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Another drawback to the ZR800D’s preprogrammed database is that the remote simply does not allow for duplicate component types. This means that there’s no way to reconfigure the “VCR” button to operate any other type of device, as it can only ever use codes from the VCR section of the database. This also proves troublesome for situations where the codes to multiple devices are assigned to a single button. For example, the single [DVD] button serves both DVD players and DVRs, while the [Sat] key covers both satellite receivers and cable boxes. Even the two [Aux] buttons are locked and can only reference the “other” section of the code database, which contains amplifiers, LD players and miscellaneous devices.
So what can be done if the components you own don’t exactly match the labels on the remote?
The solution – code learning!
As the ZR800D’s preprogrammed code database isn’t nearly as versatile as one would hope, it’s a good thing that Elite Screens has also outfitted this remote with an infrared learning function. IR code learning dates back to the mid 1980’s, and is actually the original technology used by the first universal remotes – which makes it somewhat ironic that it’s typically considered a premium feature nowadays. While learning is the most flexible and complete method of replicating another remote control, it does of course require that you have something to learn from, such as the component’s original remote. If that remote is lost or broken and you also can’t find a working preprogrammed code... then there’s not much you can do with the ZR800D to control that device.
Learning is accomplished by selecting the “Learning” option from the main setup menu – or if scrolling down twice is too inconvenient, the remote’s dedicated [Learn] button shortcuts directly to this section. When first using learning mode you’ll quickly notice that unlike finding a preprogrammed code, you cannot change between different devices – the remote will only learn codes for the last selected device, and pressing any device button will merely exit.
To capture a signal aim the front of the ZR800D at the front of the donor remote, select the button to learn on, and then while the LCD displays “waiting” press and hold the source key. In a couple of moments the LCD will flash “Success” and the remote will be ready to capture the next code. Learning for most code types proved almost instantaneous, although there were some longer delays on certain NEC formatted codes. Up to 41 buttons are available for learning on each device.
Unfortunately, what the ZR800D does not have is nearly enough learning memory. While I was attempting to supplement the four devices that did not respond to the code database, nearly halfway through the third device the LCD suddenly flashed “Full” and I was unable to learn any further. I would estimate that I successfully captured no more than 90 signals – a far cry from the 326 that the remote could theoretically hold.
Learned commands can be deleted on a key, device or entire remote basis, although those operations can take a while to finish – I timed the “delete device” option at 130 seconds.
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