User manual UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL MX-500

Home Theater Master LCD Screen Preprogrammed and Learning Remote Control R MX-500TM Operating Manual Table of Contents 1. Introduction 3 2. Batteries 5 A. Battery Installation B. Battery Life 3. Summary of Operations 6 A. Description of Devices B. Preprogrammed Codes C. Learning From Other Remote Controls D. Macro Operations E. Favorite Channel Buttons F. Punch Through Operations G. Editing LCD Text H. Cloning The MX-500TM I. All Other Operations J. LCD Screen And Button Layout K. System Settings 4. Programming the MX-500TM to Control Your Components 12 A. Using Preprogrammed Codes 1. Three-Digit Code Number 2. Auto Scan With Three-Digit Number B. Learning Method 1. Programming The Function Buttons 2. Programming The Ten Device Buttons 5. Programming Favorite Channels 24 6. Programming Macro Buttons 26 A. Programming Macro Functions To M1, M2, M3, POWER and SYSTEM OFF Buttons B. Programming Macro Functions To The Ten Device Buttons 7. Programming Punch Through Functions 32 8. Erasing Existing Programming 34 A. Erasing Learned Buttons B. Erasing Favorite Channel Buttons 1 Table of Contents C. Erasing Macro Functions 1. Erase M1, M2, M3, POWER and SYSTEM OFF Buttons 2. Erase Macro Functions In The Ten Device Buttons D. Erasing Punch Through Functions 9. LCD Button Editing 39 A. To Create or Edit Text on Function and Device Buttons B. To Create or Edit Text for Favorite Channel Buttons 10. Recalling the Preprogrammed 41 Three-Digit Number 42 11. Setting Backlight TM 43 12. Cloning MX-500 44 13. Adjustment of LCD contrast 45 14. Caution On Handling LCD Screen 45 15. Low Battery Message 46 16. Memory Lock 46 17. Glossary 52 18. Warranty 19. Specifications 52 20. Appendix 53 A. List of Preprogrammed LCD Text by Device B. Three-Digit Preprogrammed Code Tables 2 1. Introduction Congratulations! You have purchased one of the most sophisticated remote controls on the market. The MX-500TM has been designed to provide a new standard in remote control technology offering a very powerful and flexible preprogrammed and learning product. Setting up your MX-500TM to operate your components is easy. Please follow the instructions in the manual and retain the manual for future reference. If any words used are unfamiliar to you, please refer to page 46 for a Glossary of terms used in this manual. Your MX-500TM can operate up to ten home entertainment and home automation components by using the preprogrammed code library in the remote control, by teaching up to 530 commands into the MX-500TM from your original remote controls, or a combination of both. The MX-500TM has many additional operating features to add convenience and enjoyment to the operation of your home entertainment system. You can create your own labels of the buttons on the LCD screen; program 50 favorite channel buttons; operate the volume, channel and transport buttons from one device when you are in another device; and have multiple things done with one press of a button! 3 1. Introduction There is also a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the MX-500TM on the website that may prove to be helpful. Visit www.hometheatermaster.com for FAQs. For any questions or comments about the MX-500TM, please visit our website, www.hometheatermaster.com or contact us at: Universal Remote Control, Inc. 500 Mamaroneck Avenue Harrison, NY 10528 Tel: 914-835-4484 You can also e-mail us at service@urcmx.com. Regular customer service hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST, Monday ­ Friday. 4 2. Batteries A. Battery Installation Before the remote control can be used, the batteries need to be installed. First, remove the battery cover on the back of the unit and install the four AAA batteries inside the battery compartment as shown. Make sure the batteries line up with the (+) and (-) markings. Improper installation could damage the remote control. When you're done, slide the battery cover back on. The remote control starts up automatically and the default devices will appear on the LCD screen. B. Battery Life Under normal operating conditions, the batteries will last approximately six months. If the batteries are running low, you will notice reduced range from the remote, commands that are not sent properly, or are not sent at all. You may also notice the backlighting of the LCD screen and the buttons is diminished. Should any of these occur, replace the batteries immediately. To ensure proper performance of the unit, use 4 new AAA alkaline batteries. The remote control will retain the commands and settings in memory even after the batteries are low or become discharged. See Memory Lock on page 46. However, you should replace the worn batteries with a fresh set as soon as possible. Do not mix new and used batteries. 5 3. Summary of Operations A. Description of Devices The MX-500TM is designed to operate up to ten components including Audio Receivers, Cable and Satellite Boxes, TV, DVD (LD), VCR, DVR, CD, Tape and AUX. However, each of the device buttons and corresponding functions can be changed to meet your individual requirements. Almost any device that uses infrared commands can be controlled by the MX-500TM, including Home Automation, Personal computers and more. Each device button on the main screen contains two subpages of commands and you can change the name of any LCD button using up to five alphabet characters, numbers and symbols to customize the unit to fit your audio/video devices. Please refer to "LCD Button Editing" on page 39 for additional details. B. Preprogrammed Codes The MX-500TM comes with extensive preprogrammed IR codes for practically all major audio and video equipment. You can set up and operate all of your components with the MX-500TM by simply entering a three-digit code number assigned to your brand of component. The code numbers for the various brands of components are listed in the back of this instruction manual. Please refer to the programming instructions shown on page 13 for details. 