Sherwood MX-500 Owners manual

MX-500ª Operating Manual

Home Theater Master

LCD Screen

Preprogrammed and Learning

Remote Control

1. Introduction

2. Batteries

A. Battery Installation B. Battery Life

3. Summary of Operations

A. Description of Devices B. Preprogrammed Codes C. Learning From Other Remote Controls D. Macro Operations E. Favorite Channel Buttons F. Punch Through Operations G. Editing LCD Text H. Cloning The MX-500

I. All Other Operations J. LCD Screen And Button Layout

K. System Settings

4. Programming the MX-500TMto Control Your Components

A. Using Preprogrammed Codes

1. Three-Digit Code Number

2. Auto Scan With Three-Digit Number

B. Learning Method

1. Programming The Function Buttons

2. Programming The Ten Device Buttons

5. Programming Favorite Channels

6. Programming Macro Buttons

A. Programming Macro Functions To M1, M2, M3,

POWER and SYSTEM OFF Buttons

B. Programming Macro Functions To The Ten Device

Buttons

7. Programming Punch Through Functions

8. Erasing Existing Programming

A. Erasing Learned Buttons B. Erasing Favorite Channel Buttons

C. Erasing Macro Functions

1. Erase M1, M2, M3, POWER and SYSTEM OFF Buttons

2. Erase Macro Functions In The Ten Device Buttons

D. Erasing Punch Through Functions

9. LCD Button Editing

A. To Create or Edit Text on Function and Device Buttons B. To Create or Edit Text for Favorite Channel Buttons

10. Recalling the Preprogrammed Three-Digit Number

11. Setting Backlight

12. Cloning MX-500

13. Adjustment of LCD contrast

14. Caution On Handling LCD Screen

15. Low Battery Message

16. Memory Lock

17. Glossary

18. Warranty

19. Specifications

20. Appendix

A. List of Preprogrammed LCD Text by Device B. Three-Digit Preprogrammed Code Tables

Table of Contents Table of Contents

3 5

24 26

32 34

41 42 43 44 45 45 46 46 52 52 53

1 2

Congratulations! You have purchased one of the most sophisticated remote controls on the market. The MX-500TMhas been designed to provide a new standard in remote control technology offering a very powerful and flexible preprogrammed and learning product.

Setting up your MX-500TMto operate your components is easy. Please follow the instructions in the manual and retain the manual for future reference. If any words used are unfamiliar to you, please refer to page 46 for a Glossary of terms used in this manual.

Your MX-500

can operate up to ten home entertainment and home automation components by using the preprogrammed code library in the remote control, by teaching up to 530 commands into the MX-500

from

your original remote controls, or a combination of both.

The MX-500TMhas many additional operating features to add convenience and enjoyment to the operation of your home entertainment system. You can create your own labels of the buttons on the LCD screen; program 50 favorite channel buttons; operate the volume, channel and transport buttons from one device when you are in another device; and have multiple things done with one press of a button!

1. Introduction

There is also a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the MX-500TMon the website that may prove to be helpful. Visit www.hometheatermaster.com for FAQs.

For any questions or comments about the MX-500TM, please visit our website, www.hometheatermaster.com or contact us at:

Universal Remote Control, Inc.

500 Mamaroneck Avenue

Harrison, NY 10528

Tel: 914-835-4484 You can also e-mail us at service@urcmx.com. Regular customer service hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST, Monday Ð Friday.

2. Batteries

A. Battery Installation

Before the remote control can be used, the batteries need to be installed. First, remove the battery cover on the back of the unit and install the four AAA batteries inside the battery compartment as shown. Make sure the batteries line up with the (+) and (-) markings. Improper installation could damage the remote control. When you're done, slide the battery cover back on. The remote control starts up automatically and the default devices will appear on the LCD screen.

B. Battery Life

Under normal operating conditions, the batteries will last approximately six months. If the batteries are running low, you will notice reduced range from the remote, commands that are not sent properly, or are not sent at all. You may also notice the backlighting of the LCD screen and the buttons is diminished. Should any of these occur, replace the batteries immediately. To ensure proper performance of the unit, use 4 new AAA alkaline batteries.

The remote control will retain the commands and settings in memory even after the batteries are low or become discharged. See Memory Lock on page 46. However, you should replace the worn batteries with a fresh set as soon as possible. Do not mix new and used batteries.

3. Summary of Operations

A. Description of Devices

The MX-500TMis designed to operate up to ten components including Audio Receivers, Cable and Satellite Boxes,

TV, DVD (LD), VCR1, VCR2, CD, Tape and AUX.

