-

Did you try the link at the bottom of this page?
http://www.universalremote.com/pro/

"I spent weeks researching top-end home theater remotes"

I think "researching" is a bit of a stretch. I am sure you will get the software unless it becomes apparent your dealer sold you stuff in an unauthorized manner.

I have been a computer systems administrator for over 20 years and have faced increasing tendency in software manufacturers to have rampant paranoia in regards to piracy. I can understand that, but this simply makes no sense! Who would buy a PC without software available? I simply cannot fathom the corporate decision process which would lead to such exclusivity. If I am forced to return these with no other option I will be extremely angry and frustrated. I have an impressive home theater setup and am proud that I have done it all myself. Who are they to deny me the best option in remotes which URC themselves created?!?

Simply unbelievable!

I made sure my dealer would give me the software for my MX-980 in advance.
I know these remotes are intended to be programmed by the dealers and URC doesn't want to have to deal with consummers directly if they can't program their remotes.

If you can't get the software from your dealer, I would return them and try and find a different dealer. I understand URCs policy on this but I wish they had a way for D.I.Y. people to buy these remotes with the condition they will not get any support from URC except for in the case of a defective remote.

-

If you go to Remote Central you will find a thread in the URC section on the software policy, I knew what to look for going in because of this thread and I asked for the software up front.

I am the kind of guy who likes to do everything myself, I don't trust anyone to do even minor repairs anymore, my feeling is too many people have a who gives a crap attitude when working on other peoples stuff, for me setting things up is half the fun.

Go return it.
This is not as dramatic as you are making it.

go return it.
This is not as dramatic as you are making it.

+1

Go return it.
This is not as dramatic as you are making it.
I think you guys caused him to delete his posts, I guess he was not feeling the love. I'm a custom installer, and personally I understand his anger/frustration. If the facts are indeed as presented, since he purchased it through an authorized dealer, it seems to me the very height of absurdity that he gets it home and discovers he cannot program it. Why did the dealer even sell it to him if they will not provide him the software???

I don't use URC much so I am not up to date on this issue but I was under the impression that after a lot of outrage over this issue after URC stopped allowing the software to be downloaded from their site, that URC partially reversed course and changed their policy to allow a customer to have the software or download it provided they could prove they purchased through an authorized dealer. Perhaps I am wrong. If the poster is still around and wants me to check, I will find out for him.

If the OP is still around, I have some info. you might be interested in.

HD_or_Bust...R U there?

To the OP, if you spent so much time researching remotes, then it should have been quite clear what the URC policy was regarding software for the 980.

To the OP, if you spent so much time researching remotes, then it should have been quite clear what the URC policy was regarding software for the 980.
First of all, if he can't get the software, then he (anyone) should not even be able to purchase the remote themselves through an authorized dealer. IMO it should not be up to him to research this to discover that. Let me give an example. Many companies require some type of certification training to purchase their products (I'm talking as a dealer). So if I want to but a digital PBX telephone system from Panasonic and resell it, I have to have a dealer certification # to purchase it. So it's impossible for me to discover after the fact that I will not be able to gain access to tech support without it. Similarly, authorized dealers should not be selling these in the first place if the purchaser cannot get the software. Unauthorized dealers are another issue, there's never much a manufacturer can do to stop them.

Regardless, it does not seem quite clear to me even as an integrator what their policy is. Here is the main page on the "pro" remotes:

http://www.universalremote.com/pro/

First they say this:
All of the devices we advertise here in the Professional section of this website are designed to be programmed and installed by experienced custom installation professionals.

But then they say this:
Consumers and End-Users Seeking Software
Please contact your place of purchase to obtain programming support, software and manuals. If your dealer is unable to help you, you may download the appropriate programming software here.Note: that you will be required to register your serial number and place of purchase.
To me, that is "quite clear" that they are telling consumers they will be able to obtain the software. IF they in fact cannot, the website is horribly misleading.

First of all, if he can't get the software, then he (anyone) should not even be able to purchase the remote themselves through an authorized dealer. IMO it should not be up to him to research this to discover that.
Let me disagree, if I may. My company is an authorized URC dealer, yet we can often find the remotes cheaper online than we can purchase them through distribution. The reason being that some larger company's buy so much that they are more than happy to make five points, where the distributors usually make ten points.

I do agree that whomever sold the remote, should have clearly stated this is not for consumer purchase.

CL, I really don't see that your comment contradicts mine, it seems that we agree. Again, if URC has this policy, than part of the policy should be that an authorized dealer should not sell the remotes to anyone without warning that someone that they must be a dealer to access the software. Or if they are going to sell it (without programming it) they should have to provide the software to the end user. I am still unsure of the actually policy at this time as URC has I think done some waffling on the issue, and the website quote I posted seems to suggest they were letting customers download the software who had purchased through an authorized dealer.

I think I will see come clarification from URC on this just tio satisfy my curiosity.

CL, I really don't see that your comment contradicts mine, it seems that we agree. Again, if URC has this policy, than part of the policy should be that an authorized dealer should not sell the remotes to anyone without warning that someone that they must be a dealer to access the software. Or if they are going to sell it (without programming it) they should have to provide the software to the end user. I am still unsure of the actually policy at this time as URC has I think done some waffling on the issue, and the website quote I posted seems to suggest they were letting customers download the software who had purchased through an authorized dealer.

I think I will see come clarification from URC on this just tio satisfy my curiosity.You're right. I probably shouldn't have wrote "disagree" but instead "further clarification".

The problem with URC is they do not enforce their own policies and the consumer gets hurt.

To the OP, if you spent so much time researching remotes, then it should have been quite clear what the URC policy was regarding software for the 980.


The problem is that URC dosn't seem to know what their policy is, read page 4 at the bottom of the MX-980 guide and it tells you, you can download the software from URC. It also recommends you have a professional program it, it does not say you must have a professional program it.

