I'm moving a budding remote control discussion from my theater thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=698802) to this area. That thread lists my equipment, but I will also be adding a media PC (probably Windows MCE) and PVR.

I've recently completed my home theater and am ready to purchase a universal remote. Here's what I want:
I need my wife to be able to use the system, from watching a DVD to showing photos of the PC without me being there. No cheat sheets, no complex steps, just an activity based remote with obvious descriptions.
PC programmable. I don't mind making macros or other complex programming (I'm a software programmer by day), but I want to be able to do it from a computer UI.
Rechargable battery is nice, but not a requirement.
Must be IR.
$200 CDN ish is my price range. I'm more concerned about usability than price and appreciate details like customizable LCD descriptions, "Watch DVD" instead of "DVD", "Turn system off" instead of "Pwr Dwn", etc.


So after reading reviews and forum posts I was ready to go to a local store and pay $199 CDN for a Harmony 880. Then I read this reply in my thread:

Having programmed 100+ MX remotes and about 10 Harmony's, there is very good reason why the universals cost more. I've never been able to get a Harmony to control a system as seamlessly as an MX-series URC remote.

Experience from both sides is valuable, so please osiris13, can you be more specific?

I'm not sure what MX you'd be pushed to... but the MX-700 sure looks neat.

I do have a harmony 880 and love it. There are a couple downsides but over all it is minor. I had no problems setting up "Watch TV" and "Watch DVD" buttons and I have a reasonably complex setup. I have nothing, however; to control my lights. Looking at some of the Lutron offerings I wouldn't imagine there would be an issue with the harmony doing this either.

Downsides to consider with the Harmony:

1) LCD Screen is difficult to organize. Items are grouped by devices. I've been petitioning Harmony to change this... I don't get the indication this is a technical issue
2) Hard to navigate by touch. I'm getting used to it but the buttons are close together and smooth.

Other than those minor things I love it. If they fix my #1 I would really never feel the need to see if there is another remote. Also, the 880 can be obtained well below its MSRP.

LCD Screen is difficult to organize. Items are grouped by devices. I've been petitioning Harmony to change this... I don't get the indication this is a technical issue


Are you referring to the LCD screen after you've navigated "in to" a device or activity? I assume and require that the main activity screen is completely customizable (other than some icon issues I've read about). Can you be a bit more specific about the problem, like is it the order of the items, or the wording, etc.

Thanks :)

The MX-700 is a great remote, but for the most part has been replaced by the MX-850 which has better feel to the cursor controls in the center of the remote and has much better backlighting. It also offers the opportunity to upgrade to RF control if need be.

I have programmed hundreds of MX remotes and these remotes are a great choice for many applications.

I have nothing against the Harmony's. They work well, they're a great idea, but I've recently gotten new clients whose previous installers had chosen Harmony remotes that were insufficient (although they look neat) for the type of control the clients were after. We replaced these with MX-850 and MX-900 models. Happy clients.

Are you referring to the LCD screen after you've navigated "in to" a device or activity? I assume and require that the main activity screen is completely customizable (other than some icon issues I've read about). Can you be a bit more specific about the problem, like is it the order of the items, or the wording, etc.

Thanks :)

Yeah... you can order your activities any way you want (watch tv, dvd, etc). I'm talking about the ordering of the LCD buttons for the current menu (for example the watch tv menu).

So you have 8 total options that can go on a screen. You can have multiple pages of screens for that activity. If I want 10 options for my PVR listed and I want 2 options for my TV listed and 1 option for my reciver listed it is very hard to order those. My PVR options would all have to be listed together so there really isn't a way for me to chose to have 5 PVR options, 2 TV options, and 1 Receiver option on the first page and have the remaining 5 PVR options on the second page.

Now you *might* be able to work around this if you list the same device multiple times in the setup or custom program your own device that consists of functions from the PVR, TV, and receiver.

I'm pleased with how I have it set up now but I'm too lazy to program it like I mentioned in the previous paragraph. In the end it is something that Logitech could easily give users the ability to do but have chosen not to for some reason...

I have nothing against the Harmony's. They work well, they're a great idea, but I've recently gotten new clients whose previous installers had chosen Harmony remotes that were insufficient (although they look neat) for the type of control the clients were after. We replaced these with MX-850 and MX-900 models. Happy clients.

Can you elaborate on in what ways the Harmony remotes were insufficient?

