Finding the right code.
If you’d rather not go blind working through the rather lengthy code sheet or trying numbers at random in the hope of finding a match, the RM-VL610 also offers a code search routine. When programming, instead of entering a number on the keypad press [Channel +] to enter search mode, followed by [Power] to test the current code. Keep alternating between those two keys, and when the device responds to the [Power] command press [Enter] to save the code. The remote has a blink sequence to indicate when all codes have been searched through, although it’s extremely easy to miss. Also note that the search process only looks through one code category at a time, so you’ll have to assign the correct type of device to a button using any other brand’s code number before starting a search.
Historically, the Achilles’ heel of Sony’s preprogrammed code database is that it’s less complete than others. There are fewer brands covered, and often less functions provided per brand. Sony has made tangible efforts to improve this, beginning with a significant upgrade to the database’s size on the RM-VL600. Although the RM-VL610 doesn’t show any other large changes in this area, there are new codes and as a whole it’s been arranged better. This also marks the first Sony remote I’ve seen to specifically include codes for Dish Network receivers (previously users had to “accidentally” find the Express Vu code).
Filling in the holes.
No matter how large a code database is, they still aren’t a magic bullet for home theater control and don’t come with guarantees of perfection. Omitted commands, new devices, obscure brands – there’s almost always something that’s going to be missing.
Fortunately, the RM-VL610 has you covered with full infrared learning capabilities. As is the case with Sony’s other high-end models the RM-VL610 includes enough memory for a learned command on every possible button – and in this case that’s up to 412 different commands. Plenty of space for sure!
To learn commands from other remotes, hold the [Set] button for three seconds or until the LED begins to blink slowly. Select the device to learn a code on, which will cause the LED under the component button to stay illuminated. Then, press the button on which to capture the command. The [Set] LED will begin flashing quicker as the remote waits for a signal. Aim the original remote at the front of the RM-VL610, and hold the button to learn. As the command is analyzed the device LED goes out and the [Set] LED stays illuminated. As soon as the device LED lights up again – usually within a second – the capture is completed and you can move on to the next key.
Learning on the RM-VL610 proved quick and accurate. Although some users tend to think that learning an entire device is a lot of work, it’s really not as bad as it sounds. You’ll quickly develop a rhythm and it only takes perhaps 5 minutes per device. Code learning not only allows you to fully customize where each function goes, but as long as you have the original remote to learn from it’s also the easiest way to ensure that the device will work as expected.
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