Sony RM-VL610A (RM-VL610A Remote Commander®) User manual

4-124-333-11 (1)
Integrated Remote
Commander
Operating Instructions
©2008 Sony Corporation
RM-VL610A

2
NOTIFICATION
For Customers in the U.S.A.
WARNING
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
— Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
— Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly
approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
For Customers in Canada
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

3
Features
The RM-VL610A Remote Commander provides centralized control of all
your AV components from a single remote commander and saves the
trouble of operating different AV components with different remote
control devices. The following are its main features.
Centralized control of Sony AV components with this one remote
commander
This Commander is preset at the factory to operate Sony brand
components, so you can use it out of the box as a control center for your
Sony AV components.
Remote control signals for non-Sony components are also preset
This Commander is preset for most major brands components as well as
Sony. You can remote control your non-Sony components by setting the
type and code number of each component (page 10).
Learning function for programming various other remote control
signals
This Commander has a Learning function, to “learn” the remote control
signals needed to operate other non-preset components or functions. (To
“teach” such signals to this Commander, use the remote control supplied
with the non-preset components.) (page 16)
In addition, the Commander can “learn” remote control signals (infrared
signals only) of non-Audio Visual components such as air-conditioners,
lights, etc. (Some specific appliances or functions may not be available.)
(page 24)
Reassigning new components
You can assign Component Select buttons to freely operate other
components. This is useful when you have more than two of the same
kind of AV component (only if a Component Select button is free.) (page
33)
You can only assign TVs to the TV Component Select button.
You can only assign an amplifier or DVD/Receiver combo to the AMP
Component Select button.

4
Startup Guide
This guide shows you how to set the Remote Commander to operate
your components.
First, find the four-digit component code number for your
component, referring to the supplied “Component code numbers.”
Example: To set up a CD of
the code number “5001”
1Set the Remote
Commander for code input
mode.
2Press the desired
Component Select button.
3Enter the code number.
4Finish setting.
Press SET and MENU.
You can search for the
component code available for
your component.
1Set the Remote
Commander for code
input mode.
2Press the desired
Component Select button.
3Transmit code number
signals in turn.
4Finish setting.
Press SET and MENU.
For more details, see page 13 .
Press CH + or CH –, and then
POWER. Repeat until your
component reacts.
If you have the code
number
If you cannot find the
code number
For more details, see page 10 .
4
Press ENT.
Press ENT.

5
1Place the RM-VL610A head
to head with your VCR’s
remote control.
2Set the RM-VL610A for
“learning” mode.
Press and hold SET for at least
3 seconds until the SET
indicator flashes.
3Press the desired
Component Select button.
If your component does not work as supposed even if the code
number is set, make the RM-VL610A “learn” the functions of
your component’s remote control.
Learning function
Example: To “teach” the H(play) signal of your video cassette
recorder to the VCR Hbutton of the RM-VL610A
VCR’s remote
control
RM-VL610A
4Press the button you
want to “teach.”
5Press and hold the H
(play) button of your
VCR’s remote control until
the VCR button of the
RM-VL610A lights up.
6Repeat Steps 4and 5to
“teach” other functions.
7Finish setting.
For more details, see page 16.
2 – 4 inches
(5 – 10 cm)
away (approx.)
Press SET.
5

6
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Installing the Batteries ................................................................................. 8
When to replace the batteries ............................................................................ 8
Location of Controls .....................................................................................9
Basic Operations
Setting the Code for non-Sony Preset Audio and Visual Components
— Setting component codes ................................................................... 10
Setting a component code ................................................................................ 10
Checking if the code number works .............................................................. 12
Setting a Component Code by the Search Function ................................... 13
Operating Your Components with the Remote Commander ...................... 14
To control the volume ....................................................................................... 15
Programming Signals of Another Remote Control — Learning Function ...16
For accurate Learning ....................................................................................... 19
Programming remote control signals to the
Component Select buttons and System Control buttons .......................... 20
Changing or erasing the function of a “learned” button ............................ 22
Notes on programming the signals for an air-conditioner ......................... 24
Advanced Features
Controlling the Volume of Visual Components Connected to an Audio
System ......................................................................................................25
Adding an Extra Function to the Component Select Buttons ..................... 27
Programming the Power-On Command of the Selected Component just
by pressing that Component Select button
(for Sony Components only) ........................................................................ 27
Executing a Series of Commands — System Control Functions .................29
To clear programmed commands ................................................................... 31
Programming a Series of Commands to on the Component Select
Buttons .....................................................................................................32
To clear programmed commands ................................................................... 33
Assigning Other Components to the Component Select Buttons .............. 33
Using Other Functions
Locking the Controls — Hold Function ....................................................... 34
Erasing all settings — To reset the Commander to its factory settings .....35

