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The second item is changing the type of component that a device button operates. Unlike the RM-AV3000 remote control with its 4-digit codes, where the first digit automatically tells the remote which type of device the code is intended for, the RM-V402 uses Sony’s 3-digit system. All device buttons (except for TV and VCR) can be configured to operate any other type of device. So the [CBL/SAT] button, which comes set from the factory for analog cable boxes, can be reconfigured to operate, for example, a second VCR. Simply hold the [S] and [Power] buttons at once, press the device button to change, followed by the [Stop] button, then tap the digit corresponding to the new type of device as indicated in the manual.
The RM-V402 and RM-V302 support a wide range of devices including VCRs, digital satellite receivers, digital cable boxes, digital video recorders (such as TiVo or ReplayTV), mini systems, receivers, CD players, tape decks, MD or DAT decks, televisions, analog cable boxes and DVD players. The RM-V202 drops all audio-only devices, such as receivers, CD players and tape decks.
The third option is changing how the volume buttons work – and since the RM-V202 doesn’t support audio-only devices, this feature doesn’t apply to it. Normally, the volume buttons will operate the television under all video devices, and the receiver for all audio devices. If you instead prefer to control the receiver’s volume under both audio and video devices, those codes can be “punched through” to the other devices.
Of macros and manuals.
The fourth feature, which also isn’t available on the RM-V202, is for channel macros – something I wasn’t expecting in this price range. Don’t confuse these mini macros with “real” configurable macros that can be used to automate repetitive system procedures. Instead, this capability allows television-oriented devices to use the six transport buttons for quick links to favorite channels. This feature can only be activated for television, cable, satellite, or digital video recorder devices, and on a maximum of three components at once. Note that some of these devices, particularly television and DVR, already use the transport buttons for other functions.
Each channel macro can have up to four numbers, including the [Enter] key if required. Channel macros can be erased if necessary. Additionally, the whole remote can be reset back to factory defaults via a special key combination.
The manual that comes with the RM-V402 is a single huge sheet of paper folded 7 times to fit into the smallest space possible. Although its print is relatively large and easy to follow once unfolded, it has the tendency of trying to accordion back into its original folded configuration when it should be laying flat on a table. A couple of heavy books might help! The preprogrammed code numbers are not included in the manual for the RM-V402 and RM-V302 and come on a separate piece of yellow paper – so now that’s two things that can be misplaced, instead of one.
Sony provides a standard 90 day warranty, along with a toll-free number for technical support. A sticker on the inside of the battery compartment lid can be used to write your system’s code numbers. While battery life is rated conservatively at six months, from experience I’d anticipate them lasting much longer. Settings are not lost when batteries are changed.
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