When I try to reassign a device, it shows my custom labels on the second screen rather than the originals. What's up?
Although the MX-500 does indeed show your custom button labels on the second screen of entering a preprogrammed device code, where you tell it the type of device you're entering, the buttons continue to hold their original functions. Disregarding the labels, the devices they correlate to are as follows:
AUDIO CD DVD TAPE AUX
TV VCR 1 VCR 2 SAT CABLE
How can I "blank out" the remote so that I can start from scratch?
When completely learning a new device, it's nice to start off with a blank slate, without preprogrammed functions on buttons you may not use. Although the remote does not officially support doing this, you can use AUX device code 155 for a nearly blank template. The only preprogrammed buttons are [1] and [2], and even they are such that they don't show when pressed - an ideal starting point.
How do I shut off the LCD screen?
You don't! The MX-500's display remains active at all times. Due to the screen's design, it requires very little battery power to operate.
When programming a macro, do I have to hit [CHANNEL UP] after each command?
No! Only press [CHANNEL UP] when you're done recording the entire macro. Note the text at the bottom of the screen that keeps flashing the current step number. When you're done entering all steps, go to the device you want and press [CHANNEL UP] to save.
Does my "DVD" Device Macro need to end on the DVD device?
No - all macros lead to the device you save them on. So, a macro stored on the "DVD" device button could instead switch the remote to "VCR" if that's the device you save it on. You do not need to record a command from the device you save on, merely being there is enough. This is the same for both System and Device macros.
Do all Favorite Channel macros have to reference the same device?
No! When you enter [FAV] macro programming mode you're asked to select a device - the device they will reference. Each time you select a new device, only the macros you then record will access that device. When programming, you can hit the [MAIN] button to select a new device.
What buttons can I use when programming a Favorite Channel macro?
Favorite Channel macros support the entry of numbers [0] though [9], [ENT], [DIS], [PAUSE/INFO], [POWER] and [SYSTEM OFF]. Those are the only buttons you can use.
I couldn't find a preprogrammed code that worked... now what?
In some instances, it's possible that the automated "power" transmission when entering a code will not work for your device, even though there is a matching code in the manual. If none work, it is suggested that you enter and manually test the operation of each code for your brand of device, just in case. But if all else fails, you can learn off of your existing remote.
Is there a quick way to plan my LCD labels?
Yes! I've designed a spreadsheet that worked perfectly in planning my personal MX-500 remote from
scratch. Remember to keep your LCD labels to 5 characters or under! I also suggest changing the
hard button names to match what you actually put on them, and removing the boldface effect from
buttons you do not plan to use. [ DOWNLOAD ] (83kb, 06/11/01)