Joined
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294 Posts
After much research and deliberation, I recently purchased the HTM MX-500 and the IRClone software for my new HT. I had to control a reciever, DVD changer, CD changer, 2 cable boxes and a DLP projector. I will shortly add X-10.
I have all of my equipment (except the projector) in a cabinet. I've got a Xantech Dinklink hidden behind a front speaker grill and an IR connecting block with repeaters in the cabinet.
For the remote itself, I seriously considered the Pronto (Neo and 3000), the new Harmony, and the HTM MX-700 in addition to the MX-500. I was leaning toward the 700 until I read some good reviews about the IRClone package. I decided to save the $100-$200 and go with the 500 and IRClone.
I am very, very happy with my decision. I purchased the MX-500 from Surfremote.com because Mike is such a great supporter of this forum and remotecentral.com. The price was excellent as was his customer support. While waiting for the remote and software package to arrive, I spent some time thinking through button placement and macros. It made everything easier.
Once I installed software from IRClone software I was up and running in about 2 hours. The next day I spent another 2 hours fine tuning everything. It works brilliantly! The software is incredibly easy to use even though the documentation is not yet complete. I was worried about that, but shouldn't have been. It's very intuitive. Perhaps the best thing about the IRClone is the ability to make minor or major changes quickly. Don't like the name you've given to a button? No sweat. 1, 2, 3 it's changed. I was also able to download discreet codes for my DVD player and install them in minutes (no JP6 or whatever).
The marco editing is also simple but powerful. In twenty minutes I had my macros done. They make my system inlaw-proof.
The remote itself in terrific. Well built. Feels very solid in the hand. Not too large or small. Buttons have a good feel and are back lit. The LCD buttons are great. Best of all, if I (read, my kids) drop or break the MX-500, I can buy another for a fraction of the cost of the other remotes I considered and reload the programming to the new unit.
Overall, I highly recommend this set-up.
I have all of my equipment (except the projector) in a cabinet. I've got a Xantech Dinklink hidden behind a front speaker grill and an IR connecting block with repeaters in the cabinet.
For the remote itself, I seriously considered the Pronto (Neo and 3000), the new Harmony, and the HTM MX-700 in addition to the MX-500. I was leaning toward the 700 until I read some good reviews about the IRClone package. I decided to save the $100-$200 and go with the 500 and IRClone.
I am very, very happy with my decision. I purchased the MX-500 from Surfremote.com because Mike is such a great supporter of this forum and remotecentral.com. The price was excellent as was his customer support. While waiting for the remote and software package to arrive, I spent some time thinking through button placement and macros. It made everything easier.
Once I installed software from IRClone software I was up and running in about 2 hours. The next day I spent another 2 hours fine tuning everything. It works brilliantly! The software is incredibly easy to use even though the documentation is not yet complete. I was worried about that, but shouldn't have been. It's very intuitive. Perhaps the best thing about the IRClone is the ability to make minor or major changes quickly. Don't like the name you've given to a button? No sweat. 1, 2, 3 it's changed. I was also able to download discreet codes for my DVD player and install them in minutes (no JP6 or whatever).
The marco editing is also simple but powerful. In twenty minutes I had my macros done. They make my system inlaw-proof.
The remote itself in terrific. Well built. Feels very solid in the hand. Not too large or small. Buttons have a good feel and are back lit. The LCD buttons are great. Best of all, if I (read, my kids) drop or break the MX-500, I can buy another for a fraction of the cost of the other remotes I considered and reload the programming to the new unit.
Overall, I highly recommend this set-up.