So you have 8 total options that can go on a screen. You can have multiple pages of screens for that activity. If I want 10 options for my PVR listed and I want 2 options for my TV listed and 1 option for my reciver listed it is very hard to order those. My PVR options would all have to be listed together so there really isn't a way for me to chose to have 5 PVR options, 2 TV options, and 1 Receiver option on the first page and have the remaining 5 PVR options on the second page.

Gotcha, thanks. But sorting aside, it's no problem to have, say, my house lights as soft buttons on the "Watch DVD"activity page?

Gotcha, thanks. But sorting aside, it's no problem to have, say, my house lights as soft buttons on the "Watch DVD"activity page?

Shouldn't be.

I program a lot of MX850's and I really like them, but you don't get much space on the LCD to put things such as "Watch DVD", etc..... You have to do something like CABLE, DVD, OFF, etc.... short names. Move up in their line and the LCD's have a little more space, or go to a touchscreen model (either with Universal or marantz/phillips pronto) and then you can make the screen say/look however you want.

Another remote line to look at is RTI..this is a dealer only line but they work and are very customizable. the T2+ is a great remote add on a RP-1 or RP-6 and you have the ability to use RF that actually works.

rticorp

the T3 is awsome and they also have a U1 that is waterproof for the shower or pool or hot tub

We used to sell the URC line but after seeing so much of it on ebay and people calling us for help with remotes they didnt buy from us got old...not to mention the Crap ass MRF-200, MRF-250 and MRF300 I wish we were Real system stuff they keep pushing. We had so many issues with bad product we had to quit selling it

also look at the Nevo SL at mynevo

We used to sell the URC line but after seeing so much of it on ebay and people calling us for help with remotes they didnt buy from us got old...not to mention the Crap ass MRF-200, MRF-250 and MRF300 I wish we were Real system stuff they keep pushing. We had so many issues with bad product we had to quit selling it

also look at the Nevo SL at mynevo

What kind of problems are people having with the MRF-200, 250, 300?

I was just about to buy an MX-850 with the MRF-250. Should I think about the Harmony 890 instead?

I think what monkey was refering too was the Poor RF perfomance on the MX3000 with a MRF 250 or 300 unit, we have had similar issues when combining the 2

The MX850 and MRF should be fine

www.surfremotecontrol.com and talk with Mike

http://www.surfremotecontrol.com/store/mx-850rfs.html

I've used the Univerals quite a bit and love the complete control you have over the inteface, macros, etc.

That being said, I purchased a Harmony 880 when they first came out, took an hour to set it up, and it's been 90% functional since then.

I went through a couple defective remotes with their RMA department, but finally have a good working one.

Now I'm trying to customize my remote to get that remaining 10% done, and am completely frustrated. You can't setup a macro within an activity. I've tried using duplicate devices to simulate a macro, but if the software sees a duplicate command, it removes the button. Like another poster said, you also cannot arrange the LCD buttons within the activity - it arranges them as it sees fit.

They also have a bug in their software, so you CANNOT customize your MediaCenter commands until they fix it. Since their software is web-based only, you have 0 options other than waiting it out.

I think that, assuming their software is working correctly and bug-free (which it's not right now), their remotes are great for the casual user who wants a lot of simplification without a lot of work. They're also OK for a more advanced user who doesn't mind living without certain functionality because of the limitations of the remote.

If you're like me and want things to look and work exactly how you envision them, however, look elsewhere.

Good luck!

I program a lot of MX850's and I really like them, but you don't get much space on the LCD to put things such as "Watch DVD", etc..... You have to do something like CABLE, DVD, OFF, etc.... short names. Move up in their line and the LCD's have a little more space, or go to a touchscreen model (either with Universal or marantz/phillips pronto) and then you can make the screen say/look however you want.

Do you have any other complaints about the MX programming? Have you used them with a Media Center PC?

Thanks

They also have a bug in their software, so you CANNOT customize your MediaCenter commands until they fix it.

Now that's certainly a reason for me to think twice. Do you have any examples of specific things you'd like your Harmony to do with your Media PC but can't programm at this time?

You basically can't assign any custom buttons or commands. They said they released an updated on 7/10 that caused this issue, and they are not scheduled to fix it until early August. Absolutely unacceptable, in my opinion, since they give you no other method to program your remote.

For example, I want to add x10 lighting controls to all of my Activities. I want them to display on the first page of the LCD once I get into the Activity. Since they don't allow you to arrange the commands at all (which I think is stupid), I basically am going to delete unused commands from the LCD so I can fit my lighting controls.

Can't do it on any Activity which uses my MediaCenter (Watch TV, Watch DVD, Listen To Music, or Watch Videos) because of the bug.

I also want to reassign the function of the + key. Can't do it becuase of the bug.

