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Since double-key operations (such as [Rec]+[Play]) have been replaced with the new “beam interval” function, the Sony television discrete input codes normally accessed by holding [Input] and pressing a number have been moved to a different place. They are now in a special preprogrammed code numbered 8077, which puts “Video 1” through “Video 6” on numbers [1] to [6], “HD1” through “HD3” on [7] to [9], and “Tuner” on [0]. A code for Sony’s “Video 7” was not included, and no other manufacturer discrete codes are available. Yes, this does occupy an entire device, but if you have a Sony TV these input codes can make your device-switching macros far more reliable. If only Sony would provide a complete collection of their discrete input and power codes...
Made a goof? The RM-AV2500 has several ways of clearing programming changes or restoring factory defaults. Learned codes, aliases and customized labels can be removed on an individual or entire device basis. All three types of macros are cleared on an individual basis, and hard buttons [A] or [C] can be restored to their Sony default power macros. The RM-AV2100’s LCD-based [Reset] key has been omitted from the new screen design, so keys are now removed by holding the [Light] button. Although not mentioned in the manual, the entire remote can also be reset to factory defaults if needed (see our programming guide).
Infrared deflation!
After looking at many Sony remotes over the years, I’ve discovered one universal truth: the more expensive the remote, the more infrared emitters it has! That may sound odd, but it’s true: preprogrammed models come with one emitter, learning remotes RM-VL700 through RM-VL1000 have two emitters, while the RM-AV2100 and RM-AV3000 sport four emitters. The RM-AV2500, however, has been priced $40 less than the former RM-AV2100 and appears to have slid into the “2 emitter” price range. Could two really be enough?
Our standard method of testing real-world infrared strength is through our Menacing Thick Fluffy Blanket (M.T.F.B.). That’s literally “through”, as the M.T.F.B. is basically a winter weight polyester blanket that acts as an obstruction to the remote’s light-based transmission. Hey, when it’s cold who wants to keep the remote arm freezing outside the blanket?
Starting with level 1, a single layer of warmth-retaining goodness, the RM-AV2500 experienced absolutely no reduction in signal performance or reliability. Doubling that up to level 2 also posed little change in range or off-angle performance: good news for the new emitter quotient. Level 3 is where the going starts getting tough for most remotes, so I was pleased to see the RM-AV2500 continue to blast its commands through, albeit with reduced range. Finally, we come to level 4... which finally proved altogether too much fluff to handle, with absolutely no trace of a command sneaking past.
The RM-AV2500’s final tally is 3.0. That’s less than the four-emitter RM-AV3000’s score of 3.75, which just goes to show that “if two is good, four is better”. It should be noted that the RM-AV2500 did score better than the RM-VL700 or RM-VL900, which maxed out at a modest 2.0.
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