Where did you research it?

There are many threads on avs and remotecentral which state that you can not get the software from URC. If you went to the URC website, you would see the following:

"Consumers and End-Users Seeking Software
Please contact your place of purchase to obtain programming support, software and manuals. If your dealer is unable to help you, you may download the appropriate programming software here.Note: that you will be required to register your serial number and place of purchase.

If you follow the link provided, the MX980 is not on the list of software which you can donwload.

I am a URC dealer, and would not have sold the remote unprogrammed, nor would I give you the software, as URC claims that:

"Please note that all URC software is protected by copyright laws. Do not sell, give away or otherwise distribute URC software by any means without express permission. Universal Remote Control, Inc. does vigorously defend copyrights and trademarks."

:D:DWhere did you research it?

There are many threads on avs and remotecentral which state that you can not get the software from URC. If you went to the URC website, you would see the following:

"Consumers and End-Users Seeking Software
Please contact your place of purchase to obtain programming support, software and manuals. If your dealer is unable to help you, you may download the appropriate programming software here.Note: that you will be required to register your serial number and place of purchase.

If you follow the link provided, the MX980 is not on the list of software which you can donwload.

I am a URC dealer, and would not have sold the remote unprogrammed, nor would I give you the software, as URC claims that:

"Please note that all URC software is protected by copyright laws. Do not sell, give away or otherwise distribute URC software by any means without express permission. Universal Remote Control, Inc. does vigorously defend copyrights and trademarks."


You have actually contradicted yourself all in one statement URC says see your dealer then you follow up with they dont want you to sell it blah blah blah... We are dealers as well... if you came to my store I would program the remote for them, give them the software if asked(as it is posted on the site that you can get it from your dealer) and if they screw it up I would send them the file again and tell them to keep at. Its called customer service, besides if you're any good they'll call you for any changes anyway. God forbid they find out you gave the software to someone... by the way anyone who wants the software can just call a distributor and they'll give you a password to the site and you can download anything you want:D

I am a URC dealer, and would not have sold the remote unprogrammed, nor would I give you the software, as URC claims that:

"Please note that all URC software is protected by copyright laws. Do not sell, give away or otherwise distribute URC software by any means without express permission. Universal Remote Control, Inc. does vigorously defend copyrights and trademarks."


While you have the right to refuse to sell the remote unprogrammed and also the right to not give the customer the software, I as an end user also would not buy from you. You could have sold the remote and made a profit for doing nothing more than making a sale, instead you get nothing.

Luckily for me there are dealers out there that are willing to sell the remote to D.I.Y. types and give them the software, those are the types of dealers that will get my repeat business.

I am only refering to the 980 software. I have discussed this with URC many times. I think it is a stupid policy, but it is THEIR software, and THEIR license, so I deal with it. In truth, I don't care for the 980 and have avoided selling them or programing them as much as possible. The price of a 980/260 is close to that of a 810/msc-400; which is much more powerful.

I like my MX-980 but after looking into the MSC-400 I wish I would have bought it instead of a MRF-350.

I think the MX-810 is ugly but it makes sense to run all the logic in the MSC-400 and use a cheaper remote to trigger everything.

I'll chime in here for no good reason.

I can live with URC's software policy as I used to have a dealer that would sell me a remote and give me the software.

However, URC institued this new 200 mile rule so my old dealer that I had purchased 4 remotes from, was no longer able to sell to me. So my last one shipped to my "brother" within the 200 miles, but hence he moved so I can't get a new 880 as I have no one within the 200 miles to ship it to.

Now here is the kicker, if I go to URC's web page and go under the "Professional" line of remotes to the dealer locator and put in my state, it provides no listings but a link to "Authorized Online Dealers", none of which can sell me a remote or those such as ABT and B&H who will sell it, but not provide software.

In the end, I will get what I want which is an 880 with software.

Does anyone know if the Complete Control Suite will update itself with the 880 software?

The price of a 980/260 is close to that of a 810/msc-400; which is much more powerful.I don't want to take over this thread by going to a completely different topic, but how many 810's have you programmed? After we did our 2nd one we switched back to the older 850. One issue, I'd like to know how you program for, is when someone chooses an Activity we could not open the Device page. What we ended up doing was creating an Activity Page identical to the Device page, but no matter how many times we copied the IR codes from Device to Activity we couldn't get the punchthrough's to work - until we physically learned them for that specific activity.

Obviously the msc-400 takes care of any of those issues related to the RF but that's usually too expensive an option for our under $10k theaters.

That is the problem with the 810, you can not assign page jumps to a macro. It is a PITA, and I have had to do what you have done; move all the necessary device buttons into the active activity page.

The 880 should solve these problems as it is similar to the 900 which can do exactly what you want.

I like my MX-980 but after looking into the MSC-400 I wish I would have bought it instead of a MRF-350.

I think the MX-810 is ugly but it makes sense to run all the logic in the MSC-400 and use a cheaper remote to trigger everything.

Ok, I happen to like the 810. For me it is easier to use all the soft buttons with one hand; maybe I have short fingers.

The msc-400 is the only reason we still use URC; we use it on every job. I have built custom serial interfaces for it. The only thing it is really missing is a clock.

WayneDB123,

I was looking at the mx-880 and mrf-350 combination. Why do you wish you had gone with the msc-400? What does it do in your set up that the mrf-350 doesn't?

WayneDB123,

I was looking at the mx-880 and mrf-350 combination. Why do you wish you had gone with the msc-400? What does it do in your set up that the mrf-350 doesn't?

RS-232 for one thing, I also like the idea of being able to use power sensors on IR controlled equipment to be sure of power status.
http://www.universalremote.com/resources/pdfs/MSC-400%20brochure.pdf

Don't buy anything from URC.

They screwed their end-users before, when they pulled their software without warning, after having it available on their site as a download to entice end-users to purchase the hardware. Plus, URC's database is pathetic, compared to Harmony's (I have both.)