6 3. Summary of Operations C. Learning From Other Remote Controls The MX-500TM can learn codes from your original remote controls. There are 26 LCD screens in the MX-500TM. Each screen (page) has ten function buttons, including the ten device buttons on the main menu screen that can be taught. In addition, there are 31 buttons and a joystick (thumbpad) that can be taught for each of the ten devices. You can teach up to 530 new functions into the remote control. Please refer to page 19 in this instruction manual for details. D. Macro Operations A "macro" is a series of commands that you choose to be sent out with the push of one button. Any function available on your original remote control or in the preprogrammed database can be added to a macro to completely automate what you would normally do by pushing buttons one at a time. It can be as simple as turning on your TV and Cable Box, turning the TV to the appropriate channel for operation with the Cable Box, and changing the Cable Box channel to your favorite morning news. A macro can be configured to Power On your TV, DVD player and receiver, change to the appropriate inputs and outputs, dim your lights and start a movie. It can be as simple or as comprehensive as you want. There are two types of macro buttons you can use for macro operations: M1, M2, M3, POWER and SYSTEM OFF Buttons The M1, M2, and M3 are called "system-wide" buttons because they send out the same signal no matter what device you are currently controlling. The POWER and 7 3. Summary of Operations SYSTEM OFF buttons can be made "system-wide" if they are programmed with macros. (Note: Programming the POWER or SYSTEM OFF buttons with a macro overrides the preprogrammed or learned code on the button.) See page 26 of this manual for further information. Each of these five buttons is designed to be able to send out a series of up to 20 commands you program into the buttons. One common use is to turn on and turn off all of your A/V components with one button press, but the buttons can be programmed with whatever macro you desire. Ten Device Buttons There are ten device buttons and each of these device buttons can send out a series of up to 20 programmed commands when pressed for more than one second. These buttons are commonly used in sending audio input codes when you press the button to go to a device. The audio receiver would make an automatic input switch according to the device button you pressed. However, these buttons can be programmed with whatever macro you desire. E. Favorite Channel Buttons You can create up to 50 favorite channel buttons in the MX-500TM by programming the most frequently watched channel numbers into these buttons. Each of these buttons can send out up to 10 commands. Please refer to page 24 of the manual for Favorite Channel Programming. F. Punch Through Operations The MX-500TM can be set up to operate your audio component volume control buttons (VOLUME UP and DOWN and 8 3. Summary of Operations MUTE) while all the other buttons control other equipment. You can also set up the remote to operate channel control and transport functions (PLAY, STOP, REWIND, FAST FORWARD, SKIP-, SKIP+, PAUSE and RECORD buttons) from VCR, DVD, DVR, LD, CD or any other mode while all other buttons in the remote control are controlling other components. Please refer to page 32 in the manual for details. G. Editing LCD Text You can write your own text on each of the twenty-six LCD screens. Please refer to page 39 in the manual for details. H. Cloning The MX-500TM The MX-500TM is capable of sending all the programmed codes and operations from one MX-500TM to another MX-500TM. Please refer to page 43 in the manual for details. I. All Other Operations You can set the duration of the backlight on time and change the LCD screen contrast. Please refer to pages 42 and 44 in the manual for additional details. Note: The last Device selected will remain active when you are on the MAIN page and will be shown at the bottom of the LCD screen. For example, if you are using "TV" and then return to the MAIN page, the hard buttons remain in TV mode. The LCD buttons only change when you select another device. 9 3. Summary of Operations J. LCD Screen And Button Layout Displays the name of the device selected. System off (Power off) Displays page number. Displays the device and function names. LIGHT button. MACRO buttons. MAIN DEVICE menu button. LCD Page change button. POWER MUTE VOLUME CHANNEL Previous channel button. TRANSPORT functions(PLAY, STOP, REWIND and FF) for VCR, DVR, CD and DVD etc. JOYSTICK button(UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT and ENTER) to move the cursor and enter the selection by pushing down the joystick in the center. Also called THUMBPAD. ENTER DISPLAY 10 3. Summary of Operations K. System Settings All programming is done by first entering the SETUP mode in the remote control. Press both the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds to enter the SETUP mode. SETUP will be shown at the top of the LCD screen. You exit the SETUP mode by simply pressing the MAIN button. Important: When using the Preprogramming method starting on page 13, always use the appropriate button as shown in the illustration above when asked "FROM TABLE". You may have already changed the labels of the buttons, but the code tables are in the positions as shown. For example, the AUDIO Code Table (refer to pages starting at 58) will ALWAYS be the top-left button. The SAT Code Table will always be the 4th button down on the right side of the LCD screen, etc. 11 4. Programming the MX-500 TMto Control Your Components WHERE DO I START? First of all, get all of your original remote controls together. Find out what brands of components you have. You may have one or more components that do not have original remote controls, but can still be controlled by the MX-500TM. You must use the preprogrammed method for those devices. For the rest, you can program the MX-500TM to make it compatible with your components by following the preprogrammed method instructions, by using your original remote controls to teach the MX-500TM, or both methods. Next, it is a good idea to decide whether you want a "Device-based" configuration, or if you want an "Activity-based" configuration. A " Device-based" configuration centers on each Device with its two LCD pages controlling one component. All of the functions that your original remote control has on it would be put on to one device. The MX-500TM comes with the labels and preprogrammed codes in a "Device-based" setup. If you go to the "List of Preprogrammed LCD Text by Device" on page 53, you will see diagrams of how the MX-500TM is set up at the factory. When you choose a preprogrammed code for a component from the "Setup Code Tables" in the Appendix of this manual, that code will be applied to one device only. An "Activity-based" configuration centers on what you are doing at the time. If you are watching a DVD on your TV, and are using your Home Theater receiver to control the 12 4. Programming the MX-500 TMto Control Your Components sound, you may want to start by setting