sabuff's profile

Contributor

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3 Messages

Monday, January 4th, 2010 12:45 AM

Vizio Soundbar Compatibility with U-Verse Remote Control

I have the Vizio VSB210WS Sound Bar and I was hoping to sync the remotes, so I don't have to use the Vizio remote just for the volume, but I haven't been able to do so.

 

Has anyone else had success doing this with a Vizio soundbar????

Accepted Solution

Official Solution

Expert

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10.1K Messages

11 years ago

dragunsfyre -
I have recommended to many people that were unable to find codes to support their devices with the U-verse remote that they get a Logitech Harmony remote.
 
Many of those people feel they do not want to, or should not have to, spend their own money for a remote.
 
Others, have a very complex setup and are willing to spend their money to maximize their viewing experience.

The U-verse remote is effective for some subset of basic control functions on the most popular equipment, The Harmony provides full control of complex setups across a broader range of equipment.

Until sometime in 2011 the Harmony only offered expensive models (over $100). In 2011 they introduced the model 300 ($30) followed by the model 200 ($20). These only support one activity (Not many for a Harmony, but same as U-verse) - Watch TV.
 
This writeup shows that, even though the basic descriptions sound the same, there are functional advantages to the Harmony. The question is - Is it worth spending $$ for the Harmony.

Basic Similarity (Logitech Harmony Model 300 vs. U-verse remote) -
 
Both can control four devices (STB, TV, DVD, Aux) under one activity - Watch TV.

Logitech Harmony Model 300 advantages -
 
Must be able to do something no other remote can do to convince you to spend $30 to buy it so Logitech can make a profit.
 
Monster library of supported devices built on budget for expensive remotes (amazing how libraries grow over the years).

You can predetermine support of make & model via web site (http://myremotesetup.com/EasyZapper/New/Main.asp?WebProcessAction=Start&ReturnUrl=%2FEasyZapper%2F%2E%2FNew%2FProcSpice%2Flanding%2Easp&ClassId=PrSpice%2EProcSpice&RelativePath=ProcSpice%2F).

Since device support is defined in detail, a Logitech customer service rep (CSR) can help with any problems. When anything new comes out it can be added to your existing remote via download.
 
To program - Enter device make model in computer  based wizard. When device is supported, all functions are supported. IR signals can be learned from device remote.
 
IR/function/button  map - You can map any button to any function. You can pick buttons based on your preference, instead of someone else's. Logitech can add any new IR code format to function mapping via download. CSR can download changes that affect only you,
 
Watch TV button - Turns on/off programmed devices. Sets correct input. Ability to sequence devices and introduce delay between devices.
 
Change from Watch TV mode to individual device control with one button push and vice-versa. Same volume/mute buttons will affect different devices (STB, TV, HT) depending on device selected and the one user selected for the Watch TV activity. Note that the U-verse phantom mute can be un-muted with four logical button pushes - device mode, STB, mute, return to watch TV mode.
 
Able to buy more advanced remotes for more money - Each step up adds more devices, more activities(e.g. Watch OTA, Watch DVD, Watch TV with HT sound), more display (LCD screen) of functions & recharge-ablity .

Multiple activities appears to be a concept unique to the Logitech Harmony. It allows the same buttons to be programmed to different sets of inputs/functions/devices based on what the viewer is watching (i.e. an activity). The button map is unique to the activity. It can be as similar or different between activities/devices as you need it to be. Each activity has its own start up sequence to power up the selected devices & set inputs needed for continuity. It is especially valuable for complex setups and/or people with only basic knowledge of the operation of the remote.
 
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U-verse remote limitations -
 
U-verse  remote is provided free to watch U-verse TV. Support for some functions on some other devices is included so that it can be called "universal". But there is no business driver to spend money to assure full support of all functions on all possible devices .
 
Limited library of supported devices. Vague lists by type/mfgr. No model detail. No definitive/comprehensive list of codes. No "not supported" statement. If support is not accomplished, there is no way to find out if it should be supported until you find that the remote works for you. Since device support is not defined in detail, customer service rep cannot help with problems.
 
To program- Enter an arbitrary code that may be difficult (or impossible) to determine or step through every possible entry using the search method. Possibly finding some partially supported sets along the way.  No IR learning.
 
IR/function/button  map - Button/IR map cannot change (need new physical remote). IR/function map can only change if U-verse globally changes STB software. No ability to provide individual tuning.
 
Watch TV (ATT/power) -  Turns on/off programmed devices. Does not set input. No ability to sequence devices or introduce delay.
 
Default mode of operation is Watch TV (Channel change on STB, Volume on TV, Power up STB/TV). To vary operation requires reprogramming with more arbitrary codes applied to individual functions. No clear distinction between Watch TV and individual device control (i.e. It is difficult to change operation between Watch TV and controlling individual devices by programming with codes.)

To clear phantom mute - att/ok - 955 - att - enter - mute - att/ok - 955 - tv - enter. 12 button pushes, where two are two finger. If you can remember how to do it.
 
Point anywhere remote is the only extra cost upgrade - provides RF (with STB pairing) and learning IR.

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Accepted Solution

Tutor

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1 Message

14 years ago

I am not the original poster, but I have the Vizio VSB210WS sound bar and I was able to get my U-verse remote to control the sound bar using the remote's "automatic search" facility described in the following document:

 

http://alanweinkrantz.typepad.com/3screens/files/remote_control_user_guide.pdf

 

I used the "home theater in a box" option in step 6.

 

If I knew how to interrogate the remote to tell you what code the search facility selected, I would.

 

Expert

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9.4K Messages

14 years ago

The following remote codes are for Vizio TVs, but one of them may work with your Sound Bar:

 

1343, 1018, 1004, 0178, 0502, 0627, 1756, 1758, 0128, 0117, 1017, 1078, 0030, 0056

 

Contributor

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3 Messages

14 years ago

What do I need to do on the UV remote to enter these codes?

Expert

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9.4K Messages

14 years ago

The instructions are available in the U-Verse Remote Control User Guide.

 

Contributor

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1 Message

14 years ago

Did you ever find a code that works?

Contributor

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1 Message

14 years ago

Yes, this works! Open the PDF link and  follow the steps in Section B - Using the Automatic Search. It took a little bit  before it found the code but  I had TV on so I could tell when the sound went off. I kept pushing the Play button instead of holding it down not sure if that matters.  Thanks anotherlogin! 

 

Contributor

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1 Message

13 years ago

the code is 4062

Contributor

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1 Message

13 years ago

Hey, this code wont work with my VHT210 sound bar.  According to manuel, the 4 digit code is 1517.
Auto find wont work either.  Anyone have any suggestions? Need help despartely !

Mentor

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27 Messages

13 years ago

after lots of research this is what I found, and it worked for me. 

 

Enter the code 4020 Manually. Now after doing this you cannot control the volume, but if you do the step for always sending volume or channel commands to one device then it will work when you select aux. 

 

Hope that helps.

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