I personally would never recommend URC, nor would I ever buy one of their products.

Don't buy anything from URC.

They screwed their end-users before, when they pulled their software without warning, after having it available on their site as a download to entice end-users to purchase the hardware. Plus, URC's database is pathetic, compared to Harmony's (I have both.)

I personally would never recommend URC, nor would I ever buy one of their products.

bla bla bla

http://www.auburn.edu/~murraba/elucid/baby,crying,tantrum.jpg

Seriously... lol.
A thousand words saved.
Haha.. I feel so immature.

Seriously... lol.
A thousand words saved.
Haha.. I feel so immature.

LOL is right, I guess.

The two posts above might be representative of the maturity and professionalism of at least some of URC's "authorized" dealers.

bandphan should send that cartoon to URC, to paste on their site as a "LOL" flip to their end-users.

As I said, where URC products are concerned, Buyer Beware is the rule.

Seriously, Some feel they got shafted when URC made changes to the buisness model. As for never purchasing them, thats another issue and is basically taking money away from my family:( If one wants a do it your self remote, there are few to choose from. I respect the fact that persons would like to setup their own remote, but I also respect the fact that "complete control and home theater master" want to be branded in the same way as other higher end ci remotes. Most buyers that have good a relationship with a B&M store would almost always have access to the software, if needed;)

LOL is right, I guess.

The two posts above might be representative of the maturity and professionalism of at least some of URC's "authorized" dealers.

bandphan should send that cartoon to URC, to paste on their site as a "LOL" flip to their end-users.

As I said, where URC products are concerned, Buyer Beware is the rule.

Go ahead and tell on us. I am sure your viewpoint is very impartial.
We can have your parents talk to our parents and settle this.
Maybe if someone did not make such dramatic definitive statements, they would not get offended by being mocked on public forums by sometimes knowledgeable posters and not dealers (on my part.)

Most buyers that have good a relationship with a B&M store would almost always have access to the software, if needed;)We've copied the appropriate software onto a CD for those customers who want to save money and do it themselves - with the caveat that any help they need will be provided at an hourly rate.

I personally would never recommend URC, nor would I ever buy one of their products.

Neither would I

I have 3 URC remotes all purchased before their decision to pull the rug out from under us. Yes they were all bought from authorized dealers and yes i have access to the software. I hate the fact that the software no longer has a live update feature. Every time i need an update i have to go back on the site and re-download the software. That in itself is a PITA but half the time the updated software is posted a week or more later (sometimes much more than a week) than the live update version.

I just needed a new remote and opted for the harmony 1000. It has its faults and i would much prefer to be using a new URC but i refused to get handcuffed again.

You must be updating your gear every 2 days for a week delay to be a big issue. Also, in the majority of cases you can use older gear or step down gear and have the same codes. For example, use a Denon 3806 or Denon 2808 or the Denon Discrete Codeset in place of codes for the Denon 3808. Then if those 3 options are not enough, you can learn the codes manually.
Handcuffs.. indeed. I and others have brought up this point mutiple times.
You seem to be a unique anomaly of a customer. Can't get them all, but your regression to Harmony is interesting.

You must be updating your gear every 2 days for a week delay to be a big issue. Also, in the majority of cases you can use older gear or step down gear and have the same codes. For example, use a Denon 3806 or Denon 2808 or the Denon Discrete Codeset in place of codes for the Denon 3808. Then if those 3 options are not enough, you can learn the codes manually.
Handcuffs.. indeed. I and others have brought up this point mutiple times.
You seem to be a unique anomaly of a customer. Can't get them all, but your regression to Harmony is interesting.


I am using an older code for my SC-05, I am using the VSX-03TX and while just about everything works, the one button that doesn't is also the most used. The volume button doesn't work, i have tried using the hex and also tried learning the button but no joy. So for the time being im using 2 remotes.

I am using an older code for my SC-05, I am using the VSX-03TX and while just about everything works, the one button that doesn't is also the most used. The volume button doesn't work, i have tried using the hex and also tried learning the button but no joy. So for the time being im using 2 remotes.

And Live Update is the problem here?? Odd logic.

That is extremely odd that the Hex did not work nor learning it as well. Pioneer is not a company known to play around with their IR signals like say B&O. Do some more research on the hex manipulation if you have time.

There are members on this board who illegally provide the URC updateable software, but that is not the problem here. I would bet it is user error AKA user denial, but only you can know for sure.

And Live Update is the problem here?? Odd logic.



Yes, if you dont see how live update adds to the problem then you are not understanding what im saying. This is just an isolated incident but it happens every time i buy a new component. As i sit here and wait for URC to add my equipment to their database I had to fill out their forms once a week or every two weeks while waiting. Guess what im still waiting and some of these components have been out going on 6 months. Give me a break. As for the user error? Very possible, i should clear up something however, it works except when pressing the button it goes up .5 if you hold the button it doesnt continue to go up. if i press it 10 times it goes up 5 steps.

As far as users illegally giving out the updateable software, its much appreciated. I was given the complete control suite, never even knew it existed. I appreciate it being offered by one of the members here. It wouldnt install under Vista but thats a small price to pay for having control of my remotes again.

Thanks, that kind of help is virtually non existent on remote central.

OMG. Is that really it? You just want it to repeat..

Go read some on RC. Every remote since the MX500 in my memory has an easy way to deal with this. The procedure is only slightly different for learning and PC based remotes.

Seriously, please don't complain about URC when the problem is your lack of experience with the remote and the software. You can figure this out.

There are plenty of valide reasons to complain about URC.

OMG. Is that really it? You just want it to repeat..

Go read some on RC. Every remote since the MX500 in my memory has an easy way to deal with this. The procedure is only slightly different for learning and PC based remotes.

Seriously, please don't complain about URC when the problem is your lack of experience with the remote and the software. You can figure this out.

