Hi everybody,

I just bought a Philips Universal Remote Control (PDVD6) from a local electronic store to try to limit the amount of remote control I need to use...

TV, Cable Box, Amp, VCR, DVR, DVD... I'm just tired of using them all!

At first, I was not hoping this toy to work at all, but as it can "learn" codes from your original remotes I gave it a shot. There is a huge list of code included in the manual including codes for TV, VCR, CD Player, Cable and Sat boxes, DVD Players, Laser Disc Players, DVR, DVD Recorders and even home automation systems...

My first impression is that every one of my components is working great with the universal remote! I was able to program 4 components in about 10 minutes, then returned to the manual and began to customize the button layout by using the learn mode.

Everything is working for the DVR-640H-S, even the eject button, which is not present on the original remote!!! :D

I know that a lot of people complained about the lack of such a button on the Pioneer's original remote, so I think it is important to mention.

The only thing I'm not able to control is the source selection on my JVC home theater Amp, but its so minor for me...

Here is the list of component I programmed with the remote :
TV: JVC I`ART (flat screen CRT) (base code 607)
Cable Box : Scientific Atlanta Explorer 2200 (Videotron Illico) (base code 252)
DVR: Pioneer DVR-640H-S (base code 592)
Amp : JVC RX-5042 (base code 680)

I talk about base code as I customized almost every code layout to suit my needs.

The only component I needed to use the Search Code mode was the Amp, which explain a little why this one does not work perfectly. There is a support line, but I don't plan to call them as I can live with the limitation.

And by the way, it cost about 20$ CDN and is covered by a lifetime warranty...

Sounds good to me!

Everything is working for the DVR-640H-S, even the eject button, which is not present on the original remote!!! :D

I know that a lot of people complained about the lack of such a button on the Pioneer's original remote, so I think it is important to mention.

Those "8@$T@RD$" at Pioneer, I knew the 640 would allow for a remote "Open/Close - Eject" to operate, so why didn't they include that in the original?!?!

Well thank you loads for this post and I think it might be worth it for me to replace my Pioneer 640 Remote with the one you suggested.

Let me ask you something though, does your new remote (only concerned about the Pioneer 640) really control everything? Like for example if you wanted to switch from HDD to DVD, can the universal also control that?

The following I feel certain that your universal can control:
Power On/Off
Play, Rec, FF, REW, Stop, Chapter + & - (Next/Previous)
Up, Down, Right, Left Arrows (Menu Navigation), and Enter
0-9 Keys
etc...

But What About Stuff Like:
Stop Rec (Different than regular "Stop")
One Touch Copy
Disc Navigator
HDD/DVD
Return
and some of the less general functions.

Does the "learning" ability of the universal allow you...if you want...to literally control every single button on the entire remote, or are you limited to maybe four "learning" buttons?

I would be looking to use this remote to only control the Pioneer 640 as a better designed replacement for the original.

I would be looking to use this remote to only control the Pioneer 640 as a better designed replacement for the original.Why not just order a 633 remote from Pioneer? I have one I use with my 640 and I can tell you everything works perfectly and no annoying sliding door! Using the 633 remote commercial skip even works on finalized DVDs whereas it doesn't when using the 640 remote. The 633 remote also has TV control buttons, open/close and a timer record button.

This is a (small) picture of the remote from the Best Buy web site:
http://www.bestbuy.ca/multimedia/products/medium/10062413.gif
The usual problem with these remotes is that they don't have enough buttons to do everything you want to do. You can often learn buttons and get most of what you want, but there's usually at least a few things you can't cram onto "logical" buttons.

I have a very nice Sony touchscreen remote. I've been able to program everything I need into it, but I still use my Pioneer 633 remote because the buttons are better placed for editing and because entering titles is a pain using the touchscreen.

Why not just order a 633 remote from Pioneer? I have one I use with my 640 and I can tell you everything works perfectly and no annoying sliding door! Using the 633 remote commercial skip even works on finalized DVDs whereas it doesn't when using the 640 remote. The 633 remote also has TV control buttons, open/close and a timer record button.

ACPewty,

Is that the VXX2967?