Here's a post on Logitech's forum about it:

Logitech (http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/board/message?board.id=programming&message.id=133)

You can ADD the MediaCenter PC and create an activity, the bug shows when you try to customize anything to do with it.

I can't believe more people aren't complaining about it (MediaCenters mustn't be popular enough), and I think it shows a huge flaw in their method of programming (web-only).

For example, I want to add x10 lighting controls to all of my Activities. I want them to display on the first page of the LCD once I get into the Activity. Since they don't allow you to arrange the commands at all (which I think is stupid), I basically am going to delete unused commands from the LCD so I can fit my lighting controls.

Can't do it on any Activity which uses my MediaCenter (Watch TV, Watch DVD, Listen To Music, or Watch Videos) because of the bug.

I also want to reassign the function of the + key. Can't do it becuase of the bug.

Thanks Mike, that's exactly something I want to do as well (except my light control is Lutron). If I could design my own remote I'd have dedicated hard buttons for lights on/up and lights off/down.

I was thinking about that - maybe a rocker switch or 2 on the sides of the remote.

Does anyone have an opinion about the simplicity of programming a Universal remote versus the Harmony remotes?

I had a local Universal dealer tell me that the Harmony remotes were more designed for consumer programming and that I would have to pay them $250 to program an MX-800 because I probably wouldn't be able to do it.

Does anyone have an opinion about the simplicity of programming a Universal remote versus the Harmony remotes?

I had a local Universal dealer tell me that the Harmony remotes were more designed for consumer programming and that I would have to pay them $250 to program an MX-800 because I probably wouldn't be able to do it.

goto www.universalremote.com and load the software, then play with it to see if it is easy or not, the current model is a MX850

that software is availble there as well

Here is a better link to the software
http://www.universalremote.com/products/downloads.php

also goto www.remotecentral.com then one there goto the universal remote section, there you will beable to find out more on the remote

In addition to downloading the software, also download the Programming Manual (not the owner's manual) for the MX-800. You can program the enitre remote without having it, so it's a great, no-cost way to see if it's something you want to tackle.

The dealer ,if he is in anyway qualified, should be able to do a better job. If you enjoy programming your remote or the money is a big deal, you should give it a shot yourself.
That's my beef with Harmony remotes is that they are too simple for people who frequent this forum. They only get 90% of the way there. In fact I thin kthey take longer to program than other models if they can be programmed at all b/c of the web interface.
However, if you are one of the lucky ones or not very picky it might just be all you need.

Thanks for the replies Glackowitz, MikeSRC and AdilM.

I will check out the software and see how it goes.

goto www.universalremote.com and load the software, then play with it to see if it is easy or not, the current model is a MX850

I like it. I like it a lot. As a programmer this UI feels a lot more powerful than the wizard-heavy Harmony software. I can see how it's not suitable for the average joe, but arguably neither is this forum :)

My Panasonic 900u isn't in the device list, but a quick Google search revealed this: http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/files/rcfiles.cgi?area=mx700&db=devices

Just one question, does the MX know what's already on? Like if I've been "Watching a DVD" activity and switch to "Media PC" activity then processor/amp and projector are already on, don't try to turn them on. That is a major selling point of the Harmony.

Or maybe the activities will just never turn anything on and the procedure will just be to use the system on and off buttons. After all, devices like media PCs and DVRs are never turned off.

Well Universal, making your software available like that may have made you a sale...

OK next question, anyone want to sell me an MX-850? :) Time to start searching and see if I can find one for a low enough price vs. the $99 CDN "90% good enough" Harmony 520.

Just one question, does the MX know what's already on? Like if I've been "Watching a DVD" activity and switch to "Media PC" activity then processor/amp and projector are already on, don't try to turn them on. That is a major selling point of the Harmony.This issue is usually handled by using "discrete" power on and off codes. Most decent A/V equipment will recognize three separate IR codes for switching the power: A "power toggle" code that turns the power on if it's off or off if it's on. This is the code that's sent by the "Power" button on the standard remote A "power off" code. This turns the power off if it's on and doesn't do anything if it's off already. A "power on" code, that only ever turns the power on.

My Panasonic 900u isn't in the device list, but a quick Google search revealed this: http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/files/rcfiles.cgi?area=mx700&db=devices

I have a file for the AE900u I can send you if you need one. It's just commands learned from the AE900 remote.

Just one question, does the MX know what's already on? Like if I've been "Watching a DVD" activity and switch to "Media PC" activity then processor/amp and projector are already on, don't try to turn them on. That is a major selling point of the Harmony.

