Sony RM-VL900 User manual

3-048-656-12 (1)
Integrated Remote
Commander
Operating Instructions
© 2000 Sony Corporation
RM-VL900

2
For the 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. The 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 causes harmful interference to radio or televison
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.

3
Features
The RM-VL900 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 including
Sony. You can remote control your components by setting their code
numbers (page 8).
Learning function for programming other remote control signals
you need
This Commander has a Learning function, to “learn” remote control
signals to operate non-preset components or functions (page 15).
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 35).
Reassigning new components
You can assign other Component Select buttons to freely operate other
components. This is useful when you have more than two of the same
kind of AV components (page 32).
System Control function allows one-touch operation to execute a
series of commands
You can program up to 16 consecutive operation steps to execute a series
of operations by pressing a single button (page 23).
Data can be transferred between remote commanders with the
mark
You can transfer the data such as “learned” signals and component code
settings between this Commander and another Sony remote commander
with the mark. It will save the trouble of performing the same
operations again for setting (page 38).
Channel Macro function allows you to select a channel with a
single key
Up to 4 key steps can be programmed on Macro keys. If you set the key
operations for entering a channel number on a Macro key, you can select
the channel by pressing that Macro key (page 43).

4
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Installing the Batteries .................................................................................6
When to replace the batteries ............................................................................ 6
Location of Controls .....................................................................................7
Basic Operations
Setting the Code for Preset Audio andVisual Components .........................8
Setting a component code .................................................................................. 8
Checking if the code number works .............................................................. 10
Setting a component code by the Search function ....................................... 11
Operating Your Components with the Remote Commander ......................12
To control the volume ....................................................................................... 13
Notes on operating your components ........................................................... 14
Using Unpreset Remote Control Operations — Learning Function............15
For accurate Learning ....................................................................................... 18
Changing or erasing the function of a “learned” button ............................ 19
Advanced Features
Controlling theVolume ofVisual Components Connected to an Audio
System......................................................................................................21
Executing a Series of Commands — System Control Function ..................23
Programming a series of commands to the SYSTEM CONTROL
buttons ............................................................................................................. 24
Notes on System Control Operation .............................................................. 27
Programming a series of commands to the Component Select buttons ... 27
Changing the interval between operation steps ........................................... 29
Adding an Extra Function to the Component Select Buttons .....................30
Programming the Power-On Command of the Selected Component (for
Sony Components only)................................................................................ 30
Assigning Other Components to the Component Select Buttons ..............32
Copying the settings of a Component Select button to another button .... 34
Programming a Frequently Used Key Operation for SYSTEM CONTROL
Buttons.....................................................................................................35
Notes on the “learned” signals of an air-conditioner .................................. 37
Transferring Data between Remote Commanders......................................38
Transferring the data ........................................................................................ 38
Receiving the data ............................................................................................. 40
Selecting a Channel with a Single Button — Channel Macro Function .....43

5
Using Other Functions
Locking the Controls — Hold Function.......................................................45
Additional Information
Precautions .................................................................................................46
Specifications..............................................................................................46
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................47
Appendix
Table of Preset Functions............................................................................50
TV ........................................................................................................................ 50
VCR ..................................................................................................................... 51
CBL (Cable box)................................................................................................. 51
SAT ...................................................................................................................... 52
DVD .................................................................................................................... 52
VD (LD player) .................................................................................................. 53
CD ....................................................................................................................... 53
MD....................................................................................................................... 54
DAT ..................................................................................................................... 54
DECK .................................................................................................................. 55
AMP .................................................................................................................... 55
Index ............................................................................................. Back cover

6
Getting Started
Installing the
Batteries
Slide open the battery
compartment lid and insert four
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 (Four size AA (R6)
batteries)
Under normal conditions, the
batteries will last up to five
months. 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
setting of the code numbers (page 8)
and “learned” remote control signals
(page 15) will be erased.
Notes on batteries
•Do not mix old batteries with new
ones 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 the
electrolyte from leaking, remove the
batteries when you plan not to use
the Commander for a long period of
time.
Insert the batteries negative-and-
first through the guide clamp
within each compartment as
shown above.

