Samsung HW-E450 remote codes.

Good news - bad news

The 355 soundar has bluetooth to get the sound & turn on/ off auto

But

The TV does NOT appear to have bluetooth to send the sound to the soundbar.

You could look into a bluetooth transmitter to connect to the sound output of the TV. Control would still be an issue. Use the "valve" in the TV or the STB.

Many options - Perhaps the simplest is a better remote. Definitely best choice if you are adding a disc player.

Just as an additional FYI.  Your Samsung soundbar, like mine (an HW-H450) will always turn on with the default setting of '20' for a volume level.  It will not remember higher adjusted settings.  It will remember a lower adjusted setting like '10' but that is kind of useless in my opinion.

Additionally, according to a Uverse tech support agent I spoke with, rumor is AT&T will be coming out with a new remote in the 1st quarter of 2015 that will have codes to control Samsung soundbars.  No word as to the whether that is true or not.  Also no idea as to whether those codes will work with the existing AT&T Uverse remotes.

I do not see how an existing U-verse remote could apply new codes. It is amazing that the complex IR signal description can be distilled down to such a simple user programming interface.

But, it does require an update to add new software for new codes. The U-verse remotes have no mechanizm for doing that. It is cheaper to make a new remote for that one purpose (u-verse).

Contrast that with Logitech Harmony  -  more expensive remote that is programmed via a computer. The computer update program is itself updateable for the continually expanding library of codes. Just about any thing is possible. Even learning specific button/IR matches.

The original Harmony remotes started at over $100 & go into $300s. A while back they came out  with models 200 & 300 at $20 & $30. I figured they could do this because they had already paid off the initial code library. But, they discontinued them.

Currently, the least expensive Harmony is Model 350 @ $50. 

Each person has to decide when they need to upgrade the remote to match their equipment. Seems to me a soundbar qualifies for a remote more robust than the U-verse remote.

The logitech Harmony Smart Control is a perfect match for my install of three STBs. Three TVs and a Zevox soundbar. I was lucky to hit a sale for $100.

Tchstone,

Ok, thanks for that info on the STB. I understand now. I was just living with it anyway. The setting didn't take anything away from the STB, but you info was good to know.

As of now, I am using two remotes. Don't like it because sometimes I forget which one I have to deal with for thisor that. So, I will be taking the plunge and checking into the Harmony remotes.

So, Ace Master, I assume the Harmony will everything the U-verse remote does. I will not have to pick up the u-verse remote to control the cable box at all? Will any of the Harmony remotes work or will I have to invest in the latest most expensive one? That is one of the reasons I have avoided those remotes because they were too expensive. I'm wondering if I will have to upgrade later if I purchase one of the less expensive models.

Non-support of a device is not a reason a Harmony remote will not work for you. All Harmony remotes have the same library and all are learning remotes to apply new IR should there be a problem with the library.

I see newegg.com has a refurb model 350 for $25 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880111086&cm_re=harmony-_-80-111-086-_-Product

Just a word on the Harmony 350 remote.  It will now control up to 8 devices.  Amazon has new ones for $40.  One drawback of the 350 is that it only has one programable activity meaning you push one button to watch TV and your various devices (STB, TV, Sounbar, etc.) turn on.  You'll have to manually program some buttons for DVR functions.

Don't get me wrong, Harmony Remotes are great, but I would look for a Harmony 650.  It has more programable activities.  For example, push one button to watch TV, push another to watch a movie if you have a DVD player, push one to play games like with an XBox.  You'll have to do your own research to determine what works best in your situation.

Again if all you do is watch TV, the 350 may be the way to go.  Incidentally, I have seen new harmony 650's going for between $30 - $40 on ebay.

For myself, I am going to take a wait and see approach.  (1) AT&T Uverse may come out with a new remote and (2) Samsung may release a firmware update that will allow their soundbars to remember a higher adjusted sound level.

Tchstone,

So, I take it you are using two remotes or just the u-verse remote. If so, you have yours programmed with the 955 work around?

jwillin,

You are correct that I currently use two remotes.  The one from AT&T Uverse and the other that came with the Samsung soundbar.  I do use the 955 workaround where the Uverse remote controls the volume.  I push the power button on the Uverse remote and the STB, the TV and then the SB turn on.  Of course that is because the SB is set to 'Auto On'.  I then use the SB remote to increase the volume level to 30 - 35.  Using the above mentioned 955 work around, I then control the volume which, as you mentioned, shows in the upper right corner of the TV.  Usually I have it around 14-16.  Biggest annoyance is having to use the SB remote to ramp up the volume initially.  Right now it isn't a big enough annoyance for me to go purchase another remote. 

Just in case you were wondering, I have my TV connected to the Uverse box (STB) via HDMI and the soundbar connected to the TV via an optical cable. 

I just finshed a 'Live Chat' session with support.  I was asking about the S20 remote.  You may see it on your TV screen under 'Help/Remote Control setup'.  It is also listed online under AT&T Uverse support/remote controls

Bottom line is that this is the newest remote that will be released in 2015.  If you check its setup and configuration you'll see that there is a 5 digit code for Samsung audio devices.  Current remotes only accept 4 digit codes.

Obviously there are no guarantees that this new S20 remote will control the soundbar, but I am hopeful.  The agent was kind enough to add a note to my account so I will receive an email once the remote is released.

Just received my new S20 remote control today.  I can report that, YES, it does control my Samsung soundbar.  Programing is fairly simple.  Had to repeat a couple steps, but now when I press the 'Power' button all three devices turn on (STB, TV, Sounbar) and all three turn off when the 'Power' button is pressed again.

Volume controls raise and lower the sound on the soundbar, which is connected to the TV via an optical cable.  Note: the soundbar comes on at its default value of '20'.

Very, very happy!!!

Jwillin, yes, I called AT&T support and spoke with an extremely helpful agent named Carol.  Explained my situation and how my initial inquery about remotes and codes had resulted in me receiving two silver and two black S10 remotes.  Obviously none of those worked as has been detailed in this thread.  Sent out a new S20 remote on Friday and I received it today, Tuesday.  The rest is history as they say.