Very well said and worth quoting again.

...and Tweeter is going out of business. I was in the Marlton, NJ store today looking at several dozen URC remotes (980s, 950s, etc) marked down for clearance.

I was pondering whether to purchase one or not. After reading this thread, I will pass. Perhaps that business model of forcing the end-user to spend a few hundred+ bucks to have it programmed didn't work out as well as one would think.

Also, the displays in Magnolia/BBY are inherently deceiving. The majority of "professional" remotes sold (Crestron, etc.) are simply not displayed in consumer friendly glossy boxes. One can simply take one off the display and just buy it without the assistance of a store employee.

Blaming the retailer for allowing the consumer to purchase the remote is weak, at best. ALL companies are fully aware of how their product is marketed and placed within a retail establishment, AND how accessible it is to the consumer. URC is just as culpable for this as the retailers.

Sounds like someone didn't research their purchase before pulling out their wallet.

I'm so tired of people whinning about software policy that doesn't hurt them in the slightest, if they took the time to look at the manufacturer's brochure.

I get the feeling it's the same class of person that would sue a coffee shop for getting burnt by a cup of java.

Your point is...? I don't work for them. Nice attempt at sticking it to the man though.

At some point the blame needs to be placed upon the consumer for not researching the products they are spending their hard-earned money on. I find it funny when someone goes out to a store, slaps down a chunk of cash on a whim, and then bitches when he finds out that what he bought (without doing some research) was not all that he thought it would be. Do you really expect the kid working at bestbuy who makes 12 bucks an hour give a crap whether or not you are satisfied with your purchase. He's one step from quitting and going to work for starbucks or move back into his parents house so he can go back to school. Do the research, know what you are buying or purchase from a company that has a long term vested interest in your satisifaction. Until you take that advice you will continue to be unhappy with many purchases in life.

I didn't purchase the remote. I'm not sure how you misunderstood the part about "I will pass". But don't let your inability to read and comprehend the post stand in the way of a clueless response.

Sounds to me like somebody does not understand marketing placement. There are contracts for purchase price, positioning, training, etc., all of which are agreed upon by both parties.

Another person who doesn't understand my post.

My apologies to both of you who responded. Let me state this again... I did NOT buy the remote. AFTER reading this thread, I made my final decision. (which is after researching URC on various websites, looking at different remotes in person, etc, etc, etc...) I did my due diligence, I've researched the product, gave my opinion and passed on the purchase. Cripes, is it really that difficult to comprehend?

Blaming the hiring process of Magnolia/BBY is again, weak. They made the decision to hire the kid. Everything after that is making excuses for pitt poor training.

BTW... Thank you to an anonymous person who read this thread, you know who you are... NOW I just might buy it. (nah, who am I kidding!)

Trust me, I understood your post. You were never a good fit for the professional line by URC in the first place if you were hunting for one at a clearance sale or bestbuy and looking to program it yourself. No skin off my back or others who install/program these; I don't sell remotes but solutions that include a remote or other control system. No product ever walks out the front door, ever.

My comments about knowing what you are getting into before spending your money were not really directed at you but at the others on here bitching and moaning after they bought a remote. I realize you didn't buy one and that's great! So....what are you buying instead?

I am new here, but I have to agree with "Thejake:" if the remote is available, so should the software.

I am in the same boat as this guy and planning to pick up a remote soon. If i can get one from a reputable vendor, e.g. amazon ([Link: amazon.com]), then they(URC or someone) should provide the software. Consider a counterexample: RTI remotes. I think those look cool, but a little internet searching didnt reveal anywhere to pick one up. They are controlling the distribution better at least, and thus have some ground to not distribute the software. The core issue is this difference between product and software availability.