7
Location of Controls
1S (set) button
2Set indicator
3Component Select buttons
Light or flash during operation.
4Number buttons/AMP INPUT
select buttons
5PIP button
6TV/VIDEO button
7DISPLAY button
8Player Control buttons
9Cursor Control & OK buttons
0MENU button
qa VOL +/– buttons*
qs MUTING button*
qd SYSTEM CONTROL buttons
qf POWER button
qg ENT (enter) button
qh SLEEP button
qj GUIDE button
qk CH (channel) +/– buttons
ql RECALL button
*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 also
(page 21).
NOTE
The function of control buttons vary depending on settings/operating modes.
“Table of Preset Functions” (page 50) shows how the Commander generally
operates for each component at preset mode.
These settings can be changed, and some buttons are used specifically in the setup
procedure as described in the following pages.

8
Example:To set up a Philips’ TV
1See the tables in the
supplied “Component
Code Numbers”, and find
the three-digit code number
for the desired component.
If more than one code number
is listed, use the number that is
listed first.
For example, to set up a
Philips’ TV, you would use the
code number 056.
2Press S (set).
All Component Select buttons
flash.
Basic Operations
Setting the Code for
Preset Audio and
Visual Components
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 preset AV components also.
To use with other AV components,
you need to follow the procedures
to set the correct codes for each
component.
*Analog audio compact cassette deck
NOTE
CBL and VD can be set to any of the
above Component Select buttons, and
so can the others respectively.
See “Table of Preset Functions” (page
50) for the functions of buttons as for
each component.
Setting a component code
Component
Select Button
TV
VCR
CBL/SAT
DVD
CD
MD
TAPE
AMP
Factory setting
Sony TV
Sony VHS
VCR
Sony SAT
Sony DVD
player
Sony CD
player
Sony MD deck
Sony cassette
deck
Sony amplifier
Preset
component(s)
TV
TV/VCR
Combo
VCR
Satellite
tuner (SAT)
DVD player
(DVD)
CD player
MD deck
Cassette
deck*
Amplifier

9
3Press the Component Select
button for the desired
component.
The selected Component
button lights up, and all other
buttons turn off.
4Press the Number buttons
to enter the three-digit
component code number.
The selected Component
button turns off each time you
press a Number button.
5Press ENT.
The Component button turns
off.
If the Component 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
an improper order, the Component
button flashes five times, and then
turns off. Check the component code
number, and try setting again.
• If you don’t input anything into the
Commander for over 20 seconds
between each step, the setup
procedure will be canceled. To set the
code, start over from Step 2.
• If you press S (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 S (set).

10
Setting the Code for Preset
Audio and Visual Components
(continued)
Checking if the code
number works
1Press the corresponding
Component Select button
for the component you
have set up.
The Component button lights
up when you press it, and
turns off when you release it.
2Power on the component
with its power switch.
3Aim the Commander at the
component and press
POWER.
The selected Component
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 50 for details.
If the Commander does not
seem to be working
Try repeating the setup procedures
using the other codes listed for your
components, or try setting the code
number using the Search function
(page 11).
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 that button using
the Learning function (page 15),
that “learned” signal will work
even after you set the component
code number. To use it as a preset
function button, first erase its
“learned” signal (page 19).

11
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: Power-on
VCR, SAT, CBL, DVD, AMP:
Power-off
VD, CD, MD, TAPE: Power-on
with a playback source (disc,
cassette tape, etc.)
1Press S (set).
All Component Select buttons
flash.
2Press the Component Select
button for the desired
component.
The selected Component
button lights up, and all other
buttons turn off.
3Press CH + or CH – and
POWER in turn until the
component reacts as
decribed in the following.
Powers off: TV
Powers on: VCR, SAT, CBL,
DVD, AMP
Plays back: VD, CD, MD, TAPE
Press CH + to go to the next
code number.
Press CH – to go back to the
previous code number.
The Component button flashes
three times after the numbers
have turned one cycle.
Note
Always be sure to first press CH+/-
before pressing POWER. Otherwise
the Search function does not work
properly.
Continued

12
4Press ENT.
The Component button turns
off.
5Check if the code number
works by following the
instructions on page 10.
To cancel setup, press S (set).
Setting the Code for Preset
Audio and Visual Components
(continued)
Example: To play a CD player
1Press the desired
Component Select button.
The Component button lights
up when you press it, and
turns off when you release it.
Operating Your
Components with the
Remote Commander
When you operate a non-Sony
component, make sure you set the
component code first (page 8).