Currently, only the MX-3000 and 950 can do that with a programming feature known as "Variables". This feature will be added to the MX-900 in the future as well. As mentioned above, discrete commands are the best way to avoid problems with losing track of the on/off status of a component, as the remote doesn't know if someone's turned the component off by hand or using the original remote. Harmonys use discretes where they're available.

I have a file for the AE900u I can send you if you need one. It's just commands learned from the AE900 remote.

Thanks. What I meant by that link was that I had found it there. Without an actual remote I can't test it, but it seemed to show the proper commands in the programming application. Also, with the popularity of the 900u and the MX series, I'm confident there is a community of people like yourself that will be able to help me.

Currently, only the MX-3000 and 950 can do that with a programming feature known as "Variables". This feature will be added to the MX-900 in the future as well. As mentioned above, discrete commands are the best way to avoid problems with losing track of the on/off status of a component, as the remote doesn't know if someone's turned the component off by hand or using the original remote. Harmonys use discretes where they're available.

I think I'm just going to manage it by removing power control from the activity macros altogether and using a system-wide on/off.

So I purchased a Harmony 520 on the way home from work yesterday to give it a try.

You tried to warn me, but in my defence I have to say it's hard to appreciate just how frustrating the Harmony software is until you've actually used it in a real situation.

Maybe I should stick with the MX-500 that came with my A/V processor and just print labels "Watch DVD" and "Media PC" to stick over "M1" and "M2".

I think I'll be able to live with the 520. I hate the software, but I've got it doing pretty much everything I want. I'm not satisfied with the physical build quality, the software, the LCD order customization, or the outstanding Media PC button customization bug. But, it looks nice, was relatively cheap, does what I need the most, and, most importantly, passed the wife tests.

I think I'll be able to live with the 520. I hate the software, but I've got it doing pretty much everything I want. I'm not satisfied with the physical build quality, the software, the LCD order customization, or the outstanding Media PC button customization bug. But, it looks nice, was relatively cheap, does what I need the most, and, most importantly, passed the wife tests.
What do you think of the LCD? I found it near impossible to read...maybe I got a bad one.

What do you think of the LCD? I found it near impossible to read...maybe I got a bad one.

Good
I don't have any problems reading it and neither does my wife.
It's better than the majority of the MX remotes because you can put more than 5
characters in a spot.

Bad
However, when two spots beside each other have long text there isn't enough of a clear space between them
THe LCD is unreadable when its dim or dark except when the backlight is on. Well *duh* you say, but when you see it side by side with my MX-500 remote you can see how much clearer the MX is in all conditions.

In addition to downloading the software, also download the Programming Manual (not the owner's manual) for the MX-800. You can program the enitre remote without having it, so it's a great, no-cost way to see if it's something you want to tackle.


http://www.universalremote.com/products/downloads.php

I need the Programming manual for the MX-900, but there's no link for it.

There's one for the 850 and 950.

Will those be enough?

Thank All

I need the Programming manual for the MX-900, but there's no link for it.

There's one for the 850 and 950.

Will those be enough?

Thank All

Yes, use the one for the 950. It has some additional features that the 900 doesn't, but its setup is closer to the 900 than the 850 is.

My Panasonic plasma TV's remote requires 13 steps to turn closed captioning on and 13 steps to turn it off. The same issue applies to other frequently used functions.

Having read postings in various forums, it is clear to me that I can sets the URC remotes to do all 13 steps with one macro. It is not clear whether the Harmony remotes can do that. I would be ready to buy the URC200 or RF20 but I don't like URC's poor support policy and a lot of users like the Harmony remotes better.

So my question is, can the Harmony remotes do what I want or are the URCs the clear choice?

AFAIK (and I've used Harmony remotes since before they were acquired by Logitech... and subsequently ruined...) that you can no longer do macros. Even the recently removed macro support would not have allowed what you need to do (although in the glory days of Harmony you could). This is why I switched from Harmony to a Universal 950. Can do all that and more.

Unfortunate that Logitech insists on crippling a very capable remote operating system with such a simplistic/limiting programming interface.

My Panasonic plasma TV's remote requires 13 steps to turn closed captioning on and 13 steps to turn it off. The same issue applies to other frequently used functions.

Having read postings in various forums, it is clear to me that I can sets the URC remotes to do all 13 steps with one macro. It is not clear whether the Harmony remotes can do that. I would be ready to buy the URC200 or RF20 but I don't like URC's poor support policy and a lot of users like the Harmony remotes better.

So my question is, can the Harmony remotes do what I want or are the URCs the clear choice?

