Harmony Issue - Now Solved!

[klinemj]

I finally (over a year later) started updating my Logitech Harmony 700 to reflect all my new equipment & elimination of the old stuff. All is working well except 1 thing...when I switch from TV to Movie, the XSP-1 is supposed to stay on HT Bypass but it switches to Bal 2. If I re-select "Movie", it does switch back to HT Bypass. Then, when I switch back to TV, it switches off HT Bypass and again back to Bal 2. In each's setup on Harmony's software, it shows that the XSP-1 is supposed to stay set on HT Bypass, so I am at a loss to figure out why it is switching.

That's the bad news. The good news is that when I switch to my HTPC, it properly sets my XSP-1 to Bal 2 input (which is the input from my DC-1), and when I switch back from HTPC to TV or BluRay...it correctly switches the XSP-1 back to HT Bypass.

I have tried a few different options in setup, but everything seems to default to this issue.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Mark (PS - I am using Logitech's MyHarmony.com site)

[geebo]

Mark,

The HT Bypass is an on/off toggle and will stay at whatever the last state was when powered down. So if the Harmony activity sets HT Bypass it will change to off if it was on when last powered down even though you may want it on.

[klinemj]

Thanks George...I ended up having all the various "activities" on the Harmony tell it to make no change to the XSP-1 for the activity. Then, I set the HTPC activity to go to "Bal 2" on the XSP-1 when entering the activity and going to "HT Bypass" when exiting. That sets it up perfect to do what I need.

Now, the only issue I have is that when switching to an activity that involves the Oppo 105, it takes the Oppo a while to turn on (15-30 seconds, I'd guess). So, when I switch to that activity, I see the Oppo turn on and start it's startup procedure...then the Harmony sits there telling me to keep aiming at the devices while it completes its commands for the activity. Once it's on, the XSP and UMC then get their commands from the Harmony and all is good. I am not worried about me knowing that I need to wait...just worried about finding a workaround for the wife and kids who want instant gratification. "Push button, action happens".

The upside of today's efforts with the Harmony is that the new Harmony software is easier to use than the old one. It's been a while since I did any updates, so it was nice to find an easier interface when I finally did. (No wonder my sister had no issues setting up the 650 I helped her pick for her TV/soundbar/BluRay/cable controls!)

Mark (PS - I changed the thread title as the issues I have are less w/the Emotiva equipment and more with understanding how Harmony works...)

[geebo]

Jan 2, 2014 15:34:21 GMT -5 klinemj said:

Thanks George...I ended up having all the various "activities" on the Harmony tell it to make no change to the XSP-1 for the activity. Then, I set the HTPC activity to go to "Bal 2" on the XSP-1 when entering the activity and going to "HT Bypass" when exiting. That sets it up perfect to do what I need.

Now, the only issue I have is that when switching to an activity that involves the Oppo 105, it takes the Oppo a while to turn on (15-30 seconds, I'd guess). So, when I switch to that activity, I see the Oppo turn on and start it's startup procedure...then the Harmony sits there telling me to keep aiming at the devices while it completes its commands for the activity. Once it's on, the XSP and UMC then get their commands from the Harmony and all is good. I am not worried about me knowing that I need to wait...just worried about finding a workaround for the wife and kids who want instant gratification. "Push button, action happens".

The upside of today's efforts with the Harmony is that the new Harmony software is easier to use than the old one. It's been a while since I did any updates, so it was nice to find an easier interface when I finally did. (No wonder my sister had no issues setting up the 650 I helped her pick for her TV/soundbar/BluRay/cable controls!)

Mark (PS - I changed the thread title as the issues I have are less w/the Emotiva equipment and more with understanding how Harmony works...)

I have mine set HT Bypass when needed with an activity then toggle it again when leaving the activity.

Ease of use for the wife is one of the reasons I went to a 900 and use all RF now. No need to point in any direction. Just push a button and wait.

[jlafrenz]

George, I have seen where you have helped a couple of people out with this. Any chance you would be willing to make a detailed thread about this? If so, I will sticky it.

[geebo]

Jan 2, 2014 16:04:14 GMT -5 jlafrenz said:

George, I have seen where you have helped a couple of people out with this. Any chance you would be willing to make a detailed thread about this? If so, I will sticky it.

Are you talking about just the HT Bypass / Harmony issues? I could do something like that if you think it would help some users.

[klinemj]

George,

With the RF, I assume the delay is as long...correct? I suspect the WAF/KAF will be more about the delay and less about having to point it until the result happens. I am wondering if the delay can be avoided.

The good news is that as long as the Oppo stays on, the switch is fast.