7
Additional Information
Precautions .................................................................................................36
Maintenance ...............................................................................................36
Specifications .............................................................................................. 36
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................37
Appendixes
Table of Preset Functions ............................................................................ 39
TV ........................................................................................................................ 39
VCR ..................................................................................................................... 41
CBL (Cable box) ................................................................................................. 41
SAT ...................................................................................................................... 42
DVD .................................................................................................................... 42
DVR (Digital video recorder) .......................................................................... 43
CD ....................................................................................................................... 44
MD ....................................................................................................................... 44
DECK .................................................................................................................. 45
AMP .................................................................................................................... 45
DAV (DVD/Receiver combo) ......................................................................... 46
Digital TV TUNER ............................................................................................ 47
Index ...........................................................................................................48

8
Getting Started
Installing the
Batteries
Slide open the battery
compartment lid and insert two
size AA (R6) batteries (not
supplied). Be sure to match up the
+ and – indications on the
batteries with the + and –
indications on the battery
compartment.
When to replace the
batteries
Batteries for remote control
operation (two size AA (R6)
batteries)
If the Commander does not
operate properly, the batteries
might be drained. When this
happens, replace the batteries with
new ones.
Note
Do not take more than one hour to
replace the batteries. Otherwise, your
code number settings (page 10) and
“learned” remote control signals (page
16) will be erased.
Notes on batteries
•Do not use an old battery with a new
one, or mix different types of
batteries together.
•If the electrolyte inside the battery
should leak, wipe the contaminated
area of the battery compartment with
a cloth and replace the old batteries
with new ones. To prevent electrolyte
from leaking, remove the batteries if
you plan not to use the Commander
for a long period of time.
Insert the batteries (negative end
first) through the guide clamp
within each compartment as
shown above.

9
Location of Controls
1SET indicator
2SET button
3Component Select buttons
Light or flash during operation.
4INPUT button
5PIP button
6Number buttons
7DOT button
8VOL +/– buttons*
9MUTING button*
q; A, B, C, D button
qa LIST button
qs FAV button
qd GUIDE button
qf EXIT button
qg Player Control buttons
qh SYSTEM CONTROL buttons
qj POWER button
qk INFO button
ql SLEEP button
w; ENT (enter) button
wa CH (channel) +/– buttons
ws RECALL button
wd PAGE + button
wf PAGE – button
wg MENU button
wh Cursor Control buttons
wj TOOLS button
About tactile dots
The number 5 button, the Gbutton and CH + button each have a tactile dot for ease
of use.
*Note on the VOL +/– and MUTING buttons
The Commander controls or mutes the TV’s volume when you select a visual
component. The Commander controls or mutes the amplifier’s volume when you
select an audio component. You can change this setting (page 25).
Note
The function of the control buttons varies depending on settings/operating modes.
The “Table of Preset Functions” (page 39) shows how the Commander generally
operates for each component in the factory preset mode.