Thanx,
Urlee

Why not just order a 633 remote from Pioneer? I have one I use with my 640 and I can tell you everything works perfectly and no annoying sliding door! Using the 633 remote commercial skip even works on finalized DVDs whereas it doesn't when using the 640 remote. The 633 remote also has TV control buttons, open/close and a timer record button.

ACPewty:

Do you have a scanner attached to your computer? If you do would you scan your 633 remote so I could see what it looks like (unless there is a picture online somewhere). I didn't even think about what you suggested and it sounds like a great idea.

Now I have to go to Pioneer.com and figure out how to order the 633 remote.

suplex

Suplex :

"Let me ask you something though, does your new remote (only concerned about the Pioneer 640) really control everything? Like for example if you wanted to switch from HDD to DVD, can the universal also control that?"

The Philips universal remote by default let me control the majority of the functions of the DVR-640H-S. As an example, it was letting me starting a manual record program, but the stop record was not available.

If I'm right, I had to remap those functions :
Stop Rec, HDD/DVD, Prev Chap, Next Chap, Rec Mode, VCR Plus+.

I also had to move some functions to other buttons as I prefer to use, as an example, FF and RW for fast forward and rewind, not skip chapter back and forth.


"Does the "learning" ability of the universal allow you...if you want...to literally control every single button on the entire remote, or are you limited to maybe four "learning" buttons?"

No, you can if you want create your own layout. Choose a compatible code so at least the power button function (maybe not mandatory) and assing every button to what you want. No such ting as a few learning capable buttons.

Sean:

"The usual problem with these remotes is that they don't have enough buttons to do everything you want to do. You can often learn buttons and get most of what you want, but there's usually at least a few things you can't cram onto "logical" buttons."

Of course, the universal remote is not as good as the original one. As an example, it is a bit slower than the original, which means that you cannot easily come one chapter back, as it needs you to press quickly the prev chapter button. I need to press the button and hold it until the chapter is skipped back.

But I think it is a very good everyday use remote control. When I want to edit a recording, I use the original remote for faster execution. Keep in mind that this remote is very affordable.

[QUOTE=suplex]ACPewty:

Do you have a scanner attached to your computer? If you do would you scan your 633 remote so I could see what it looks like (unless there is a picture online somewhere). I didn't even think about what you suggested and it sounds like a great idea.

Suplex

Here's a alink to the Pioneer site for the 633. You can click the link under the picture of the 633 for a close-up of the remote, or a little further down, click on the tab for Documents and get the actual manual



Pioneer 633 (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/product/details/0,,2076_310069745_237566718_tab=D,00.html?ompName=PNA_V3_Pro ductDetailsComponent)

After seeing the remote of the 633, I understand why they put a little door on the remote of the 640...

The new remote is more "newbie friendly".

Here's a better picture of the Philips remote :
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000UUXAC.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V50357103_.jpg

Dcoulombe,

Can you tell me which model Pioneer device you chose for the universal remote? I have a universal remote with learning, but it does not have the 640, 533 or 633 as built in codes. I know I can do the "learning" but was hoping to have a "base" code to start with.

I used the "592" base code, then customized it to my needs. My code list also refer to code "399", but I did not try it.

I don't know if these codes will work for other kind of remote control.

Here's an attachment of the 533/633 remote. I apologize for the fact that it's sideways - the forum software imposes a maximum picture size of 640 x 800, and it won't allow the "800" to be the vertical dimension! (:().

I quite like the layout of the movement keys (play/scan foward/reverse, pause/stop, commercial and chapter skip, slow motion) on this remote. I can do all my editing by touch, keeping my attention on the screen instead of having to keep looking down at the remote.

The layout of the navigation keys (disk navigator, menu, return, arrows, enter) is also very good. One of my pet peeves about the remote for my Toshiba DVD player is that the "enter" and "arrow" buttons are undistinguished buttons in the middle of a cluster of other buttons, and the "enter" isn't even in the middle of the arrows. They're always a real pain to find and use. After that experience I've become very careful to check the layout of the remote before I buy a piece of equipment. Especially with a DVD recorder, the remote is a major part of the "look and feel" of the unit.