Mark

[jlafrenz]

Jan 2, 2014 16:36:00 GMT -5 geebo said:

Jan 2, 2014 16:04:14 GMT -5 jlafrenz said:

George, I have seen where you have helped a couple of people out with this. Any chance you would be willing to make a detailed thread about this? If so, I will sticky it.

Are you talking about just the HT Bypass / Harmony issues? I could do something like that if you think it would help some users.

Yes, Sir.

[geebo]

Jan 2, 2014 19:55:36 GMT -5 jlafrenz said:

Jan 2, 2014 16:36:00 GMT -5 geebo said:

Are you talking about just the HT Bypass / Harmony issues? I could do something like that if you think it would help some users.

Yes, Sir.

I'll work something up this weekend.

[GEL]

Jan 2, 2014 15:05:07 GMT -5 geebo said:

Mark,

The HT Bypass is an on/off toggle and will stay at whatever the last state was when powered down. So if the Harmony activity sets HT Bypass it will change to off if it was on when last powered down even though you may want it on.

Geebo, you just confirmed that I'm not going crazy! I've been trying to resolve this issue with my Harmony One since I got the XSP-1 two months ago without ever figuring out that the bypass button acts as a toggle switch, not as an on/off function! No wonder I could not get it to work reliably, despite my most simplistic or complex attempts at programming the remote.

Now, as you suggested, I have it set up as a simple exit command to toggle the HT Bypass (back on) only when I leave my CD listening sessions (done on Input 1). Otherwise, the HT Bypass button/switch is left on all the time when I turn on my XSP-1, this without any programming required in the remote, e.g. for watching TV or Bluray movies. Much simpler approach, and working every time now.

Thank you very much for the tip,

G.

[geebo]

Jan 2, 2014 23:37:26 GMT -5 GEL said:

Jan 2, 2014 15:05:07 GMT -5 geebo said:

Mark,

The HT Bypass is an on/off toggle and will stay at whatever the last state was when powered down. So if the Harmony activity sets HT Bypass it will change to off if it was on when last powered down even though you may want it on.

Geebo, you just confirmed that I'm not going crazy! I've been trying to resolve this issue with my Harmony One since I got the XSP-1 two months ago without ever figuring out that the bypass button acts as a toggle switch, not as an on/off function! No wonder I could not get it to work reliably, despite my most simplistic or complex attempts at programming the remote.

Now, as you suggested, I have it set up as a simple exit command to toggle the HT Bypass (back on) only when I leave my CD listening sessions (done on Input 1). Otherwise, the HT Bypass button/switch is left on all the time when I turn on my XSP-1, this without any programming required in the remote, e.g. for watching TV or Bluray movies. Much simpler approach, and working every time now.

Thank you very much for the tip,

G.

Glad it helped. I've posted a more detailed instruction set for those interested in the HT section.

emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/34939/harmony-xsp-1-ht-bypass

[klinemj]

I still have 1 problem with my Harmony...that is:

Now, the only issue I have is that when switching to an activity that involves the Oppo 105, it takes the Oppo a while to turn on (15-30 seconds, I'd guess). So, when I switch to that activity, I see the Oppo turn on and start it's startup procedure...then the Harmony sits there telling me to keep aiming at the devices while it completes its commands for the activity. Once it's on, the XSP and UMC then get their commands from the Harmony and all is good. I am not worried about me knowing that I need to wait...just worried about finding a workaround for the wife and kids who want instant gratification. "Push button, action happens".

Does anyone have a lead to solve that? It looks like the Harmony is waiting to give the commands to the other pieces of equipment until the Oppo is fully started and ready to go.

Mark (PS - George notes that with his RF, at least he doesn't have to keep pointing - but for the wife/kids...the wait will likely be something that gets them pushing other buttons when they should just wait)

[geebo]

Jan 3, 2014 9:30:12 GMT -5 klinemj said:

I still have 1 problem with my Harmony...that is:

Now, the only issue I have is that when switching to an activity that involves the Oppo 105, it takes the Oppo a while to turn on (15-30 seconds, I'd guess). So, when I switch to that activity, I see the Oppo turn on and start it's startup procedure...then the Harmony sits there telling me to keep aiming at the devices while it completes its commands for the activity. Once it's on, the XSP and UMC then get their commands from the Harmony and all is good. I am not worried about me knowing that I need to wait...just worried about finding a workaround for the wife and kids who want instant gratification. "Push button, action happens".

Does anyone have a lead to solve that? It looks like the Harmony is waiting to give the commands to the other pieces of equipment until the Oppo is fully started and ready to go.

Mark (PS - George notes that with his RF, at least he doesn't have to keep pointing - but for the wife/kids...the wait will likely be something that gets them pushing other buttons when they should just wait)

Have you tried setting the Oppo 105's Standby Mode to Quick Start and then adjusting delays?