up the DVD Device using the preprogrammed method described below, and then add functions from the other devices you will be using while watching your DVD video to the DVD device. For example, while playing a DVD, you will want to adjust the volume of your receiver. So, you would use the "Punch Through" method described on page 32 to put the Receiver's Volume control into your DVD Device. You may then want to adjust other functions of your Receiver while staying in the DVD device, so you would use the learning method described on page 19 to add those functions to your DVD device, such as surround sound controls, the receiver's DVD input code, the TV's power code, etc. Everything that you need for watching a DVD on your TV without having to jump back and forth from Device to Device. You can decide where on the MX-500TM you want your functions to reside, relabeling the LCD screen buttons (explained on page 39) for those functions, and choosing preprogramming, learning, or a combination of both to fully customize your MX-500TM will give you a remote totally customized to your needs. So, let's start with learning how to Preprogram the MX-500TM. A. Using Preprogrammed Codes 1. Three-Digit Code Number You can program the MX-500TM to make it compatible with your components by using the preprogrammed method: 13 4. Programming the MX-500 TMto Control Your Components 1. Manually turn on the device you wish to operate. 2. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing both the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds until SETUP appears at the top of the LCD screen. 3. Press the P-PRO button next to the LCD screen. 4. The remote will be flashing "SELECT BUTTON". Press the button for the device you wish to program. (For example, to program TV, press the TV button.) 5. The remote will be flashing "FROM TABLE". Select the device from which you want to access the code table. Important: If you have already relabeled your device keys, your LCD screen will not look like the illustration above. Select the appropriate LCD button for the "FROM TABLE" using the labels as shown in the illustration on page 11 of this manual. For example, if you have relabeled AUX as LIGHTS, you would still push the bottom-left button to access the AUX Code Table. 6. The remote will be flashing "ENTER NUMBER". Refer to the tables starting on page 58 in the back of this manual and find the manufacturer of your device. (If you are programming the remote for the TV device, find the TV device code table.) 7. Point the remote control toward the device and enter the 14 4. Programming the MX-500 TMto Control Your Components first three-digit code number you selected for your device. There is no way of knowing which code is the one that will have the functions that more closely match your device than the others, so it is wise to try them all. See step #9 below. (Please enter the code number within 20 seconds of beginning programming, otherwise the remote will revert to the SETUP menu, and then after a period of time, it will go back to the MAIN device page.) If there is more than one code number assigned to your brand, try one code number at a time until you find the right code number (the number that turns off your device.) If the device turns off when you enter the three-digit code, make note of the code. It will have at least some of the functions in it that are needed to control your device. 8. Confirm that it is the right code by pressing the Power button. The device should turn on. After you have confirmed that the right code is entered, save the code by pressing the SAVE button on the LCD. 9. At this point try ALL of the buttons on the remote, and see which ones work with your device. The majority of the buttons should work with your device. Make note of the code if it seems to be the right one, and try the next one. You are trying to find the one that has the most functions to operate your equipment. If there are any functions missing, you will learn them from your original remote in the "Learning Method" section on page 19. 10. Continue to program other components by repeating from Step 1 above. 11. You can press EXIT at any time if you do not wish to proceed. 15 4. Programming the MX-500 TMto Control Your Components 12. When you are finished programming your remote, exit from the preprogramming mode by pressing the MAIN button and then exit from the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again. Tip: You can change the preprogrammed code for each device at any time by following the steps above. The new code will override the old code. For example, this would be done if you replaced your old TV with a new one. 2. Auto Scan With Three-Digit Number You can also program your remote control by sending out a series of Power Off commands for different brands stored in the library by using the following steps. This is similar to the first method, except it is easier to move through all of the device codes for your device and make note of each one that turns your device OFF. 1. Manually turn on the device you plan to operate. 2. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing both the MAIN and ENT buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 3. Press the P-PRO button next to the LCD screen. 16 4. Programming the MX-500 TMto Control Your Components 4. The remote will be flashing "SELECT BUTTON". Press the device you wish to program. (For example, to program TV, press the TV button.) 5. The remote will be flashing "FROM TABLE". Select the device from which the scanned code will be selected. (Important: If you have already relabeled your device keys, your LCD screen will not look like the illustration above. Select the appropriate LCD button for the "FROM TABLE" using the labels as shown in the illustration on page 11 of this manual. For example, if you have relabeled AUX as LIGHTS, you would still push the bottom-left button to access the AUX Code Table. 6. Point the remote control toward the component and alternately press the UP (or DOWN ) button on the LCD and the Power button. If the right code number is sent, the component will turn off right after the code number is transmitted. (Please press the UP (or DOWN ) button within 20 seconds of beginning programming, otherwise the remote will revert to the SETUP menu, and then after a period of time, it will go back to the MAIN device page.) 17 4. Programming the MX-500 TMto Control Your Components 7. Confirm that it is the right code by pressing the Power button. After you have confirmed that the right code is entered, save the code by pressing the SAVE button on the LCD. 8. Confirm that you entered the right code number that matches your component by pressing other functional buttons. If any of the buttons do not operate, as they should, please repeat from Step 1. 