Lyndel / Peter / Dave / Dawn,

Thanks for the feedback, it is much appreciated.

As my own conclusion/follow-up on my questions, two-handed operation is something to think about or preferably to be tried before buying (would anyone have experience with the MX-3000? Must be similar I would think). WiFi is of no use for a basic infrared operation within the same room as the equipment to be controlled. And factory code database is likely a + for the 9600 but there is little info about it so far.