I don't personally like remotes with doors on them, although I understand why some people might be intimidated by all the buttons on a DVD recorder remote. But IMHO if they've omitted the "eject" button from the 640 remote than that's a pretty stupid choice. I often use the "eject" button to eject and reload a DVD I've just burned to make sure the machine recognizes it. I also like to hit eject before I get up and walk over to the machine to remove a disc so that I don't have to wait for the tray to open.

After seeing the remote of the 633, I understand why they put a little door on the remote of the 640...

The new remote is more "newbie friendly".

Which is the exact reason I would like the 633 remote instead of the 640's. That door on the 640 is pretty annoying and the complexity (over the 640) of the 633 remote won't be a problem for me at all.

I have also heard enough from people in here that the 633 remote WILL work on the 640...even thought one web site that sells remote controls didn't include the 640 unit in the list of what the Pioneer VXX2967 (633 remote) will control...to make my decision to buy the 633 remote instead of a universal.

I just noticed something else that the 633 remote has which the 640 doesn't, a Channel Up & Down Button. Man did they strip that 640 remote!

Incase anyone wants to know, as stated above the 633 remote is the VXX2967, and the 640 is the VXX3095.

I just noticed something else that the 633 remote has which the 640 doesn't, a Channel Up & Down Button. Man did they strip that 640 remote!
Isn't the channel up/down incorporated in the up/down arrows?

I like this better, as well as the CM Skip/Back being incorporated in the left/right arrows.

ACPewty,

Is that the VXX2967?

Thanx,
UrleeYes, that's the one. (Probably the same remote as other 2005 Pioneer models, but I only had a 633.)

Now I have to go to Pioneer.com and figure out how to order the 633 remote.Here's the US Link (http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/part.asp?productNum=VXX2967) for the 633 remote.

Here's the CDN Link (http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/pna/service/support/article/top/0,,32171715_32252975,00.html) for it.

The problem with universal remotes for the 640 is even if you have buttons for everything (doubtful) most don't include the alphabet letters on the numeric keypad portion to remind you which numbers to press for entering titles. Personally, I still need a reminder and have to look at the remote. This is especially important if we don't see a firmware update to resolve the automatic titling issue.

True, there is no numbers on the remote :-(

That's why I need to keep the original remote near me for advanced task.

Just spoke to Pioneer Canada to check on the status of my 640 exchange, and they agreed to include a 531/533/633 remote for "about $60.00" CDN in the box. (Possibly less for a used one since they have a number of them, but he wasn't sure.) I Just gave him my visa number. Seems a bit steep compared to the US price of $35.66, but at least there's no additional shipping since they will just put it in the box. Still a great deal if you consider the upgrade to the 640.

(Argo Nexus the 3rd party handling Pioneer parts had to order it in and wanted CDN $58.13 plus shipping!)

I am wondering if a 520 remote might also work with a 640. The 520 remote has a chapter set button that I did not see on the 533 remote picture. Also, the 520 did not have TVGOS, so nothing lost there.

I am not at home now so I cannot look at the remote to get the part number.

I just ordered mine today.

I ordered the VXX2967 Pioneer Remote for the 633, to use for my 640.

I got it from the site PartStore.com where the price was $36.57 and with S&H and Tax (yes they charged Tax), it came to: $46.58.

Here is the link:
http://www.partstore.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductSKU=8567171

I just ordered mine today.

I ordered the VXX2967 Pioneer Remote for the 633, to use for my 640.

I got it from the site PartStore.com where the price was $36.57 and with S&H and Tax (yes they charged Tax), it came to: $46.58.

Here is the link:
http://www.partstore.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductSKU=8567171Yes, I tried them but they won't sell to Canada. :( Hmph.

I just ordered mine today.

I ordered the VXX2967 Pioneer Remote for the 633, to use for my 640.

I got it from the site PartStore.com where the price was $36.57 and with S&H and Tax (yes they charged Tax), it came to: $46.58.

Here is the link:
http://www.partstore.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductSKU=8567171

Can I ask why you didn't buy it from Pioneer.com?

