Unlocking Sony RDR HX710 with a Palm & OmniRemote...help!

[scram17]

Hello

I have read posts on this site about the ability to unlock Sony's RDR-HX710 (PAL, Region 2) using a Palm that can send IR signals. I followed the advice however can't get the OmniRemote programme to load the prontocnvt.pdb database so that it is visible. I use a Mac, so got my brother to convert the .ccf file and save it in three different resolutions, yet none of the files will load so that anything is visible on my T3 Palm screen.

Is anyone able to email me the prontocnvt.pdb database that they used (successfully) to unlock the recorder? If so, please post a reply to this post and I will post my email address.

Here's what I've done:

1. Downloaded and installed OmniRemote Pro 2.15
2. Used CCFCnvt (http://www.pacificneotek.com/software/CCFCnvt.zipconvert) to convert the following .ccf file (http://www.xs4all.nl/~pbonnet/sony.zip) to .pdb
3. Installed the .pdb file on the Palm
4. Opened Omniremotepro and changed the database to ProntoCnvt
5. Pressed 'LOAD' and then 'EXIT'

The Palm screen is now completely blank except for the words 'OmniRemotePro' at the top left, and 'Unfiled' at the top right. I have played around with the various prefs in OmniRemote but nothing seems to help.

Can anyone please help me out on this?

Regards

Matthew

[evil_lives]

Were you ever able to figure this out????

I am having the same problems trying to get my pioneer to work on a Palm 111xe... all I get is the blank screen???

Peace.

[scram17]

Hi

Yeah, I managed to unlock my Sony RDR-HX710 using my Palm T3, OmniRemotePro (?) and a PrntoCnvt database. I did struggle, however once I got the buttons to 'appear' on the Palm, it worked like a charm. I understand that the database that I downloaded was a specific setup for unlocking the Sony, however it's also possible that all it did was load a keypad onto the screen of the Palm, and then the special code that I typed into the Palm was the part that was specific for my Sony.

Here are my notes to myself (I think I also posted this on the forum) - if they help you, great. If you want me to email you the extrated database (the one I extracted on a PC), let me know.

Good luck!

Matthew

Removing region lock from Sony RDR-HX710

This folder contains:
1. CCFCnvt - a PC app for converting .ccf files to .pdb files
2. OmniRemotePro 2.15 installer
3. sony.ccf - the file containing the codes to send to the recorder
4. ProntoCnvt.pdb
5. ProntoCnvt2.pdb

Original source of files:
Converter : http://www.pacificneotek.com/software/CCFCnvt.zipconvert
.ccf file : http://www.xs4all.nl/~pbonnet/sony.zip
OmniProRemote : http://www.pacificneotek.com

Method
You need to install OmniProRemote on the Palm, and sync one of the .pdb files, and then load the .pdb file into OmniRemotePro 2.15 as a database. The .pdb file that successfully unlocked the recorder was ProntoCnvt.PDB however the buttons were small are hard to read. ProntoCnvt2.PDB was an improved conversion so the buttons are easier to read, but it hasn't been tested (on the recorder) so might not work - although there's no reason why it shouldn't. I converted the .ccf file on the PC, however it shouldn't be necessary to do again as the .pdb files are here. Just in case, here's how you do the conversion so that you end up with a useable version on the Palm:

Converting the .ccf file to a .pdb file (done on a PC)
1. Install CCFCnvt on the PC, then start it.
2. Click 'Read CCF file' then select 'Sony.ccf'
3. In 'View panel'- change to 160 x 160 (7 grey buttons appear)
4. In 'Pronto panels' click on '00000B30-panel' and click the right pointing arrow that points at box called 'Palm categories'. '00000B30-panel' should now appear in the box entitled 'Palm categories'.
5. Change 'View panel' to 320 x 320
6. Press button labeled 'Generate PDB'.
7. Now send the .pdb file over to the Palm and continue below...

**if, once the .pdb file is loaded into the Palm, the buttons won't appear on screen, play around with the 'View panel' settings - possibly omit step 5 above and leave the size and 160 x 160.

Loading the database & performing the unlock procedure:
1. Unless you have deleted them, the programme OmniRemote Pro and the databases called 'ProntoCnvt.PDB' & 'ProntoCnvt2.PDB should be in the Palm
2. Start OmniRemote Pro, then click on OmniRemote Pro/Advanced/Databases
3. From the 'Choose database' drop-down menu, choose 'ProntoCnvt or ProntoCnvt2 then click the 'Load' button (see note above in 'Method' re which one to use)
4. In the top right corner of the screen, click 'Unfiled/panel'
5. Put the DVD unit into standby (ie mains power on, but unit 'off').
6. Point the Palm at the DVD unit from close (0.5m) and using the OmniProRemote buttons that appeared on the screen after selecting 'panel', enter the following code:

1122334455

7. The DVD unit should display the words 'Timer ok' - and it should now be region free!

8. If this doesn't work, make sure the DVD tray is empty, then turn power off at mains for 10 seconds. Turn mains power on, and wait for unit to boot. Now, using DVD's own remote, turn it on and put unit into DVD mode. Now, using DVD's own remote, turn unit 'off' - ie into standby. Do step 6 above. If it still doesn't work, try entering the code with the unit 'on' - ie not in standby.

[evil_lives]

Thanks for the quick reply.... I have tried this so many times I think I am going to burn out the poor Palm111.

No matter what I do all I get is a blank screen... or some greyed out keys...(using V 2.15)

When I use V 1.71 all the keys show up... But I can't use them without registering?????

Thanks again..

Peace.

[scram17]

Hi-I think I may have used a cracked version of OmniRemote. My guess is that the greyed out (or non-existing) buttons are a direct result of the programme not being registered.

[evil_lives]

Hi-I think I may have used a cracked version of OmniRemote. My guess is that the greyed out (or non-existing) buttons are a direct result of the programme not being registered.

That's what I was worried about....

Thanks again for the reply..