URC Programming software for MX-980

did you ever get the software?

I'm looking for it as well. I'd really like the CCP if possible. i bought my remote off ebay about 4 years ago and just added a Seagate Theater+ to my bedroom, and this is the first time i've needed the software since i bought it. of course, i have no clue where the original install disc is. i knew i should have replaced the URC with a Harmony. help?

If you bought a Harmony 4 years ago then you probably would have needed to replace it at least once by now due to buttons failing.

maybe so, but considering the difference in price points, i'd still be ahead.

For those who buy URC remotes via an unauthorized seller..... Stop complaining about not getting software. It's on you, not URC. Buy from someone who is authorized and ask for it. They have the say weather you get it or not. Why? Because they will be tech support if needed. Not URC. That is the policy. Because anything programming via CCP is a "custom installer" line of products. Not a consumer line of products. Which requires purchasing from an authorized dealer. Buying from eBay at 50% off msrp is NOT an authorized dealer.

Or make sure you have the software before buying from an unauthorized seller.

That's great advice - now. Unfortunately it is useless advice by the time someone is to the point of having the option of buying from an authorized reseller because they already own a device they can do nothing with. When i bought the URC, I was replacing a Crestron system because I got sick of having to pay someone $200 to come to my house to change a button behaviour every 3 months or to add a device. So I picked URC because it came with the programming software, and at the time I had no idea of their agreement with their resellers, and no one told me that fact then, not even the authorized retailer where i first saw the device in use. If I'd known that relationship existed, i'd have paid a little more to buy from Tweeter and then probably have been more pissed off, because I've read from a boatload of people who bought at Tweeter (or similar) who have the same problems I do having bought off eBay.

Nothing is hard to find on the internet, so i've found the software since I posted my question - found several versions of it and settled on the MX3000 Editor with Live Update enabled. So I just don't understand why the 'haves' act so high and mighty to the 'have nots' when it comes to this software. it's not a country club membership, it's not government secrets, it's an app that runs on Windows and helps you to use your purchase as it was intended, and with no Google skills at all, it can be found pretty easily. And if you're inclined to try to program your own remote in the first place, you're likely not going to call URC or your 'authorized' reseller for support anyway. You're going to read the manual and then come to a forum and find your answers there - hopefully from someone with a smaller chip on their shoulder than the folks who respond to requests for the software with snide, obvious and untimely comments about 'shoulda bought from an authorized reseller, tisk tisk tisk', as if someone who drops a grand on a remote without knowledge of the reseller relationship is going to just drop another grand to buy another device from a 'real' reseller just to get free software you should have been given with the purchase.
if URC wants to curtail the support calls from John Q. Public, they should just require that you provide your reseller ID number when you call. this will cheaply eliminate non-resellers calling for support, and would allow them to provide the software to the end users. VERY few people would call an authorized reseller where they DIDN'T actually purchase the device and ask for support, so that's clearly not a valid justification.
Also, it's clear they offer Consumer and Professional versions of the software, so they're basically just being dicks, and giving you guys on the 'authorized reseller' bandwagon an excuse to imitate them.

the remote i've had is decent - it's currently struggling with the ability to duplicate the controls it learned from my Seagate Theater+, so i may take it down to my basement and bring my Harmony upstairs to the bedroom. i'll never buy another one though, but solely because of the software thing. it's the principle of it at this point. I HAD the software, I actually originally got it from URC support. but updates were disabled, so I was running old firmware for 4 years, and had to learn every code when i bought new stuff, which all told, means i got to use about 75% of the value for which I purchased the device in the first place.

That's the first I've heard of consumer and professional versions. They have residential and commercial versions, but that just means it is geared towards either a home setting or business by some of the options available within the program. They both run the same basic program and user interface. The only exception is the wizard based software from the MX-810.

Sorry bryansj, you are correct. My mistake in terminology. By consumer, i meant the version that doesn't allow LiveUpdate - it's the one URC gave me when i first bought the remote, but then wouldn't give me again years later.

I understand your frustration about the situation and i agree the advice is useless to you. But it hold value for the next guy who stumbles upon this thread.


Are you saying it did come with programming software or that you assumed it came with programming software?


I support your frustration because of this. This silly software policy came about because URC wants to be the DIY choice but they also want to be the go to remote for CI's. They leave it to the dealer to offer software so they dont have to deal with tech support calls and so they dont have dealers angry at them.

Pronto was #1 until CI's decided they didn't want end users having access to the software. The last pronto we sold was 10 years ago. Making the software available to everyone is what has shady resellers offering things at 50% at Amazon and Ebay. Pronto went out of business this year and one of the reasons is because the CI channel lost interest in them.

So on one hand i blame URC for the silly software policy but on the other hand they have no choice if they want to play in both markets.