Urlee

Pioneer has the remote for the 633 on its parts web site for $35.66 plus shipping (and tax?). A link can be found here. (http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/part.asp?productNum=VXX2967)

Can I ask why you didn't buy it from Pioneer.com?

Urlee

Just like rgazzara pointed out they (Pioneer) also charge S&H with Tax for their remote.

When you buy something with S&H and Tax they take the price, then add tax, and charge S&H on top of that (meaning they don't make you pay Tax on the Shipping).

I paid $46.58 from PartStore.com, if I bought it from Pioneer it would have cost $47.27.

Now for only 69 cents I would NEVER drive far away to another store if a local store has it for more money, but sitting at my computer chair clicking a mouse is a different story. I have searched web sites where I have picked one site over another for even less than that.

Also PartStore.com passed my test on certifications (to verify the quality of their site) and they had a good deal of information in their "Contact Us" link, where it was not just a phone number, or just an e-mail as I have seen with other sites.

There was even a review done on PartStore.com by ePinions.com where the person liked the experience of shopping there.

Doesn't hurt to shop around, especially when you are not using gas to do so.

Also PartStore.com passed my test on certifications (to verify the quality of their site) and they had a good deal of information in their "Contact Us" link, where it was not just a phone number, or just an e-mail as I have seen with other sites.

Doesn't hurt to shop around, especially when you are not using gas to do so.

Suplex,
Let your fingers do the walking? :)

Thanks for the report on a good place to order from.

Urlee

Hello All:

Just wanted to let everyone know that I received my Pioneer 633 remote today (the one I bought to replace the original 640 remote).

First thing is that it worked as soon as I put the batteries in (wasn't sure if it might have needed to be coded to work with the 640 unit as it was a 633 remote), nothing to program and it works great.

Second is that I checked it against the 640 remote and button-for-button it literally does everything that the 640 does (so you miss out on nothing) and it even has a few things that the 640 does not. Those being "Timer Record", and the all popular "Eject, Open/Close".

To anyone that has the Pioneer 640 unit, I highly recommend that you purchase the remote control for the 633 (Part # VXX2967). You can get it from Pioneer or at this link: (where I bought mine)

http://www.partstore.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductSKU=8567171

You'll be glad you did.

Second is that I checked it against the 640 remote and button-for-button it literally does everything that the 640 does (so you miss out on nothing)Actually it is missing the VCRPlus button, but AFIAK not too many people actually use that do they? (I don't.)

Glad you like the 633 remote on the 640. I agree, it is much better especially if you enter lots of titles or like to use commercial skip on finalized recordings.

Actually it is missing the VCRPlus button, but AFIAK not too many people actually use that do they? (I don't.)

Glad you like the 633 remote on the 640. I agree, it is much better especially if you enter lots of titles or like to use commercial skip on finalized recordings.

It is missing the VCR Plus button, but you can still access that through the Main Menu when you go into Timer Recording, but to answer your question...I don't use it either.

About using commercial skip on finalized recordings, I never play anything in my recorder anyhow (I use a separate player as many in here do) but I will still agree that it would be a nice feature to use.

I have had my Pioneer DVR 640h-s and last night I recorded something to DVD-R and I went to hit the menu button so I could title and finalize it and the remote did not work. I tried to power it down by the remote everything. Nothing worked. I tried to shut it down normally by the unit that worked, as did powering it back up and switching from HDD/DVD on the front. But nothing from the remote. I even changed batteries, and even tried to recode it, nothing. I then bought a Philips Universal Remote from Best Buy. That did not even work. It programmed my Panasonic and TV while I was trying to program it for the pioneer, but not the Pioneer. SO do I need a new Pioneer remote??

Thanks,

Brent

I assume you can't get into the Initial Setup > Options > Remote Control Mode menu since the remote doesn't work, but you can try this, with the 640 on:

1. Press and hold the RETURN button FIRST, then press and hold the #1 button for at least 5 sec while pointing at the 640. If the HOME MENU appears on your TV, the code is set on both the 640 and the remote for #1.

