One idea I can offer, besides that of which I have already posted, is to use a cheap IR remote control that has macro functions available. Go into the remote and solder some wires across the button used to trigger those macros. Most remotes don’t use true switches but have unprotected circuit traces that the button connects with its conductive foot. (The traces are the “lines” that connect the components together). Soldering on to the trace or IR chip directly will work fine. To solder onto the trace you may need to scrape off the insulating “paint” over the circuit. If you solder onto the chip watch the heat. Using a universal contact module (PUM01) to connect the circuit would simulate the button being pressed; starting the macro to do the PIP and VCR record… The remote could be mounted inside you’re A/V cabinet and would transmit the macro whenever the PUM01 was activated.

Chris Couture