What was teh setup code assigned to the device button when you tested these EFCs, was it still the TV/0761 code? If so, I'm surprised that any of the codes did anything as I was under the impression that this TV used the Philips RC-5 protocol and was a much closer match to TV/0054, though we've already established that there's a button in that setup code that causes the same symptoms that you have, though we don't know which button.

It was TV/0054. I just verified it. Set it to TV/0761, and then tried codes 114, 115 and 116. Nothing. Switched to TV/0054 and then tried the same codes. TV blows up on 115 repeatedly. Must be physically disconnected from power before it responds again.

thanks

Tom

[Edit; don't know why, but I find this fascinating]
[Edit again; I forgot to say that code 115 changes the menus back into Chinese]

So now we know that although it didn't fix the problem, there is a signal that should be avoided at all costs with these TVs.

While we may never know what was actually on the SWAP button when Thomas pushed it and killed his TV, we know that Setup Code 0054 EFC 115 is bad news.

It is quite possible that the "blackout" would not occur if the TV were in a functional state to start, but given what the results are when he sends that command, better not to risk it for most folks.


Thomas, I thought you said that 115 kills your tv, makes it go black and non-responsive? Do you mean that when you turn off the power strip and power back on that the (previously another language) menus are now back to chinese?
I don't think that has any relevance except for continuity in understanding your meaning.
Jim

When I turn the power strip off, and then back on (in order to regain control of the TV), the menus are now in Chinese until I revert them back into English.

Tom

Just FYI, the 115 code is assigned to the PIP button on the URC-9960 remote.

I called the manufacturer of the TV (Advent/Prima), and they said that the damage was due to negligence on my part, and thus my own responsibility. Consequently, I would be charged for a replacement eeprom and microprocessor.Similarly as expected, Radio Shack said that they would likewise do nothing other than accept the remote for refund. Since it is not worth my time nor money to pursue matters with a provincial ombudsman, I guess I own a 90 lb doorstop :)

Thanks for everyone's help and education.

Tom

In your initial post you said "The tv is under warranty, and it will go back to the store". I guess that didn't work either. What did the store say?


That doesn't sound at all similar. They're willing to take the remote back for refund even though there's nothing wrong with it. There is no reasonable basis for holding them responsible for the TV. You can't expect universal remotes to exclude a common command (PIP in TV/0054) for common TV's such as Philips because it breaks some obscure TV.

You might want to tell Advent that this issue has been discussed in popular online forums. No one reading any of these threads is going to think you (or the other users) did anything negligent. Assuming, they continue their policy on this subject, anyone who hears about it here and in other forums would be crazy to ever buy any of their products. It just isn't safe to buy things from a vendor that unreasonable about taking responsibility for their product defects.

Initially the store had said that since I had not purchased an extended warranty that it was up to the manufacturer to fix it. More on this at the end of the post


I'm not holding them responsible; just stating that I did not expect them to do anything, and they didn't :)


No, although the Advent, at least here in Winnipeg is nto an obscure model. Obviously, PIP is a normal feature on a large number of well known brands. Here, I hold the manuifacturer at fault.


I did tell the customer service representative exactly this, and in quite a calm manner. I didn't get upset until I was called negligent, at which point I terminated the call.


You're 100% correct. I finally managed to make contact with the manager of the Future Shop (essentially Best Buy now that they have been taken over by them) where I purchased the TV tonight, and after explaining to him that I was ready to buy another TV from them on Friday, he asked to me wait until he had made a few phone calls/e-mails. They *may* be willing to replace provided that this is a known or at least documented problem.

thank you

Tom

Just thought that I'd post here and mention that I was SOL, The TV will not be repaired, and I returned the remote.

thanks for all of your help.

Tom