I have a Mitsubishi VCR, Model HS-G21. If I want to record something (e.g., off the air via my DTV down-converter box), I have to connect the DTV unit to the VCR with a co-ax cable. I would prefer to connect with RCA cables, but from what I read in the owner’s manual*, the default signal input is co-ax. To change the input to RCA, one has to use the remote to access the menu. Here’s the problem: the remote control went AWOL ages ago.
I would buy another remote, but the OEM unit is no longer made by Mitsubishi and a replacement remote costs at least $60.
Is there a combination of pushing buttons on the main unit that will access the menu or change the input to RCA?
TIA!
*It was a manual for another, but very similar model, which I found on the Internet.
What about spending a couple bucks on a universal remote. They generally ask you to look up the item’s manufacturer, look up its code from a provided list, enter it into the remote, then test. Could possibly be done for less than $20.
I probably should read the owner’s manual before I ask this, but here goes. I have a Toshiba Blu-Ray 3D DVD player. Theoretically, I can program the TV’s remote into the DVD’s remote. Can I instead program the VCR into the DVD’s remote (model no. AK59-00123A)?
Most universal remotes I’ve seen have different sections of code for different types of equipment (i.e., if you’re replacing a Mitsubishi TV, enter code 123; if it’s a Mitsubishi VCR, enter 456).
Can’t hurt to try, though. Most programming steps seem to follow a similar pattern: press that remote’s key-combination to start, enter a code, try and turn the target item off–if it turns off, you’ve found the right combo (if not, keep cycling through the codes).
I imagine if the VCR and TV use the same remote-sequences to turn on/off, access the menu, and select an item, then it should work. My WAG for different codes by item is that different pieces of equipment have different features/different remotes. No need for a pause or rewind button on a VCR; no need for a volume control on a VCR.
If you’re determined to try it without springing for a universal remote, look on your VCR for a button that says “input” or “source”. That should toggle between your coax input (probably called TV on the screen) and other inputs (Video 1, Video 2, etc.).
It doesn’t hurt to try, but my experience is that VCRs and TVs have different codes (sometimes even different number of digits), though there is occasional overlap (a TV-programmed remote turning on a same brand VCR and vice-versa).
Even with a universal remote, it’s possible the more advanced features still won’t work (though menus are usually accessible). Good luck!
Universal remotes come in many different flavors, from basic to quite advanced. Assuming you’re not going with a Logitech Harmony one, there’s basically one company that makes the overwhelming majority of them. (But sometimes under different “brands”.) One-for-All aka “URC”.
Look for a 5 in 1 or 6 in 1 with lots of buttons, in particular the above mentioned input or source button. About $20-$25 and useful for a lot of things. There’s several sites out there than list special codes you can enter for such remotes to add a code if the one you want isn’t there by default. (I have a 6 in 1 that I reprogrammed several buttons for to work with my DVR better.)
one universal remote i like is the Sony RMVL600, it is also a learning remote (that feature not useful to the OP). it has lots of programmed devices to pick from.
if your device is not listed and you have a working remote for that device then you can teach it all the functions you want. it has typical AV labeled buttons though you can program any button for any function. like you could use the channel up and down buttons for temperature and the volume up and down buttons for fan speed for an air conditioner.
it supports 8 devices and costs about $20 to $25 (USA).
If this is sliding into a remote discussion, ftg mentioned the Logitech Harmony One, the King of Remotes.
Over the course of a few years I went from a cluttered table of remotes to a couple (no general purpose universal remote could do everything), to a lower Logitech model then finally to the Harmony One. Unparalleled excellence, particularly for controlling a fairly complicated and convoluted setup.