However, each of the device buttons and corresponding functions can be changed to meet your individual requirements. Almost any device that uses infrared commands can be controlled by the MX-500TM, including Home Automation, Personal computers and more.

Tip: The auxiliary function (AUX) could be used to operate lighting controls; or the second VCR (VCR2) could be

changed to operate a second TV, etc.

Each device button on the main screen contains two subpages of commands and you can change the name of any LCD button using up to five alphabet characters, numbers and symbols to customize the unit to fit your audio/video devices. Please refer to ÒLCD Button EditingÓ on page 39 for additional details.

B. Preprogrammed Codes

The MX-500TMcomes with extensive preprogrammed IR codes for practically all major audio and video equipment. You can set up and operate all of your components with the MX-500TMby simply entering a three-digit code number assigned to your brand of component. The code numbers for the various brands of components are listed in the back of this instruction manual. Please refer to the programming instructions shown on page 13 for details.

3. Summary of Operations

C. Learning From Other Remote Controls

The MX-500TMcan learn codes from your original remote controls. There are 26 LCD screens in the MX-500TM. Each screen (page) has ten function buttons, including the ten device buttons on the main menu screen that can be taught. In addition, there are 31 buttons and a joystick (thumbpad) that can be taught for each of the ten devices. You can teach up to 530 new functions into the remote control. Please refer to page 19 in this instruction manual for details.

D. Macro Operations

A ÒmacroÓ is a series of commands that you choose to be sent out with the push of one button. Any function available on your original remote control or in the preprogrammed database can be added to a macro to completely automate what you would normally do by pushing buttons one at a time. It can be as simple as turning on your TV and Cable Box, turning the TV to the appropriate channel for operation with the Cable Box, and changing the Cable Box channel to your favorite morning news. A macro can be configured to Power On your TV, DVD player and receiver, change to the appropriate inputs and outputs, dim your lights and start a movie. It can be as simple or as comprehensive as you want. There are two types of macro buttons you can use for macro operations:

M1, M2, M3, POWER and SYSTEM OFF Buttons

The M1, M2, and M3 are called Òsystem-wideÓ buttons because they send out the same signal no matter what device you are currently controlling. The POWER and

3. Summary of Operations

SYSTEM OFF buttons can be made Òsystem-wideÓ if they are programmed with macros. (Note: Programming the POWER or SYSTEM OFF buttons

with a macro overrides the preprogrammed or learned code on the button.)

See page 26 of this manual for further information. Each of these five buttons is designed to be able to send out a series of up to 20 commands you program into the buttons. One common use is to turn on and turn off all of your A/V components with one button press, but the buttons can be programmed with whatever macro you desire.

Ten Device Buttons

There are ten device buttons and each of these device buttons can send out a series of up to 20 programmed commands when pressed for more than one second. These buttons are commonly used in sending audio input codes when you press the button to go to a device. The audio receiver would make an automatic input switch according to the device button you pressed. However, these buttons can be programmed with whatever macro you desire.

E. Favorite Channel Buttons

You can create up to 50 favorite channel buttons in the MX-500TMby programming the most frequently watched channel numbers into these buttons. Each of these buttons can send out up to 10 commands. Please refer to page 24 of the manual for Favorite Channel Programming.

F. Punch Through Operations

The MX-500TMcan be set up to operate your audio component volume control buttons (VOLUME UP and DOWN and

3. Summary of Operations

J. LCD Screen And Button Layout

Displays the name of the device selected. System off (Power off) Displays page number. Displays the device and function names. LIGHT button. MACRO buttons. MAIN DEVICE menu button. LCD Page change button. POWER MUTE VOLUME CHANNEL Previous channel button. TRANSPORT functions(PLAY, STOP, REWIND and FF) for VCR, CD and DVD etc. JOYSTICK button(UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT and ENTER) to move the cursor and enter the selection by pushing down the joystick in the center. Also called THUMBPAD. ENTER DISPLAY

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1111

1010

1515

1616

1212

1313

1414

OSDOSD

MENUMENU

GUIDE

EXITEXIT

INFOINFO

DISDIS

PREVPREV

CHCH

HOME THEATER MASTERHOME THEATER MASTER

LEARNING REMOTE CONTROLLEARNING REMOTE CONTROL

MUTE) while all the other buttons control other equipment. You can also set up the remote to operate channel control and transport functions (PLAY, STOP, REWIND, FAST FORWARD, SKIP-, SKIP+, PAUSE and RECORD buttons) from VCR, DVD, LD, CD or any other mode while all other buttons in the remote control are controlling other components. Please refer to page 32 in the manual for details.

