How to Program a Universal Remote MX 500 for a Sony DHGHDD 500 DVR

For those looking to integrate their Sony DHGHDD 500 Digital Video Recorder (DVR) with a universal remote control, the task can be quite straightforward if you follow the right steps. While the specific programming code for the universal remote control MX 500 can be found on page 73 of the user manual, it is often outdated or non-functional since both the Theater Master MX 500 (introduced in 2003) and the Sony DHGHDD 500 (introduced in 2005) are now relatively old devices. If you are struggling with the code provided in the user manual, an alternative method is to use the learning function of the MX 500 universal remote control.

Step-by-Step Guide to Program the MX 500

Objective: Program the MX 500 universal remote control to work with your Sony DHGHDD 500 DVR. Tools Required: Sony DHGHDD 500 DVR, Theater Master MX 500 universal remote control, and an original Sony remote control.

Using the Programming Code from the User Manual

If you look up the programming code in your user manual, you'll find that both the MX 500 and Sony DVR reference the same code. However, these codes might not work due to outdated protocols or device-specific settings. Refer to the manual on page 73 for the specific codes; try using either 104 or 105 for the initial setup. If these codes do not work as expected, proceed to the next step.

Utilizing the Learning Function of the MX 500

The Theater Master MX 500 universal remote control comes equipped with a unique learning function that allows it to pick up and replicate the signals from your original Sony remote control. This is the most reliable method for programming the MX 500 to pair with your Sony DHGHDD 500 DVR.

Step 1: Identify the Original Sony Remote Control Functions

First, make sure you have the original Sony remote control that works with your DVR. Familiarize yourself with the functions you need to program, such as play, stop, pause, rewind, and fast-forward. Each function will correspond to a different button on the Sony remote control.

Step 2: Enter Learning Mode on the MX 500

To enter the learning mode, follow the MX 500’s instruction manual to initiate this function. Typically, this involves pressing and holding a specific combination of buttons, such as the 'Learn' or 'System' button, until the indicator lights on the remote flash a specific pattern. This initiates the learning mode.

Step 3: Capturing and Replicating the IR Light Pulses

Once the learning mode is activated, point the original Sony remote control at the MX 500’s IR (Infrared) sensor, which is usually located at the top of the remote. Press the corresponding button on the original Sony remote to capture the IR light pulses that activate the function you want to program. The MX 500 will store the pattern of pulses corresponding to that button.

Repeat this process for each function you want to program. It’s important to be thorough and capture the exact sequence of pulses for each function.

Step 4: Assign the Stored Pulsations to MX 500 Buttons

After capturing the IR light pulses for each function, assign the stored sequences to the corresponding buttons on the MX 500 remote control. This may involve following the MX 500’s instruction manual to assign the functions to the appropriate buttons.

Step 5: Test the Programmed MX 500

Once all the functions are assigned, test the MX 500 to ensure that it correctly activates the corresponding functions on your Sony DHGHDD 500 DVR. Press each button on the MX 500 and verify that the corresponding function on the DVR is activated.

Conclusion

While the programming code in the user manual can serve as a starting point, the learning function of the Theater Master MX 500 universal remote control is the most reliable method to ensure seamless integration with your Sony DHGHDD 500 DVR. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully program your MX 500 remote to control your DVR without relying on outdated or non-functional codes.

Keywords: universal remote programming, Sony DVR, MX 500, programming code