But how many product are marketed to consumers as "Professional Grade" or similar? Should I not be able to buy a GMC truck unless I am a tradesman? I have "professional" appliances in my kitchen, but they built to residential fire codes, not commercial.

"Professional" has become marketing speak and as such the term has been degraded. So them indicating professional just means higher-end to many consumers.

lol... So now it's URCs fault that other companies use marketing hype to mislead the comsumer...?

Taken from the intro section of URCs professional section:

{snip}
All of the devices we advertise here in the Professional section of this website are designed to be programmed and installed by experienced custom installation professionals. Our remotes are powerful and quite advanced, and in the hands of a trained programmer they can be configured to exploit all of the rich features that provide maximum consumer benefits.
{snip}

Reads pretty clearly to me.

No, I just saying that the term "professional" has be co-opted by any company that wants its product to seem higher end. Not URC's fault, but just the world they play in.



Yes, it does.

But clearly URC has neither the desire or ability to stop ebay sales, but instead want to restrict sales to consumers from authorized dealers. So its OK for Consumer A to by a "professional grade remote" from Authorized Dealer A because Consumer A lives within 200 miles of Authorized Dealer A. Yet Consumer B can't buy from Authorized Dealer A because Consumer B lives outside this radius. The purpose of this policy is to protect local dealers.

Yet Consumer B is free to buy any remote they choose from Unauthorized Ebay Seller 1 that originated from Authorized Dealer C bypassing both their local Authorized Dealer AND Authorized Dealer A. Then Consumer B downloads the software from the internet and programs his "professional grade remote".

So how does all this relate to the remotes being designed to:


It relates back to them indicating the remotes are for professional dealers, yet URC does nothing to stop, or at least curtail sales, from the worlds larges unauthorized dealer - ebay.

Yes, that make a ton of sense.

Sorry, but the premise that consumers should know from URC's website that their "Professional" remotes have no software support in the box is just laughable.

First, since when can't I buy and use something called "Professional". I have Snap-On wrenches and socket sets. They allow me to buy, even though I'm not a professional mechanic. I quite often buy the "Professional" version of power tools, as they often offer features the consumer models lack.

Second, since URC has such a policy for software, why not make it apparent by stating on the exterior of the box, "Software for programming is not included. Please discuss charges for programming with your dealer before purchase." But then again, that might put a pinch on some of those, outside of the "channel" purchases, that URC wants to publicly denounce, but wants the revenue for.

When I bought my MX-3000, I didn't want to spend the time to program it. I had lots of other things competing for my time. So I paid a dealer here in Dallas a bit over $400 to program it. I made it clear to them, that I wanted the files. If I wanted once small change made, I didn't want to start from scratch. They took the normal, "You're just a consumer, and don't know how to do this." attitude, but agreed to give me the files. I wrote a note to such effect on the contract.

Their graphical interface was the standard out of the box, zero work for them version. We discussed several times that I wanted an interface that would allow anyone in the home to watch (Activity based setup with macros to handle what is turned on, input selection, etc...) something on DirecTV via the HR10-250, transport control to be easy to use. Another way to set up to watch DVD's, play XBox360, and access the Media Center features on the XBox360 without using a XBox controller. After they delivered the remote for the second time, and still had half the features not working, I asked for the files. I figured they had saved me some time, and I was willing to cut my losses, and finish the job myself. I couldn't afford more trips home for them to learn on my time. They refused to give the files to me, even though we had a signed contract that stipulated they would do so. At that point I handed the installer the remote back, and told them I wanted all my money back. He had the audacity to laugh at this. As he stood their, I made a call to VISA, and demanded a full refund. VISA returned my money after getting the installers side of the story. Once VISA heard the installer was unwilling to abide by the written contract, that was all they needed, and I had my money back.

So, in the hands of a proficient programmer, like myself... I agree the MX-3000 is very nice. But in the hands of an individual like the "Pro" I got, the remote is worthless. (Most here are not like the company I got, so please don't assume I am throwing stones at the real Pro's here.) So, just because someone is a "Pro" does not make them good at their job. The DirecTV installer who just replaced my dish, and the boxes inside was also a "Pro" (A pro is paid to do a job.), but when I got home none of my setups worked any longer, as he yanked almost every cable off the back of the receivers. He decided to ignore the instructions I left for which input to use, and how to select things using the front panel of the receiver.

I have a problem with URC, and their treatment for several reasons.

1. I bought my MX-3000, and then they changed their policy that I would not be allowed live updates. (In my opinion, this is like a dealer selling me a car, and then after the fact telling me they won't provide repair parts, unless their technicians install the parts.)
2. They fail to inform buyers that remotes require software for programming, and that the software is not provided in the box. If the buyer is given access is at the discretion of the seller.
3. They state the reasons are to deal with "Out of channel distribution", yet they fail to deal with the same eBay sellers that have been selling the remotes with software. (Removing serial numbers as well to hide their distribution channel.)

I have no problem with RTI. They state they won't sell me a remote, that only authorized resellers sell programmed remotes.

Hey, how about them Bears. Can they make the playoffs? Are they good enough to be a playoff team?

Anyone have any good Christmas stories they'd like to share?

Sorry dormie, I'm a Dolphins fan through and through. I can't believe the season their having.

Go fish. :)

Been a Dolphons fan since I was 7. They went undefeated the first year I played midget league football and have been a fan since.

Think how great it would be if Pennington returns after being discarded by the Jets and is able to win a game against them and their golden boy. WOW.

Of course all this means is that you'd have to learn the IR codes rather than cut & paste. Oh the inhumanity...!


Taken from URC's site:
Consumers and End-Users Seeking Software
Please contact your place of purchase to obtain programming support, software and manuals.


Many auctions I've personally watched have gotten yanked or changed for sake of the software issue.



Yet you have a problem with a company that will allow your purchase and use of their programming SW. As long as you follow the appropriate terms of course. Man are they ever bastards.

Bubby, I'm losing my mind watching the Dolphins play. The concept of them winning a game in the playoffs this year after the crap fest last season was, is just incredible.

They'll be in tough with the Jets...well Brett Farve, next week, but I won't miss that game for anything.

GO FISH...!

Hate them both but always have to say squish the fish.

Go Bills...maybe next year... ;)

I'd take the time to write some witty retort, but you publically admiting that you are a Bills fan is far worse than anything I could come with.

;)

<SNIP>

I'm sure this will get removed, and I respect that. If I get banned, so be it.

<SNIP>

Moderator: You went and did the one thing I specifically said I would not permit in this thread... so be it.

I'm kinda sorry I missed it. Oh well, I'm sure it was very inappropriate. Which is usually the case with the whiners in these types of threads.

Good riddance

GO FISH>>>! :)

My holiday gift to all...free mx-980 software to all those who got duped by ebay sales, were too cheap to buy one legitimately or are otherwise in need. Happy holidays!


Free MX-980 Software


~c

??? Wha?