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What is �Beam Interval�?
While reading the back of the RM-AV2500�s packaging, users may be intrigued by something called the �Long touch function�, described somewhat unhelpfully as �you can change any button keep-touching mode. And it is useful to avoid accidental operation.� Further confusing the issue is that the manual never mentions anything called �long touch�, but does refer to a new feature named (equally ambiguously) �Beam Interval� � it�s the same thing.
Basically, the RM-AV2500�s �long touch� or �beam interval� feature lets you add a hold delay to any button: before a command is transmitted, the key will have to be held for a certain length of time. For example, if you didn�t want a particular device to be switched off accidentally, you could add a 1 or 2 second hold time to the [Power] button. Users will then need to hold [Power] for 1 to 2 seconds before the key will work. By default, a 1 second hold time is added to the [Rec] button, replacing the old requirement of pressing [Rec] and [Play] at the same time. You can adjust this to a 2 second hold, or remove the hold completely and have the button operate instantly.
This feature works particularly well when selecting components. Typically I like to have power and input switching macros assigned to each device key, so when [TV] or [DVD] is selected the system automatically powers on required devices and sets appropriate inputs. However, I may not always want that macro sent, sometimes preferring to simply change operating modes on the remote without doing anything to the system. The old �opaque hand� trick needed on the RM-AV2100 to block its infrared output during a macro has finally been banished for good: simply press a device key to switch the remote, or hold it for 1 or 2 seconds (1 second being the default) to send the attached macro.
The RM-AV3000 also had a form of the �beam interval� feature, but it only worked on Component Select buttons � with the RM-AV2500 and RM-AV3100 it works on absolutely any command key.
Pointing out a good thing.
Something new to the RM-AV2500 is key aliases, where one button can reference another. Simpler automatic forms of this are often referred to as �punchthroughs�, but here any in-device button can point to any other in-device button. For example, you could copy the TV�s [Wide] button to several devices, without learning the command over and over. If you were to later buy a new TV, any changes to the original [Wide] button would automatically be reflected on aliased keys.
The RM-AV2500 does have an automated volume punchthrough feature, where the remote can control the TV�s audio for visual devices and the receiver�s audio for audio devices, or the receiver for all devices. But that feature only works with preprogrammed codes � if you had to learn the volume keys the punchthrough won�t work. Instead, use the memory-efficient key aliasing feature (not that saving memory is a necessity). As with learning codes, it�s possible to customize the target LCD square�s label during the aliasing process.
You may have noticed the mysteriously named [M1] and [M2] component selection buttons. Can�t figure out what sort of abbreviation that corresponds to? Well, the manual describes these as �Multi Component� keys, made purely out of aliases. By default [M1] is set to operate both televisions and VCRs, while [M2] controls televisions and DVD players. Changing the preset code for any of those original devices will automatically change the functions contained on [M1] or [M2]. These two devices can be further customized to include anything you deem necessary, or since they�re merely �sample� multi component keys, they can be reset to function as normal component keys.
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