BigPines
11-30-07, 04:22 PM
I currently have a Marantz RC2000. Although this remote has been a tank and served me well, it's buttons are a little outdated (no Blu-ray or HD-DVD) and I am thinking it is time for an upgrade.
First: Based on URC's recent bullying of their customers by making it difficult to get the programming software for their remotes, I refuse to do business with them. I know I can get the software (after jumping through their hoops) as long as I buy from an authorized dealer. I also know I can unofficially get the software from various places online but I am not interested. I understand what they are trying to do but I simply disagree with the way they are doing it. I don't care if the MX-3000 is the best remote on the planet (and it may well be). I will never do business with such a shortsighted company. Who knows what they are going to pull next? Plus I'll be honest, they are just too expensive. Anyway, on to the real question...
I was originally interested in the MX-3000 because of it's seemingly limitless customization options. I like the idea of being able to create my own screen layouts and button images. So I am looking for the next best thing. I have been looking at the Harmony 1000 but it seems pretty limited from what I have read.
Here is what I want:
1) Large color touchscreen.
2) Customizable buttons where I can create my own graphics.
3) Nice layout of the physical buttons (some of these layouts I've seen are terrible).
4) Macros.
5) The option of old school manual remote function learning. IR reading from another remote. Codes are great but you can't count on them always being available.
6) Charging cradle.
7) IR plus RF would be nice but I doubt there is such a beast.
8) Under $600 street price would be a bonus.
Here is what I don't care about:
1) I don't care how complicated or time consuming the programming is as long as the end result is nice.
2) WiFi or bluetooth.
3) Repeaters for whole house operation.
Is there anything out there that will do what I want? I know the Harmony 1000 comes close but with limited customization. Does that hit the closest to the mark???
Mike
First: Based on URC's recent bullying of their customers by making it difficult to get the programming software for their remotes, I refuse to do business with them. I know I can get the software (after jumping through their hoops) as long as I buy from an authorized dealer. I also know I can unofficially get the software from various places online but I am not interested. I understand what they are trying to do but I simply disagree with the way they are doing it. I don't care if the MX-3000 is the best remote on the planet (and it may well be). I will never do business with such a shortsighted company. Who knows what they are going to pull next? Plus I'll be honest, they are just too expensive. Anyway, on to the real question...
I was originally interested in the MX-3000 because of it's seemingly limitless customization options. I like the idea of being able to create my own screen layouts and button images. So I am looking for the next best thing. I have been looking at the Harmony 1000 but it seems pretty limited from what I have read.
Here is what I want:
1) Large color touchscreen.
2) Customizable buttons where I can create my own graphics.
3) Nice layout of the physical buttons (some of these layouts I've seen are terrible).
4) Macros.
5) The option of old school manual remote function learning. IR reading from another remote. Codes are great but you can't count on them always being available.
6) Charging cradle.
7) IR plus RF would be nice but I doubt there is such a beast.
8) Under $600 street price would be a bonus.
Here is what I don't care about:
1) I don't care how complicated or time consuming the programming is as long as the end result is nice.
2) WiFi or bluetooth.
3) Repeaters for whole house operation.
Is there anything out there that will do what I want? I know the Harmony 1000 comes close but with limited customization. Does that hit the closest to the mark???
Mike