9. Continue to program other components by repeating from step 1 above. 10. You can press EXIT at any time if you do not wish to proceed. 11. Exit from Preprogrammed mode by pressing the MAIN button and then exit from the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again. 18 4. Programming the MX-500 TMto Control Your Components B. Learning Method You can program the MX-500TM to operate a device by "teaching" the correct commands to device buttons on the main screen menu, the two sub-pages within each device button, 31 buttons and the joystick located in the middle of the remote control. The MX-500TM learns these commands by receiving infrared signals directly from your existing remote controls. The MX-500TM receives these signals through its learning eye, located at the top of the unit. Apart from the PAGE, MAIN and FAV buttons, which cannot be taught, the MX-500TM has the capability of learning up to 530 commands. Tip: Function buttons are any buttons that can be assigned a command to control a particular action for your device. Commonly used function buttons include the two pages of sub-commands within each of the 10 devices, channel up and down, volume up and down, menu, guide, exit, info, 0-9, and the joystick. Points to Remember If the remote control fails to learn a function after the first try: Keep the remotes stable by placing them on a flat surface. G Make sure the original remote is pointed at the learning eye at the top end of the case and is not at an angle. G Make sure both remotes' batteries aren't low. G Avoid programming the MX-500TM under bright lighting. It can interfere with the infrared signals. G Try again. Sometimes the second or third attempt works. G Some buttons require a single, short push of the original remote's button, other "repeating" buttons, such as the VOL button, require that you "press and hold" the original G 19 4. Programming the MX-500 TMto Control Your Components remote's button until "Good" flashes twice on the LCD screen. G Try varying the distance between the remotes until you find an optimal distance where the codes are learned on the first or second try. 1. Programming The Function Buttons 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing both the MAIN and ENT buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the LEARN button next to the LCD screen. 3. Select the DEVICE that contains the function button you wish to program. 4. Press the PAGE button to go to page 2 of the device if you need to. 5. Place your original remote control head to head with the MX-500TM about 2 inches apart on a flat surface as illustrated below. 20 4. Programming the MX-500 TMto Control Your Components 6. Press the button on the MX-500TM you wish to program. Only the three MAIN, PAGE and FAV buttons cannot be programmed. 7. Press the button on your original remote control that you wish to program onto the MX-500TM. Once the MX-500TM has received the signal, the MX-500TM will flash "Good" on the LCD screen, indicating it learned the code correctly. (Please do Step #6 within 20 seconds of Step #5, otherwise the remote will revert to the SETUP menu, and then after a period of time, it will go back to the MAIN device page.) If it flashes "Fail", repeat from Step 4 until it learns successfully. 8. Return to Step #3 until you have programmed all of the buttons that you require. 9. Once you complete the programming and wish to exit the LEARNING mode, press the MAIN button. Exit from the SET UP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again. Tip: Learning to VOL, CH and Transport buttons: If you are having problems learning to the Volume, Channel and Transport buttons, it may be that you have previously assigned a "Punch Through" from another device to that device. To remove a Punch Through, just punch through the device to itself. For example, to erase a punch through from a TV to an Audio Device, just punch through the TV to the TV. (See "Programming Punch Through" functions on Page 32.) 21 4. Programming the MX-500 TMto Control Your Components 2. Programming The Ten Device Buttons This will program ONE learned code onto the Device button, so that when you select that Device, it will send out the learned signal as it changes to that Device's function pages. 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing both the MAIN and ENT buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the LEARN button next to the LCD screen. 3. Important: Press the PAGE button. 4. Place your original remote control head to head with the MX-500TM about 2 inches apart on a flat surface. 5. Select any of the ten device buttons you wish to program on the MX-500TM. Press the button on your original remote control you wish to program into the Device button you have chosen on the MX-500TM. Once the MX-500TM has received the signal, the MX-500TM will flash "Good" on the LCD screen, indicating it learned the code correctly. If it flashes "Fail", repeat from Step 4 until it learns successfully. (Please enter the code signal within 20 seconds of programming.) 6. Return to Step #5 until you have programmed all of the Device buttons that you require. 22 4. Programming the MX-500 TMto Control Your Components 7. Once you complete the programming and wish to exit the Learning mode, press the MAIN button. Exit from the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again. Tip: Only follow these instructions if you actually want a code sent when changing devices. Some users do not want a Device to send out a code when changing to that device. For example: You program the AMP's TV input code on the TV device, and are in the DVD device pages because you are controlling the DVD player. The AMP's input is set to DVD. Now you want to quickly adjust the picture on the TV. If you push the TV Device button, it will change the input on your AMP to TV and you will not be able to adjust the picture for your DVD. In this case, it would be better not to program a code to the TV device. However, your circumstances may be different. 23 5. Programming Favorite Channels You can create and program up to 50 Favorite Channel buttons. Each favorite channel button can send out up to 10 commands with one button press. 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing both the MAIN and ENT buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the FAV button next to the LCD screen. 