13
To control the volume
Press VOL +/– to control the
volume, and MUTING to mute.
When you select a visual
component, the TV’s volume will
be controlled (the TV button lights
up), and when you select an audio
component, the amplifier’s
volume will be controlled (the
AMP button lights up). You can
change this setting also (page 21).
Notes
• If you have programmed any signal
on the VOL +/– or MUTING button
of any component by the Learning
function (page 15), that signal will be
transmitted instead of controlling the
volume of the TV or amplifier when
you select that component.
• If you have programmed any signal
on the VOL +/– or MUTING button
of TV or AMP by the Learning
function, that signal will be
transmitted only when you select TV
or AMP. When you select other
components, the preset volume
control signals for TV or AMP will be
transmitted.
• If you have assigned another
component to the TV or AMP button
(page 32), the volume of the TV or
amplifier cannot be controlled even
when you select other components.
Continued
2Press any Player Control
button.
See “Table of Preset Functions”
(page 50) 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 (see page 15). Note,
however, that components and
functions that do not support the
remote control of infrared signals will
not work with this Commander.

14
Notes on operating your
components
When you use a double cassette
deck
1If the remote control for your
deck has a Deck A/B select
control, the RECALL button on
your Commander has the
corresponding function.
2If you cannot select Deck A/B
with the RECALL button, first
set the number code for either
one of the decks, and
•set the function controls for
the other deck to other free
buttons (for example, the
Number buttons) using the
Learning function (page 15),
or
•assign the other deck to
another Component Select
button (page 32).
About the input select of a TV
Each time the TV/VIDEO button
is pressed, the input is changed in
order. It is also possible to select
directly as follows when you are
connecting more than two VCRs.
“TV/VIDEO” + “0” : TV tuner
“TV/VIDEO” + “1” : VIDEO1
“TV/VIDEO” + “2” : VIDEO2
“TV/VIDEO” + “3” : VIDEO3
“TV/VIDEO” + “4” : VIDEO4
“TV/VIDEO” + “5” : VIDEO5
“TV/VIDEO” + “6” : VIDEO6
If the above operations do not
work, program the remote control
signals of your component to the
Commander using the Learning
function (page 15).
About the input select of a VCR
Each time the TV/VIDEO button
is pressed, the input is changed in
order. It is also possible to select
directly as follows.
“TV/VIDEO” + “0” : Tuner
“TV/VIDEO” + “1” : LINE1
“TV/VIDEO” + “2” : LINE2
“TV/VIDEO” + “3” : LINE3
“TV/VIDEO” + “4” : LINE4
“TV/VIDEO” + “5” : DV in
When you use a Sony VCR, the
above commands are preset. For
other brands, it is possible to
“teach” the above sequential
button operations using the
Learning function (see page 15).
Operating Your Components
with the Remote Commander
(continued)

15
about 2 – 4 inches
(5 – 10 cm) away
Remote control for
your component
RM-VL900
Continued
Using Unpreset
Remote Control
Operations
— Learning Function
To operate unpreset components
or functions, use the following
Learning procedure to “teach” any
of the programmable buttons 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 8).
It is recommended that you make
a note of the “learned” key
functions.
Note
Some specific remote control signals
may not be “learned”.
Example:To program the N
(Play) signal of your component
to the VCR N(Play) button of
the Commander
1Place the RM-VL900 head
to head with your
component’s remote
control.
2Press and hold S (set) for
over 3 seconds.
The S (set) indicator lights up,
and all Component Select
buttons flash.