There are plenty of valide reasons to complain about URC.

No, my complaint was the lack of Live Updates, and the way the policy went into effect, thats now solved. Regardless I will never buy another URC product.

Oh and BTW I'll complain about anything I like ;)

Oh and BTW I'll complain about anything I like ;)

I know a lot of these folks.

I know a lot of these folks.

Yea much like the guys who think its ok to post in a condescending tone.

This is one of the reasons why the signal to noise ratio on the HT forums has become so low. You fixed your remote yet? :D <--- less condensation now, lol

You fixed your remote yet? :D <--- less condensation now, lol

Not yet Tommy ive been having too much fun playing with this new "illegal" software you enlightened me to.

My local authorized dealer has the MX810 listed in the store for $399.95 (although none were on the shelf and would have to be ordered), and no less than 3 of the folks on the floor on Saturday stated that "any URC MX350 and above have to be programmed by us" and when asked about programming "that cost is $300 per unit". If you add the MRF260 to this for $149, it is an absurd cost for an RF solution, and I know they are just trying to play the "reserved for our integrated installs" strategy to sell the bigger deal. I just shook my head and walked out. I don't think they have ever sold an 810, and are only familiar with MX900 as a high end solution. It's beyond me why someone would pay over $900-1000 (add appropriate tax) for a RF solution. They seem to be stuck on the $5-15K complete install customer where "cost" isn't part of the equation like "I want the Pioneer Elite setup over there, installed, with URC solution please". I was ready to make the jump to RF for 2 systems but with this attitude, I'll just have to wait for a Harmony One RF to get a color screen w/icons and self-configuration or update capability at a realistic price point. From the posts in this thread, it sounds like the Windows software lacks capabilities that must be compensated for by the knowledge of the "authorized" dealer to make up for the sparse database or menu punchthrough. If anyone has some 'ideas' for me, fire off a PM to me. I'm also currently looking for a Denon 2808Ci and a Panny AX200 if that is any incentive:)

My local authorized dealer has the MX810 listed in the store for $399.95 (although none were on the shelf and would have to be ordered), and no less than 3 of the folks on the floor on Saturday stated that "any URC MX350 and above have to be programmed by us" and when asked about programming "that cost is $300 per unit". If you add the MRF260 to this for $149, it is an absurd cost for an RF solution, and I know they are just trying to play the "reserved for our integrated installs" strategy to sell the bigger deal. I just shook my head and walked out. I don't think they have ever sold an 810, and are only familiar with MX900 as a high end solution. It's beyond me why someone would pay over $900-1000 (add appropriate tax) for a RF solution. They seem to be stuck on the $5-15K complete install customer where "cost" isn't part of the equation like "I want the Pioneer Elite setup over there, installed, with URC solution please". I was ready to make the jump to RF for 2 systems but with this attitude, I'll just have to wait for a Harmony One RF to get a color screen w/icons and self-configuration or update capability at a realistic price point. From the posts in this thread, it sounds like the Windows software lacks capabilities that must be compensated for by the knowledge of the "authorized" dealer to make up for the sparse database or menu punchthrough. If anyone has some 'ideas' for me, fire off a PM to me. I'm also currently looking for a Denon 2808Ci and a Panny AX200 if that is any incentive:)

Rotorhead,

The software is not terribly difficult to use but the lack of updates is annoying from URC. The hex codes were available for my Pioneer Elite receiver 3 months ago and nearly 6 months ago for my Pioneer TV and neither is in the URC database yet. Their policy in which they release software is ridiculous as well but thats been beaten to death. URC makes great remotes but they decided to appease their installers first and the customers second. Since they decided on that policy i have decided to switch manufacturers.

Harmony isn't a bad option but make no mistake about it, you have much more control with the URC remotes and can get very detailed. If your setup isnt very involved im sure the Harmony line will do just fine. I bought the Harmony 1000 primarily because of the big icons so my mother could work the TV's when she comes over to watch the kids. Ive grown to like it alot. It does everything i need. I haven't been using it very long but the one downside I see is there is no way to enter hex codes.

Thanks for the response, and I currently have a Harmony 550 that I want to replace due to the inconsistent performance, slow response, non-tactile number buttons that make direct channel entry on a Comcast HD box a real pain in the ass when compared to the URC products on RF. And the wife just despises using it, it never works for her and she has no patience for stepping through the help menu when something doesn't come on during the activity macro. The complexity of an AV receiver is also a problem when you haven't spent the time to configure all of the possible activities it can do, like "FM Radio, XM Radio, Play a CD (using the DVD player with appropriate reciever settings)." After I got the Xbox MCE with an XIR all dialed in as an activity on the 550 I thought I was finished with activity configs. Can't believe I want to suffer through setting up all of it again:)

There are plenty of valide reasons to complain about URC.



I currently own a MX 350, MX810, MX850, KP900, and have a MX980 on order and the few complaints I have is my Vista loaded computer does NOT like to do the live updates. I finally found a program to use in place of ActiveSync so I can upload from my personal laptop instead of my work laptop. The other small complaint I have is that even with a narrowband base station I still incur a bit of interference with things. The power coming into my house enters near where my main room is. When I am close to that corner, I get very spotty response. Never the less, URC remotes are a very nice control solution. There's always better options out there, which is true in any case, but for the price and the amount of control that can be used, its a great option(even if they don't like Vista computers :) ).

I currently own a MX 350, MX810, MX850, KP900, and have a MX980 on order and the few complaints I have is my Vista loaded computer does NOT like to do the live updates. I finally found a program to use in place of ActiveSync so I can upload from my personal laptop instead of my work laptop. The other small complaint I have is that even with a narrowband base station I still incur a bit of interference with things. The power coming into my house enters near where my main room is. When I am close to that corner, I get very spotty response. Never the less, URC remotes are a very nice control solution. There's always better options out there, which is true in any case, but for the price and the amount of control that can be used, its a great option(even if they don't like Vista computers :) ).

