I don't think we're saying two different things here. I'm just looking at it from a dealer/CI standpoint. I agree that at least a non-updateable version should be available for download, just like it is for every one of their other PC-programmable remotes, based on the statement you quoted. My point is that in the current absence of such a download, any responsible CI or dealer needs to take care of their customers by providing them with the software or programming the remote for them and disclosing prior to purchase that the software's not currently available to them.

Mea Culpa Mike...we are in agreement...couldn't have said it better.

I was reading through the manual for the MX-980 remote and ran across this on page 4. It states as follows: The MX-980 is programmed via Windows PC equipped withh a USBZ port (programming cable included), using our proprietary software, MX-980 Editor. Now here is the KEY Statement ! You could download this software from our website: ***.universalremote.com.
They then go on to SUGGEST you have a professional audio/video installer program your unit.
Now this surely indicates the software is FREE and we should NOT need to pay for this remote to be programmed. Universal is opening the door for a class action against them. I for one will not pay for this program based on their own admission.
I believe it's time to turn up the heat and make Universal give us what we all have paid for and provide a FREE Download of the MX-980 Editor software program.

Unfortunatley lawsuits seem to be the only way to get some companies to do "the right thing". URC really seems to be looking out too much for their dealers and not for their customers. If there are no customers, there are no dealers.

This is comming from a person that has the MX-980 and the software thanks to some good dealers that know about taking care of their customers such as Mike from SurfRemote.

I'm sure you would love to turn up the heat but the facts are still not all there.
You didn't get a bill of sale from URC when you purchased the remote. They are stating that it is a CI device. There literature is not misleading anyone. The software can be downloaded form their website and that is not untrue but you must have a password to get it. I don't think a lawsuit will stand since the ones who sold you the remote should have provided the software or not sold the remote.

URC wants it to look like they are looking out for their CI/dealers all the while enjoying the additional sales from dealers who are willing to provide the software to end users.

If URC really wanted to make the 980 dealer/CI only, all they would have to do is put a limitation in the software license to prohibit dealers from giving out the software. It works for AMX and Crestron.

Actually it does...On their website they have a "Consumer" section and a "Professional" section. You cannot view the MX-980 unless you go to the Professional section first where the first statement is:


The only mistake URC has made, IMO, is to show them in a non-protected area of the site. IMO, if they want to keep them as remotes designed with the CI in mind, then they should make that a dealer only area.

That said, the Magnolia you are dealing with are idiots. Most dealers that will not provide the programming software for a remote do so for specific reasons. I used to deny people the software because in the past, I got calls from clients that expected me to fix their remotes for free after they played around with the software and botched up their remote. Although it was usually a quick upload, I still had to take the time to drive to their home and fix the issue that they messed up. I now look at it differently and think an un-upgradable version of the software should be left with the end-user anyways. The issue here isn't URC. URC is doing the best they can in trying to stop unauthorized sales of their product and limiting the software download is the best they can do. They do not tell the dealers that the dealers cannot give a copy to their clients. If your dealer won't give you a copy then that dealer is the bad guy, not URC.

Your statement may be correct and then again, maybe not. If they truely intended this remote to be programmed only by professionals, they should never have given the end user page 4 of the manual. It reccomends you have a professional program the remote. It does not insist that it is the only way get it programmed. Further, as I stated before, in the end users manual, same page, it clearly states you can get the download from their website and says nothing of needing a password to do so.

The manual was clearly written before URC decided to change their policy. I'm not in any way trying to defend URC. I'm merely pointing out the obvious.

These guys have their haeds up thier xx!@. I called tech support before buying the useless piece of x$%@ and they told me I could download the software. The guy at Tweeter told me the same thing. I bought the mx-980 to replace my pronto which is constently broken. Well now I have two remotes that have no value what so ever. Obviously URC has no idea about the type of people who enjoy things that require such a device (you know do it your self types). Maybe they should follow the open source model and give the software away, like they do for all other remote, and charge for tech support. I guess it is time to return the mx-980 and buy another philps product.

You can create these by making a png file

Darnitrol, First, let me thank you for posting. It's nice to know that remote suppliers read the posts at this site. I don't want to be "indelicate" either, but thought a bit of feedback might be in order.

After my Pronto hit the tile floor last weekend, I went to Magnolia to find a new high quality remote to replace my dead Pronto. I did not consult this site first, and had no idea that the MX-980 is an "installer only" product, or that buying an MX-980 would REQUIRE that Magnolia program it (they made no effort to explain that fact to me, nor did they offer to program it for me). I went home, attempted to download the software after reading the 2 paragraphs in the "manual" dealing with installation and was surprised to find that my new $700 remote was WORTHLESS since I was not permitted to download the software.

After a few incredibly frustrating hours discussing software with Magnolia, I can tell you very clearly that I WILL NOT EVER BUY ONE OF YOUR PRODUCTS. Go sell to installers if you wish, but remember that every installer must sell to a CUSTOMER. I am no longer a CUSTOMER.

Best wishes to you and your installers. I'll send my business elsewhere.

I don't normally post on these types of threads - mainly because it's a waste of time and bandwidth.

While I can see how Testname's frustration is justified- but golly, don't you think your angst is entirely misdirected?

I feel your anger should be at the dealer (in this case Magnolia) not the product (and consequently not the MFG).

haven't we evolved enough to discern where the true fault is. I can tell you that all of my customers are gloriously happy with the 980 remotes that I put in their hands. (nor so than any other remote I ave ever sold (and I've been in business 23 years) But that really means they are happy with the job I did for them and my programming chops (not really the remote) but I am happy with the remote as it makes my customers happy.

If you were looking for a DIY remote, then the 980 probably is not the right remote for you and Magnolia decidedly should have told you so. Go chew their arse out, not URC's.

Now as a dealer, I should chew URC's butt for letting that product into a place like Magnolia, if they are going to not represent the product properly

Buy from a dealer who will give you the software...they're allowed to do it. Magnolia is allowed to give you the software too. They just choose not to.

So there are ways to get it, with software. A call to URC explaining the situation couldn't hurt either.

I can't believe people are still complaining about this on here or directed toward URC. You bought it at BBY, go down there and raise some hell and if they won't help you out, well there's another reason to not do business with them again. It's got nothing to do with URC or any other CI firm at this point. You didn't buy from a CI to begin with so why should we feel like we've lost a sale or your future business?

You're all quick to copy/paste tidbits to get your point across but have you read the title heading of this very forum?

Here, I'll copy/paste for you:


Custom Installation World

Universal Remote Control Inc.'s Complete Control series of computer programmable universal remotes are high-end products targeted to the custom installation industy. Models include the MX-350, MX-650, MX-810, MX-850, MX-900, MX-950, MX-980, TX-1000 and MX-3000 color touchscreen.

//paste

Your beef isn't with URC or a CI firm. It's with a company who employes kids making 10 bucks an hour that also sell dishwashers. What kind of service do you expect?

Here's my policy: Purchase a remote and programming from my firm or go get a harmony and try it yourself...in the end the few that have taken the gamble came back with their tails between their legs. And all clients get a copy for them to save if they so desire...I'd say it's about 1 out 50 that do.

Over and over we see it here every day....I bought an mx-900/980/3000 etc and can't do this or that? Please help!?!?! Most provide a lot of help free of charge, myself included but this is getting old.