Yes...a Harmony can do that. All you would do is set up 2 activities...ie "Watch TV CC on" and "Watch TV CC off". You can add multiple commands(macros) to the activity start/end sequences, but you can only have simple 2 or 3 command macros within an activity.

Yes...a Harmony can do that. All you would do is set up 2 activities... but you can only have simple 2 or 3 command macros within an activity.
czzer, thanks for the response. Please clarify; When you say only 2 or 3 command macros can be included within an activity, how would I get the 13 commands needed to switch closed captioning on and off? would there be a sequence of multiple macros within the activity?

Can you elaborate on in what ways the Harmony remotes were insufficient?I've found the database to be incomplete or inaccurate, even for popular gear that isn't brand new or ancient - that is, exactly the stuff that they need to have right and should have right, isn't. So much for their big database.

And the commands that are in there don't always have the same description as on the original product, and in any case are often in some arbitrary, entirely useless order. Why not have them in some kind of meaningful order? Or even more genius, have a few alternative ways to order them (alphabetical, sound and picture, same as original remote, or something like that) that you can choose from, instead of sticking everyone with the arbitrary and useless order?

If you really want to get things at all right, you end up doing a lot of programming to (1) add missing commands and (2) get the features you need and use to show up in an accessible place on the remote. And even then, it might not be possible.

And the web site/software you have to use to do that is really cumbersome. You can't move or reorder entries on the custom menus ... you have to delete them and re-enter them. All of them, much of the time.

And it won't always use what you enter ... the software will decide it knows better than you and edit what you entered if it think it's repetitive, even if you think it might be useful to repeat a command in more than one spot.

A little like Mike Boulanger saying he got 90% of the way there, but that last 10% was really frustrating ... but I'd say it's more like 70%/30%. Turning everything on and switching it to the right mode doesn't impress me unless it can finish the job. It should do a lot more than the universal features on the remote that came with my receiver, not just a little more.

And forget about customer service. After a few days they autorespond with an "apology" for not responding, and say "we assume after all this time you figured out the answer on your own, or gave up - so unless you resubmit your question we'll assume you don't need an answer." Well, you still haven't set it up so that the antenna input on my popular TV is in your list of inputs, so yes, I'd still like you to fix that.

Ergonomics aren't very good, you'd think they'd know a lot more about how people use them by now.

I don't think the Logitech remotes deserve their reputation at all.

The only tip / redeeming feature I'd point out - if you have a Harmony remote that has sound and picture buttons, you can put a group of frequently used sound and picture controls into that area, so they are accessible by pressing the sound or picture button first, then finding the command. The key tip is that each device and activity can have a set of these. Which is good, in the sense of having a customized menu for that activity, but of course they're very repetitive. And, that way you don't have to mess with reordering the main list of commands. Which is stupid, that it takes two pushes to do what one could, but the idea of re-entering all the remote commands is one I couldn't face.

Just in case anyone has missed it, you can add a command using your original remote fairly easily. Which is good, because there will be some missing.

But I'd rather have a clean, flexible programming interface than the wizard (that just gives about 3 commands to turn stuff on or off).

czzer, thanks for the response. Please clarify; When you say only 2 or 3 command macros can be included within an activity, how would I get the 13 commands needed to switch closed captioning on and off? would there be a sequence of multiple macros within the activity?

You can add as many commands as you want to the activity start and end sequence. So in your case, you would create a "Watch TV CC on" activity, which would do all the usual turning on, selecting inputs etc, then send all the commands required to turn closed captioning on. When you exit that activity(either by selecting another activity, or pressing the main OFF button, then remote would send the sequence of commands to turn closed captioning back off again.

The second "Watch TV CC off" activity wouldn't need any of these extra commands.

This is just an example of course...you can configure the activities however you want. The Harmonys are very flexible in their setup options.

The 2 or 3 command "mini macros" are all you can do once you are in an activity..ie the activity start "macro" has already been sent and you are already in the "Watch TV" activity.

Did URC take the link away for the software download? I don't see it there.

Here are my thoughts:

If you navigate a DVR by touch at all, the only Harmony you should consider would be the 670. All the other Harmonies have abysmal layouts that make it a real pain to navigate, especially by touch.