This is the problem with the policy. No one knows about it and Tweeter isnt going to make you aware of it because then you dont need them for upgrades.


Exactly. It has always been this way. But rather than post "hey i need software" and wait for it.. people use the forums as a place to vent frustration about a non existent issue.


For the same reason the kid in 5th grade thought he was special just because he had the official trapper keeper and i had the off brand holding my homework. LOL.


This is where you are mistaken. I would guess that 1% of the people who want to save money on a professional remote are able or willing to program it themselves. That built in part of them that said "go to ebay and buy for 50% off" is the same part of them that will call up URC and DEMAND service and support.


Shouldn't someone dropping a grand on a remote do a little research? The software policy does not say you SHOULD get it. It says that an authorized dealer CAN give it to you if they want to. This means its a privileged not a right.

Again.. i understand your frustration and i agree that the software policy is a joke but most of the blame here is on you for buying something you knew nothing about.


URC created a software policy to curtail support calls and look what a great job its doing. Every day a new angry customer posts about the software. Just as many people call up URC every day angry when they are told "sorry".

Your assumption that VERY few people would call them is incorrect. The sense of entitlement doesn't just end after the ebay purchase. Here you are angry that you didn't get something that wasn't rightfully yours.

Im not blaming you and i understand you but here you are. There is a post like this every day so thats 365 of you per year at least and i would guess many more who read these threads and give up.


The different versions of software is over. That was another failed attempt to keep everyone happy. The only difference was the stupid/useless live update feature. Its a freaking learning remote.. who the hell needs to update the IR data base. You have the remote.. teach it to the URC remote Done.

Now there is CCP. Master software app for most devices. The stand alone editors exist for existing/older products but they will vanish when the products life cycle is over.


I have never updated the firmware on a URC remote in my life. There has never been a reason to. The only real use for live update is the ir codes which you don't need anyway because you can just teach your device to the remote.

Honestly I don't remember. I believe it did not actually come with a disc, but it came with instructions to register it on URC and download the software, which doesn't seem to even be possible anymore. I do remember the seller mentioned the software being included, and for all intents and purposes, it was.


Agreed!


I don't feel it's a nonexistent issue - there is clearly some false (or misleading) advertising involved. Take a look at the URC product page for the MX-3000 and tell me how this would not lead a purchaser to believe he could program his own remote?


Tablet-Style color LCD touch screen IR/RF remote control
Color graphic touch screen and hard button interface with optional audio feedback

PC programmable, fully customizable GUI on Large (4.3) color LCD touch screen

Stylish design with rich black finish

Supports 255 devices and up to 255 pages per device

Advanced programming logic for tracking devices, users, etc.



I have to respectfully disagree. Nearly everyone wants to save money, so unless you're talking about the top 1% of the population, I'd assume that everyone who buys a professional remote wants to save money somewhere. Whether they go to eBay or some other retailer really comes down to how much money they want to save.


Yes they should, and I did. What I did not do is go to any forums, which is shame on me for sure. But I did read the product information, so i knew what the product was capable of and that it satisfied my needs (assuming it was truly programmable). I did not go so far as to research whether URC would provide (or replace) software required to use the device, just as I don't research whether televisions come with the ability to change channels. I'm buying a device, but i'm also buying the ability to actually use that device. As a consumer there's a reasonable expectation that if you need "something" in order to use the core functionality of a product, that "something" should be included with the purchase of the product, or it should be made abundantly clear that it isn't. Nowhere on that product page does it tell a would-be purchaser that only CIs get the software that is used for the "PC programmable" bullet point. if i go to the FAQs, I can read about how I can update the programmable software, and how I can 'learn' functions that aren't included in the IR database, but nowhere does it tell me that I won't actually get that software to update or to allow the remote to "learn".


I knew it was a touch-screen remote, that it controlled multiple devices, that it supported RF, and that it was programmable (according to the product specs). I also had been told it was easier to program than a Crestron. I would never have imagined that it didn't come with such a crucial component to the basic use of the device. it did not occur to me to research that aspect of it.


if I wasn't led to believe it was rightfully mine, i wouldn't have cared. And let me be clear - i'm not angry. i just think the whole thing is ridiculous. They're certainly not winning fans using this model. I'd never buy another one, even though the software has never been an issue for me for more than 2 days.


Which brings up the original issue - how do you teach it without the programming software in the first place.

Also, I'd make one other comment - the only reason i was looking in the first place is that I was having trouble getting the remote to "learn" commands for a new component, and i was really hoping that the updates included the IR codes to help me get around that problem (it didn't). So I agree, learning is definitely an easy solution, but if you don't have the software in the first place, the learning functionality is useless.