10
SET, press MENU.
The SET indicator lights up.
Example: To set up a
manufacturer’s CD
1See the tables in the
supplied “Component
Code Numbers,” and find
the four-digit component
code number for the
desired component.
If more than one code number
is listed, use the number that is
listed first.
2Press and while holding
Setting a component code
Note
An MD player and a DAV can be set to
any of the above Component Select
buttons. You can assign Component
Select buttons to freely set signals of
your desired components. For further
information, see “Assigning Other
Components to the Component Select
Buttons” (page 33) .
For the functions of buttons as for each
component, see “Table of Preset
Functions” (page 39).
Basic Operations
Setting the Code for
non-Sony Preset
Audio and Visual
Components
— Setting
component codes
The Commander is preset at the
factory to operate Sony brand AV
components (see the table below).
If you are using the Commander
with a factory-set Sony
components, skip the following
procedures.
You can use the Commander with
other major brand preset AV
components also. To use with
other AV components, or Sony
components which do not
function with the Commander,
you need to follow the procedures
to set the correct codes for each
component.
Component
Select Button
TV
DVD
SAT
CBL
VCR
CD
TAPE
AMP
Factory setting
Sony TV
Sony DVD
player
Sony satellite
tuner
Sony cable box
Sony VHS
VCR
Sony CD
player
Sony cassette
deck
Sony amplifier
Preset
component(s)
TV
TV/VCR
Combo
DVD player
Satellite
tuner
Cable box
VCR
CD player
Cassette
deck
Amplifier

11
3Press the Component Select
button for the desired
component.
The SET indicator and the
selected Component Select
button lights up.
4Press the Number buttons
to enter the four-digit
component code number.
5Press ENT.
The SET indicator and the
Component Select button light
turns off.
If the Component Select button
flashes five times before
turning off, it means that the
setup is incomplete. Start over
from Step 2.
Continued
Notes
•If you press a component code
number that is not on the table in the
supplied “Component Code
Numbers,” or if you press a button in
the wrong order, the Component
Select button flashes five times, and
then turns off. Check the component
code number, and try setting it again.
•If you don’t input anything into the
Commander within 20 seconds
between each step, the setup
procedure will be canceled. To set the
code, start over from Step 2.
•
If you press SET while setting the
component code, all code numbers will
be lost, and the setup procedure will
be canceled. Start over from Step 2.
To cancel setup, press SET.

12
Setting the Code for non-Sony
Preset Audio and Visual
Components — Setting
component codes (continued)
Checking if the code
number works
1Power on the component
with its power switch.
2Press the corresponding
Component Select button
for the component you
have set up.
The Component Select button
lights up when you press it,
and turns off when you release
it.
3Aim the Commander at the
component and press
POWER.
The selected Component Select
button lights up when you
press a function button, and
turns off when you release it.
The component should power
off.
4If you have succeeded,
check that the Commander
is operating the other
functions of your
component, such as channel
and volume control.
See page 14 for details.
If the Commander does not
seem to be working
Try repeating the setup procedure
using the other codes listed for your
component, or try setting the code
number using the Search function
(page 13).
Note on the VOL+/– and MUTING
buttons
When you operate a visual
component, the TV button lights
up to indicate that the
Commander is controlling or
muting the TV’s volume.
When you operate an audio
component, the AMP button lights
up to indicate that the
Commander is controlling or
muting the amplifier’s volume.
It is recommended that you first
set the TV and AMP codes before
setting up any other components.
Note on buttons that have
already “learned” remote
control signals
If another signal has already been
programmed on a button using
the Learning function (page 16),
that “learned” signal will continue
to work even after you set the
component code number. To use it
as a preset function button, you
must first erase its “learned”
signal (page 22).

13
1Press and while holding
SET, press MENU.
The SET indicator lights up.
2Press the Component Select
button for the desired
component.
The SET indicator and the
selected Component Select
button lights up.
3Press CH + or CH – and
POWER in turn until the
component reacts as
described in the following.
TV: Powers off
VCR, CBL, DVD, AMP: Powers
on
CD player, MD player, cassette
deck: Plays back
Press CH + to go to the next
code number.
Press CH – to go back to the
previous code number.
The Component Select button
flashes three times after the
numbers have turned one cycle.
One cycle means, for example,
the four-digit code numbers
beginning from “8” are cycled
through.
Setting a Component
Code by the Search
Function
You can find a code number
available for a component that
doesn’t have one in the supplied
“Component code numbers.”
Before starting the Search
function
Set each component to the
following status so that the Search
function works effectively.
TV, AMP: Power-on
CD player, MD player*, cassette
deck: Power-on with a playback
source (disc, cassette tape, etc.)
Other components: Power-off
*If any of these components are
assigned to any of the
Component Select buttons (page
33), you can set a component
code using the Search function.
Continued

