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...Continued from Page 9.
Second, the preprogrammed code database is menu based and navigable – select the type of component, the brand, then drag-and-drop the resulting code onto any available device. There is, however, no way to test these codes from within the software, and no way to learn new commands (this would have to be done on the remote and then uploaded back to the program).
Third, macro creation is more feature-filled: you can view the entire command list at once, delete individual steps, insert steps and so forth. Editing favorite channel macros is a more logical process thanks to a chart of devices listing which groups have what macros.
Entire configurations can be saved and loaded from disk, while individual device files can also be exported and imported – a handy feature for custom installers who often work with the same models over and over. A separate utility can be used to update the remote’s firmware, although no newer update was available at the time of writing.
Not always quicker.
Although the software is more versatile, it’s not always faster than doing something directly on the remote. For example, most aspects are separate and not integrated into a single workflow. The whole macro creation process in particular can be lengthy and confusing. First, one needs to select the “Macro” option from the left tree view, which displays a new editing window on the right that’s similar to but different from the one for screen editing. Next, select a device on which to add a macro from the “Device List View” in the middle, then press the “New” button at the top of the screen. Choose a key to place the macro on and a new window opens with a “Macro Step List”.
Now press another “New” button on the right side of the window. The screen returns to the macro view, and it’s time to start recording steps using the screen previews and device list in the center. When done, press the “OK” button in the top right-hand corner of the screen, to return to the “Macro Step List”. If everything is correct, press this screen’s “OK” button, and to finally save the macro press another “OK” button in the top right of the screen. “OK” already!
Files transferred to and from the remote quickly, although sometimes reading from the remote required several tries before it succeeded. Located in the battery compartment is a tiny microswitch with “Prog” and “Norm” settings that’s strangely unused during computer transfers – I was able to download and upload from the remote without ever changing it from the default “Norm” position. Also of note, the setup menu’s special “Trans” option was unnecessary during computer-based use, as the SRC-3810 enters this mode automatically. It turns out to be needed only when communicating directly with another SRC-3810.
Infrared interests.
We now come to the MTFB (Menacing Thick Fluffy Blanket). For years, this faithful old friend has provided completely unbiased analysis of the infrared transmission strength of numerous remote controls. Using the mute command for a Sony receiver, we steadily increase the levels of ferocious blue fluff, smothering a remote control until it can finally bear no more.
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