3. Press the device button that corresponds to the component that your FAV channel will control. For example, pressing the TV device will only send out the type of code that the TV responds to. Pressing the Cable device will only control the cable box. 4. Press the LCD button you will be assigning to the favorite channel and enter the channel number you wish to store in the FAVORITE channel button. You can store up to 10 digits. 5. Press the favorite channel button you selected in step 4 again to store the channel you programmed. 24 5. Programming Favorite Channels Tip: If you press a wrong channel number, move the cursor by using the left or right button of the joystick and then reassign the correct channel number. 6. Return to Step #3 until you have programmed all of the FAV channel buttons that you require. 7. Once you have completed the programming and wish to exit from the Favorite Channel mode, press the MAIN button. Exit from the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again. Tip: There are five pages of LCD screens for favorite channel programming. You move to other pages by pressing the PAGE or FAV button. Tip: You can use the following buttons: 0-9, ENTER, DISPLAY, POWER, SYSTEM OFF, and INFO/PAUSE in your FAV macro. Tip: (For Advanced Users) To make even more powerful FAV macros, you can learn codes from your original remote(s) to the 0-9, ENTER, DISPLAY, POWER, SYSTEM OFF, and INFO/PAUSE buttons in any device, and use them in your FAV macros. (This will not work if you have already applied a preprogrammed device code to those buttons.) For example: Some televisions require you to send out a code after the digits other than the ENTER code in order to change channels. For this, you could LEARN the proper code to the ENTER button from your original television remote, and use that in your FAV macro. If you are creative, you can learn any codes to these buttons and make your FAV macros do almost anything! 25 6. Programming Macro Buttons A "macro" is a series of commands that you choose to be sent out with the push of one button. There are two types of macro functions you can program with the MX-500TM: The M1, M2, M3, POWER and SYSTEM OFF buttons are designed to send out up to twenty commands from each of the five hard buttons. The ten device buttons can each send a macro of up to 20 commands when the device button is pressed for more than 1 second while on the MAIN page of the remote control. Important: If you program the POWER or SYSTEM OFF buttons with a macro, they will no longer function as ON and OFF buttons for your components. Just erase any macros you have programmed on to these buttons if you want to restore the original ON and OFF function. See the "Tips" at the end of this section for help on programming macros. A. Programming Macro Functions To M1, M2, M3, POWER And SYSTEM OFF Buttons 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN and ENTER button simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the MACRO button next to the LCD screen. 26 6. Programming Macro Buttons 3. Press one of the macro buttons, M1-M3, Power or System Off you wish to store your macro on. 4. Press the functional buttons you wish to store in the device macro button you selected, in the order you want them stored. You can store up to 20 commands. Important: Do not press the MAIN button at the beginning of your macro, or it will not work. You can use the MAIN button at any other step in your macro. 5. Be sure to end your macro on the Device page that you would like it to remain on when the macro is sent in normal use. 6. Store the commands you programmed into the macro button by pressing the Channel Up button. 7. Return to Step #3 until you have programmed all of the Macros that you require. 8. Once you have completed the programming and wish to exit from this mode, press the MAIN button. Exit from the SETUP mode by pressing MAIN button once again. Tip: The M1, M2, M3, POWER and SYSTEM OFF macros are "system-wide", meaning they will function the same no matter what device you are in when you use them. 27 6. Programming Macro Buttons B. Programming Macro Functions To The Ten Device Buttons 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the MACRO button next to the LCD screen. 3. Important: Press the PAGE button. 4. Press one of the ten device buttons you wish to store your macro on. 5. Press the functional buttons you wish to store in the device macro button you selected in the order you want them stored. You can store up to 20 commands. Important: Do not press the MAIN button at the beginning of your macro, or it will not work. You can use the MAIN button at any other step in your macro. 6. Be sure to end your macro on the Device page that you would like it to remain on when the macro is sent in normal use. 7. Return to Step #4 until you have programmed all of the Macros that you require. 8. Save the commands you selected to the macro button by pressing the CH UP button. 9. Once you complete the programming and wish to exit from this mode, press the MAIN button. Exit from the SET UP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again. 28 6. Programming Macro Buttons Tip: Remember that a single push of a Device Button that has a macro connected to it will take you to that device's function pages. You will need to hold the Device Button down for 1 second in order to send out the macro that you have created for that Device Button. Tip: Pressing the PAUSE button (the key to the bottom right of the cursor pad) during the macro programming will add a time delay of 0.2 seconds between the commands. For example, pressing the PAUSE button three times will create a pause of 0.6 seconds between the commands where the delay was inserted. Pressing the PAUSE button does not count as a macro step. Tip: When using a macro, remember to keep the remote pointed toward your components until the macro is finished being transmitted. You will notice the "Sending" icon flash in the upper right corner of the LCD screen as the macro is sending out each command. It will not show when a series of PAUSE commands are being executed. Wait until the icon finishes flashing before using other functions or putting the remote down. Sample Macro: The following is a sample macro, to give you a quick idea of what a macro can do, in an easy stepby-step form. Please refer to "Programming Macro Buttons" above if you need to refresh your memory on programming macros. This example assumes you have not changed the names of the devices and that you have used "punch through" to assign the VOL to your receiver. If you have changed the labels, just insert your changed names in the example below. 