Hello,

I am planning to get a setup with an MSC-400 and a remote to control it. I have a simple system for now(tv, dvd, ps3, xbox, tivo, avr, an hdmi switch), but want something I wont have to replace in the near future as things get more complex, so that leads me towards msc-400.

After the responses to a post I made about the msc-400 on the RC forums I am undecided about whether the 810 or 880 is better to pair with the msc-400. People seem to think the 880 is the better choice in this situation, but I was under the impression that using the msc-400 takes care of most the 810's limitations.

Anyways, $100 is a meaningful amount of money for me, otherwise I would make the jump for 880. Any ideas on what you lose with the 810 vs. 880?

Thanks,
Matt

Hey Matt,

What the pros over at RC trying to say is that the 810 will limit you on how advanced you can make the "control solution" your developing. The 810 uses a programming wizard, much like Harmony's methodology when configuring your set-up. So just like a Harmony, you'll run into brick walls if you try to do something out of the norm. :(

I have no desire to get into a Harmony functionality discussion, :o however if you're going to use a control processor without too many boundaires, then why use an interface that chokes off your experience...? :confused:

If I were you, I'd use the same logic you have with buying the MSC over just a RF extender. It may take a little bit longer to get 880, but it will be worth it that one time you need the extra flexibility of an editing programming, rather than living within the predesigned box of a wizard.

:eek: You may wonder if you going down a slippery slope with what you're spending your money on, but believe me, it can get much more outrageous then what you're looking at. I personally don't believe that the 880 is needed with what you're currently trying to control. However the advice given to you wasn't centered around what you're currently controlling but more so, what you're likely to accomplish using the MSC. :cool:

I won't reply to this over at RC. You're getting advice from people with much more experience then my own. :o

Have fun :D:D:D

Thanks, that makes sense.

I will look into it. I would go with the 900, but the color screen is important for me.

I just read on RC that you are promoting people to get the URC software illegally and over there you are thanking the dealers for their help in setting you straight on which remote to get.

You are a pretty hypocritical unethical bastard aren't you?

In fact, it's pretty funny.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1085452

Post #4

Google is not illegal. How about this: google "gun". I make no comment what to do with it. That is not illegal.

I plan to purchase the remote from an authorized dealer. Thats why I am asking before purchasing. Like many, I would like to take a look at the software before attempting to program it. If you are concerned about distributing the software take it up with the people hosting it on the web.

It's all really obvious, buddy.

I own an 810. I have to say that programming it is its biggest downfall. I'm talking about the 810's limitations, I'm talking about how the wizard tool itself sucks. URC screwed up with trying to copy harmony on that one. The wizard always gets it wrong. One must always edit the macros manually to get them right. Also, I have problems with downloading the code into the remote. I need to try it multiple times before it sticks.

Regarding the limitations, I'm no system integrator, but I'd say for singe room setups, you won't have any problems. When you go beyond that and start trying to do whole-house stuff is when you might run into some limitations. It will certainly have no trouble handing your current system. Even if you added lights and what not, you'd have no problems.

Ok, as someone who as actully done this, the 810/400 is almost the same as the 880/400. The problem is that you can not program page jumps in the 810.

In general, you set up the devices as normal in the 810/880 and then put all the macros in the msc400.

IMHO the msc-400 is very easy to program and it is possible to do VERY complex macros which test states ( video present, powered on, etc). Also, you can program macros which do not require the remote at all.

Awesome thanks. I was hoping that would be the case.

If I were you, I'd use the same logic you have with buying the MSC over just a RF extender. It may take a little bit longer to get 880, but it will be worth it that one time you need the extra flexibility of an editing programming, rather than living within the predesigned box of a wizard.



question- if using an 880 AND an MSC-400, would you need 2 different software? or is there one for both?

Why I ask- - I am in the same situation- I am building up my theater (just have AVR,scaler, TV,DVR, BDP,2nd room sound, and house is wired for whole house video).

I bought an 880 and 350 yesterday for $300 NIB at a B&M dealer going oob. (yes, $300 for both and yes, he did tell me I can program all these functions- didn't mention i would need some unobtainable software-but thats another issue. ive been programming since 1978 and build PCs and install car av, so I think I could figure it out).

but- i too like the "is it on" sensing function of the 400- i can see my mother, say if the dvr is already on, and she hits a function to "watch TV", and the macro shuts off the DVR bc its the same button push, going crazy. I know Harmony has this Help button that will step the user through asking "Is the DVD on?" etc.
But, it would be easier of course to not have to deal with that.

The 880 programs with a different application than the 810 which is also different that the msc-400

The 880 programs with a different application than the 810 which is also different that the msc-400


i figured that.

so, in the end, is there ANYTHNG else out there that will give this type of functionality, and allow me to use whatever software and update the software?