14
Example: To operate a video
cassette recorder
1Press the desired
Component Select button.
The Component Select button
lights up when you press it,
and turns off when you release
it.
4Press ENT.
The SET indicator and the
Component button turns off.
If the Component Select button
flashes five times before turning
off, it means that the setup is
incomplete. Start over from Step 1.
5Check if the code number
works by following the
instructions on page 12.
Notes
• If you don’t input anything into the
Commander within 20 seconds
between each step, the setup
procedure will be canceled. To set the
code, start over from the beginning.
• If you press any button other than
CH +/– and POWER while setting
the component code, all code
numbers will be lost, and the setup
procedure will be canceled. Start over
from the beginning.
To cancel setup, press SET.
Setting a Component Code by
the Search Function (continued) Operating Your
Components with the
Remote Commander
When you operate a non-Sony
component, make sure you set the
component code first (page 10).

15
To control the volume
Press VOL +/– to control the
volume. Press MUTING to mute
the sound.
When you select a visual
component, the TV’s volume will
be controlled (TV Component
Select button lights up), and when
you select an audio component,
the amplifier’s volume will be
controlled (AMP Component
Select button lights up). You can
change this setting (page 25).
Notes
•If you used the Learning function
(page 16) to program the VOL +/– or
MUTING button to send a signal to
any other component, that signal will
be transmitted instead of the volume
or muting of the TV or amplifier
when you select that component.
• If you used the Learning function
(page 16) to program the VOL +/– or
MUTING button for the TV or AMP
buttons to send a signal to any other
component, that signal will be
transmitted only when you select TV
or AMP. When you select another
component, the preset volume control
signals for TV or AMP will be
transmitted.
•If you have assigned another
component to the TV or AMP buttons
(page 33), the volume of the TV or
amplifier cannot be controlled even if
you select another component.
2Press any Player Control
button.
See “Table of Preset Functions”
(page 39) for the functions of
buttons for each component.
Note
The remote control signals may be
different for some components or
functions. In this case, program the
remote control signals with the
Learning function (page 16). Note,
however, that components and
functions that do not support the
remote control of infrared signals will
not work with this Commander.

16
Example: To program the H
(Play) signal of your video
cassette recorder to the VCR H
(Play) button of the Commander
1Place the RM-VL610A head
to head with your
component’s remote
control.
about 2 – 4 inches
(5 – 10 cm) away
Remote control for
your component
RM-VL610A
Programming Signals
of Another Remote
Control — Learning
Function
To operate components or
functions which do not work even
if you set a component code
number, use the following
Learning procedure to “teach” any
of the programmable buttons of
the Commander to operate the
functions of another remote
control. You can also use the
Learning function to change the
signals of individual buttons after
setting the component code
number (page 10). It is
recommended that you make a
note of the “learned” key
functions. (It is possible to make a
note on the back of the supplied
“Component code numbers.”)
Notes
•Some specific remote control signals
may not be “learned.”
• You can also use a display monitor
for computer display (including a
built-in tuner type), if the
Commander is “learned.”

17
4Press the button on the
Commander you want to
“teach.”
The SET indicator flashes and
the selected Component Select
button lights up. (Learning
function standby).
If another signal has already
been “learned” by that
button
The SET indicator flashes
twice, and the Commander
takes no action returning to its
state after the Component
Select button was pressed in
Step 3. Either “teach” to
another free button, or clear the
already “learned” function
(page 22) and start over from
the beginning.
2Press and hold SET for over
3 seconds.
The SET indicator flash.
3Press the Component Select
button for the component
whose signals are to be
“learned.”
The SET indicator flashes and
the selected Component Select
button light up.
Continued