29 6. Programming Macro Buttons In this case we are going to use the M1 button to turn on the TV, the receiver, the Cable box, choose the appropriate inputs, and tune in the channel where we normally watch the morning news. 1. Press MAIN and ENTER simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press MACRO. 3. Press M1. 4. Press AUDIO. (Takes you to the Audio device page.) 5. Press POWER. (The button on the top right of the remote.) 6. Press TV. (This takes you to the TV device page.) 7. Press POWER. 8. Press MAIN. 9. Press CABLE. (This takes you to the Cable device page.) 10. Press POWER. 11. Press MAIN. 12. Press AUDIO. (We are returning to this page because most receivers and amps take time to "cycle up" and can't receive any commands, such as input, until the device is ready. So we have had the other steps of the macro running while the Audio device is "cycling up".) 13. Press PAUSE three times. (The button on the bottom right of the joystick. We've done this since our particular receiver takes longer than normal to "cycle up", so we have pressed the PAUSE button to insert more time for the receiver to get to the point where it will receive another command. Pressing the PAUSE button three times allows for an extra. 6 seconds of wait time. 3 x .2 seconds per push=.6 seconds) 14. Press CATV. (Since you are in the Audio device, this selects the "CAbleTV" input on that device.) 30 6. Programming Macro Buttons 15. Press MAIN. 16. Press CABLE. (Back to the this device to enter the appropriate channel.) 17. Press 1, then 3, then 5. (Then press the ENT button if your cable device requires it.) 18. Press CH UP to save the macro. 19. Press MAIN twice. Press M1 to test your macro. It should turn on your Audio device (receiver for example), then your TV, then your Cable box, then change the input to Cable on your receiver, then change the Channel on your Cable box to 135. Note: You can end your macro on any page you like, including the MAIN page. We deliberately ended our macro on the Cable page before we saved it, since that is where we wanted to be at the end of our macro. 31 7. Programming Punch Through Functions You can use the audio receiver volume control in a different mode (for example, Audio receiver Volume Up and Volume Down and Mute in Satellite mode) using the volume punch through feature. You can also have channel punch through (Channel Up, Channel Down) as well as eight VCR (or DVD) transport buttons (Play, Stop, Fast Forward and Rewind, Skip-, Skip+, Pause, Record) operate in another mode such as in Satellite, Cable and Audio modes. 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the PUNCH button next to the LCD screen. 3. Press the VOL button on the LCD for Volume Punch Through, the PLAY button for Transport Punch Through and the CH button for Channel Punch Through. 4. Select the device you wish to punch through to (1st device example - Television or Cable box.) 5. Select the device you wish to punch through from (2nd device example - Audio receiver.) You are punching through the controls of the second device to the device that is currently being controlled by any other buttons. 32 7. Programming Punch Through Functions For example, for VOL you are punching through the controls of the Audio receiver's VOL to the TV or Cable box, enabling you to control the Audio receiver's VOL when in the TV or Cable box screen. 6. Punch Through is saved when the second device is pressed. 7. Repeat from Step #2 to program Punch Through for other devices. 8. Once you complete the programming and wish to exit from this mode, press the MAIN button. Exit from the SET UP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again. Tip: When using Punch Through, think of the first Device you select as the Device that now controls the functions, and think of the second Device as the device that you want to control those functions. You are taking the controls of the second device and "punching them through" to the first device. 33 8. Erasing Existing Programming A. Erasing Learned Buttons 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing both the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the ERASE button next to the LCD screen. 3. Press the LEARN button. 4. If you wish to erase all the learned functions in the MX-500TM, press the ALL button and then press the SURE? button at the next LCD screen. 5. If you wish to erase all the buttons in a single device or an individual button in the device, press the DEVICE button. 6. Press the device button (TV, VCR, Audio, etc.) to erase the button(s) from the device. Tip: Press the PAGE button and then press the DEVICE button (TV, VCR, Audio, etc.) to erase the learned function in the device button itself. Programming this learned function to the Device button was explained in "Programming the Ten Device Buttons" earlier. 7. Press the ALL button if you wish to erase all the learned buttons in the device and press the SURE? button at the next LCD screen. 34 8. Erasing Existing Programming 8. Press a single button if you wish to erase individual buttons one at a time. This will show all the functions in the device. Press the button you wish to erase. 9. Repeat from Step #5 to erase any other devices or learned buttons you require. 10. Press the MAIN button to exit to main Erase mode. Press the MAIN button once again to exit the SETUP mode. B. Erasing Favorite Channel Buttons 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing both the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the ERASE button next to the LCD screen. 3. Press the FAV button. 4. If you wish to erase all the favorite channel buttons in the MX-500TM, press the ALL button and then press the SURE? button at the next LCD screen. 5. If you wish to erase one button, press the KEY button. Press the individual button you want to erase and continue with any other individual buttons you want to erase. 6. Repeat from Step #5 to erase any favorite channel buttons you require. 35 8. Erasing Existing Programming 7. Press the MAIN button to exit to main Erase mode. 8. Press the MAIN button once again to exit the SETUP mode. C. Erasing Macro Functions 1. Erase M1, M2, M3, POWER and SYSTEM OFF Buttons 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing both the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the ERASE button next to the LCD screen. 3. Press the MACRO button. 4. If you wish to erase all of the macro buttons in the MX-500TM, press the ALL button and then press the SURE? button at the next LCD screen. 