As an installer this is the wrong way to protect your business. Think of the dilemma of big record labels; they have decided that rather than adapt to a new business model they are going to limit and sue their customers. Same thing is going on here. As an installer, you have to provide something that is just much much better than people can do themselves or they wont want to pay for it, especially in these hard times. Also, just like the record labels, dont make the mistake of assuming that everyone who buys a remote and wants to do it themselves (or downloads an mp3) is a lost sale. Many people (like me) dont want a professionally programmed remote; I like to change and tweak my gear and dont want to call an installer every time I get some new thing or decide to change the connections.

Anyways, good luck to installers, I have seen that you can do great work; rely on that and you dont need to rip on DIY people.

capitolm94, I appreciate your input to the thread, welcome to the forum.

Don't think for a moment that this is all that we argue over :-)

This debate has been going on forever and some of us (myself included) get grumpy hearing it over and over. The problem stems from a year or so ago when URC made the conscious effort to control the distribution of their professional products and software and attempted to combat the unauthorized sales namely on the internet. It has gotten better but as you've noticed its still not as tight as RTI. And that creates problems such as mentioned in this thread.

Simply because I understand a *great* deal when I see one, doesn't necessarily mean it's not a "good fit". Let's put it this way... IF I can't program the MX-980, it's my own damn fault IF I decide to buy it.

As addressed earlier on the thread, URC actually has the statement in the manual that " You could downlad this software from our website: www.universalremote.com. Granted, it's a professional remote, but URC should do a better job making it unavailable for a "grab & go" buy at some of the stores that carry this (and other professional) remotes.

I think we both agree that this remote is not for the casual user. But, if you must know, for examples... I've built more than a few computers, have installed professional Honeywell LCD thermostats in my house (on a heat pump system which is no easy task), programmed and customized the first/second generation Pronto, along with customizing previous and current POS systems for my business. Simply put, I am not too worried that it will be more difficult to program than the Pronto... especially after looking at the software interface and manual. (and make NO mistake, the POS system is much more involved than a silly little remote control)

Again, I *DO* completely agree with you that it's not for the casual user and understand the frustration of seeing the same problems addressed again and again from those who are in over their head.

[Link: universalremote.com]

Consumers and End-Users Seeking Software
Please contact your place of purchase to obtain programming support, software and manuals. If your dealer is unable to help you, you may download the appropriate programming software here. Note: that you will be required to register your serial number and place of purchase.
(note: the URC site doesn't allow you to register a 980)

Considering Tweeter is no longer, I'm wondering how URC is going to address the thousands (or tens of) that were former customers. Are they going to require the end-user to find another programmer? Or will they honor their own agreement and allow the consumer to download the "appropriate programming software".

/ok, I'm done being a pain
//for now ;)

If you think tweeter closing will adversely affect the clients who purchased programming and installation, try and grasp what happens to all of those who bought extended warranties :-)

Believe me when I say it is a HUGE pain in the ass.

Sorry Jake.

Like most URC supporters in RC, I'm tired of hearing the complaints and just assumed you were another in the long list of Diy'ers that were just trying to save a buck going grey market, without taking the time to educate themselves before hand.

I stand by my opinion that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the policy. The software is completely available to those who choose their place of purchase wisely. If someone didn't bother to take the time to ensure this before wipping out their wallet...shame on them.

URC has chosen to allow the dealers to decide whether or not to provide software. Pick your dealer based on that info, and you'll either have the software, or nothing to complain about.

Sorry again for the misunderstanding.

My apologies too. (to you and tweeterguy both)

I was just a little testy the past few days. Don't mind me. But, honestly, I have truly done my homework with this remote and share the sentiments that you both (and others) have shown on the thread. Thanks!

tweeterguy... I can't imagine the extended warranty nightmare. I do believe that it will be a HUGE pain!

I bought a DVD changer from Ultimate Electronics some years ago. When they went out of business in my area, they sold the service contract for my extended warranty to another firm. The DVD changer failed and, amazingly, I had no trouble whatsoever getting the new company to replace the changer with the latest equivalent model.

Sometimes things that suck turn out okay. :)

Best regards,
Dale