So, with that in mind:
1) The MX850 has bigger buttons which make it a bit easier to use.
2) The 670's LCD screen is easier to read.
3) The MX850 is missing skip forward/back buttons (I use the bottom LCD row).
4) The MX850 has a Favorite menu that you can use to add setup customizations (sound/picture), but the 670 has Sound and Picture buttons, which are a little bit better geared towards this type of customization.
5) The MX850 software is fully customizable but is missing variables which are extremely important for devices which don't have discrete on/off buttons. So you can get pretty much 99% there.
6) The Harmony software won't allow you to do complex customized macros, but for most users their activities are good enough (even for a power-user like myself).
7) Lighting control can be better customized with the MX850, but lighting control isn't too bad on the Harmony, since you can use the extra up/down arrow buttons to turn the lights up, or turn them down. I was surprised to find I actually preferred discrete light control over integrated lighting control.
8) As mentioned, the last 30% of programming on the Harmony software is frustrating at best. Most of it is getting around broken or incomplete features, and sometimes requires "learning" the command to get it in the right place. They fix things now and then, but sometimes introduce other problems (see comments on their forums about the latest patch). Although the first 70% is a breeze compared to programming the MX850, that last 30% makes you wish you were programming the MX850.
9) The Help button on the Harmonies is very helpful for people who haven't programmed the remote and isn't a feature that should be easily dismissed.
10) The discrete activity buttons on the 670 are nice and I actually prefer those to the color activity screens on the higher end Harmonies (navigating by touch, again).
11) The 670 is a much nicer looking remote. :D

I kept my MX850, for now. But if Harmony cleans up the issues they had with their latest patch, without introducing more issues, I'll transition to using the 670 for the easier to read text buttons, the help button (for my wife), the device toggles, and the skip buttons.

My ideal remote would be the 670 with buttons that were a bit bigger, a rechargeable base with tilt-sensing backlighting (like the higher-end Harmonies), and more solid software.

One final thought to consider is that you do have to change batteries about once a month, which is kind of a pain - hence my preference for a rechargeable base. In my theater room, I keep a battery recharger plugged in with a bunch of rechargeable batteries next to it. I can't imagine using either remote without having the recharging station right next to where I use the remote. I'd probably switch to the 670 right now if they added a rechargeable base for it.

EDIT: OOPS! I wrote about the 676 - I meant the 670. I've edited this post to rename my references to the 676 to the 670.

That's a good comparison, although personally I find the smaller text of the 676's LCD screen harder to see. Also, I'd place the 670 ahead of the 676 if for no other reason than the bigger thumbpad.

Did URC take the link away for the software download? I don't see it there.

It's a long story. Take a look at this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=748758).

That's a good comparison, although personally I find the smaller text of the 676's LCD screen harder to see. Also, I'd place the 670 ahead of the 676 if for no other reason than the bigger thumbpad.

Interesting. I don't have a problem seeing the text on either remote, it's the ALLCAPS and forced abbreviations on the MX850 that makes it more difficult to read. I also put the 670 ahead of the 676 - I made a mistake in my first post, as I meant to compare the 670 to the MX850. Thanks for catching my error, could have sent some people down the wrong path! :o

Interesting. I don't have a problem seeing the text on either remote

I don't either . . . if I have my glasses on. :D

Did URC take the link away for the software download? I don't see it there.

Here is a newer update to the website to get your software. And you didn't have to buy it from an authorized dealer. Just enter your serial number...or maybe that is the control.

http://www.urccontrolroom.com

I bought my MX-3000 from an electronic store - Elextronic Expo in New Jersey. I don't think they are an authorized dealer, but their installing partner is. I just bought the remote and downloaded the software by entering in my serial number, name, address, etc...

Hope that helps.

Here's the link for registering your remote and downloading URC software: http://www.universalremote.com/pro/registration.php

The issue is that the software you download from that page is not updateable.

I just went to the website that MikeSRC suggested.

It's the same website that was stickered to the top of my MX-3000 box. The link for end user registration goes the to the same exact address.

So, my software is the same. I just thought www.urcconntrolroom.com was easier to remember.

And the software is NOT updateable.

The Live updater doesn't work because URC changed software and are no longer supporting the MX Editor or Live Updater.

I posted the registration link so that people would not think that entering their serial number would give you access to the URC Control Room (which is for dealers and installers). There is new software that is updateable, but it's not available from the URC website.

MikeSRC,

Understood. So if there is "newer" software, where can one get a hold it? I asked my authorized distributor of my MX-3000 and "www.urccontrolroom.com" is the site that he told me and also was stickered to the MX-3000 box.

What is the name of the software? MX Editor is the one I have.

Understood. So if there is "newer" software, where can one get a hold it? I asked my authorized distributor of my MX-3000 and "www.urccontrolroom.com" is the site that he told me and also was stickered to the MX-3000 box.