5. If you wish to erase just one of the macros, press the KEY button at step 4 and then one of the M1, M2, M3, POWER or SYSTEM OFF buttons to erase the macro functions from that button. 6. Repeat from Step #5 to erase any other macro buttons you require. 7. Press the MAIN button to exit to main Erase mode. Press the MAIN button once again to exit the SETUP mode. 36 8. Erasing Existing Programming 2. Erase Macro Functions In The Ten Device Buttons 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the ERASE button next to the LCD screen. 3. Press the MACRO button. 4. Press the KEY button. 5. Press one of the ten DEVICE buttons from which you wish to erase the macro function and then press the SURE? button at the next LCD screen. 6. Exit from Macro mode by pressing the MAIN button and then exit from SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again. D. Erasing Punch Through Functions 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the PUNCH button next to the LCD screen. 37 8. Erasing Existing Programming 3. Press the VOL button on the LCD for Volume Punch Through, the PLAY for Transport Punch Through or the CH for Channel Punch Through depending upon which Punch Through you want to erase. 4. Press the DEVICE button from which you wish to erase punch through. 5. Press the same DEVICE button once again. 6. Punch through is erased when the same device button is pressed the second time. 7. Repeat from Step 2 to erase the Punch Through for other devices. 8. Exit from Punch Through mode by pressing the MAIN button and then exit from the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again. 38 9. LCD Button Editing A. To Create or Edit Text on Function and Device Buttons 1. Enter the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the EDIT button next to the LCD screen. 3. Press the DEVICE button to display the function buttons for that device. 4. Press the function button on which you wish to write or edit text. You can also go to the second page of the device by pressing the PAGE button. 5. To edit DEVICE button text, skip Steps 3 & 4 and press the PAGE button before selecting the Device button. 6. The character to be changed will blink and you can change the character using the number pad buttons on the remote control. The characters assigned to each number pad button are shown below. It will be rotated to a different character each time the same number pad button is pressed. Tip: You move the cursor left or right using the joystick. You can also delete a current character by using the cursor down of the joystick. Using the "cursor down" technique is a quick way to delete all of the text on a label. 39 9. LCD Button Editing 1. A B C 5. M N O 9. Y Z Blank 2. D E F 3. G H I 6. P Q R 7. S T U 0. + - < > etc 4. J K L 8. V W X 7. Save the text you completed by pressing the button you were writing on (the same function button you selected in step 3 or device button in step 4.) 8. Exit from Edit mode by pressing the MAIN button and then exit from the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again. B. To Create Or Edit Text for Favorite Channel Buttons 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the EDIT button next to the LCD screen. 3. Press the FAV button and then the favorite channel button on which you wish to write text. There are five LCD pages of favorite channels. Select the page you wish to write on by pressing the PAGE button. 4. The character to be changed on the button you selected will blink and you can change the character using the number pad buttons on the remote control. The characters assigned to each number pad button are shown below. It will be rotated to different character each time the same number pad button is pressed. Tip: You move the cursor left or right using the joystick. You can also delete a current character by using the cursor down of the joystick. Using the "cursor down" technique is a quick way to delete all of the text on a label. 40 9. LCD Button Editing 1. A 4. J 7. S 0. + B K T C 2. D E F L 5. M N O U 8. V W X < > etc 3. G H I 6. P Q R 9. Y Z Blank 5. Save the text you completed by pressing the same function button you selected in step 4. 6. Exit from Edit mode by pressing the MAIN button and then exit from the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again. 10. Recalling the Preprogrammed Three-Digit Number 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the RECAL button next to the LCD screen. 3. The LCD display will alternately flash device names and the three-digit code number assigned to the device for 10 seconds and then exit to the SETUP mode. 4. Before the 10 seconds are up, pressing the MAIN button on the remote will stop the flashing and exit to the SETUP mode. 5. Exit from SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again. 41 11. Setting Backlight The Backlight can be toggled On and Off just by pushing the LIGHT button on the top right side of the remote. It can also be set to go off at a predetermined time, as shown below. 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the LIGHT button next to the LCD screen. 3. Using the number pad buttons, enter the desired backlight time (in seconds). It can go up to 99 seconds. Save the time by pressing the button at the right side of the time you just assigned. 4. Exit from the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN button. Tip: Note that the time you've entered in SETUP for the Backlight to go off is extended each time you push a button. So the light will go off at the predetermined interval AFTER you have pushed the last button on the remote. 42 12. Cloning MX-500TM 1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds. 2. Press the CLONE button next to the LCD screen. 3. Press either the SEND or RECV button depending upon the role of the remote control. If the MX-500TM is to be copied from, press the SEND button. If it is to be copied to, press the RECV button. 4. If you wish to clone the entire device, press the ALL button. If you wish to clone only one device at a time, press the DEVIC button. 5. If you press the DEVIC button, it will show all the devices. Press the device button you wish to clone. 6. Set the MX-500TM head to head with another MX-500TM to be cloned from as shown below. Each unit should be in either cloning from or cloning to mode based on the above steps. 43 12. Cloning MX-500TM 7. Press the START button on both units to begin cloning. It will take about 40 seconds to complete the cloning and it will flash " GOOD" upon completion of the cloning. 