sony dvd recorder remote problem

[tattoojo]

i have a sony dvd recorder, model hx720.

I have changed the command mode of the remote from the default of DVD3 to DVD1, this now means i cannot operate the machine with the remote. This is something i did by accident, and didn't realise i could not change it back.
Because i can't use the remote, i can't get into the menu to change it back. Also you cannot access the menu from the machine.

I have tried the troubleshooting from the manual, and this did not work either.

HELP ME.

I do not know any other wayto get this back to normal.

[orsetto]

If you changed the command mode of the remote from 3 to 1, the answer is simple: reverse whatever you did, and change the remote mode back to 3. The recorder itself has no effect on the remote, it only responds to it. They each have completely independent command mode settings which you are supposed to match up.

I believe the Sony HX720 was an early example of the Pioneer/Sony cooperation agreement, sharing parts and some operational methods with the similar Pioneer 640. You could try to switch the remote back using the Pioneer method: hold down the "enter" key with one finger then hold down the "3" key with another finger, keeping both pressed for five full seconds, then release That should make the remote sync up with your recorder in Mode 3. In future, if you want to change the code, do it on the recorder first, then do it on the remote, so they match. If you change the remote before changing the recorder, you'll lock yourself out of the recorder again.

If this doesn't work, turn on the recorder and check the front panel display to confirm which mode the recorder itself is in: somewhere around the clock display, look for a tiny lit-up number "1" or "2": if you see one of these, that is the mode the recorder is in, and you should reset the remote to that code instead of "3". If you see absolutely NO tiny number 1 or 2 lit on the clock display, the recorder itself is in the default mode 3 and you should set the remote to 3. If all else fails, buy a cheap Sony universal remote, program that remote to operate a Sony DVD recorder, and you should at least be able to get into the recorder setup menu and change the command mode until it responds to the original remote.

[David Arnold]

Orsetto,
I have a sony dvd recorder RDR-GX350 and locked the remote out. Holding 'enter and 3' cured the problem.
Thanks. Dave (Arnold) Portugal.

[bla blah]

Thanks for the help! Holding down enter and 1 solved it for me. Searched the web and found the solution here. Thanks again!

[jman98]

Thanks for the help! Holding down enter and 1 solved it for me. Searched the web and found the solution here. Thanks again!

Normally I would welcome you to the forums, but we'd really prefer you NOT join just to tell us that something worked for you. We're not real happy when people dig up old threads and add them to just to say "thanks", "me too", etc. Feel free to get all the help you want here but please don't add to old threads just to tell us they helped you. Unless your post provides critical information that is missing from a thread (ie. you know the answer to a question in a thread that no one ever answered) it's really best to just leave the old threads alone.

[GoTimothy]

I have a Harmony 880 remote, I lost the original Sony remote. Accidentally changed to DVD1 with the Harmony, Harmony will not change to DVD1 with the Enter 1 keys. I HAVE TWO OLD SONY all in one remotes but they don't have dvd options. I have a sony reciever remote with a DVD button, but that will only turn DVD recorder on and off and play dvd's. Is there any other way to reset to DVD3 without buying another remote?

[DB83]

Why are you entering Enter 1 when you want to go to DVD 3 ?. Surely you should select 'Enter 3'

[orsetto]

GoTimothy, which model of Sony recorder? There are some slight operational differences between generations.

With some models, when all else fails, you can revert the recorder remote receiver back to "Code 3" (normal) by performing a hard reset of the unit , which reboots it to default factory specs. To do this, hold down the front panel "Stop" button (NOT "Rec Stop") and then also press and hold the power button until the unit turns off. Wait a minute, then power it back on. All settings should appear completely wiped, the remote code should now be "3" (no "1" or "2" showing in display, the clock should display "--/--", etc. Of course you will need to reset the clock time and re-enter all your custom settings, timer recordings and so on.

Resetting the code on the remote itself is only possible with the original Sony recorder remotes, which have a dedicated bit of memory which stores the "Enter + 1, 2, or 3" button sequence. The Harmony remotes, or any other universal including Sonys, do not have this dedicated bit of special programming- in nearly all cases, they can transmit only at the default "Code 3" frequencies. However, they WILL permit you to accidentally (or on-purpose) use the recorder settings menu to switch the recorder to another code, after which you're stuck unless you have a remote that can be independently switched to match it.

So try resetting the recorder via front panel: but if that does not get it back to default code 3, I'm afraid you will need to buy a replacement for the original remote.

[GoTimothy]

GoTimothy, which model of Sony recorder? There are some slight operational differences between generations.

With some models, when all else fails, you can revert the recorder remote receiver back to "Code 3" (normal) by performing a hard reset of the unit , which reboots it to default factory specs. To do this, hold down the front panel "Stop" button (NOT "Rec Stop") and then also press and hold the power button until the unit turns off. Wait a minute, then power it back on. All settings should appear completely wiped, the remote code should now be "3" (no "1" or "2" showing in display, the clock should display "--/--", etc. Of course you will need to reset the clock time and re-enter all your custom settings, timer recordings and so on.

Resetting the code on the remote itself is only possible with the original Sony recorder remotes, which have a dedicated bit of memory which stores the "Enter + 1, 2, or 3" button sequence. The Harmony remotes, or any other universal including Sonys, do not have this dedicated bit of special programming- in nearly all cases, they can transmit only at the default "Code 3" frequencies. However, they WILL permit you to accidentally (or on-purpose) use the recorder settings menu to switch the recorder to another code, after which you're stuck unless you have a remote that can be independently switched to match it.

So try resetting the recorder via front panel: but if that does not get it back to default code 3, I'm afraid you will need to buy a replacement for the original remote.

.

THANKS FOR THE FAST REPLY,

It's the RDR - GXD455. I tried what you said but it Didn't work. I even tried holding the power button with all other buttons. The RM U306A sony receiver remote will power the recorder on and off and even play, STOP, ff, rewind buttons all work, but there is no way to get into setup to change to DVD 3. I have a Comcast remote but same thing, can't get into setup.

When I get my new remote I will try to upload DVD1 setting to Harmony to help anyone in the future. I imagine if someone uploaded RDR - GXD455 DVD1 settings to harmony's web app, it should work.

[orsetto]

It's the RDR - GXD455. I tried what you said but it Didn't work. I even tried holding the power button with all other buttons.

Unfortunately, according to its manual the Sony RDR-GXD455 does not have any "failsafe" factory reset procedure that can be invoked on the front panel: unlike other Sonys, resetting this model requires the original remote it came with. So one way or another, you will need to replace the remote. Sorry I couldn't help you find a workaround, but there doesn't seem to be any other option.

[GoTimothy]

Thanks orsetto,

I got a remote off of Ebay and Im ok now. I tried uploading DVD 3 to Harmony's website so other's could download it, but even that didn't work.