What is the name of the software? MX Editor is the one I have.

As I referred to in my earlier post above, there's a long thread on the URC policy regarding the updateable software, so I don't want this thread to head in that direction. It's no different than the "old" software, it's just that they changed the location of their "Live Update" server and only the new software points to it. If you do a "Live Update" with the old software, you may get one or two, but eventually you will get a message saying it's not updateable.

Authorized distributors should be able to give you (if you're a dealer) access to the URC Control Room. Authorized dealers can give you access to the new software, but it's up to them whether they do. Some unauthorized delaers have the new software, but there is no warranty coverage from URC for a purchase from an unauthorized dealer.

And the software is NOT updateable.

I decided not to get an MX-series remote due to the update issue for the "professional" models. Now I am thinking about getting a "consumer" model like the RF20 but I am interested in knowing whether the consumer models are (or ever were) updateable.

I will try to tag onto this thread instead of starting a new one. I just recently purchased a URC-300 from Amazon at a great deal, but am wondering if I did the right thing.....

I wanted a remote that was powerful enough for me to control many, if not all, of the features of my DVR (SA 8300HD), Upconverting DVD (Philips 5960) and TV (Sharp 42D62U), plus a BD player in the future. At the same time, I want it to be very intuitive (translate: easy and simple) for my wife. The functionality I was going for was to be similar to the Harmony line - press a button to Watch a DVD, Listen to Music, Watch TV, etc. I was under the impression that with a little work, I could program this type of functionality into the URC-300's touchscreen, but now I'm not so sure.

Now I'm thinking about returning the URC and maybe spending more $$$ on a Harmony 670 (for emphasis on DVR functionality, a favorite of my wife). The Harmony seems to know better than the URC what state the gear is in (or was in with the last remote command) and the URC wouldn't know this. I need some help on this one. :confused:

Thanks in advance, Jay B. :)

buzzy_,

You list a number of legitimate complaints with the Harmony series. However, the $64,000 question is: do you know of some other remote control that does it better?

I still don't understand why people still want to compare URC vs Logitech. There is no comparision at all. Logitech Remote is like Toyota Corola vs URC Lexus.

Logitech Ergonomics is a joke. it is like a toy. they designed it to look beatiful on picture. but in everyday usage, it is terrible. URC remote is very practical. you know exactly where buttons are without looking at it. there is enough space between buttons. Logitec buttons are too close together, and you can easily hit the wrong button. I was excited looking at the picture when they release the first remote but disappointed when I held it at BB.

Even with URC sotware policy, I will want to get another URC remote (currently own mx-700). it allow me to do anything with my home theater. I will not get from dealer since it is too expensive. ebay can get you a competitive price one with software.

I will try to tag onto this thread instead of starting a new one. I just recently purchased a URC-300 from Amazon at a great deal, but am wondering if I did the right thing.....

I wanted a remote that was powerful enough for me to control many, if not all, of the features of my DVR (SA 8300HD), Upconverting DVD (Philips 5960) and TV (Sharp 42D62U), plus a BD player in the future. At the same time, I want it to be very intuitive (translate: easy and simple) for my wife. The functionality I was going for was to be similar to the Harmony line - press a button to Watch a DVD, Listen to Music, Watch TV, etc. I was under the impression that with a little work, I could program this type of functionality into the URC-300's touchscreen, but now I'm not so sure.

Now I'm thinking about returning the URC and maybe spending more $$$ on a Harmony 670 (for emphasis on DVR functionality, a favorite of my wife). The Harmony seems to know better than the URC what state the gear is in (or was in with the last remote command) and the URC wouldn't know this. I need some help on this one. :confused:

Thanks in advance, Jay B. :)
I have a URC 300 (replaced a URC 200 with that great deal at Amazon) and I run a Moto DVR. I can run all the DVR functions perfectly. What are your issues with your DVR control? IMO, the interface and ergomomics of the URC are way better than the Harmonys'.

As far as “Activities” and wife-friendly setup, just program the device buttons on the “Main”page as macros to switch everything for that “Activity”. In other words, when you press “DVD” on the main page, a macro is executed to change your TV and AVR to watch a DVD, which is basically what the Harmonies do. Delete text on device buttons you don’t have and make “dead” macros so they don’t go anywhere. You might want to make the “on” button or an LCD button on the main page your “start up” button to put you in, say, TV watching mode.

