They are executed when you press a button on the Device Overview page to jump into a device.
I would typically place actions in this action list to setup for using this device. For example, in a DVD Device's action list, I will add links to setup receiver inputs, display settings, volume levels, etc...
However, as a best practice I do NOT recommend putting anything in either the Device Action List or any of the Hard/Firm buttons. What I typically do is to create a hidden page with one button for each hard/firm button as well as the Device Action List. Then, for each hard button or device action list, I add a link to the respective button. Note that this works for any button that does NOT utilize a Special Action.
Why do I do this in this fashion? Sounds like lots of overhead. Here's the short reason. You can copy actions between buttons using Alt-Drag. However, I bet you have not yet noticed that you cannot copy actions easily between hard buttons. Alt-Drag does NOT work. Hence, if you have all your actions in a button on a hidden page, you can easily drag and drop actions without having to switch back and forth between the Device Properties Action List and a Soft Button's Action List.
For an example of this approach, I suggest downloading LowPro's DVD Lobby (Look for +DVD +Jacket +Displayed thread in this forum for a link to his config). He borrowed this idea from me as it proves to be a REAL timesaver if you make lots of changes to your config.
One other bonus. If you do things this way, when and if you move to a TSU9400/9600, you will no longer have a Device Action List. Upon importing your PCF into XCF format, all this information will be lost. However, if you have all the actions in buttons on a hidden page, those will import just fine and you can simply relink things that did not import across.
I know, this is lots of info and rambling. Do yourself a huge favor and download LowPro's config and look at how he's got devices organized. You won't be sorry.
Lyndel
Last edited by Lyndel McGee
on September 28, 2007 23:49.