S-link with other components?

I am trying to understand how to use s-link in general, but specifically I want to know about using s-link with something other than a CD/DVD players (like a VCR).

I am quite familiar with how to set up IR commands in the slike. Is there a similar thing that is used for s-link? How do you set up commands? (Note, I am not asking about CDJ, I don't use it).

The real question I am trying to answer: Is there an advantage to using s-link over IR control of components? I am using Homeseer in connection with the slinke, so can I make events in Homeseer that use the s-link the same way I do with IR commands? (One big advantage I see with s-link is the ability to know the status of a device).