Hey all,

I've been looking for a remote setup for my media room for a couple of years now. I almost pulled the trigger on an MX-3000, but really prefer the hard buttons.

My dilema is that I have 2 "TV's" in the media room, both as primary displays. During the day, I use an LCD, but at night I use a projector and a pull down screen in front of the LCD. My other equipment is in an equipment closet and is pretty basic, but let me list it anyway....

TV1: Samsung 52a650 LCD
TV2: Mits HD1000 Projector
receiver: pioneer something (can't recall the model)
Cable box: AT&T uverse
Blueray: Panasonic BD-55K
Xbox360
Wii
HTPC with IR keyboard

I've been using a radioshack RS-2116 for years now with an IR repeater system that works pretty well, but not perfect. I have all the macros that I need to run the system, but I'm the only one that can operate it.

My desire to upgrade is to get rock solid macros, and an interface that is stupid easy for the in-laws to operate (they watch the kids quite often). As always, budget is also a primary concern and I really don't want to spend more than $350 for this setup.

I've looked at the different URC remotes, but without actually testing out the programming software, it's tough for me to figure out which remotes will be able to handle the 2 TV setup, essentially a 2-zone setup?

I'd really appreciate the help of folks here to point me in the right direction!

Thanks in advance,

Russell

Sorry but if you want operation that is any more intuitive and/or bulletproof than what you have now you are easily going to have to spend alot more than $350. At the bare minimum you should have an RF setup: a remote capable of transmitting RF signals and a base unit that receives those RF signals and converts them to infrared. (Not to mention the IR system you have may not be made to accept interference from your LCD panel.) I am more familiar with the Universal brand and minimum for RF will cost you $275 or so for the remote and $150 for the base station.

Even if all your equipment is in plain view of the remote ....it truly isn't enough to trust that your in-laws will point in exactly the right spot AND hold still enough while your TV's/projectors power on and delay accepting their input commands. You dont want the remote to wait 30 seconds to give that projector it's input command when you are just changing sources....so something like this requires a control processor, current sensors and use of variables in the macros, so the remote knows the projector is already on so it doesn't have to wait, and so on...

In conclusion, the bad news is.... you can't do what you desire (rock solid and intuitive one button operation for much less than about $1200 and that's just for the parts/ equipment. The good news is that most of the audio/ video gear you already have comes from manufacturers that support discrete power and input commands, which are key to having a system be controllable.

I highly recommend investing in good equipment here and have a professional program it for you. From the way you talk, you would really be happy with what they, the pros, and a good control system could do for you and your family.

Freddie is correct.

A system is not all that enjoyable without proper control and proper control and feedback can make or break a system. There's a reason why some control systems cost hundreds to thousands more than others.

That being said, not everyone can afford such systems (or desires to even if they could).

Here's what I can offer you and keep in mind that I am not familiar with your current controller and only offer this as a thought process to get you started.

You don't have like devices in your system so RF is not absolutely necessary although its benefits can surely help out. Can your controller be setup in such a way that the main screen only represents 2 scenarios? i.e. watch LCD and watch projector. Those 2 will setup the desired viewing scenario and then the next screen allows an activity selection which ultimately brings you the ability to control that device.

The way we setup these type of systems whether it be URC or Crestron is to think out loud the thought process a client will go through in determining what to watch/listen/control etc. i.e "I walk into theater and want to watch system X with source Y and control it via Z"

If any of that makes sense and is possible try it out if not sorry for wasting your time :-)

I'm going to disagree with some of my installing brethren here. IMO an MX-880 can do the job easily, as would an MX-850 (older but still made). If it were me the amount of devices you have would lead me to make the decision (the 850 can put 10 on the first page, or in your case, two columns of 5... where the 880 can show 6, or 2 columns of three).

I would lay out the program so that you had one column of choices for the LCD and one column for the projector. They would be the same macros except for the TV powering on and input selection, so the programming wouldn't take a whole lot of extra time.

As for RF, it sounds like you're using IR just fine right now. Both of the remotes I mentioned will emit a MUCH, MUCH stronger IR signal than what you're using now. I would start without it, and if you feel the need to upgrade later do so.

The beauty of URC's remotes is that the open architecture means your options are basically unlimited. I use an 850 (yes, I'm stuck in my ways, but budgets are budgets my friends!) to control a room with 4 monitors, 4 tivos, a Yamaha DSP-A1, a 400 disc DVD changer, a DVD/VCR combo, lighting in several rooms and the inputs for my iTunes and X-Box (not as expensive as the system sounds, the monitors are old and I don't think I paid for any of them). Oh, and I then take that remote into my bedroom (a client has my 2nd remote) and operate the same system through a different TV, with all of the sources available and controllable.