G. Editing LCD Text

You can write your own text on each of the twenty-six LCD screens. Please refer to page 39 in the manual for details.

H. Cloning The MX-500

The MX-500TMis capable of sending all the programmed codes and operations from one MX-500TMto another MX-500TM. Please refer to page 43 in the manual for details.

I. All Other Operations

You can set the duration of the backlight on time and change the LCD screen contrast. Please refer to pages 42 and 44 in the manual for additional details.

Note: The last Device selected will remain active when you are on the MAIN page and will be shown at the bottom of the LCD screen. For example, if you are using ÒTVÓ and then return to the MAIN page, the hard buttons remain in TV mode. The LCD buttons only change when you select another device.

3. Summary of Operations

K. System Settings

All programming

is done by first entering the SETUP

mode in the remote control. Press both the MAIN and ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds to enter the SETUP mode. SETUP will be shown at the top of the LCD screen.

You exit the SETUP mode by simply pressing the MAIN button.

Important: When using the Preprogramming method starting on page 13, always use the appropriate button as shown in the illustration above when asked ÒFROM TABLEÓ. You may have already changed the labels of the buttons, but the code tables are in the positions as shown. For example, the AUDIO Code Table (refer to pages starting at 58) will ALWAYS be the top-left button. The SAT Code Table will always be the 4th button down on the right side of the LCD screen, etc.

WHERE DO I START?

First of all, get all of your original remote controls together. Find out what brands of components you have. You may have one or more components that do not have original remote controls, but can still be controlled by the MX-500TM. You must use the preprogrammed method for those devices. For the rest, you can program the MX-500

to make it compatible with your components by following the preprogrammed method instructions, by using your original remote controls to teach the MX-500TM, or both methods.

Next, it is a good idea to decide whether you want a ÒDevice-basedÓ configuration, or if you want an ÒActivity-basedÓ configuration.

A Ò Device-basedÓ configuration centers on each Device with its two LCD pages controlling one component. All of the functions that your original remote control has on it would be put on to one device. The MX-500

comes with the labels and preprogrammed codes in a ÒDevice-basedÓ setup.

If you go to the ÒList of Preprogrammed LCD Text by DeviceÓ on page 53, you will see diagrams of how the MX-500TMis set up at the factory. When you choose a preprogrammed code for a component from the ÒSetup Code TablesÓ in the Appendix of this manual, that code will be applied to one device only.

An ÒActivity-basedÓ configuration centers on what you are doing at the time. If you are watching a DVD on your TV, and are using your Home Theater receiver to control the

3. Summary of Operations

4. Programming the MX-500TMto Control Your Components

PREVPREV

DISDIS

CHCH

sound, you may want to start by setting up the DVD Device using the preprogrammed method described below, and then add functions from the other devices you will be using while watching your DVD video to the DVD device.

For example, while playing a DVD, you will want to adjust the volume of your receiver. So, you would use the ÒPunch ThroughÓ method described on page 32 to put the Receiver's Volume control into your DVD Device. You may then want to adjust other functions of your Receiver while staying in the DVD device, so you would use the learning method described on page 19 to add those functions to your DVD device, such as surround sound controls, the receiver's DVD input code, the TV's power code, etc. Everything that you need for watching a DVD on your TV without having to jump back and forth from Device to Device.

You can decide where on the MX-500

you want your functions to reside, relabeling the LCD screen buttons (explained on page 39) for those functions, and choosing preprogramming, learning, or a combination of both to fully customize your MX-500TMwill give you a remote totally customized to your needs.

So, let's start with learning how to Preprogram the MX-500TM.

A. Using Preprogrammed Codes

1. Three-Digit Code Number

You can program the MX-500TMto make it compatible with your components by using the preprogrammed method:

1. Manually turn on the device you wish to operate.

2. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing both the MAIN and

ENTER buttons simultaneously for three seconds until SETUP appears at the top of the LCD screen.

3. Press the P-PRO button next to the LCD screen.

4. The remote will be flashing ÒSELECT BUTTONÓ.

Press the button for the device you wish to program. (For example, to program TV, press the TV button.)

5. The remote will be flashing ÒFROM TABLEÓ. Select the device from which you want to access the code table. Important: If you have already relabeled your device keys, your LCD screen will not look like the illustration above. Select the appropriate LCD button for the ÒFROM TABLEÓ using the labels as shown in the illustration on page 11 of this manual. For example, if you have relabeled AUX as LIGHTS, you would still push the bottom-left button to access the AUX Code Table.