18
Programming Signals of Another
Remote Control — Learning
Function (continued)
5Press and hold the button
on the other remote control,
until both the SET indicator
and the Component Select
button lights up again.
During data transfer, only the
SET indicator stays lit, and the
Component Select button turns
off.
After data transfer is complete,
the Commander returns to its
state in Step 3.
If the SET indicator flashes
five times
It means that “learning” is
incomplete. Repeat steps 4 and 5.
6Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to
“teach” functions to other
buttons.
To “teach” another
component’s remote control
signal
After positioning the two remote
commanders as in Step 1 on page
16, press the corresponding
Component Select button, and then
follow Steps 4 and 5 to perform
Learning.
7Press SET to finish setting.
during data
transfer
data transfer
complete
Notes
•If you do not perform Learning steps
within 20 seconds at any point during
the process, Learning mode ends.
•If you do not perform Step 5 within
10 seconds after Step 4, the learning
procedure returns to Step 3. Repeat
Step 4 while the Component Select
button lights.
To cancel setup, press SET.
If the Commander does not
seem to be working
If the “learned” button does not
operate properly, “teach” once again.
(For example, if the volume becomes
very loud after pressing VOL + only
once, noise may have interfered during
the Learning procedure.)
If you set a component code
after “learning” a signal
If you have programmed any signal on
a button by the Learning function, that
signal will work even after you set a
component code.
Note on the REC zsignal
You can only “teach” to one button at a
time. Therefore you cannot teach a
sequential button operation (for
example REC z+ G) to a single button
on the Commander. In this case,
“teach” the functions of each button on
your component to the Commander.
remote control
of component

19
Continued
When you “teach” signals to
VOL +/– or MUTING
•If you used the Learning
function to program the VOL +/–
or MUTING buttons to send any
signal to components other than
the TV or AMP, that signal will
be transmitted only by pressing
VOL +/– or MUTING when you
select that component.
•If you used the Learning
function to program the VOL +/–
or MUTING buttons to send any
signal to the TV or AMP, that
signal will be transmitted only
after you select TV or AMP.
When you select other
components, the “learned”
signal will be transmitted.
To “teach” the signals for an
air-conditioner
See “Notes on programming the
signals for an air-conditioner” on
page 24.
For accurate Learning
•Do not move the remote units
during the Learning procedure.
•Be sure to keep holding down
the “learning” button until your
Commander reacts as described.
•Use fresh batteries in both
remote units.
•Avoid Learning in places subject
to direct sunlight or a strong
fluorescent light. (Noise may
interfere during the Learning
procedure.)
•The remote control detector area
may differ depending on each
remote unit. If Learning does not
work, try changing the positions
of the two remote control units.
•When you teach signals of an
interactive signal exchange
system remote control unit
(supplied with some of Sony’s
amplifiers) to the Commander,
the response signal of the main
unit may interfere with the
learning of the Commander. In
such a case, move to a place
where the signals will not reach
the main unit (e.g. other rooms,
etc.).
IMPORTANT
Be sure to place the
Commander out of the reach of
small children or pets, and lock
the controls using the Hold
function (page 34).
Components such as air
conditioners, heaters, electric
appliances, and electric
shutters or curtains receiving
an infrared signal can be
dangerous if misused.

20
2Press and hold the
Component Select button
for the component whose
signals are to be “learned”
for over 3 seconds.
To teach signals to the SYSTEM
CONTROL buttons, press and
hold the desired SYSTEM
CONTROL button for over 3
seconds.
Both the SET indicator and the
selected Component Select
button light up.
When you “teach” signals to
the SYSTEM CONTROL
buttons, only the SET indicator
lights up.
When the SET indicator lights
up, you can release the
Component Select button. The
SET indicator flashes and the
selected Component Select
button lights up (Learning
function standby).
When you “teach” signals to
the SYSTEM CONTROL
buttons, you can release the
SYSTEM CONTROL button
when the SET indicator lights
up. The SET indicator lights
up, but the SYSTEM
CONTROL button does not
light up.
Programming signals of another
remote control — Learning
Function (continued)
Programming remote
control signals to the
Component Select buttons
and System Control
buttons
You can “teach” one operating
procedure to a Component Select
button and System Control
buttons, so that when you press
the Component Select button and
System Control buttons, the
operation is also automatically
done.
For example, if it is necessary to
switch the input selection of an
amplifier to DVD when you use a
DVD player, “teach” an input
select signal to the DVD button.
After “learning,” the input
selection of an amplifier is
automatically switched to DVD
just by pressing DVD. (For this
operation, the amplifier should
first be turned on.)
Example: To “teach” the DVD
input remote control signal of
your amplifier to the DVD
Component Select button of the
Commander
1Follow Steps 1 to 2 (page
16).