Sound Advice: Learning remote could be a fix

By Don Lindich, Special To The Star Tribune

Last update: September 30, 2007 - 4:10 PM

Q I recently purchased a Sylvania 15-inch digital LCD HDTV to use with Dish Network. My Dish remote control does everything it should with the Dish receiver, but I cannot program the remote to control the TV. My Dish user guide has a list of device codes for Sylvania, but none works. I am unable to receive any help from Sylvania or Dish. Could you possibly send me the device code so I can program my Dish remote to handle all the needed functions?

JOHN GASDA

A Unfortunately, I do not have access to codes different from what you have. What you are finding is that remote codes do not always work, or sometimes they can control some functions of a device but not all. This is most obvious with DVD players and receivers, which usually have brand or model-specific functions.

Your best bet is to get a "learning" remote control, which "learns" the functions from your existing remotes. This will enable you to program it with all of the functions you need and assign them to buttons as you see fit.

Learning remotes start at under $30 and can cost hundreds for more full-featured touch-screen models. A good place to learn about them is Remote Central (www.remotecentral. com). Get a learning remote and program it, and your frustration will be over.

Erasing memory card

Q I know there are two ways to erase my digital camera's memory card, with either the "erase all" function or the "format" function. What is the difference between them?

J. DUCHESS, PITTSBURGH

A When you use "erase all," you will delete all the pictures on the memory card except for ones you have locked or protected. When you use "format," you wipe the card completely clean and erase absolutely everything, including the pictures that were locked or protected. It also configures the card with files and folders to optimize it for use with the device formatting it.

It's a good practice to format a memory card the first time you use it and when changing between devices, for example when moving an SD Card from an MP3 player to a digital camera, or even when changing between cameras. Make sure you download and save your music or pictures first.

Q Our trusty ol' 27-inch TV is on its last legs and we would like to replace it with an HD set of approximately the same screen size. Is it still true that you prefer the picture quality of CRTs to those of other technologies? If so, what are your recommendations for HD CRT TV models in the 27-inch to 32-inch size range?

J. MORGAN, STATE COLLEGE, PA.

A If you don't mind devoting more space for your TV compared with a flat-panel model, a direct-view (tube) CRT is still the way to go for picture quality. Few are available now, but Samsung still makes them, and the picture quality is excellent. The Insignia brand at Best Buy has a good picture with HD sources and is inexpensive, less than $400 for a 30-inch set.

Submit questions and read past columns at www.soundadviceblog.com.

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