The Vista issues have been a recurring issue that was supposed to be squared away by now except on the MX950. Lots of installers are no longer complaining.
The MX810 I never touch. For the fractional difference in real price the MX880 every single time.
The "beta" MRF250 taught a lot of people a lot of different ways to attack RF issues. The MRF260 and 350 have been almost full-proof. Most RF emanates as a spheroid. With proper placement, you can "usually" avoid those issues.

Cross your fingers for Windows 7 issues :). I will always have an older laptop with XP Pro and a serial connection just in case.

The Vista issues have been a recurring issue that was supposed to be squared away by now except on the MX950. Lots of installers are no longer complaining.
The MX810 I never touch. For the fractional difference in real price the MX880 every single time.
The "beta" MRF250 taught a lot of people a lot of different ways to attack RF issues. The MRF260 and 350 have been almost full-proof. Most RF emanates as a spheroid. With proper placement, you can "usually" avoid those issues.

Cross your fingers for Windows 7 issues :). I will always have an older laptop with XP Pro and a serial connection just in case.




I only got the MX810 because my g/f loved the feel and look of a Harmony890 and I didn't want to incorporate one of those into my setups. I didn't pay anything for it anyways due to points for product anyways. :)

:)I currently own a MX 350, MX810, MX850, KP900, and have a MX980 on order and the few complaints I have is my Vista loaded computer does NOT like to do the live updates. I finally found a program to use in place of ActiveSync so I can upload from my personal laptop instead of my work laptop. The other small complaint I have is that even with a narrowband base station I still incur a bit of interference with things. The power coming into my house enters near where my main room is. When I am close to that corner, I get very spotty response. Never the less, URC remotes are a very nice control solution. There's always better options out there, which is true in any case, but for the price and the amount of control that can be used, its a great option(even if they don't like Vista computers :) ).

I own a MX-700 and finally after upgrading the TV and adding HDDVD and a Blu Ray player thought I would re program my remote.

Uh oh, the live update returned an error message and indicated I would have to get my dealer invloved. I researched where I bought this unit and it was through an EBAY experience - blast!

I called URC told them I have 2 of their remotes and (MX-500 too) explained my issue, discussed winning Lotto numbers and the weather. I asked for the upgraded SW with live update capability. The young lady cheerfully took my serial number of the remote and within 5 minutes I had an email with the link to the new SW.

Works like a champ!

Great service from URC. :D

I like URC. I like the remotes and bases. I really dislike some of their practices. They never should have sold any of there pro/CI remotes thru any retail channels. Now that they have, there is no margin left of the remote. We sell them at cost, in our systems. We do however charge a lot for the programing. I have had a customer want the purchase the remote from us and program it himself. I showed him where he could buy the remote on-line for less than I pay. We did the system, then I programed a remote for myself. In a few weeks we compared remotes, he paid me for the programing.

The MX810 I never touch. For the fractional difference in real price the MX880 every single time.


What is the difference between the MX810 and MX880?

They look like the same remote control.

We did the system, then I programed a remote for myself. In a few weeks we compared remotes, he paid me for the programing.


Thats a really good idea, I bet people would opt for professional programming over and over if they were able to see it prior to buying it. I don't know how feasible it is for installers to do this on very complex systems but I think the idea is great.

Well the job was rather large, and I'm nuts and really do like programing the remotes. It was not your run of the mill install. BSS BLU-80 dsps, 13 crown amps, and the list goes on.

Our bus. model has changed a lot. We are really a value added company now. We are not in the selling boxes business, we are in the design/build, and programming business; infact if we never pull another wire again I would be quite happy. It is so much better to just build racks and ship them out with drawings for the installer.

We now do what we love: auralization and designing systems.

What is the difference between the MX810 and MX880?

They look like the same remote control.

The programing software is different and a couple of buttons. The 810 is way more hackable. :)

"hackable"?

I don't think I agree with that. For complex systems you have to trick-fux the 810 much more to get it to do what the 880 can do. The 810 is very simple to program IF what you are doing falls within the range of what the prowizard software is designed to do.

I mean with multiple favorites each with custom graphics for buttons instead of text. The 880 only allows 1 favorites activity. I do agree that it would be an installers nightmare but as an end user I love it.

BUMP! for assistance

A couple of serious questions if you please. Noted Price difference seems to be $50. I have never owned a URC remote before.

1. What are page jumps? (It has been noted that the 810 won't do them)

2. 880 only can do 1 page of icon favs, correct? This means only 6 icon activities, or channel fav icons in a device??? vs. unlimited on the more hackable 810, or do I not grasp the favorites correctly?

3. Both can handle T.O.A.D.s equally, right? 810 through state memory and the 880 thru variables. I have two toad devices currently (main is tv)

4. Other 810 pros or cons? I will save the $50 if the wizard is no big deal breaker after all I would have to learn to program thru the MX editor as well anyway.

Thanks for all responses!

I just got the 810, and it is indeed a hassle to program (I had never used mx editor either), but I was able to get it working. Fixing activity problems is annoying, you have to tweak in the "universal browser" for some things, and use the wizard for others.

Page jumps mean you add a step in a macro to show a specific page on the LCD screen. It is not a huge deal to not have them for me, but who knows for others.

Overall though, if it is the only remote youll buy, i think 880 might be a worthwhile upgrade. For example, I would like to have a "shutdown everything" button on the activities page. However, without page jumps, this leaves you on a screen with buttons. On 880 you could say "jump to home..." at the end.

Hope that helps.

PS Be extra careful about where you buy the 880, the 810 software can be downloaded from urc's site with a serial # but the 880s cannot.

Thanks capitolm94.

Would you happen to have more specifics on the amount of Favorite pages each can hold, and frankly, what that means as the 880 jumps pages? Also can all the pages have graphic icons. I heard that was a limitation of the MX-880.