Also, you may want think outside the box with this remote. There are a lot of unused devices and unused pages that can be turned into custom menus and then “jumped” to and from with macros. Also, you can edit the text in two side by side LCD “buttons” to make longer words and phrases and then program both buttons with the same command or macro. The learning capacity also very powerful. For instance, I have my light dimmer available on all devices as a “learned” LCD button. You may also want to try to move and learn your most needed commands to the first LCD page of each device and then “hide” any unnecessary pages for less confusing operation.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Thanks, kbp. Very helpful advice.

When I program a macro with either my Universal Remote Control RF20 (or my old One-for-All remote) the delay between steps (if I don't add a pause) is about half a second, maybe a bit less. You can add to the delay in half second increments by putting a pause in the macro, by I want to shorten the delay.

I understand that some of the higher end U.R.C. MX series allow you to adjust the delay you get when inserting a pause. My question is whether they allow you to reduce the delay between steps from the default value. I would like the delays in most cases to be more like 1/10 of a second when the device being controlled can react that fast. Although the user manuals for the consumer series remotes are available for download, what U.R.C. calls the "program manuals" for the MX series are not. Otherwise, I would read the manuals and find out for myself.

If anyone with an MX800, 850, 900 etc. would answer my question I would be most grateful.

I understand that some of the higher end U.R.C. MX series allow you to adjust the delay you get when inserting a pause. My question is whether they allow you to reduce the delay between steps from the default value.

No, you can't with any of them. However, the default delay between steps is less than the non PC-programmable remotes.

Although the user manuals for the consumer series remotes are available for download, what U.R.C. calls the "program manuals" for the MX series are not. Otherwise, I would read the manuals and find out for myself.


You can download any of them from the "Files" section on remotecentral.com.

No, you can't with any of them. However, the default delay between steps is less than the non PC-programmable remotes.
Thanks, MikeSRC. I found the editor manuals, and in the MX-700, 800, 200 manual it says that the macro step delay can be programmed to vary to as little as 0.1 second. I assumed that referred to the delay added to the default, as in my RF20.

Then, after doing a Google search, I found in Remote Central's review of the MX-700 that it says "No default delay is added between commands – making the MX-700 much quicker at sending macros than the MX-500!" I then went back to the manual and it seems to imply, but doesn't say clearly, that is the case.

Since the statement quoted in the review is not consistent with your experience, I am wondering if it applies only to the MX-700 or whether it is inaccurate. If I can really get an MX series that allows macros to execute with as little a 0.1 seconds per step, I will buy one. However, I want to be certain before shelling out the capital to replace my RF20, which otherwise does everything I want it to do.

Thanks, MikeSRC. I found the editor manuals, and in the MX-700, 800, 200 manual it says that the macro step delay can be programmed to vary to as little as 0.1 second. I assumed that referred to the delay added to the default, as in my RF20.

The delay steps in the macro programming ARE in addition to the default time it takes a macro to fire.

Then, after doing a Google search, I found in Remote Central's review of the MX-700 that it says "No default delay is added between commands – making the MX-700 much quicker at sending macros than the MX-500!"


Macros in any of the PC programmable remotes are sent in sequence, but they're not instantaneous. Maybe I shouldn't have used the term "delay", but there is an amount of time it takes to send a specific number of steps (maybe 3-4 per second) and it's noticeably faster than the MX-500.

Can the MX-3000 control z-wave or Insteon lights? I am about to return my harmony 1000 and get the MX-3000 because the harmony's customization and software is very limited.

The delay steps in the macro programming ARE in addition to the default time it takes a macro to fire.

Macros in any of the PC programmable remotes are sent in sequence, but they're not instantaneous. Maybe I shouldn't have used the term "delay", but there is an amount of time it takes to send a specific number of steps (maybe 3-4 per second) and it's noticeably faster than the MX-500.
Can you adjust the length of the macro delay when programming a macro on the remote, or do you have to use the PC software for that?

Can you adjust the length of the macro delay when programming a macro on the remote, or do you have to use the PC software for that?

Yes, you can add delay time in 0.2 second steps for the non PC-programmable remotes. The issue is that in neither case can you increase the speed at which the macro fires, only decrease it.

Can the MX-3000 control z-wave or Insteon lights? I am about to return my harmony 1000 and get the MX-3000 because the harmony's customization and software is very limited.

The MX-3000 does not use Z-wave or Insteon. It only uses RF to communicate with its own base station, which then converts the signal to IR.

The MX-3000 does not use Z-wave or Insteon. It only uses RF to communicate with its own base station, which then converts the signal to IR.

Partially correct..

Z-Wave you are out of luck, it is RF specific.
With Insteon you can use an X10 IR convertor and then you use the MX3000 to "talk IR" to the Convertor.