From: hyc@hanauma.jpl.nasa.gov (Howard Chu)
Subject: Re: Any way to *CREATE* VCR Plus codes??
Organization: SAR Systems Development & Processing, JPL
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 1993 10:25:44 GMT

In article <1993Jan5.090421.601@hnrc.tufts.edu> jerry@hnrc.tufts.edu (Jerry Dallal) writes:
>In article <4681@vidiot.UUCP>, brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) writes:
>> This may sound stupid, but ever thought of actually programming your VCR?
>
>To summarize:

All of these points can also be handled using something like, say, a Memorex
CP-8 programmable remote. (Built-in clock, function chaining, and automatic
timer-based invocation, all the features you need to get the same power that
a VCR+ box gives you, but without relying on a proprietary source of program
codes...) Just program in a sequence to turn on the VCR at a selected time,
switch to the proepr channel, and begin recording, and another sequence to
stop and power off at another selected time. Leave remote on table, aimed at
VCR and/or cable box, off ya go. You don't need to mess with channel mapping
or any of that other junk either, just use the normal channel numbers you're
already accustomed to. These remotes used to cost around $80 at Radio Shack,
I haven't got a clue what they cost now...
>
>1) VCR+ won't get wiped out by a power failure.  (Why don't VCR manufactures
>      give us battery backup?  Clock radio manufacturers (the *same* people!)
>      do!)
>
>2) A VCR+ can change channels on a cable box.  Great if your cable hookup
>      requires your VCR to be set on channel 3 always.
>
>3) Depending on the A/V hookup, it may be easier to use a VCR+ than call up
>      the VCR's programming screen.
>
>4) Some VCR's are a real pain to program.  For example, one of my Panasonics
>      does not allow me to enter the start time directly.  When I enter a 
>      program, it sets the start time at the current time and requires me 
>      to press a START button which advances the start time 1 minute for each 
>      press and in 10 minute jumps when the button is held down (at the rate 
>      of about 1 jump every half second).  I get tired of waiting around for 
>      the clock to advance.
>
>5) You can't program your VCR while it's recording, but you can program the
>      VCR+.
>
>6) Programming the VCR invariably means interrupting the show that's currently
>      being viewed in order to call up the on-screen programming.  Not so for
>      the VCR+.
>
>An aside . . .
>
>7) I have heard it said (but not verified) that one of the reasons for the need
>      to generate VCR+ codes is that it will enable satellite dish owners to
>      use them for taping.

I don't understand this one at all. Will the VCR+ also control a satellite IRD?
I still think that an intelligent universal/programmable remote would be a
better solution... Actually, since you already have some kind of home computer
available to generate VCR+ codes for you, it seems that putting an IR
transceiver kit onto your computer would be the best bet. Then you wouldn't
have to worry about running out of program memory (like you would with a CP-8).
Mebbe you should invest in an HP 48SX.  }-)

-- 
  -- Howard Chu @ Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA

There's a rough border between genius and insanity, but I'm a dual citizen.
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