8. Exit from the Cloning mode by pressing the MAIN button and then exit from the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again. 13. Adjustment of LCD Contrast Pressing the MAIN button and Up on the joystick simultaneously will make the LCD contrast darker and pressing the MAIN button and Down on the joystick simultaneously will make the LCD contrast brighter. 44 14. Caution On Handling LCD Screen Please note the LCD screen is breakable glass. Please exercise the following precautions when using the MX-500TM: G Do not tap the LCD screen to active devices. Use the rubber buttons beside the labels on the screen. Keep the LCD screen dry. Wipe off any spill immediately. The MX-500TM is not waterproof. Never immerse it in water. G Don't expose the MX-500TM to extreme temperatures. Keep it away from any heat sources. G G Avoid dropping the remote control. G Clean the LCD screen with a soft cloth. Never use abrasives or cleaning solutions on the soft cloth. 15. Low Battery Message If the batteries are running low, the LCD displays " LOW BATTERY" whenever you press the POWER button or you press the MAIN and ENTER button simultaneously. 45 16. Memory Lock The MX-500TM has an internal memory lock system that retains all of the programs and learned functions for an extended period in the event of battery loss. 17. Glossary Backlight: A feature that illuminates the LCD screen or keypad for use in low light or dark conditions. Battery type: The MX-500TM uses 4 standard disposable alkaline AAA batteries, or the new rechargeable alkaline batteries. Codes: Can refer to either the numeric codes needed to program a preprogrammed remote control, or the actual infrared signals transmitted by remote controls to devices. Component: See device. Contrast: Either an arbitrary description of how "clear" an LCD screen is for viewing, or a specific adjustment that allows you to customize the screen's visible characteristics. Delay: Usually a pause placed between two steps in a macro. Delays may be required in order for some devices to properly sense two separate commands, or may be used to wait for a device to finish powering up. The MX-500TM allows you to change that delay. 46 17. Glossary Discrete codes: Versions of toggle codes that only perform one function. Some examples would be "POWER ON" and "POWER OFF" or "VCR," "TUNER" and "DVD" receiver inputs. These types of signals are most often used to ensure your home theater components stay completely in sync for powering on and off and changing device inputs. Some of the preprogrammed codes in the MX-500TM contain discrete codes. If your original remote contains discrete codes, these can be taught to the MX-500TM as well. Device: The MX-500TM remote control is capable of controlling a certain number of devices, or pieces of equipment. Examples of devices would be televisions, DVD players, receivers or VCRs. Some devices, such as receivers or dual-cassette decks, may be treated by some remotes as more than one device. Also known as components. Firmware: Indicates the programming software stored on the remote control. The MX-500TM remote can have its firmware flashed (upgraded) to a newer version. Frequencies: The range of infrared carrier frequencies that a remote control is capable of learning or controlling. Most remotes operate between 30 and 60kHz, however some use higher and are thus known as high frequency. The MX-500TM operates and can learn frequencies between 10 kHz and 100kHz. Hard buttons: Refers to all physical (mechanical) buttons on a remote control. High frequency: Indicates an infrared system that employs 47 17. Glossary frequencies higher than the industry standard. Some examples would be Bang & Olufsen, Kenwood (455KHz) and older Pioneer Elite (1.125MHz). Such devices are never preprogrammed into off-the-shelf remote controls and can generally only be used with very specific learning remote controls. Infrared: "IR" A portion of the light spectrum below our visible range, used by many modern remote controls to transmit signals. The MX-500TM uses IR signals. Infrared emitter: A light emitting diode used to transmit infrared signals from a remote control. Generally, the more and better the emitters, the stronger and wider the resulting signal. A remote with strong emitters can generally be used without pointing at the desired device. Emitters are also partially responsible for any limits on the range of frequencies that can be controlled. Emitters are always placed at the "top" of a remote control and are typically shielded by a red plastic window. The MX-500TM has 2 very strong IR emitters. Infrared receiver: The portion of a device that receives infrared commands from a remote control. Since infrared is actually light, it requires line-of-sight visibility for best operation, but can still be reflected by items such as walls and glass. Poorly placed IR receivers can also result in what is called "tunnel vision," where they are set so far back into the chassis of a device that the operational range of any remote control is severely reduced. Joystick: A feature on some remote controls, the joystick is a single pointer which replicates five functions for menu 48 17. Glossary control: up, down, left, right and enter. The Joystick on the MX-500TM can be programmed with other commands as well. The Joystick on the MX-500TM is sometimes referred to as a Thumbpad. Keypad: Generally refers to all hard buttons on a remote control, or more specifically the numeric keypad (0 through 9). LCD screen: The display device built into the MX-500TM. The MX-500TM LCD screen displays mode and programming information, along with macro commands and soft buttons. Learning: The process through which a remote control captures and stores infrared signals (codes) from other remotes for later use. Some factors which can affect the ability of one remote to learn another would be code length, signal frequency, type of signal and the amount of learning memory available. The MX-500TM is capable of learning to every button, including the joystick, except the Page, Main, Fav buttons. Macro: Macros are sequences of infrared commands that are played back, in order, by a remote control at the push of a single button. Macros can be used to automate the powering on or off of your system, playing a movie or changing inputs, or in Home Automation. Memory: The amount of space included on a remote control for storing all settings, such as preprogrammed codes, learned signals, macros, and more. The MX-500TM has a large memory reserve for learning new codes. 49