RS 232 connection

[Crusader]

Many of the mid to upper level AV receivers have an RS 232 connection which allows you to connect your computer to the receiver and access advanced functions for setup. While the feature seems primarily intended for custom installesr rather than individuals, it would be a nice way to tweak one's setup. Pioneer's advanced MCACC has this capability.

BUT, how many computers made in the past five years or so have a serial connection? You can try a USB to RS 232 cable and driver (not particularly reliable), but it would seem our friends in the AV industry could wake up and smell the coffee, realize they're incorporating an obsolete technology, and go with USB or (heaven forbid) wireless!

 

[96cobra10101]

adapter
may help

 

[adk highlander]

I am not familiar with the RS-232 connection giving any advanced setup functions. I use RS-232 connections to control most of my gear. It offers much more reliable functionality over IR flashers and in some cases there are discrete commands that are not available in IR. I use USB to RS-232 to control my DirecTV sat boxes so that type of control is possible as well. Most companies now are offering the same level of control with the RJ-45 (ethernet) connection which is nice to use with your tablet or phone. I do use that for my secondary zones.

 

[Crusader]

You've had no problem with USB to 232 adapter? Then that might be an alternative although the cabling is a bit awkward. Given the ubiquitous nature of wifi these days, you'd think any receiver over $500 would have it.

 

[adk highlander]

You've had no problem with USB to 232 adapter? Then that might be an alternative although the cabling is a bit awkward. Given the ubiquitous nature of wifi these days, you'd think any receiver over $500 would have it.

For my application I use some very specific adapters that others had verified worked. I also have to use a null modem as well.

I do remember now that with the pioneer you can do specific adjustments to MCACC when connected to a computer (I think there may be software). To control it from a PC you would need to use something like hyperterminal to send the serial commands to the receiver. Very clunky. A receiver that can be controlled via ethernet will probably have some kind of web interface that makes it much easier and more convenient. I probably would not use a wireless connection even if it was available as I have all my gear in a centralized rack and like the reliability of having them hard wired.

USB connections are present on most new receivers but there purpose is for media and not control. It seems future control is done via ethernet albeit wired or wireless.

 

[panteragstk]

I have two usb to db9 adapters plugged into my HTPC to control my projector and my receiver. No issues at all with either.

 

[Grador]

Electronically it's infinitely simpler for the receiver to accept rs-232 input than usb or network. Serial connections can be looked at the exact same as IR signals, pulse codes. Both of those inputs can be fed to the same control chip requiring very little additional complexity. Furthermore the sheer quantity of professional multimedia automation rigs already available that utilize rs-232 make it something advantageous to keep around. It may be a little inconvenient but there are reasons.