2. If no HOME MENU appears with #1, try the same 5-sec hold with RETURN and #2 button.

3. Ditto except #3 button.

I assume you can't get into the Initial Setup > Options > Remote Control Mode menu since the remote doesn't work, but you can try this, with the 640 on:

1. Press and hold the RETURN button FIRST, then press and hold the #1 button for at least 5 sec while pointing at the 640. If the HOME MENU appears on your TV, the code is set on both the 640 and the remote for #1.

2. If no HOME MENU appears with #1, try the same 5-sec hold with RETURN and #2 button.

3. Ditto except #3 button.

Nope none of that worked at all. Any other ideas?? I mean it cant be a HDD failure can it, I mean I can record on it and everything. Would a HDD faliure even interfer with the remotes operations??

Brent

If you're pressing and HOLDING BOTH BUTTONS for 5 sec, with RETURN button first, then you just might have a defective remote.

One other thing: if you're connected to a cable or sat box...or if your Panasonic is connected to the 640... disconnect those inputs from the 640 and see if things work again. You may have to do the code setting again to get the 640 and remote in sync.

If you're pressing and HOLDING BOTH BUTTONS for 5 sec, with RETURN button first, then you just might have a defective remote.

Ok I did do this like you said before and it didnt work.

One other thing: if you're connected to a cable or sat box...or if your Panasonic is connected to the 640... disconnect those inputs from the 640 and see if things work again. You may have to do the code setting again to get the 640 and remote in sync.

Up until this happened I had a cable box hooked up to it. But since this happened I disconnected it and connected it to the Panasonic as a back up until I figured out what was going on.

Ok I did do this like you said before and it didnt work.



Up until this happened I had a cable box hooked up to it. But since this happened I disconnected it and connected it to the Panasonic as a back up until I figured out what was going on.
Disconnect from Panny and see if it clears the 640...try the remote code setting after disconnecting the Panny. (Pannys are having lockup, memory and other problems since the change in DST programming.)

If that fails, reset the 640 by turning it on, press STOP and Standby/On buttons on the front of the 640 until it turns off. That resets the 640 to factory settings. You'll have to do Initial Setup again.

Once you get the 640 back in op., I suggest you set clock manually and turn DST off to start. You can then hook other components back up one at a time so you can see which other unit might have the "DST bug."

Disconnect from Panny and see if it clears the 640...try the remote code setting after disconnecting the Panny. (Pannys are having lockup, memory and other problems since the change in DST programming.)

If that fails, reset the 640 by turning it on, press STOP and Standby/On buttons on the front of the 640 until it turns off. That resets the 640 to factory settings. You'll have to do Initial Setup again.

Once you get the 640 back in op., I suggest you set clock manually and turn DST off to start. You can then hook other components back up one at a time so you can see which other unit might have the "DST bug."

Ok I did the reset. But I can set up anything as the remote still doesnt function.......

Ok I did the reset. But I can set up anything as the remote still doesnt function.......
As I recall, the Pioneer DVD recorder remote codes don't work with many of the universal remotes. It's one of the reasons I got a Logitech Harmony remote. There is a way to check if a remote control is working. Look for the remote's sensor light through the LCD of a digital camera. It should light up if it is working. My source for this tip. (http://www.brooks-bilson.com/blogs/rob/index.cfm/2006/8/23/How-To-Test-a-Dead-Remote-Control)

Another way to test is to see if a learning remote can see the Pioneer remote when learning codes face-to-face.

Ok I did the reset. But I can set up anything as the remote still doesnt function.......
Did you reset the remote to Code #1, which is the default/factory setting for the 640?

If not, set the remote to #1...make sure you hold both buttons for 5 sec or more.

If that doesn't work, you might have a bad remote.

...I then bought a Philips Universal Remote from Best Buy. That did not even work. It programmed my Panasonic and TV while I was trying to program it for the pioneer, but not the Pioneer. SO do I need a new Pioneer remote??Are you saying that the universal remote wouldn't work either, even though you configured it to control a Pioneer DVD recorder? If so, then the problem may be with the recorder or it's IR sensor rather than with the 640 remote.

Did you reset the remote to Code #1, which is the default/factory setting for the 640?

If not, set the remote to #1...make sure you hold both buttons for 5 sec or more.