I actually wasn't venting about URC - this thread wasn't started by me, i just happened to comment on it that I was looking for the software as well. As I said, finding the software is easy. My post was more about people who make comments like "buy from an authorized reseller" to people who are looking for the software. Clearly these folks looking for the software already own the remotes. I just don't see how it's ever helpful to point out an obvious, unrealistic solution. No one's cutting off their head to get rid of a headache, and no one buys a URC remote from an 'unauthorized' reseller on ebay or elsewhere with no option for return, realizes they didn't get the tools to make it functional and that URC won't provide it, reads a post like that, and then goes and buys the same remote again from an authorized reseller. Well, maybe those super-wealthy folks who aren't trying to save money in the first place, but not the average poster on AVS Forums.

bryansj's comment about securing the software before buying - now that's useful info to a would-be purchaser. but the other comment, clearly directed at those who already own them, was not.


Amen and amen!

The old URC site (recently updated) had a consumer and professional section. You had to enter the professional section to see the MX-3000. I am not arguing that its not possible to get confused but the same could be said about any number of things you purchase online. Computer RAM for instance. I have had to call up and clarify things before purchasing ram in the past.


If saving money wasn't an issue why did you purchase from ebay instead of bestbuy or tweeter where you can walk in and deal with a real person?


That isnt a fair comparison. The remote you bought works just fine you just cant program it. Its not meant for the end user to program himself.


You should never have purchased this device in the manner in which you did. You circumvented the way in which the product is meant to be sold and thats why you ran into trouble. Just because we expect to program it ourselves doesn't mean that we will be able to.


Is there anything on the product page suggesting you buy from ebay?


Those FAQ's are meant for the CI's who are URC's customers. They are not applicable for end users.


I understand that and i agree that URC's silly policy is to blame. But don't forget that URC is the only pro company that has a policy in place for end users getting software. Crestron and AMX and RTI say NO!. And even pronto has locked up the new version of their software in a last ditch effort to get the CI's looking their way again.


To make 1 end user happy who buys 1 remote they lose 10 dealers who sell 1000 remotes. They purposely created and stick to their current business model so they can stay in business.


You don't. My comments were directed towards the hundreds of posts from people with stand alone versions of the software they couldnt update. "i need the updates" was a common complaint from end users who didnt know that they really didnt need to update the remote..ever. They just assumed they needed that feature in the software so they complained about it.


Database IR codes are hit and miss just like the ones you learn yourself. There is no real 100% QC guarantee that you will have any better luck with the device. Some devices just wont work well. Sony & Denon are usually safe bets for codes but everything else is trial and error.


I know. The only reason i responded is because these threads always follow the same script. URC's attempt to let DIY guys have access to their products is a big mess. But if they lock up the software then its Harmony for everyone. If they give software to everyone their CI dealer base will vanish and they will be out of business.


I agree its bad advice for them after they jumped the gun but its good advice.



It's a pronto but its all i got

Since I mentioned "buy from an authorized dealer".... if you didn't circumvent the proper way to purchase a custom remote from URC (just to save a few bucks) you would have a much better chance of getting the software.

Buy from a local CI, you may pay more, but in the end you get the software, the local CI makes a little money. Win win.

The only problem I see is how are diy'ers supposed to know this? Research! But not everyone who's looking for this line of products will do the correct research when they see 50% off msrp on Ebay.... they jump the gun and then get stuck. That part is on the buyer, not URC.

So why does URC allow their remotes to be sold on ebay then?

As a consumer who is a DIY type, I'm incredibly frustrated by the absolute **** customer service from URC. I purchased my remote (MX-3000) at full retail price from Tweeter about 5 years ago. At the time, they absolutely refused to give me a link to the updated software and now I'm stuck with software that is woefully out of date. I have to run a VMWare image of Windows XP just to be able to make any changes to my remote whatsoever. I have emailed URC *numerous* times, explaining exactly what happened and they have never even given me the courtesy of a response, much less a link to the software.

The remote was a birthday gift for my wife, I spent about a week setting it up to be as user friendly as possible (guests are routinely blown away by how easy it is to use a system containing an AV receiver, an HDMI switchbox, a Wii, an Xbox 360, an AppleTV, a CD player, a blu-ray player and a TiVo Premiere all of which are hidden away and using an RF/IR repeater).

I paid $1000 for the remote and am not willing to pay some installer an absurd amount of money to likely do a worse job than I have already done (I have seen numerous examples of so-called professional MX-3000 setups and have been very underwhelmed).

If I could, I'd get certified as an installer, just to get the damned software, but I haven't been able to find a way to do this, and I sure as **** am not going to pay URC anything to get a certification.

The bottom line for me is that I'm seriously considering an iPad/iPhone/iTouch based solution. I am finally seeing bluetooth based IR repeaters with iOS-based companion Apps showing up on the market. I fully expect IP-based wi-fi solutions to show up soon as well. URC had better adapt or they are going to get their asses handed to them by a significantly better solution from Apple or Google.

