SmartHomeUSA.com Home Automation

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Hi!

I am a bit new to automation, and I have a question that I still could not find an answer: Let's suppose there is one TV connected to both DVD player and the satellite TV receiver.

I would like to press a button and DVD and TV power on at the same time. Pressing another button both TV and satellite receiver turn on at the same time.

So far, so good. The problem arises when I want to switch from DVd to satellite TV as the Tv uses the same command to turn on and off. I always have to turn the TV on again. Is there a way to avoid this problem?

Regards,
Ailton

[Ryan]

Hello,

Yes, there is a way to avoid this problem- its actually more of a work around. The Logitech Harmony remotes have what is called a "Smart State" feature. It simply remembers the state each of your devices are in (either on or off), and will send two power commands or zero power commands to avoid the issue. E.g. the remote knows your TV is already on, so it skips sending the "Power" signal, since doing so would turn your TV off, and sends only the satellite and dvd Power signals along with the input change signal.

So if you do not have a Harmony remote, but instead another programmable macro remote, you can use this knowledge to program a seperate button that sends the Power singal to both your satellite and dvd (not your TV!). Now press that button and it will power on one whilst powering off the other- assuming that your TV is already on. You will need another seperate button to change the input, or have two power buttons with seperate input changes. Obviously adding this type of programming with more than two input devices (cable box, VCR) will make things significantly more complicated, so the use of a Harmony remote with Smart State would be optimal.

Another idea that may work for you- some TVs and other devices (Sony is one I know of) actually support an explicit "Power off" IR command. Sending this command will only power off a device and not power on an already turned off device). Some googling will lead you to the actual IR command required. With my older Pronto TSU1000, I am able to type IR commands into my computer for programming- instead of having to learn them from another remote.

Hope this info helps!

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Hi!

Thanks for the reply. I liked the idea of ON/OFF toggle using one button, but what if I what a total shut down? It seems this is hardly possible. Actually, I have 2 devices with this ON/OFF with the same command: a DVD player and a Digital Cable Tv receiver. Other devices have separate ON/OFF buttons: a receiver and a projector. I think I need to have 5 macros:

A: Play DVD: DVD On/Off, Projector ON, Receiver ON
B: Cable TV: Cable ON/OFF, Projector ON, receiver ON
C: Change source: DVD ON/OFF, Cable ON/OFF
D: Turn off DVD: DVD ON/OFF, Projector OFF, Receiver OFF
E: Turn off Cable: Cable ON/OFF, Projector OFF, Receiver OFF

or 2 macros, with more power consumption and 2 buttons on the receiver for source selection:
A: Turn on System: Cable ON/Off, DVD On/Off, Projector ON, Receiver ON
B: Turn off System: Cable ON/Off, DVD On/Off, Projector OFF, Receiver OFF

Do you have any idea on how to reduce the amount of buttons/macros?

Ailton

[Ryan]

The only way to reduce the amount of macros required, would be using the dedicated "OFF Only" or "ON only" IR codes I spoke about, if they are available for your devices and able to be programmed in your remote.

You also have to consider the fact that inevitably/eventually, someone will use the actual power button on the device, screwing up any pre-determined ON/OFF situations.

Another option, and maybe the lesser of all evils, would be the traditional "power button" page, with a single toggle power button for each device. Yes.. it would be crude, but may be the lesser of all evils. I know from my own experience, this type of page is nice to have around anyway (mine has source selection buttons on it as well), even if you use it once in a bluemoon. Just lowers the chance you will need to reach for your device's real remote.

What type of remote do you have, anyway?

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Quote:
What type of remote do you have, anyway?


I am trying to integrate an infrared remote Sony RM-AV2500 to my home automation system.

[Ryan]

Ok, we don't sell that remote so I'm not entirely sure you can program in downloaded IR codes. Some serious googling may be in order!