The MX-810 has 8 favorites pages available and the MX-880 has 16. They both can have graphics icons on any page. The MX-810 has the graphics built in the program, while the MX-880 has them available via an expansion pack.

The MX-810 allows multiple Favorite Activities with 8 pages all with graphics icons on any page.

This is my Directv Activity.
http://files.huppnet.org/curve810a.jpg

This is my old XM Activity you can set up more if you like. Now it has the curve look too.
http://files.huppnet.org/mx8102.jpg

Mike,
So are the graphic icons in the MX-880 expansion pak limited to say TV channel icons or can custom graphic icons be put on any page as EHUPP01 has done.

Plus the expansion pak icons can be used on the Watch/Listen pages, or also on the individual Device pages list like EHUPP01 post?

Its my understanding that on the 880 you can only use the icons for your device buttons and in your single "Favorites" activity.

Okay. I read up on the Favorites "hack" of the MX-810. Quite nice. I wouldn't mind having those nice colorful icons for all my Activity subpages.

I wonder if a software upgrade will give the MX-880 that ability?
Thanks EHUPP01!

Hey guys, just got my 880 (and MRF-350 to go with it) and I concur with the rest of the tread, it is great. It's the first universal (small 'u') remote I've actually liked. Programming seems to be a breeze (can't see how the 810 would be easier though I can see how it would be more frustrating :D), I've got power on macros for each device with the requisite delays, and a few activity macros to power up the right stuff and switch inputs. Took me a few minutes to realize that "device" doesn't necessarilly mean a device but can be used to make an activity.

I am having one rather odd problem. I created a "Shutdown" device with a button on the Watch 1 page, that button takes you to the Shutdown device page with Yes and No buttons. The No button macro does Navigate -, and the Yes button macro fires all the Power Off macros before doing a Navigate -.

The problem is, for some reason those macros don't fire. I suppose I should note that I never associated a device config with the Shutdown "device". This ring any bells for anyone?

Thanks

-never mind, stupid user error, had the button jump the wrong page (I made one, then changed my mind and made a different one, they looked the same but I jumped to the one without the macros :eek: )

The MX-880 editor is not listed as a model in the download section.

Since URC seems to think that it's OK to sell a product and not the software to use the product, I would really appreciate it if any of you authorized distributors would find it acceptable to allow me to program my own remote. Please contact me if you have either the MX-880 editor or the CCP. Please!

go back to the dealer you bought it from and ask him/her for the software...

I am calling my dealer in the morning. They should have know when I told them I want to download it, that I couldnt. Instead I got home and learned the hard way, good thing they are local and it shouldnt cost me much in the way of time.

Since URC seems to think that it's OK to sell a product and not the software to use the product, I would really appreciate it if any of you authorized distributors would find it acceptable to allow me to program my own remote. Please contact me if you have either the MX-880 editor or the CCP. Please!

URC professional products are not directly available to end users. URC has a software policy that puts the decision in the dealers hands. Your gripe is with the dealer who sold you the remote not with URC.

Why are you asking for authorized dealers here at the forum to give you software? Why aren't you contacting the authorized dealer you purchased the remote from?

I don't have a gripe with the dealer, it was a gift and already had some programming in it. If URC will allow dealers to give the software to the end user, I just don't see what the big deal is about handing it out. I mean it's required for the use of the product and I'm perfectly capable of programming a remote myself. I've programmed a number of proprietary computer systems for the entertainment industry including Soundweb, Crestron/AMX, Martin Light Jockey, Media Matrix, Show Control, etc,. How would you feel if an auto manufacturer didn't allow you to change the oil or work on your vehicle yourself and all work was mandated to be done by the manufacturer? How much more would that cost you? Would you buy a car that had that stipulation? I mean closed source is one thing but even Apple is less constrictive than this. Furthermore, what kind of precedent does this set? Will it become acceptable to purchase a router and then have to pay for the firmware to make it work? Didn't courts rule that computers had to be sold with an operating system of some kind? I feel that applies here in some regard. How does URC plan to keep selling controllers when this policy generates pages of complaints about their product? How do the resellers plan to make money selling a product who's demand will weaken when people find that the competition offers better end-user support and has fewer complaints online? In fact I've never even heard of a situation where a product is offered less support by it's manufacturer. In all, I question the legality of their policy and can only imagine that the only loophole allowing it to be legal is that they place the burden of responsibility upon the dealers, who being individually responsible for the decision to distribute the software (based on who knows what qualifications), actually remove the liability of the policy from URC who could site end users who did in fact receive support. Making the real question "To what degree is the end-user/owner entitled support?"
You programmers should be confident that the reason someone will purchase your service is because of the quality of work that you do, and for the user's convenience if they decide not to delve into it. Not because you are the only person with the tool to do it....
It's as if I wanted to cut a piece of wood but didn't have a saw, and when I went to the hardware store to buy a saw, I was told by the salesperson that he would gladly cut my wood, but only for more than the cost of the saw and that in fact, they would not sell me a saw (in any store), despite the fact that they have one in inventory. I'm pretty sure that's an accurate analogy for what is going on here.
In closing I will say that I did report my issue to URC and quickly received a polite reply from Eric Johnson, VP of Technology who claimed that I would be put in touch with someone who should be able to provide the software, so hopefully that works out as promised but I must say this would make a lot more sense if end users could just download the software required to make it work. I'm not saying tech support should be free, but end users deserve at minimum, the opportunity to fail at programming a remote control and seek the help of someone to do it for them.

How does URC plan to keep selling controllers when this policy generates pages of complaints about their product?

The same way RTI and other high end control system manufacturers do, by producing a high end product that works better than the "consumer" competition, and controlling distribution to their authorized dealers so a high level of support can be maintained.

