I've been reading up on remotes and think I might go for the MX-980. I figured I could get one on Amazon, Crutchfield, or Best Buy. I didn't see it listed on any of those sites. Are they out yet? If so, where would be the best spot to purchase one?

Thanks,
Nick

From what I've gathered from other forums:
URC, in their infinite(simal?) wisdom, have decided that you can only buy this remote direct from one of their authorised dealers. The dealers are not allowed to sell them (or even advertise a price) online, or sell them to someone who lives more than 200 miles away. It seems to be part of their plan to persuade you to buy them from a custom installer, who can then charge extra to program it for you.

Seems crazy to me, but I guess it's up to them...

If this guy is an authorized URC dealer, he may not be soon, based on your recommendation...

Have you contacted any Custom Installers in your area?

I'd bet one of them would be willing to accomodate you if you just ask. Will you buy it at dealer cost? no. But you must understand that this is how they make a living.

You must understand that URC does not offer end user support for these units. Dealers go through training to learn how to program these units. Can you program one yourself? sure. But if you do by chance screw it up, it is the responsibility of the dealer to offer you support for the product.

Dealers make an investment upfront inorder to have the right to make a profit.

URC doesn't sell by these methods to raise prices to end users, but rather the opposite. They sell this way to keep them down. Could you imagine if units such as these were on store shelves and the average joe went to program it himself? They'd need thousands of full time support agents working around the clock trying to fix all of the screwed up remotes that people were not able to get working properly.

I guess I just felt the need to explain why.

Call come CI's in your area. Just be nice, explain your situation, and give them some respect. Let them know you understand their position.

I bet you end up with what you're after.

-Matt

Check ebay.

I got my 950 from surfremotecontrol.com (MikeSRC on these forums), and he treated me right. I'm a technical guy, and have been able to figure out most of the software and hardware workings. Just make sure to actually read the manual, in order, from page 1 one. The online update also works well for me, with the software I got from him.

If you order from their site, though, make sure to mail in and ask for a special price. He'll probably quote a price that's quite competetive with the non-authorized dealers. Btw: I have no relation with SRC except as a happy customer.

The MX980 is a little tougher than the MX950, but it would not be much to learn. It can be customized better.

If you are in NC or parts of S. VA, give me a PM or email. I have no problem providing the remote w/o installation and w/ the updateable software.

No issues here.

The MX980 is a little tougher than the MX950, but it would not be much to learn. It can be customized better.

If you are in NC or parts of S. VA, give me a PM or email. I have no problem providing the remote w/o installation and w/ the updateable software.

No issues here.

Provided you are within 200 miles as per URC policy.

How much are 980's going for using authorized dealers?

MSRP is $599.95.
$100 less than the MX950.