Good Luck!

Thanks all, for the well thought out responses!

I should have clarified that I've been looking primarily at the URC remotes because of their flexibility and relatively low price points compared to other options.

Freddy, yes I agree that RF is probably the best way to go. Part of the reason I want to switch controls systems is because of my unreliable IR reception (possibly due to the IR interference from the LCD).

Tweeterguy, I think you and I are on the same page, except that I don't currently have a controler to setup in that manner, in fact that's what I need help identifying :) I would like the ability to have a home page that essentially selects LCD or Projector, and from there, everything else is identical, with the ability to return to the home page.

EZ, I agree that the beauty of the URC remotes is the open architecture, but I'm just not sure what's possible with the different remotes in the lineup (partly because I can't download the software, and partly because I can't play with them in hand). The 880 looks like a great remote (I love the color screen) but I just don't know if I can set it up such that it's obvious that 1 side is for the LCD and the other is for the Projector. Or is there a way to have a front page that asks "LCD or Projector?". Again, I just don't have any experience with the remote and obviously can't download the software to see if it's possible.

Last time I seriously looked into this, I downloaded the mx3000 software and the pronto TSU6400 software and went to town programming. In the end I discovered that they both could do what I wanted in terms of programming, but didn't make a purchase because of my desire for more hard buttons. I just wish I could do the same thing now. If only URC had a "demo only" version of the software to play with. One that could not even connect to any remotes, but would let folks like myself really dig in and see what's possible to help decide.....

Russell

this is an easy one. If I were selling the job and the budget was limited within reason, I'd sell a mx-900 and a mrf260. This could be made to do what is needed BUT to get great results a SEASONED programmer would be needed. I'd set it up on the home page with LCD or SCREEN options, then have them link to the source option page of HD, Blu Ray, Wii, xBox, HTPC. I'd hide a page with AVR, Proj controls, LCD controls.

I'll assume you dont use the lcd for sound? Always use the AVR w/surround with both dsplays? My setup will make for a happy family. $550 for remote and RF base. $400 programming. Entire Family that can use system without help - PRICELESS!!!

Russell,

An MX-880/MRF-350 combo would work nicely for you. If programmed correctly, this should create a pretty "bulletproof" setup. You could take it one step further and go with the MSC-400 instead of the MRF-350, but this will jack up the price considerably. If you are looking to save a little money, you could get an MX-900 instead of the MX-880. They are basically the same remote, but the MX-900 doesn't have the cool color screen with graphics. As far as the programming, I don't think you will have any problems. If you weren't intimidated by the MX-3000 Editor, the MX-880/900 Editor should be a breeze.

The other responses are very accurate, but they basically ignore the $350 target. The 880, while more attractive, colorful and modern, won't really operate in a significantly different manner.
It's possible to start with and LCD or Projector option, I just don't think it's necessary. You have 5 sources listed, 6 if AM/FM is considered. Going 'old school' with an 850, I'd take the 5 sources the rest of the family is going to use most often (say, just one of the games, for example), and lay out the main page like this
Cable Cable
DVD DVD
Radio Radio
Wii Wii
PC PC
With the first column using the LCD and the second the projector. Even the densest old person can be taught which is which, and if they hit the wrong one, the result should make it pretty obvious! Since you're using the same audio system and same sources, you really won't even have to duplicate the program for the second column. Just copy the macro over, change the input and power commands from the LCD to the projector, and have the projector (column 2) 'goto' the column one pages.

Again, if money isn't the deciding factor, go for the newer stuff (the boolean 'if/else' options do certainly make them more bulletproof). But if you presented the system 5 years ago to any of us, we'd have made an 850 work just fine for you. It just won't cost near as much these days.

Note: there are definitely other ways to lay out the program, and I'm sure many here won't like the column idea. But most other methods will involve more keystrokes to get you there, which is more potential for human or IR/RF error.

I just realized I never replied back to this thread!

I ended up with an MX-810 using the "column" idea by EZ. I have 3 pages of activities now (amazing how they keep increasing) and it's quite easy for everyone to use. I've been very impressed by the 810. I've customized it using the "favorites" hack and now all my activity pages are "pretty" per my wife :)

Thanks again for all of the help!

Russell

Wow, a MX-810 happily-ever-after story.
And his wife likes it!