Hi Geoff,

I can see your point that discrete commands (especially for non-power uses) are nice, sure. 2-3 I/R commands are clearly longer than 1 I/R command.

On my Sony TV's (which only have a "next" video input button), I find that doing a 2<Enter><Video> will absolutely discretely get me to Video One, regardless of prior state. Now, if it's very convienent to collect I/R to do discrete operations (i.e. if it was already in my .IRL file for the device, or very very easy to get in there), I'd certainly use it. But if it's short and easy to work around it, I generally do that. That way it works on any system anywhere, and it's easier to share my source code without saying "Oh, wait, you need these special I/R codes as well, or the code won't work".

In the case of power, I guess I just never ever do uncontrolled I/R of power signals, even with discrete power.

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I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this. I certainly accept that some of your points are valid, but if one wants to keep the system relatively simple (and at a reasonable cost), discrete power codes definitely have their place. Even if using power sense for the other benefits, why not send the discrete power commands if available anyway?

It doesn't "cost" me anymore to power sense than not. NetLinx I/R cards come, built in, with contact sense ports since it's so common to sense power on I/R devices. So the hardware is "there"; it's only a question of if I choose to use it or not.

So, since I like to avoid needless I/R, I already do things like:

if (!VCR_PCS) PULSE[VCR,PWR_ON]
(or something like that).

Now, in this case, PWR_ON could be a toggle power, or it could be a discrete power. In either case, I don't really care. Because regardless, the system will work identically, and the VCR will turn on IF needed (otherwise nothing will happen).

You ask "Why sense power if you don't need to?" Well, in response, I guess I've never had a situation where I didn't need to. It's so easy to test power, I invariably test, even if just to reduce the I/R output and get the device up/running as quickly as possible.

-- Jeff

861, 800, G68, Sony G90, Snell&Wilcox Interpolat