I can honestly say that when my wife's MX-3000 finally dies, I will not be replacing it unless URC re-visits this incredibly stupid policy.

This is utter crap. There is NO guarantee that any given CI will provide you with the software, and when you are talking about a price point in the realm of $1000, to screw the consumer in this fashion is practically criminal. There is also no guarantee that a given CI will be in business in a couple of years when you may need a new copy of the software due to a computer crash or something to that effect. Tweeter is my example. I have a non-updatable version of the software that is nearly 5 years old.

Any lawyers present? I'd happily join a class action suit against URC over this one.

They don't allow it, but they probably don't spend any time posting take-down notices to eBay either.

Amazon.com (not third party sellers on Amazon.com) was the only official online retailer and that was limited to I think only the MX-810 and MX-450 as well as some of the RF extenders. I don't know if they are still authorized so if you see a URC remote for sale online then assume it is unauthorized. If you are buying from an unauthorized dealer then be prepared for what that means on your end. No warranty, support, and software.

With the remote's serial number it seems URC could easily track it back to the distributor that sold it to the unauthorized reseller. They could stop the gray market sales if they really wanted to. Allowing it to continue with the end user getting screwed doesn't seem too ethical.

Trying to stop ebay sales for things people want is like trying to stop prostitution or the sale of drugs.

The difference between URC and the government is that URC is smart enough to know its a huge waste of money.

5 years ago their software policy may have completely excluded you from having access to it.

Don't assume that you are missing out on anything. Updates to the MX-3000 editor were few and far between. CI's are still programming from Windows XP.


I know what you mean. I have seen some terrible programming and GUI's out there. Those terrible CI's dont care about what they are doing or they dont have time to make it right. Either way it sucks.


Don't waste your time. Trust me when i tell you that you aren't missing anything. CCP is a total waste of time for you and there have been no sweeping changes to the MX-3000 editor.


And this my friend.. is how you fight back as a DIY. Your wait is over. There are dozens of iOptions out there. Look at bitwise controls and command fusion. For just over a grand you can have an iPad and a control box.


They most likely wont. I think the consumer market will head towards iOptions and harmony, and URC will stick to serving professional CI's moving forward.

The consumer is not their client.. directly anyway. It would be like you getting angry at the farmer when your scrambled eggs are burned at a restaurant.


This is an unfair example. Many software/digital goods vendors will not give you a new copy when a computer crashes. Back your files up.

However... i agree that "buying from a CI means you get the software" is a statement you can ignore. IMO most CI's wont give you the software because they think they are securing future income by holding you hostage. What they dont get is that by angering the customer they kill future income from them and their friends. Their silly idea to secure the magical software kills their referral stream.


Me to. It works exactly the same as it did when i got it. It works perfectly. You are not missing anything.


How can you sue a company for something they didn't sell you?

KVH - Twice now on the same page in this thread you have posted the same unhelpful information. Take your holier than thou attitude and stick it where the sun don't shine.

People come here looking for helpful advice, not a lecture admonishing their past mistakes. Don't be a d*ck.

First.... it is helpful to know the policy for those who can actually use the search function.

Second..... It's not holier than thou if its the ACTUAL policy so you can now remove foot from mouth and do with it as you wish.

Third.... Name calling only shows the true attitude and age of the person who defaults to said name calling.

If you don't like URC's policy buy something else. It's that simple. Enjoy your Harmony!

All you have to do is buy from a dealer that WILL give you the software. Keep looking until you find that dealer. When asked, we share the software. If that's holier than thou........ then so be it.

Amazon used to be authorized to sell the MX-810, MX-450 and MRF-260. URC no longer allows ANY direct internet sales of their Complete Control series products by anyone.


That is correct.

You'd think URC would at least break the news to Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Cont...4172277&sr=8-5

This is not some fly-by-night Amazon retailer, this is Amazon itself.

Come on! It's just programming a remote not rocket science. I got mine set in a few days, the only hard part is to understand the variables to give discrete power to the devices.

That's not a CCP programed remote. You program that one without a laptop.

You took my statement out of context.

I never said it was rocket science and for the record.. rocket science isn't any harder than digging trenches a long the freeway IMO. It can be learned like anything else.

My statement was directed at someone complaining about not getting the software. It had nothing to do with their ability to use the software once they got it.

I guess I was took out of context but I thought you were meaning both that it's meant to be installed by a CI and was to complicated for the end user.

People told me that I wouldn't be able to proggram it when it was on the way in early 2008 but it was pretty easy, it took a while do do all the fine tuning to make it "perfect" to my eyes though.

With a little bit of patience, a basis in programming and few helpful forums you can go far.

Cheers,
Gui.