a hidden flip down panel on the front of the unit?

The 515 does, and I read it was the same as the 511.

Just a guess.

GLT

[Robinbird]

It does have the flip down, but still nothing that has a button for rec mode. The manual clearly says press rec mode repeatedly to select mode, and gives various (as many as 8) modes.

I'll update once I bug Sony again on the telephone!
best
rob

[MaskedMan]

the remote looks like it has a hidden buttons as well;


http://www.sony.newremotecontrol.com/ca ... =988509047

[GLT]

I would guess you are right on....



Would you believe that was my next guess? BTW the manual for the 511 doesn't seem to mention that anywhere.

GLT