16
Using Unpreset Remote Control
Operations
— Learning Function (continued)
3Press the Component Select
button for the component
whose signals are to be
“learned”.
Both the S (set) indicator and
the selected Component button
light up, and all other buttons
turn off.
If another signal has already
been programmed on that
Component button, the
Component button of the
“learned” component remains
flashing. It stays that way until
you have changed the setting.
Example: If “CD” has been set
to VCR, VCR lights up and CD
flashes.
4Press the button on the
Commander you want to
“teach”.
Both the S (set) indicator and
the Component button flash
(Learning function standby).
If another signal has already
been “learned” by that
button
The S (set) indicator flashes
twice, and the Commander
returns to its state in Step 3.
Either “teach” to another free
button, or clear the already
“learned” function (page 19)
and start over from the
beginning.

17
5Press and hold the button
on the other remote control,
until both the S (set)
indicator and the
Component button light up
again.
During data transfer, only the S
(set) indicator stays lit, and the
Component button turns off.
After data transfer is complete,
the Commander returns to its
state in Step 3.
6Repeat Steps 4 to 5 to
“teach” functions to other
buttons.
To “learn” another
component’s remote control
signal
After positioning the two remote
commanders as in Step 1 on page
15, press the corresponding
Component Select button, and then
follow Steps 4 to 5 to perform
Learning.
7Press S (set) to finish
setting.
remote control
of component
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, Learning
mode ends.
To cancel setup, press S (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.
When you “teach” the signals
for a double cassette deck
Press RECALL to select Deck A
or B.
Note on the REC zsignal
You can only “teach” to one button at
at time. Therefore you cannot teach a
sequential button operation (for
example REC z+ B) to a single button
on your Commander.
Continued

18
Using Unpreset Remote Control
Operations
— Learning Function (continued)
When you “teach” signals to the
VOL +/– or MUTING buttons
•If you have programmed any
signal on the VOL +/– or
MUTING button for components
other than TV and AMP using
the Learning function, that
signal will be transmitted only
when you select that component.
•If you have programmed any
signal on the VOL +/– or
MUTING button for TV or AMP
using the Learning function, that
signal will be transmitted only
after you select TV or AMP.
When you select other
components, the preset volume
control signals for TV or AMP
will be transmitted (for the
difference between visual
components and audio
components, see page 21). To use
the “learned” signal, you need to
program the VOL +/– or
MUTING button for each
component using the Learning
function.
To“teach” the signals for an air-
conditioner
See “Programming a Frequently
Used Key Operation for SYSTEM
CONTROL Buttons” on page 35.
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 under
direct sunlight or a strong
fluorescent light.
•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
receivers and 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.
Components such as air
conditioners, heaters, electric
appliances, and electric
shutters or curtains receiving
an infrared signal can be
dangerous if misused.

19
Continued
Changing or erasing the
function of a “learned”
button
To change the “learned” function,
clear it first and perform Learning
again.
To clear the “learned” function
of a single button
Example:To erase the “learned”
function from the Number
button 1 in VCR mode.
1Press and hold S (set) for
over 3 seconds.
The S (set) indicator lights up,
and all Component Select
buttons flash.
2While holding the desired
Component Select button
pressed, press the button
you want to erase.
The S (set) indicator turns off,
and the selected Component
button lights up.
Note
Be sure to press both buttons at
once. If you release the Component
Select button, the Commander
changes to Learning mode.
3Press S (set) to finish
setting.

20
Using Unpreset Remote Control
Operations
— Learning Function (continued)
To clear all function signals
“learned” for a specific
component
Example:To erase all functions
“learned” by VCR button.
1Press and hold S (set) for
over 3 seconds.
The S (set) indicator lights up,
and all Component Select
buttons flash.
2While holding xpressed,
press the desired
Component Select button.
The S (set) indicator turns off,
and the selected Component
button lights up.
Note
Through this operation, you can
only erase the “learned” functions
of all buttons for a specific
component and the Channel Macro
function. The “learned” functions
for the Component Select buttons
cannot be changed here. You must
be sure beforehand of which
“learned” function you want to
erase.
3Press S (set) to finish
setting.