From: ngardner@acorn.co.uk (Neil Gardner)
Newsgroups: rec.audio,rec.video
Subject: Learning Remotes with a touch sensitive LCD (JVC RX-1010VTN AV Amp)
Date: 8 Jan 93 12:16:06 GMT
Organization: Acorn Computers Ltd, Cambridge, England


Hi,

This query is primarily aimed at readers in the UK, although any assistance
would be appreciated.

As anyone who has looked for Learning Remote in the UK will be know,
sophisticated devices just do not exist.  I have looked at a number of
remotes, none of which have offered the flexibility which I require and are
also fairly simple to use for the more occasional user (e.g. visiting
family).

However, I recently encountered a JVC AV amp, the RX-1010VTN, which although
in itself is of no interest to me, does include a sophisticated Learning
Remote.  One key facility is a programmable, touch sensitive LCD.  Although
not available as a separate product in the UK, it sounds awfully similar to
a remote mentioned by someone in the US some months ago, the JVC RM-S1. 
However, the remote for the RX-1010VTN is likely to be available as a
replacement part for damage/lost units.  Therefore, if the remote is likely
to meet my requirements I should be able to obtain one.

If anyone has the JVC amp mentioned, I would appreciate details on the
remote control:

 o Can ANY key be reprogrammed?  Including the 'Source select' buttons i.e.
   could I program the FM select button to select the Tuner input of my
   pre-amp.

 o Can keys accept macros i.e. a single key-press transmit a sequence of
   commands to, say, select AV2 on my monitor and A/V on the pre-amp.

 o How much memory does the unit have?  Is it likely to be able to cope with
   8 devices of, say, 15 keys per device (not unrealistic if numeric keypads
   are involved). I will probably need to add Mini-Disc soon - will it be
   able to accommodate further additions.

 o The LCD names each screen.  Can this be re-defined so that, for example,
   VCR2 is displayed as Satellite (or an appropriate abbreviation if the
   number of characters is limited).

 o Are all LCD buttons programmable for every display screen and, if so, can
   user symbols be defined or is there a pool of symbols to select from?  If
   there is a pool of pre-defined symbols, what is included?

 o Generally, what goodies does the remote offer?

The following is my outline requirement for a Learning Remote.  Will the JVC
meet this requirement.


Basic devices:

{ All device select buttons should ideally be able to transmit at least two
remote codes, in order to select the appropriate pre-amp audio input AND
select the appropriate AV input (or none) on the TV monitor}.

TV Tuner

  0-9 numeric keypad
  Channel Up/down
  Display Time

Satellite

  0-9 numeric keypad
  Channel Up/down
  Next/Previous
  Menu
  Lock
  Display Time

FM Tuner

  0-9 numeric keypad
  Channel Up/down


Teletext/TV monitor

  Select
  0-9 numeric keypad
  4 FastText keys
  Hold

Turntable

  {This is only here to allow me to select the T/T input on the pre-amp i.e.
   it is NOT essential, but desirable}.

CD

  Play
  Stop
  0-9 numeric keypad
  Next/Previous
  Index Up/Down
  Pause

VCR

  Play
  Stop
  Pause
  0-9 numeric keypad
  AV1/2 in select {in order to select external inputs for instant record}.
  FF/RWD
  Index next/previous
  Instant record
  Program
  Store
  Timer
  Display Time

LD

  Play
  Stop
  Pause
  0-9 numeric keypad
  FF/RWD
  Index next/previous

Master:

  Volume
  Mute
  AV select ({TV}, AV1[Tun], AV2[Sat], S1[VCR], S2[LD])
  Surround select (Bypass/Music/Pro-Logic)
  Surround Fade (Left/Right/Front/Rear)
  Programmable macro keys to switch ALL on/off

Any help will be much appreciated.  Many thanks for taking the time to read
this.

Regards,

Neil Gardner
ngardner@acorn.co.uk