Shall we clear a few things up?

1. It is absolutely illegal for the developer of that website to be doing what he is doing. He is utilizing trademarked graphics and distributing copyrighted software that URC holds the sole distribution rights for.

2. He has created that website anonymously and is using the standard methods people get away from getting caught copyrighting movies, tv shows, games, and apps. It is using Peer-to-Peer technology so no one but the people downloading the software are actually even sending the file to anyone.

2.a. This is what makes the website in question illegal for you, as a user. When you download using torrents you are automatically UPLOADING to other users. Therefore, you will be distributing URC's Software without license to do so. This is very easy to track and this is why you often see people downloading a couple TV Shows getting caught instead of the person sending it to millions by recording and uploading the video initially.

3. Although there is no easy way to get ahold of the person who made the site, do not think that URC has sat idly by and done nothing. Cease & Desist letters were sent out as well as other legal documents to all parties involved with the site.

4. URC does not have strict policies against a dealer giving the programming software to their customers when needed. HOWEVER, distributing of the software to ANYONE ELSE is not allowed. Any dealer providing software to their end-users is required to make clear this policy.

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I didn't read every post so I am not sure how the discussion of Apple vs Microsoft came up, but I can assure you that URC is a much smaller company than those two.

URC's main goal has always been to provide products that have the reputation of giving high-quality, reliable hardware which is flexible enough to adapt to any system or situation.

Simply put, by standing behind & investing heavily in internationally-run training programs that train URC's Dealers that goal is easily met.

Bottom line, without the extensive training there is NO WAY that an efficiently built & operating "Control System" or "Automation System" will be built. Will you be able to get a "Universal Remote" working with the software (All manual control, no automated setup, etc)? Perhaps, but it is not what the product was meant to be or designed to be.

There are DIY solutions, for those customers that do not want to work with a professional integration and the hardware will save you by buying from the proper channel in the industry to your specific wants & needs. [Link: universalremote.com]

End of the day, purchase from a professional who is trained to not only know how to use the software but on how the system is put together, how features operate, how the products they installed/work with best handle specific macro sequences, etc.

Perhaps you could tell the dealer that you don't want to be tied down to them for every little change & update that you'd like to perform. Then ask them if they would be willing, as apart of the project (and for a fair extra fee), teach you the basics of making changes to the remote's programming. Sounds quite fair to me and I don't see many dealers arguing that - problem solved.

Now you have accomplished a few things

1. You have a brand new remote - WITH warranty
2. You didn't burn the bridge with the professional and can still call and work with them at any point if you get stuck on something (and of course pay them their fair fee)
3. You got the software and the dealer was happy to provide it
4. You at least got some training on how to use the software so you are DOING IT RIGHT!