[klinemj]

No - I didn't know there was such a thing! As soon as my teen son is done monopolizing the system, I will try it. (At least he's watching an educational documentary and not some drivel...he loves history.)

Mark

[geebo]

Jan 3, 2014 11:33:04 GMT -5 klinemj said:

No - I didn't know there was such a thing! As soon as my teen son is done monopolizing the system, I will try it. (At least he's watching an educational documentary and not some drivel...he loves history.)

Mark

With the 700, I think you mat be able to set the delays right on the remote but I'm not 100% sure. If not, then there is a way within the software.
I have my 103 set to Quick Start mode and it really does start up noticeably faster than Economy mode.

[klinemj]

Switching to the Oppo's quick start mode didn't change anything. But I did notice that switching to any other activity other than "watch bluray" but still uses the Oppo goes super fast (< 2 seconds). But, if I select that one activity, it takes a full 30 seconds to activate what the UMC is supposed to do. I need to go check to make sure that somehow a delay didn't get added in that activity. I don't think I added one. And of course...now the teen is on the one computer I need to use to update the Harmony's program. Oh well, the Oppo FW is updating now also.

Plenty of time left in the day today to work through it!

Mark

[klinemj]

Here's an update...I went into the Logitech MyHarmony.com software and checked...I had no delays set (as I thought was the case). And, the automatic setup leaves the program such that even in the "customize this activity" area - I can't add or modify delays within the part that's appearing to cause the problem. (there are parts it allows you to change and parts you cannot.)

And, given there were no added delays, I don't think modifying delays would help my issue.

However, I did notice that in the other activities that include the Oppo and in which the Logitech quickly switches - my DirecTV box is included in the devices that are active. In the one in which the Oppo is involved and the DirecTV box is not included in the active devices...it takes 30 seconds to switch activities. So, maybe the system is waiting for the DirecTV box to shut down before it give the UMC-1 commands. It is clearly not waiting for the Oppo to start up.

I have edited the Logitech program to have the DirecTV active during the basic "watch a movie" activity, but my Oppo is re-upgrading FW (it appears to have lost internet connection while downloading the upgrade files...who say it's only Emotiva that have FW upgrade issues!!!). So, I will have to wait to see if my change in Logitech solved the issue.

Mark

[klinemj]

well, that didn't help at all. Still stuck at the same situation...switching from "Watch TV" activity to "Watch BluRay" is 30 seconds. Switching to any other activity which also uses the Oppo is 2-3 seconds.

Any other ideas?

Mark

[geebo]

Jan 3, 2014 16:00:26 GMT -5 klinemj said:

well, that didn't help at all. Still stuck at the same situation...switching from "Watch TV" activity to "Watch BluRay" is 30 seconds. Switching to any other activity which also uses the Oppo is 2-3 seconds.

Any other ideas?

Mark

If switching from one Oppo activity to another, the Harmony knows the Oppo is already on so that's why it goes faster. Did you try changing the order in which devices are turned on? I wonder if the Oppo is turned on first if it wouldn't go somewhat faster. And if the Oppo is just getting switched on with no other commands going to it during the activity I wouldn't think it would be the cause of your delay.

[klinemj]

Odd thing just happened...I had an idea of something to try. I noticed that the only activity that had a big delay was one that was linked to the Logitech's "Watch a Movie" button. So, I created a new activity that had the exact same steps as the other activity, but it was not linked to the "Watch a Movie" button. And, that didn't help. In fact, now - every single activity linked to the Oppo switches slowly. Before that, it was just the 1 Oppo-related activity that was slow.

FYI George - the fast switching was not just from one Oppo activity to another. It was from any activity to any Oppo activity other than the "Watch a Movie" activity. So, one Oppo activity to another Oppo activity OR one non-Oppo activity to any Oppo activity other than the "Watch a Movie" activity. And, it didn't matter if the Oppo was already on or not...same result. And no matter what, as soon as I clicked "Watch a Movie" (whether it was from an Oppo activity or a non-Oppo activity)...there comes the delay (whether the Oppo was on or off to start with). Of course, with my playing, now - any time I go to the Oppo for any activity it's 30 seconds wait time.

Guess I will delete that test activity and see what happens!

Assuming that works to get the others switching fast again - my last guess is that it's related to something going on in the UMC-1. Currently, the UMC-1 uses the pre-progammed "DVD" input (set to HDMI 2 for Audio and Video). The other Oppo-related activities use other UMC-1 inputs. I figure I have 16 to use...why not set up the Oppo movie input for Aux 9, for example! (FYI, the other Oppo-related activities on the Logitech use different UMC-1 input, with each set to specific preferences for that particular function...for example, EmoQ on vs. EmoQ off, or movie-specific vs. music-specific processing preferences...)

Baffling...

Mark