I'm replacing my Pronto 2000, so I'm tired of the slow and cumbersome touchscreens. I was looking at the Harmony 890, but I think I have ruled it out due to many negative things I've heard(though I love the Tivo remote form factor).

All of the MX remotes do the main thing I want(IR to RF). The devices I need to control are, HD Tivo, HD-DVD player, Denon reciever, Oppo DVD player, the PS3(using a PS2 DVD remote USB work around), and the Monoprice 5x1 HDMI switcher. The most complicated thing I'd like to do, is create macros that switch reciever inputs on each device, and also the HDMI switcher inputs, which I think all of those can do.

What this thread boils down it, is that the MX-650 is the cheapest of all the remotes, and I can't think of anything offhand the more expensive remotes can do for me, that it can't(except the 950 seems to be the only one to have a recharging station), the 4 LCD screens per device should be plenty. Am I missing something? Also, I programed the Pronto from scratch(having to teach it pretty much all the commands), will programming the MX remotes be much harder?

Also, I use the X10 IR to RF pyramid deals. Will the X10 RF reciever work with this remote?

First off, if you want a PC programmable remote (which I recommend), that eliminates the MX-650. Why a PC-programmable remote? Mainly for access to discrete on/off and input commands that may not be on your original remotes. The 850 would be the lowest priced PC programmable, but keep in mind it uses a serial port connection (a problem with newer laptops), so you may have to add the cost of a serial-to-USB converter. The MX-900 adds USB connectivity and some programming differences. The MX-950, in addition to the rechargeable battery, adds bells and whistles like a variety of backlight colors, sound and greater LCD text capability. The most important programming feature the 950 adds is variables, which allows you to simulate discrete on/off commands for components that don't have them (like my projector and HD-A1).

Using any of the remotes in IR mode will work with your pyramids, just like your current remotes do. If you want to use the RF capability, add an MRF base station (preferably the MRF-300 or 350). Hope that helps.

So an MRF base station is required for sure? I would think the X10 pyramid reciever would work fine, unless the MX remotes output a very different RF frequency. I would definitly add the MRF in that case, no more aiming at anything.

The most important programming feature the 950 adds is variables, which allows you to simulate discrete on/off commands for components that don't have them (like my projector and HD-A1).
Also, what do you mean by this? My HD-A1 has an on off button. For the remotes with no recharge feature, what is the battery life expactancy(ballpark)?

I just realized you have X-10 Powermids. Actually, the X-10 Powermids are one of the few exceptions to the norm that 99% of RF remotes will only work with their own base stations. I've heard of instances of Powermids working with the MX remotes, so you might be okay there.

When I'm speaking of separate On/Off commands, I mean commands that will only perform those functions (ie: a discrete "on" command only works if the device is off, otherwise it does nothing). The most important place this comes into play is with a TV. Very few have separate On/Off commands on the remote that comes with them, but most have these commands available. So, for example if you have two macros, one to watch Tivo and one to watch HD DVD, both require the TV to be on. If all you have to work with is a Power command, using it in both macros will be a problem. If the TV's already on from watching HD Tivo, sending the HD DVD macro (with a Power command in it) will turn it off. Having discrete Off enables you to have an "All Off" macro that will only turn off those components that are On. Similar problems can occur with not having direct input selections for a TV.

Batteries usually last about six months. The first set will go the fastest as you'll have programming, reprogramming and heavier backlight use.

Excellent, I'll give it a try with the powermid before springing for a base station. Now I get the on off thing, may not be an issue anyway, as I use a CRT projector, and the remote is built with a strong enough emitter, that you have to bounce the signal off the screen, aiming the remote directly at the pj won't do anything, so I've always had to use that remote no matter what, as the Pronto isn't strong enough.

Sounds like it's the 850 for me. I have a serial port, and I can't justify the extra cost of the 950 for all the little bells and whistles. Thanks for all the info!

I have been using MX-700. I love it so much and want a second one. my next one should have features such as variable and USB port. I can't justify the cost of MX-950. I can go with MX-900, and I heard 900 will support variable soon?

if you can get MX-900, it should be better than mx-850. USB is fast. serial is slow.
you can get mx-900 for about $200 on Ebay including shipping and software with live update (important for future firmware update -> variable)

Excellent, I'll give it a try with the powermid before springing for a base station. Now I get the on off thing, may not be an issue anyway, as I use a CRT projector, and the remote is built with a strong enough emitter, that you have to bounce the signal off the screen, aiming the remote directly at the pj won't do anything, so I've always had to use that remote no matter what, as the Pronto isn't strong enough.

Sounds like it's the 850 for me. I have a serial port, and I can't justify the extra cost of the 950 for all the little bells and whistles. Thanks for all the info!

I have been using MX-700. I love it so much and want a second one. my next one should have features such as variable and USB port. I can't justify the cost of MX-950. I can go with MX-900, and I heard 900 will support variable soon?

