My new home has a decent home theater with a MX-800 with MRF-200 RF Interface. I am new to this... Can this be programmed to run my DirecTv HD-DVR - HR21-700? What is the MRF-200 for? Any other tips on using this? Is this a decent piece of equipment, or am I better off buying something new? Appreciate your help learning... THX!

http://www.universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=59

http://www.universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=45

This should help.

Go to the "Files" section of remotecentral.com and download the programming manual for the MX-700/800/850. Assuming you have the software and cable to program the MX-800, you can take it from there. The MRF-200 is to control components that are in another room or not in line-of-sight with the remote. The remote communicates with the MRF-200 via RF, which is then changed back to IR to control your components.

thanks.. still have a few questions..
1) I am having trouble locating the "programming manual". I found the manual titled "MX800ownersmanual.pdf, but that is pretty generic. More info about using the remote than programming it. Is there another manual I am just missing?
2) I have the softeware, but not the cable. Can someone tell me what kind of cable I need and where to get it. Again.. this system came with the house I bought, so I am missing a few key items.
I appreciate your help!

Programming manual: First item listed here (http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/files/rcfiles.cgi?area=mx700&db=other&br=programs)

Cable type and pin-out: here (http://www.surfremotecontrol.com/DIY-cable.htm)

If you can't make your own cable, give URC a call at 800-901-0800 and they can sell you one for less than $10.

Excellent.. I ordered one for $10.... delivered..thanks!

Now it will not communicate.... If it is not one thing it is another... any instruction out there regarding how to get it to talk to my computer?

Instead of trying to get the remote to talk to the PC, maybe you should talk to an installer. It'll probly cost a couple hundred to have it done, but think of what your time is worth and what it's worth to have a solid system, done right the first time.

Just my $.02

How do you have it connected? Do you have a PC with a serial port or are you using a serial-to-USB adapter? Not all brands of adapter work. Recommended brands are Belkin and Keyspan. Also, the current Radio Shack ones.

Make sure you have the correct COM port assigned.

Got it... was connected directly to the serial port. I had to disable everything in the startup menu to avoid conflicts. all ok now! thanks to all for the help!