Note: Use VCR1, not VCR2, to access the VCR code library.

6. The remote will be flashing ÒENTER NUMBERÓ. Refer to the tables starting on page 58 in the back of this manual and find the manufacturer of your device. (If you are programming the remote for the TV device, find the TV device code table.)

7. Point the remote control toward the device and enter the

4. Programming the MX-500TMto Control Your Components

4. Programming the MX-500TMto Control Your Components 4. Programming the MX-500TMto Control Your Components

first three-digit code number you selected for your device. There is no way of knowing which code is the one that will have the functions that more closely match your device than the others, so it is wise to try them all. See step #9 below. (Please enter the code number within 20 seconds of beginning programming, otherwise the remote will revert to the SETUP menu, and then after a period of time, it will go back to the MAIN device page.)

If there is more than one code number assigned to your brand, try one code number at a time until you find the right code number (the number that

turns off your device.)

If the device turns off when you enter the three-digit code,

make note of the code. It will have at least some of the functions in it that are needed to control your device.

8. Confirm that it is the right code by pressing the Power button. The device should turn on. After you have confirmed that the right code is entered, save the code by pressing the SAVE button on the LCD.

9. At this point try ALL of the buttons on the remote, and see which ones work with your device. The majority of the buttons should work with your device. Make note of the code if it seems to be the right one, and try the next one. You are trying to find the one that has the most functions to operate your equipment. If there are any functions missing, you will learn them from your original remote in the ÒLearning MethodÓ section on page 19.

10. Continue to program other components by repeating from Step 1 above.

11. You can press EXIT at any time if you do not wish to proceed.

12. When you are finished programming your remote, exit from the preprogramming mode by pressing the MAIN button and then exit from the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again.

Tip: You can change the preprogrammed code for each device at any time by following the steps above. The new code will override the old code. For example, this would be done if you replaced your old TV with a new one.

Tip: Please note that you use the code table from VCR1 for VCR2 setup. The code table for Laser Disc is stored under DVD. The code table for Tuner is stored under Audio.

2. Auto Scan With Three-Digit Number

You can also program your remote control by sending out a series of Power Off commands for different brands stored in the library by using the following steps. This is similar to the first method, except it is easier to move through all of the device codes for your device and make note of each one that turns your device OFF.

1. Manually turn on the device you plan to operate.

2. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing both the MAIN and ENT buttons simultaneously for three seconds.

3. Press the P-PRO button next to the LCD screen.

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the device back on, and reverse your UP or DOWN one press at a time, until the unit turns off. There is no way of knowing which code is the one that will have the functions that more closely match your device than the others, so it is wise to try them all. See #9 below.

(Please press the UP or DOWN button within 20 seconds of beginning programming, otherwise the remote will revert to the SETUP menu, and then after a period of time, it will go back to the MAIN device page.)

If there is more than one code number assigned to your brand, try one code number at a time until you find the right code number (the number that

turns off your device.)

If the device turns off when you enter the three-digit code,

make note of the code. It will have at least some of the functions in it that are needed to control your device.

8. Confirm that it is the right code by pressing the Power button. After you have confirmed that the right code is entered, save the code by pressing the SAVE button on the LCD.

9. Confirm that you entered the right code number that matches your component by pressing other functional buttons. If any of the buttons do not operate, as they should, please repeat from Step 1.

10. Continue to program other components by repeating from step 1 above.

11. You can press EXIT at any time if you do not wish to proceed.

12. Exit from Preprogrammed mode by pressing the MAIN button and then exit from the SETUP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again.

4. Programming the MX-500TMto Control Your Components 4. Programming the MX-500TMto Control Your Components

4. The remote will be flashing ÒSELECT BUTTONÓ. Press the device you wish to program. (For example, to program TV, press the TV button.)

5. The remote will be flashing ÒFROM TABLEÓ. Select the device from which the scanned code will be selected. (Important: If you have already relabeled your device keys, your LCD screen will not look like the illustration above. Select the appropriate LCD button for the ÒFROM TABLEÓ using the labels as shown in the illustration on page 11 of this manual. For example, if you have relabeled AUX as LIGHTS, you would still push the bottom-left button to access the AUX Code Table.

Note: Use VCR1, not VCR2, to access the VCR code library.)

