Harmony One and Samsun 8500 Game Mode Question

There is no discrete command for that, but you could do it with a sequence (or 2 or 3 depending on the number of steps), or one raw learn of all the steps. If you use activities to watch tv or play PS3, then you could also build the steps into the activities and not have to use any sequences at all. As for other models, any universal with macros (which is pretty much any universal) can do this.

However, I'm surprised you have to do it at all. I don't know about samsung, but each input on my sony has it's own video settings. So if your PS3 is on input 1 for example, and your cable box is on input 2, then input 1 can just stay in game mode and input 2 can stay in normal mode.

I, too, have a similar question about setting up macros. My home theater in a nutshell...

i. Peripherals / Components: Xbox 360, Cisco HD-DVR, Sony Blu-Ray Player
ii. All three are connected via HDMI to: Sony HT-CT100 (A/V receiver)
iii. A/V receiver is connected via HDMI to Samsung PN58B560 (58" PDP)

When playing my Xbox 360, I like to set the Samsung HDTV to "Game Mode: On" - otherwise when watching cable or Blu-Rays, I prefer "Game Mode: Off." After setting up activity "Play Xbox 360," will I then be able to add in commands that switch my Samsung to "Game Mode: On" and then back to "Game Mode: Off" when shutting down?

FYI: Toggling "Game Mode" on my Samsung requires no fewer than 10 key strokes. Exact sequence below:

- Menu
- Down
- Down
- Right
- Down
- Down
- Right
- Down (to "on" - alternatively, Up to "off")
- Enter
- Menu (to close menu screen)

Bump. I have an 8000 series and the same issue. It's a real pain to switch to game mode. Disappointed that Samsung failed to include a discrete command to toggle this mode, or an E.Mode shortcut like on the 750 series.

I own a new D6000 and am curious about this as well, any such luck for a button that toggles Game Mode on/off?

My old LN46A650 worked like you said with E.Mode

Bump

Anybody?

This question was answered in the first response almost 2 years ago.

Was it? I don't really see a solution, maybe just an explanation. It's a ten or so step process. That's more than my 880 can handle if I build a custom sequence.

That's the solution. There is no practical limit to the number of additional commands you can add to the start of an activity, so 10 steps is no problem. Or you could try the E.Mode or P.Mode commands from the 7000 series. Add the pronto hex below to your config via the instructions in the Harmony Tips sticky.

Protocol=NECx2 Device=7.7 Function=63..63
Device Code: 7.7 (0x07.0x07) Function: 63 (0x3F) E.MODE
Protocol=NECx2 Device=7.7 Function=40..40
Device Code: 7.7 (0x07.0x07) Function: 40 (0x28) P.MODE
EDIT: Looks like we posted at the same time. I think the E.Mode or P.Mode is still worth a try to shorten up those sequences.

OK, I will correct myself. Instead of trying to create a custom sequence, I had to go to the "Watch DVD" function that I previously created and then click "Settings", then review them, then add to the settings. After clicking "Save" for the first 2 or 3 pages, I added the following sequence to this item under "Samsung TV":

Menu
Direction Down
Direction Down
Direction Down
Direction Right
Direction Down
Direction Down
Direction Down
Direction Down
Direction Right
Direction Right
Direction Down
Return
Return
Return
Return

Then I went into "Play PS3" and did the identical settings except did "Direction Up" just before the 4 returns in place of the "Direction Down" listed there.

Everything works, but it took quite a while to set it up.

No more digging out the remote (actually iOS app) to modify this setting to watch a movie! Yay!

Thanks everyone!

Don't know how to do all that, but per my post, I did get it done. My fault for not completely understanding what the first response was trying to tell us. Thanks for your patience.

HERE's how to do it. Don't worry, it's not difficult.