MX-810...will it be the new hotness? - Page 3

Do we know what the differences are between the 810 and the 980, aside from the button layout?

The beta testers will start spilling the beans after the MX810 is released.

I hear the programming interface is different, with the MX810 being more 'wizard-based', whatever that means.

They are more different than alike. As mentioned, the MX-810 uses a wizard-based setup that's completely different than any other URC remote, more similar to a Harmony than a URC remote. The MX-980 is basically an MX-950 with color graphics instead of text. Another way to think of it is a button version of the the MX-3000. It's software is combination of the MX-950 and MX-3000 software and will be familiar to users of either of those remotes.

Before you ask, no word at the moment on the MX-810, but it should be pretty close now.

Thanks, MikeSurf!

As someone who's never programmed a remote before, using any software, I'm unsure if my installer will want to try out the MX810, or insist on the familiar 950/980 or 900.

Let us know ASAP when these are released.

From a CI perspective, I think most will lean toward the MX-980. The standard software is much more flexible in programming and those who are used to programming the MX-950 and 3000 will be more comfortable with it.

So does the help button on the MX-810 work the same way as the one on the harmony remotes?

Yes, it's very similar.

Add me to the patiently waiting list.

The MX-810 software has now been made available to dealers. There are some screen shots available here.

Woo hoo!

980 vs. 810...$$$ !!

Tough decisions

Thanks Mike!

Mike, are you now allowed to give your evaluation of the 810 and its software?

In all honesty, I had a harmony that died. This seems like a better product but is it worth the extra money?

There is some information regarding the software here: http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin...hread.cgi?1024

The MX980 and MX900 will be better choices than the MX810.
It offers one thing only. It offers the pretty color LCD.

Overall, I like the MX810 design better than the MX900 and MX980.

Where is the record button on the MX980?

MikeSRC,

Perhaps you can answer what I believe to be a simple question: does the MX-810 have an IR eye so that it can "learn" commands from another remote (by pointing the other remote at the IR receiver on the MX-810)?

Thanks,

Yeah, what's up with that? Would 'record' be programmed as a programmable button?

This will be my first universal remote purchase (noob here); I want my new remote to replace the Comcast Motorola cable remote seemlessly, thus reducing static (from the wife).

Do URC products do a good job operating Motorola DVR's?

Scott, I remember it having the learn feature. We only went over the remote for a half hour couple of weeks ago.

The record button would need to be a soft button.
This should be adequate for most. I have not heard complaints from those using Dish, Tivo, and SA Cable DVR's.
W/ the soft button and the guide, enter option most are ok, but I can see that being a concern. All the way back to the MX500-800 which had so many hard buttons.

For some reason URC doesn't believe in hard RECORD buttons. You have to use a soft key.

YES, the 810 can learn functiond from another remote. While playing around with the software, it did not have my Lasko fan in its database. It then prompted me to teach the buttons to the 810.

For someone who wants to program their own remote, the 810 couldn't be easier. And contrary to some other opinions on remotecentral, it's pretty flexible.

The MX810 features a hard record button; 900/950/980 do not.

Image showing record button:
Attachment 89977

Also has a 'guide' button! Giggity, giggity!

Software is PC only?

SSabripo,
The MX900 and MX850 are more powerful in what they can do for the same price. The MX810 can handle a single room fairly easily. W/ an MSC400 it can do a lot...

You are basically getting a color screen and a different, maybe easier form of software.

I think it's a touch early to say the implementation is superb. Personally, would not upgrade from the MX850 to the MX810 until a more solid review is forthcoming or at least a larger number of people get their hands on one.

It's an interesting Harmony alternative, b/c they are not competing on price.
Time is the wisest counselor here.

A quick guide to the MRF260 and MX810 is on URC's site.

I see the new MRF-260 is also just listed on the URC site. MSRP on the MRF-260? (MSRP allowed on AVS, right?)

Thanks!

I am thinking of getting one for my wife/daughter. They don't really like the MX-900 and probably won't like the 980 I will be getting either.

MSRP on the MRF-260 is $149.95. The MRF-250 and 300 will be going away in a few months.

Regarding the MX-810, the software makes programming pretty easy, but it does have a few quirks. For one, you can program a macro other than an activity, but you have to use the Universal Browser to do so. Also, to use the Universal Browser with a new file, you must not only add devices, but you also have to create at least one activity. So, if you have a device that's not in the database and want to use an existing file from another MX remote, you have to go through a number of steps to get to use the UB to drag the commands in. Once you do have a device in an MX-810 format file, you can import those devices though. I believe that most of these odditites will be corrected in the near future however.

Slightly OT, would my CI who initially programs my MX-810 allow me to use LiveUpdate, based on anyone's experience?

At this time, there's only one version of the software available, so if a CI gives you the software, it will be updateable.