Okay now that the opening question got your attention...

If planing on getting the advanced MSC-400 which seems to have many of the remote features within it, doesn't that mean I could get away with a much more simple handheld remote.

Thanks...

Simpler as far as what? You'd need either the MX810, MX900, MX950, TX1000, or MX3000 if you want to use the advanced features of the MSC400.

If by simpler, you mean cheaper, the MX810 is the cheapest, but at $399, it's still not what most people would call "inexpensive".

Most people choose the remote itself based on the layout and number of devices. The base station just enhances the control and reliability of the system.

If you look at the specs on the 950 vs. 900. There are things, programatically, that the 950 offers above the 900. But when combined with the 400 base station, they are equally capable remotes.

The real difference comes in the button layout, pickup sensors, backlights etc.
The pickup sensor alone, is worth the extra $$$ if you will use the remote in a dark room.

The remote itself is the only part of the system you will use everytime, so make sure you buy one you like, not just the cheapest one you can find.

It's one of a couple of features that made me happy w/ the 400.
It turns your remote into a transport in lay speak.
Programatically :) speaking of course the MX950 has sound and color backgrounds still over the MX900.

The MSC400 can be difficult to fathom for some, but *when it works correctly it is a strong step in the right direction.

I think one of the nicer functions of the MSC400 is that you can take long macros and make them totally bullet proof. This is because they are stored in the MSC400 as opposed to the remote eliminating problems with RF, line of sight or other problem.

So it makes that fancy remote more appealing because it works every time and not just here or there.

And that is just with the macro's and not all of the other things that this remote can do.

Lee

The MX-950 has no color backgrounds.

I must be a better programmer than I thought or maybe I'm regularly breaking these things :)

Or you would have preferred I said change the color of the LCD.

Changeable backlight color would probably be a little more accurate. The LCD itself is a fairly basic monochrome.

I like my 950, but the different backlight colors are not a big selling point (for me). A color LCD, on the other hand, would be nice.

To answer the original question, the 400 will make whatever remote you use more reliable, and give you some additional options to make the macros better. It won't compensate for getting the wrong remote, so get the one you like the best regardless of the 400.

Sean

As everyone has mentioned, the first and best reason is that the macros are stored on the processor instead of th remote, so when you press a button instead of a 1-1 flow to the base unit it sends a trigger to the processor which in turn fires off as many commands it has in the macro locally to the equipment. Less change of crossed wires.

Another reason is the RS-232 control you can do. This in no way should be ignored. This is a way to make your commands bulletproof, quick and in some cases unlimited.

Power sensing cannot be ignored, escpecially for projectors with non-discrete codes (PANASONIC) and some other companies who don't know what a discrete code is. The ability to test power can also make the flow in the remote work better, less delays etc.

The MSC-400 is a brain. The MX base units are not. It's certainly quite capable of controlling the most complicated of equipment, and a big step up from just a remote.