If that doesn't work, you might have a bad remote.

Yeah I tried that it didnt work.


Are you saying that the universal remote wouldn't work either, even though you configured it to control a Pioneer DVD recorder? If so, then the problem may be with the recorder or it's IR sensor rather than with the 640 remote.

Yup the Universal would not work either. So to fix the IR sensor I do need to take it into my service shop. Do you know if they wipe the hard drive clean. As thats what the Panasonic shop did to my other unit everytime. I just dont want to lose everything on my HDD I have alot of stuff I was going to transfer once I moved next weekend, and then this happened.

Brent

Ok I did the reset. But I can set up anything as the remote still doesnt function.......
Didn't see where you said you disconnected the Panny (and any other devices on a 640 Input)?

If not, disconnect everything and try the Remote's reset code #1...640 ON, etc.

Didn't see where you said you disconnected the Panny (and any other devices on a 640 Input)?

If not, disconnect everything and try the Remote's reset code #1...640 ON, etc.

Yeah I already did that. It didnt work. Right now the Pioneer is just plugged into the wall outlet with nothing connected to it, shut off. To see if that does anything.

Brent

Hi Brent: No if your 640 works using the controls under the front flip-down panel then it's unlikely the HDD has anything to do with your problem.

Maybe a bit obvious but just in case...I believe the remote sensor on the front panel is just below the model name "DVR-640H". It isn't covered or blocked by anything is it? Make sure your remote gets a clean shot at the right side of the front panel, and also make sure no other remotes are in the room. (If a remote has a button stuck on it can interfere with proper operation and make nothing work.)

If none of that helps and you are confident the 640 and the remote are set at factory settings (remote code 1) then I'm afraid it looks like service may be necessary. If that's the case, it could be just a bad connection inside especially if it just stopped working suddenly for no apparent reason assuming no lightning storms/power surges...are you technically inclined? I would open it up and check before shipping it off for service.

Make sure your remote gets a clean shot at the right side of the front panel, and also make sure no other remotes are in the room. (If a remote has a button stuck on it can interfere with proper operation and make nothing work.)Another thing you can try is to turn off all the lights in the room. Incandescent lights can sometimes interfere with the IR sensor. If your 640 works with the lights off you might try placing it where the lights don't shine directly on it.

Bit of a long shot, though...

I would open it up and check before shipping it off for service....unless it's still under warranty and there's a "warranty void if this sticker is removed" seal on it.

Ok I contacted Pioneer I called them and they said since I had already did the reset to 1 and that it did nothing that it is most likely a remote issue and that since the recording and everything else works by using the front panel it is not a HDD failure I should take it to the nearest service center to get the remote looked at or just order one. I will do this more than likely a week from Monday due to our move this week.

Thanks so far everyone for the help though it is appreciated alot.

Brent

Brent,

An easy test would be to try another Pioneer remote if you can get your hands on one. Perhaps someone who lives nearby would let you borrow theirs or let you bring your 640 over for a test.

Hello All:

Just wanted to let everyone know that I received my Pioneer 633 remote today (the one I bought to replace the original 640 remote).

First thing is that it worked as soon as I put the batteries in (wasn't sure if it might have needed to be coded to work with the 640 unit as it was a 633 remote), nothing to program and it works great.

Second is that I checked it against the 640 remote and button-for-button it literally does everything that the 640 does (so you miss out on nothing) and it even has a few things that the 640 does not. Those being "Timer Record", and the all popular "Eject, Open/Close".

To anyone that has the Pioneer 640 unit, I highly recommend that you purchase the remote control for the 633 (Part # VXX2967). You can get it from Pioneer or at this link: (where I bought mine)

http://www.partstore.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductSKU=8567171

You'll be glad you did.

Link doesn't work

Silly question time: did you put in new batteries and then try the remote? It's probably the first thing you tried... but maybe not.

Link doesn't work

I don't even think they sell it at that site anymore.:confused: If you search for part number VXX2967, it comes up as a battery case that costs over $120.00.

That really is where I got mine, I guess they must have sold out or something.

Try a Google, or eBay Search for Pioneer 633 Remote Control.

Good Luck.:)