Hi.

I was wondering which of the URC are the most usable?

The big screen with few hard button types such as the
mx-3000 or the smaller LCd screen with more hard button types such as the

MX-900, MX-850, MX-950, etc..

Also, which are the remotes with issues getting the editor software?

I already have the editor for the mx-3000 but not the other ones.

Do some have the editor software but not include updates?

Thanks.

The MX-900 is my vote.
As to the other question.....read the sticky.
[Link: remotecentral.com]

Do you find the mx-900 more usable because of the hard buttons?

I know the mx-3000 looks more impressive when you have guest over but I think it might be more difficult to use because you need 2 hands and you have to press on the screen instead of actual dedicated buttons. Is that what you are finding?

Thanks for the link. So if you have the mx-900 and it has a serial number on the back in the battery case.

Are you able to register and get the software at:
[Link: universalremote.com]
? Do I understand this correctly?

Thanks.

If you buy the remote from an autorized dealer they will most likely give you the updateable software (I would). If they do not then you can get the non-update software at the link. Beware most non-authorized sellers deface the serial number so they do not lose the supplier.
The 900 is a one handed remote that does not require looking at the remote once you get the feel for where all the buttons are. This can take a few months but makes a huge difference for me. The MX-980 is a slightly larger color version that has a much steeper learning curve on the programming side. Warning: unless you want a new hobby do not attempt to program these remotes yourself. If you like hanging out on this forum and want to learn a bunch of geeky tech stuff like discrete codes, .ccf files and need a new hobby, by all means jump in and try it. Just be prepared to ask lots of questions. Just remember that a good installer can setup your remote to take full advantage of your system in a few hours. Many remotes I have seen setup by newbies really do not take advantage of all the power the remote has. On the flip side many dedicated hobbyists can setup a remote to satisfy their exact needs and style. Do exactly what you are doing and research the hell out of it. If you chose a pro installer then make him bring out all your choices so you can feel them and decide for yourself. I programmed an MX-900 and an MX-980 for a client, after a week he chose the MX-900 just because of size and simplicity. The MX-3000 makes a poor "everyday" remote IMHO and I usually sell them for dedicated theater rooms for the glitz and glamour of them. Posting a list of the gear you plan to control would help me make a better reccomendation for you.

Hi.

I actually have a dedicated home theater setup with a 110-inch screen and a Sony Ruby projector(VPL_VW100), receiver, DVR(replaytv),hauppaugeMedia MVP, HTPC.

I currently have a Nevo SL universal remote with the media link base unit which connection Via wifi setup.

The remote setup took a little bit of work when first setting up but I think I got the hang of it. I guess its kind of a pain having to scroll into all the various screen menu on the remote which are including in the layout for that particular device.
So I made a more compact screen with just the essentials.

For example, instead of having to go into a separate menu to get to the receiver, I just labeled the volume up and volume down button on a master screen to control the audio.

I am also finding myself reluctant to press the keys on the screen without the stylus. It seems more like using a modified PDA than using a remote.

I must say that the WIFI is not really that stable and sometimes it disconnect. Then it takes a while to reconnect.

So I am thinking of getting the RF remote such as the MX-3000 or MX-900 with a MFR-350 base station. At first, I was all for the MX-3000 but after owning the NEVO SL, I found the hard buttons to be more functional than the screen buttons.

1. How would you rate the hard button remotes from best to worse? Does it go in order with higher the number the better the remote?
-MX-950
-MX-900
-MX-850
-MX-810
-MX-800
-mx-650
-mx-350
?

2. You can program both the hard buttons and the soft(LCD) screen buttons correct? Its not just limited to the soft buttons?

3. What exactly is the difference between the updatable software and the nonupdatable software ? Are we just talking about new IR codes from new devices that are coming out or are there other features that its lacking?

Thanks!

1. MX980
2. MX950
3. MX900

Yes!

talking about new IR codes from new devices that are coming

New IRDB updates and programming features like variables and Hex entry

This would be my ranking
-MX-980 (slick new color)
-MX-900 (simple, easy, reliable, cheap, most peoples favorite)
-MX-850 (Old, great if you had TONS of devices)
Do not even consider these "toys"
-MX-810 (programs kinda like Harmony)
-MX-800(Old as hell)
-mx-650 (old, no way, hand programmed)
-mx-350 (Toy, hand programmed)

If you were succesful with a NEVO then you would be fine with any of URC's products. My question would be why did you need to go into the device pages?
Did you not have all the important functions punched thru to the activities pages?
I have a competitor that programs like that and his clients hate it. Make lots of programming $$$$ for me I guess.

There are dealers that sponsor this site that will give you a good deal and include the software. They have said to ask for a good deal themselves. They will suuport you and they support your best source for info (this site).I would give my biz to them instead of the illegal sales on Fleabay. The software you may get from Fleabay sellers is stolen and will break copyright laws.

I prefer the 850 for ergonomics but stick with the 900 for value, quick programming and more text characters. I'm not a fan of the 3000 for clients because in general touchscreens are not as easy to live with on a daily basis (if you are a channel surfer, forget the 3000). If you have the fairer sex using an mx3000 with manicured nails you may end up in the dog house as well. The 980 is nice because of it's advanced features and full color display but I do not care for the glossy hard plastic feel the buttons have.

We install the 850, 900, 950, 980, 3000, and tx1000, in fairly large quantities. What do I have at home for daily use? 850's and 900's.

Yes the buttons associated with the LCD icons/text are programmable. The only buttons that are not programmable are Watch|Listen (and Main|Fav if you are looking at the 850).

I answered your other Q in your other post in the sticky.