Help with remote programming - Yamaha RX-V659

[zombie69]

Great receiver and I love the auto-setup feature.

One slight problem when programming the remote to operate the DVD player, TV, etc.: I can program the remote to control the TV (with the switch on the side set to "TV" and entering the correct code after pressing the DTV button), and it works fine. However, if I then try to program the cable box with the switch on the side set to "Source" and entering it's code, it will work but breaks the TV programming.

Conversely, if I program the cable box first, it works fine, but if I then program the TV it breaks the cable box.

It seems like the position of the slider switch on the side isn't being "saved" when I do the programming.

Programming every other device works just fine- it's just the TV and cable box, that both use that center button, that is the problem.

Thanks for any help!

 

[MDS]

Briefly...a pre-programmed remote (entering 'setup codes') simply has a table of information about the commands for a particular brand/type of device stored in memory. Those codes may or may not actually work your particular device satisfactorily.

I would bet that the setup code for the TV and the cable box overlap; ie the buttons on which a code is placed overlap - both the TV and the cable box setup codes place a remote code on the 'center' button. The last one wins.

There really is no way to get around that with a pre-programmed remote. The solution is a real universal remote that allows you to place any code from any device on any button in any mode - and that is not gonna happen with the cheap remotes shipped with the receiver.

IMO, the only use for the remotes shipped with any piece of electronics equipment is to use it to teach a real remote - then put it in the drawer and forget about it.

 

[Nick250]

Ditto, and for me, a $95 Harmony did the trick.

Nick

 

[tomd51]

Good Advice from MDS...

I fully agree w/MDS on this one, particuarly due to the amount and complexity of today's electronics (e.g. receiver, TV, DVD, STB, DVR, VCR, etc.). Also, in the past couple of years, highly flexible, macro capable and easy to use universal remotes have come down to way down to earth in price.

Point in case, I had an accident w/my Sony RM-AV3000 universal recently (fell hard on a table and severely bruised the LCD display) and had to pick up a new one. This Universal Remote URC300 from Amazon gives you lots of flexibility and functionality with relatively simple setup and good ergonomics. I've only had it for a couple of weeks, but I'm pretty happy with it so far. It's functionality is slightly less easy than the Sony, but that may be due to my familiarity with it. the ergonomics (good fit for most hands, easy to read, quality feel and sized buttons) blow the Sony's square brick out of the water.

Slide buttons when changing from source to source is for the birds. While I could deal with it on the Denon (AVR886) and Yamaha receivers (RX-V2500 and RX-V659) I have, it's near impossible for someone not intimately familiar with the remote's functions and not something most kids, significant others and family members will want to learn.

While a true skinflint would never be able to justify paying more money for something that will do the same thing as something you already have, these are a life-saver when it concerns anyone else besides you using your setup. For $60, this guy would be very hard to top, it's younger sibling (URC200) is an even better value. I would recommend it to anyone needing a remote for family usage or looking for a remote with a high W.A.F.... -TD

 

[zombie69]

Ok, however

Maybe I didn't explain well enough.

It DOES control the TV 100% correctly. And it DOES control the cable box 100% correctly. The problem is, it won't do both.

According to the manual, the slide switch changes from "TV" to "Source" to "amp". So, if I program the TV with the right code (again, it works flawlessly) with the slide switch on "TV", and then program the cable box with the right code (again, flawless) with the slide switch on "source", only the cable box programming then works. And vice-versa.

Somehow, it's overwriting the same code "memory location" with no regard to the position of the slide switch.

I posted a question to Yamaha's tech support email, hopefully they can provide some help.

 

[tomd51]

I think you were pretty clear on your first post, Z. I think Nick and MDS both understood that as well.

My suggestion, and I think they are in agreement, is that even if you are able to get this working correctly, a separate universal will provide you with better functionality for just a bit more out of pocket in the long haul, in addition to correcting the code overlap issue you're having.

If the budget's too tight for it right now, I can definitely understand. But ultimately, you may want to consider one... -TD

 

[zombie69]

That's a good point

and I will look into a universal. In the meantime, though, it'd be nice to be able to get this to work!

 

[Kai]

It would be nice zombie but I just do not think it is going to work.
I have the 659 and love it but the remote, like most remotes, just is not up to snuff.
I much prefer and enjoy using my Harmony 659 remote over any factory remote that claims multi-function capability.
Good luck though. I hope you get it to work and if you do please let us know.

 

[zombie69]

Ah ha!!

It works!

I heard back from a tech support person @Yamaha. She suggested programming the PHONO button to operate the TV. Well, I couldn't get that to work but I was able to get the MO button (above the Cable TV button) to work just fine.

So for now, at least I can run everything from the one remote.

Thanks all for your assistance.