How do the resellers plan to make money selling a product who's demand will weaken when people find that the competition offers better end-user support and has fewer complaints online?

99.9% of the people who buy an URC or RTI or the like remote/control system aren't buying a remote, they're getting the control system installed as part of a system by the integrator/installer. They won't even know or care about the issues as well first they'll probably never have a problem with the setup (that's why you go URC or RTI over Harmony), and if they do, they'll call their dealer, not search the internets.

In fact I've never even heard of a situation where a product is offered less support by it's manufacturer.

URC doesn't try to support their Professional line to end users, they support their dealers. It's the dealers that are supposed to provide the end user support. That's the whole point, to maintain the product to it's not diluted by internet "wisdom" and unqualified end users making a mess of things.

In all, I question the legality of their policy and can only imagine that the only loophole allowing it to be legal is that they place the burden of responsibility upon the dealers, who being individually responsible for the decision to distribute the software (based on who knows what qualifications), actually remove the liability of the policy from URC who could site end users who did in fact receive support. Making the real question "To what degree is the end-user/owner entitled support?"

The end user gets better support with a URC than with a Harmony, or at least should. The end user is supposed to get a system installed that just works and is bulletproof. The way they guarantee it is to restrict distribution to their resellers who are trained in how to use and troubleshoot the system.

And of course for those of us who have the skill to program one and don't want to pay/bother with having the reseller do it for us, It's not hard to get the software.

It's as if I wanted to cut a piece of wood but didn't have a saw, and when I went to the hardware store to buy a saw, I was told by the salesperson that he would gladly cut my wood, but only for more than the cost of the saw and that in fact, they would not sell me a saw (in any store), despite the fact that they have one in inventory. I'm pretty sure that's an accurate analogy for what is going on here.

Actually it's more like building a house, most people just hire someone to do it, but a few people will buy all the stuff and do it themselves. You know a lot of things are like this, some places don't sell home improvement supplies (like higher end bath fixtures) to end users only to licensed installers.

In closing I will say that I did report my issue to URC and quickly received a polite reply from Eric Johnson, VP of Technology who claimed that I would be put in touch with someone who should be able to provide the software, so hopefully that works out as promised but I must say this would make a lot more sense if end users could just download the software required to make it work. I'm not saying tech support should be free, but end users deserve at minimum, the opportunity to fail at programming a remote control and seek the help of someone to do it for them.

So see, it appears you've overreacted. Even URC will give you the software.

I just wanted to update everyone and say that URC was indeed kind enough to give me the MX880 Editor software. And I don't think that I over reacted just because they actually gave me the software. My previous post is more of a natural reaction to my frustration of needing the software for days and being told that I wouldn't be able to attain it with out paying for someone to program my remote for me. I understand now that the company clearly has two product lines and that the MX-880 is intended for custom installs and not to be purchased at a typical retail store and I think that policy alone is enough to satisfy the needs of custom installers. I just think that URC should recognize the fact that people need the software and that it should be available for download if you can provide a valid serial number.

I personally think the approach is a little strange.

No matter who the end-user buys the product from the software should be bundled or at least accessible.
Sure URC shouldn't have to provide support or warranty (cept basic manufacturers warranty) unless it's bought from an authorised dealer...

But if someone pays top $ for one of URC's top-of-the-range remotes...
they should at least have access to the software most suited to that remote (CCP etc)

That's the thing, they're trying to stop people from buying remotes from questionable sellers off ebay (or other grey market sources) to protect their dealers.

Will the Mx-880 interfere with my URC-200 with MRF-100 base station? Any potential problems with the URC-200 interfering with the base station for the 880?

You can pick the channel the 880 uses (per device and base station). Actually the 880 should be able to control your current base station if you really wanted.

Will the Mx-880 interfere with my URC-200 with MRF-100 base station? Any potential problems with the URC-200 interfering with the base station for the 880?

There will not be any interference. However, I do not think the mx-880 will be able to talk with your MRF-100 because the the newer URC remotes all use the narrow-band RF.

Will the Mx-880 interfere with my URC-200 with MRF-100 base station? Any potential problems with the URC-200 interfering with the base station for the 880?

The MX-880 will work with the MRF-100. The newer narrow band remotes will work with the old base stations, but the older (and consumer series remotes like the URC-200) will not work well (if at all) with the new narrow-band base stations (MRF-260 or 350). The only issues you might have with interference is if you were sending a signal to the MRF-100 from both remotes at the same time.

Wild curiosity, I see there's a new Zigbee capable MX-880Z, I don't suppose there's some upgrade method/program from a standard MX-880 to the "Z" version?

Harmony One? Please!!!!

I am interested in the Mx-880 (or 980 if $$$ is good) and have read many of the online gripes and anger about URC's policy IT SEEMS that as long as you register you can download the software but I may be missing something.

What is the current scoop?

For the MX-880 owners out there that have had the control could you jump online right now and download any updates?

Amazon CLAIMS to be an authorized dealer otherwise a Co. called "Novidor & Firestone" handles AZ but I am sure I am well outside of the 200 mile limit that a previous poster wrote of.

How can I get the control AND the software. I'll spend the time to install it no matter how frustrating it is....believe me.

Thanks in advance for any help.

What is the current scoop?
You need to find an authorized dealer who will provide you the software. You will have to either call them or walk into their physical store. There is no on-line sales allowed on the mx-880 or the mx-980.


For the MX-880 owners out there that have had the control could you jump online right now and download any updates?
If you have a copy of the updatable software you can can use the live update to function to update whenever you need to.

Amazon CLAIMS to be an authorized dealer
Amazon is only authorized to sell the mx-810, mx-450 and the mrf-260.

How can I get the control AND the software. I'll spend the time to install it no matter how frustrating it is....believe me.
You just need to find a dealer that is willing to provide you the software. There are lots of dealers out there who are willing to provide the software.

The mx-880 and the mx-980 are both great remotes.