Thay've said that for awhile now, but I still haven't seen it appear in beta yet. Some people at URC want to keep the feature exclusive to the MX-950 and 3000. Don't ask me why.

if you can get MX-900, it should be better than mx-850. USB is fast. serial is slow.
you can get mx-900 for about $200 on Ebay including shipping and software with live update (important for future firmware update -> variable)

You may get the updateable software, but you won't get a warranty from URC, so you're at the mercy of the seller.

I'm going to go a different route here.

It is kind of a dickhead move if you buy locally, but I don't mind doing it.

I'd recommend an MX-650

Then get a MX-700 or MX-850.

Use the computer programmed remote to teach the discrete codes into the 650. Then return the more expensive one.

Surfaudio is an authorized online dealer according to the URC web site.
I bought from them and they offer a great service as well as price. Check it out.
Mike has a link on his post to his site. You will be surprised what you can get a MX900 for.
Also, Mike I have a AE900U projector and I am wondering how should I deal
with the ON/OFF. Is their discrete ON/OFF for this projector?

Also, Mike I have a AE900U projector and I am wondering how should I deal
with the ON/OFF. Is their discrete ON/OFF for this projector?

Unfortunately, no, there isn't. I'm using an MX-950 (which has variables as mentioned in my first post) with it, so I don't have a problem with it. If variables ever gets added to the MX-900 (like it's supposed to someday), the problem will be solved for that as well. Since turning it off requires a two step procedure (either "Power" twice or Power and Select), the bigger problem is accidental turn on shortly after turn off. With the MX-900, I would make any macro that turns the projector on a push-and-hold macro to decrease the possibility of an accidental power up. Then, only include the projector turn off commands in macros on the device pages of those devices that use the projector.

I don't know if you care or not, but the MX-850 and below can't set flags. The MX-950 and above can.

For example, you have a device that does NOT have a discrete ON command (that means the On command is the same as the Off command). Once that unit is on, if another Macro sends the On command again, the unit will shut off. The MX-950 and above can flag the On command so that any future macros that are executed won't send the On command again. The Flag can then be turned off when the user runs a different macro (e.g.: System Off).

Personally I like the way the MX-850 fits in my hand over the MX-950.

That would be ok, I always manually turn my reciever on when I'm ready to start watching stuff, and off at the end of the night to be sure it goes off. So I won't be setting Macros to turn anything on, in fact I likely still won't use Macros.

I've got an MX-950, and I'll tell you, what seems like "small" bells & whistles I couldn't live without. The possibility to use up to 11 characters on the LCD screen is huge when trying to make the remote usable for anyone but yourself, and variables can do so much more than handling a lack of discrete on & off, I can't imagine not having them. Once you understand the logic behind variables your imagination can run wild.

The 950 screen is the nicest noticeable thing about the remote.

The flags are pretyt nice, but not needed for usually more then one device.

DVD players that don't have discretes usually turn on with the play button or eject.

TVs most of the time have discretes now.

All receivers have them

Projectors don't :( . That's about it.

VCRs don't have discretes, but workarounds are usually available

Cable boxes don't have discretes, but workarounds are available

can anyone summarize the differences between the mx-980, 950, 900, 850, 810? I can't find any info from URC showing a clear checklist of which remotes have which features.

What I ended up doing was getting the URC RF10 for cheap. I also have a Harmony remote that I will now use exclusively for sucking in discrete codes via the web. The combination of a PC connected Harmony and a flexible and reliable URC is very nice. You can also get an RF base station for the RF10. If you still want some LCD screens you could try something similar with the MX-650 -- and get a good price at Amazon with the RF base station.

well, i like to change my mind and not having a laptop or wating for a pc to fire up, i prefer the 650.. cheap, easy to program, and i dont have any problems w/ the p-pro discretes.. they have all the on/off's and inputs for the tv's we sell... hell, im happy w/ my 500/600's.. i like how they fit my hands.. plus, i've been doing 500's for 4 years.. so that shape is burned into my hands.. ( i know up to the 850, its the same shape, but its the pc that i dont care for) lol..

just my .02

I purchased a 950 and "grew" into it. I knew nothing of programming a remote, but have managed to write a relatively bullet-proof program routine to operate my basic HT - Plasma flat panel screen, Denon 3806 receiver, two DVD players, a DVR set-top box (Comcast) and in addition to the 4.1 surround theater, I have a second zone in another room. Had I not purchased the 950 with it's variable capabilities, I woulkd have had to make a lot of compromises. The bottom line with the 950 is that the only limiting issue is your imagination or willingness to learn variable programming. In this order, this is what I think sets the 950 apart:

1) Variable programming - almost limitless HT programming design possible

2) Solid feel, well-balanced

3) Charger stand - finally a place to put my remote - and it looks so cool...

4) Bells and whistles like sounds and graphics - almost meaningless to me. That's why I didn't bother with the 3000 - I'd rather be looking at the program material instead of the programming material. This is perhaps the last reason to buy the remote, in my opinion.

Another great reason to get the 900/950/1000/3000 is that you can control a msc-400, which is a really cool box. I just love serial control. Also, the sensor inputs are really useful when you want to control your system without using a remote. For example, you can use a video sensor to detect when a dvd player is on, and then turn on the tv, audio system, and recall settings. Or when the playstation is turned on, set the theater up for gaming.