FWIW the Magnolia I frequent is a standalone store like the original ones in Seattle. I agree that the ones inside BB are not noteworthy. The store I frequent has a lot of pluses: knowledgeable staff, great inventory, very nice display of the latest products, etc. I'm glad it's close to where I work, otherwise it would be a REAL pain to take advantage of them as a resource.

When I purchased two MX-980's, each came with the editor software (cd with *.exe). The Live Update function seems to operate correctly but, I won't know for sure until an update is actually present. Unfortunately, when the graphics expander comes out, I'll have to call my authorized dealer and request him to download the graphics expander and send it to me via cd.

According to Dale, the graphics expander would be a large file and would not be efficient to download via Live Update. I totally agree.

Having said that, I still wish there was an easier way to access these important additions.

I would have to disagree about the graphics extender. For those of use who have DSL or cable access to the internet, it would be most cost effective to do it via live update. Unfortunatly I suppose there are those that are still having to deal with a actual modem for internet access and thus they would disagree :-(. (I download hundreds of megabytes all the time - new compilers, OS's etc - maybe I'm just wierd :-)).

Not to be indelicate but... the MX-980 is an installer-only product. Installers will have easy access to the graphics expander, from URC Control Room—the same place they get the editor. I'm not even certain if installers will be authorized to share the graphics expansion pack, since it's a separate installer.

Compressed, the graphics expander is close to 300MB, and the Favorite Channels expander is close to 30MB.

The primary reason for not making them available by Live Update, however, is that not every installer will want them or need them. Installers who like the included templates need not add the additional hundreds of megabytes of files to their computers. Live update doesn't let you pick and choose. It installs the whole update, every time.

It's true that we're not making any effort to make it easy for end-users to get the software, because again, this is an installer's product. It's unfortunate that some installers are selling direct without programming, but we cannot legally force them not to do that.

Best regards,
Dale

Dale, I guess enthusiasts like me should spend our money elsewhere since this is in an installer only product.

I guess I will never understand.

I'm not exactly thrilled about this statement. I understand the concept of an installer-only product, and I use them often when I buy from an installer for speakers, receivers, etc.

One of the reasons I've always chosen URC is that being an end-user, RTI, Crestron, AMX, and the like are out of the question as they forbid distribution of the software. I won't touch a Harmony with a 10 foot pole and I cannot stand Pronto.

However, as long as it's still possible to get the software and program it myself, I'm happy. I don't mind purchasing at MSRP from a local installer...as a matter of fact, I do that quite often (projectors, TV's, speakers, amps, and remotes).

I'm just not in agreement with the "It is unfortunate" statement. One of the things myself, along with many other end users, love, is the fact that we are able to program these remotes ourselves.

That by no means implies that I agree with the old methods of distribution where they show up on the internet for much lower than installers and AD's can sell it for, it just means I hope that end users can continue to get the software legitimately.

I don't see anything wrong with an installer selling without programming. It's their choice, is it not?

Ah, but therein is the rub. There is nothing on your website that suggests or even hints at the fact that "the MX-980 is an installer-only product." Magnolia, one of your authorized dealers, has no clue that they are selling "an installer-only product," and the user's guide that comes with the remote strongly recommends that the end-user get it professionally programmed, but does not require it.

I'd suggest the next time you release an "installer-only product," you make that clear in your advertising materials and the user guide. That way you would keep down the number of dissatisfied want-to-be customers.

Good luck and it was a pleasure not doing business with you.

K.M.

Wow, that single statement leaves me virtually speechless. If this is how URC feels I guess I should look elsewhere for a replacement to my MX-900.

Some how Crestron and AMX have been able to prevent dealers from distributing the software via the licensing aspect of the software.


URC could EASILY do the same thing. ie, the MX-980 software license could have prohibited distribution. But they don't want to. They want to look like they are trying to cater to dealers, but I think it is more like the liquor store and the church members who complain about it. If the all the church members stopped drinking, the liquor stores would go out of business. Same thing here, if URC suddenly lost all the sales to what they consider non-authorized end-users, they would take a huge hit in revenue.

With that said, it is wrong when the remotes can be found on the internet cheaper than what it costs an authorized dealer. That is a URC problem.

Wow guys...

For what it's worth, I work for URC, but I'm not a spokesman for the company. Nothing I say is "how URC feels." Still, I do understand your position. And I really think my comments above were significantly misinterpreted. I probably chose my words poorly, but in fairness to the people who've responded, it would be uncool for me to edit the comment now.

When I say it's "unfortunate," I mean that it's unfortunate that there are dealers who are willing to sell you the remote, but who refuse to provide the software. Anyone can see that's not fair.

That's what I meant. Nothing more. I apologize for choosing words that apparently implied something really different.

Best regards,
Dale

And I quote,

"The MX-980 is programmed via a windows PC equipped with a USB port (progamming cable included), using our proprietary software, MX-980 Editor. You could download this software from our website: www.universalremote.com"

PAGE 4, from the Operating Your System With the MX-980 pamphlet that comes WITH the remote.

Not that I'm a lawyer or anything, but if the documentation from URC says I can have the software, and I bought the remote because URC said I can have the software, and URC doesn't make good on their own promise/pledge/offer, sounds like a lawsuit to me.

That clears it up, thanks. Glad to see we're on the same page. :)

If you are in NC, feel free to contact me. You will not have any software issues here.

We are an authorized URC installer.

Check email in profile and I will respond as soon as possible. It is the holidays.

Bottom line is that whether you're a CI or a retailer, if you're going to sell an unprogrammed remote to a customer, you have an obligation to provide the software to that customer, either directly or through URC. As URC does not currently have it available for download, the onus falls on the CI/retailer to provide it or refuse to sell an unprogrammed remote.

Regarding the templates, while I can see where a 300 MB wouldn't work for a Live Update, I would like to see a few more templates added to the software, much like is done with the MX-3000.

Mike

I'm sorry Mike but I have to disagree...as noted in my earlier post, URC has taken on the obligation of providing software (whether updatable or not) as part of the product/sale. This is noted in their literature. Technically speaking, URC is in breach of their contract with anyone who purchases this product. While it may be good customer service for the CI/Retailer to provide the software, URC has a contractual obligation to do so.