6. Point the remote control toward the component and press either the UP or DOWN button on the LCD. (It will send out a series of Power Off codes when the button is kept pressed and the code numbers that are being sent are shown on the LCD.) If the right code number is sent, the component will turn off right after the code number is transmitted.

7. Release the UP or DOWN button you were pressing as soon as the device is turned off. If you should happen to go past the one that turned off you device, just manually turn

2019

remoteÕs button until ÒGoodÓ flashes twice on the LCD screen.

Try varying the distance between the remotes until you find an optimal distance where the codes are learned on the first or second try.

1. Programming The Function Buttons

Go to the SETUP mode by pressing both the MAIN and

ENT buttons simultaneously for three seconds.

2. Press the LEARN button next to the LCD screen.

3. Select the DEVICE that contains the function button you

wish to program.

4. Press the PAGE button to go to page 2 of the device if you need to.

5. Place your original remote control head to head with the MX-500TMabout 2 inches apart on a flat surface as illustrated below.

4. Programming the MX-500TMto Control Your Components 4. Programming the MX-500TMto Control Your Components

B. Learning Method

You can program the MX-500TMto operate a device by ÒteachingÓ the correct commands to device buttons on the main screen menu, the two sub-pages within each device button, 31 buttons and the joystick located in the middle of the remote control. The MX-500TMlearns these commands by receiving infrared signals directly from your existing remote controls. The MX-500TMreceives these signals through its learning eye, located at the top of the unit.

Apart from the PAGE, MAIN and FAV buttons, which cannot be taught, the MX-500

has the capability of

learning up to 530 commands.

Tip: Function buttons are any buttons that can be assigned a command to control a particular action for your device. Commonly used function buttons include the two pages of sub-commands within each of the 10 devices, channel up and down, volume up and down, menu, guide, exit, info, 0-9, and the joystick.

Points to Remember

If the remote control fails to learn a function after the first try:

Keep the remotes stable by placing them on a flat surface.

Make sure the original remote is pointed at the learning

eye at the top end of the case and is not at an angle.

Make sure both remotesÕ batteries aren't low.

Avoid programming the MX-500TMunder bright lighting.

It can interfere with the infrared signals.

Try again. Sometimes the second or third attempt works.

Some buttons require a single, short push of the original remote's button, other ÒrepeatingÓ buttons, such as the VOL button, require that you Òpress and holdÓ the original

2. Programming The Ten Device Buttons

This will program ONE learned code onto the Device button, so that when you select that Device, it will send out the learned signal as it changes to that Device's function pages.

1. Go to the SETUP mode by pressing both the MAIN and ENT buttons simultaneously for three seconds.

2. Press the LEARN button next to the LCD screen.

3. Important: Press the PAGE button.

4. Place your original remote control head to head with the

MX-500TMabout 2 inches apart on a flat surface.

5. Select any of the ten device buttons you wish to program on the MX-500TM. Press the button on your original remote control you wish to program into the Device button you have chosen on the MX-500TM. Once the MX-500TMhas received the signal, the MX-500TMwill flash ÒGoodÓ on the LCD screen, indicating it learned the code correctly. If it flashes ÒFailÓ, repeat from Step 4 until it learns successfully. (Please enter the code signal within 20 seconds of programming.)

6. Return to Step #5 until you have programmed all of the Device buttons that you require.

4. Programming the MX-500TMto Control Your Components 4. Programming the MX-500TMto Control Your Components

6. Press the button on the MX-500TMyou wish to program. Only the three MAIN, PAGE and FAV buttons cannot be programmed.

7. Press the button on your original remote control that you wish to program onto the MX-500TM. Once the MX-500

has received the signal, the MX-500TMwill flash ÒGoodÓ on the LCD screen, indicating it learned the code correctly.

(Please do Step #6 within 20 seconds of Step #5, otherwise the remote will revert to the SETUP menu, and then after a period of time, it will go back to the MAIN device page.)

If it flashes ÒFailÓ, repeat from Step 4 until it learns successfully.

8. Return to Step #3 until you have programmed all of the buttons that you require.

9. Once you complete the programming and wish to exit the LEARNING mode, press the MAIN button. Exit from the SET UP mode by pressing the MAIN button once again.

Tip: Learning to VOL, CH and Transport buttons: If you are having problems learning to the Volume, Channel and Transport buttons, it may be that you have previously assigned a ÒPunch ThroughÓ from another device to that device. To remove a Punch Through, just punch through the device to itself. For example, to erase a punch through from a TV to an Audio Device, just punch through the TV to the TV. (See ÒProgramming Punch ThroughÓ functions on Page 32.)

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