Thanks for the info Dalto...

I have emailed my nearest provider and I'll see what happens...

I just email URC asking for a list of dealers in Ontario Canada as they do not list them on their site. I am also in the market to purchase either the 880 or 980 with base station.

How does the software update? Do you require a username and password? Or do all versions of the software update with no issues?

You just hit the live update button and it downloads it. The one exception is the update from the MX-x80 editor to the CCP, I think for that you need to log in and download it, but your dealer should be able to get you a copy of CCP (actually I think at this point that should probably be what you get).

How does the software update? Do you require a username and password? Or do all versions of the software update with no issues?
As far as I know every version of the software for the mx-880 and mx-980 is updatable. To update you just click the live update button. However, you will need to get the software from your dealer to begin with. Good luck, these are both excellent remotes.

Well, I found a local dealer but I could not convince him to give me the software with the remote! He told me that URC doesn't want the consumer to have their software and they they were told that they are not allowed to give it to their customers. I left that store empty handed.
What a pain in the butt. I couldn't find it anywhere else locally. I hope URC gets back to me soon with a list of their dealers in my area.

What a pain in the butt. I couldn't find it anywhere else locally. I hope URC gets back to me soon with a list of their dealers in my area.

That sucks. There is a dealer locator on their website. It is under the Professional section.

Which must not be accurate because they don't list the store I bought mine from.

That sucks. There is a dealer locator on their website. It is under the Professional section.

I live in Canada and there is no option to pick a Canadian province from the drop down list of states.

If anyone can help me find this software it would be appreciated. I don't have a problem with supporting my local dealers but when they are not willing to do their research pre-sale that leaves me a bit worried.
styxx_78@hotmail.com

PS: URC has still not responded to my email.

PS: URC has still not responded to my email.
I am not sure when you sent your email but URC is not there on the weekends so you should not expect to hear anything back before Monday.

Well, I finally got a reply, here it is. Now I have to contact each distributor to find a dealer near me.....wonderful.

We appreciate you contacting Universal Remote Control, Inc and your continued patronage.

Below is a list of our Canadian Distributors. One of them should be able to help you find a local dealer. We hope this information is helpful.

SF Marketing, Inc.
325 Boul. Bouchard,
Dorval, QC H9S 1A9
www.sfm.ca
urc@sfm.ca
(P) 514.780.2070
(F) 514.780.2111

AVAD Calgary, AB
7115-48th Street SE
Calgary, AB T2C 5A4
www.avadcanada.ca
branchmanager.calgary@avad.com
(P) 866-523-2823 / 403-203-3688
(F) 403-203-3410

AVAD Mississauga, ON
205 Courtneypark Drive West
Mississauga, ON L5W 0A5
www.avadcanada.ca
branchmanager.toronto@avad.com
(P) 866-523-2823 / 905-564-5770


Technical Support
Universal Remote Control, Inc.
500 Mamaroneck Avenue
Harrison, N.Y. 10528

First home theater here and have everything setup, just need to automate. When I bought the MX-880 as part of the speaker and receiver package from a home theater store, they recommended having their install crew program the remote.

I decided to try to program it myself and realized the software wasn't included. The store will provide it. My question is how hard it is to program for someone who hasn't done anything like it before. This coming from a guy who isn't computer illiterate but don't want to spend 2 days of trial and error. My concern with paying for someone to program it, is what I do if I want to add components later, add new activites, etc?

My setup:
Denon AVR-1910 Receiver
Sony Blu Ray (forget model but just bought it)
Comcast Cable Box with DVR

I decided to try to program it myself and realized the software wasn't included. The store will provide it. My question is how hard it is to program for someone who hasn't done anything like it before. This coming from a guy who isn't computer illiterate but don't want to spend 2 days of trial and error. My concern with paying for someone to program it, is what I do if I want to add components later, add new activites, etc?


That's an interesting question. I would say the mx-880 is a fairly easy remote to program if you have a solid plan for what you want to do and how. That being said, programming any remote requires quite a bit of trial and error and the learning curve can be steep.

If you don't want to invest the time consider asking them to program it and provide the software. That way they can do the heavy lifting up front and you can still make changes later.

one of my electronic store are going out of business ( american tv) and they sell mx 880 up to 70% off but when i ask for software and they refuse to give it out and he said they no longer support or have a installer come out and do the install , can anyone tell me if i go to local dealer different than american tv will they give me the software? i doubt that ,
the problem i have now are spend over hundreds of dollar but what i have now just a pice of junk or just a brick
can anyone help me with this problem please
thank you

one of my electronic store are going out of business ( american tv) and they sell mx 880 up to 70% off but when i ask for software and they refuse to give it out and he said they no longer support or have a installer come out and do the install , can anyone tell me if i go to local dealer different than american tv will they give me the software? i doubt that ,
the problem i have now are spend over hundreds of dollar but what i have now just a pice of junk or just a brick
can anyone help me with this problem please
thank you

It really depends on the policy of that individual dealer. I am a URC direct dealer and my policy is clear: Remote controllers that are purchased through me are subject to the inclusion of software as long as the end user signs a confidentiality agreement stating he/she is not allow to disseminate the software to a third party. If a person is purchasing programming it is a case by case basis depending on the situation and the person's intentions. Last, I offer lifetime optional contracts that allow for free programming changes for the lifetime of the remote in the event new eqipment is introduced and old equipment is phased out. This gives the end user a sense of comfort that they can make changes to the system with incurring future costs or need to get some other revampled version of the software.

Every dealer is different, this is just the policy I try to follow. URC makes no exact policy and leaves it in our hands since we are selling and protecting the product line. I will most likely incorporate the new policy in the new product line unless told differently.

ALWAYS ask your dealer or person you are purchasing from what their policy is and make sure you are protected by purchasing through authorized means. Even a 75% discount on a $500 remote means you purchased a $150 brick.

Vincent