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...Continued from Page 6.
The SRC-3810’s database comes with preset codes for cable boxes, CD players, DVD players, receivers, satellite receivers, televisions, tuners and VCRs. No codes are provided for DVR devices, and the selection of tuner and receiver codes is slim. LCD keys are not hidden, exposed or relabelled automatically depending on the code set.
Unfortunately, of the 10 infrared devices in my home theater only 2 of them were covered by the database – and just very basic functions at that – despite listing the correct brand name for a further 3 devices. True, it’s impossible for any code database to be absolutely complete, and this is one of the company’s first databases. We hope to see a wider range of brands, codes and device types offered in the future.
On the other hand, Sunwave remotes have the reputation of including excellent code learning capabilities!
Learning 1-2-3.
Since the preprogrammed database ultimately turned up dry for my system, it was time to try capturing a few codes on the SRC-3810. During learning mode the LCD will display a total of three pages – the first represents the six user hard buttons along with the selection key for that device, while the other two contain the normal in-device functions. After choosing the “Learn” option from the same “Code” menu as before, the LCD square representing the [Power] hard button instantly starts flashing – and the remote is ready to capture a code.
Aim the original remote at the bottom of the SRC-3810 and press the source button. Within a second the remote will beep and automatically move on to the next available button, even stepping to the next LCD screen when necessary. Unused soft keys that were hidden earlier are skipped over. After getting the SRC-3810 ready, it’s actually possible to learn an entire device’s worth of commands without ever touching the screen! Now that’s simplicity at its finest.
The remote can capture frequencies ranging from 10kHz to 125kHz, plus 455kHz (used by brands that insist on being different, such as Bang & Olufsen). There are places for up to 784 learned commands, so the generous 256kb of flash memory should provide plenty of breathing room. No punchthrough (or key copying) option is provided, so for repetitive functions like volume you’ll need to learn those commands multiple times.
Macro menagerie.
The SRC-3810 includes macro faculties that should be any macro aficionado’s dream – each can be up to 60 steps in length and placed on any LCD or in-device key. Unlike the remote’s capability of storing a single learned command on a device selection key, it’s impossible to similarly record a macro on such keys or the four hard buttons at the top of the remote. This is a shame, since many users looking for a remote in this price range will want to have automatic input and power switching macros that run whenever a device is switched... or at least have global power “on” and “off” buttons. One viable alternative would be to dedicate a single unused device bank to macros – then they’ll always be in quick reach.
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