Hi Guys,
Brand new here, just fell off the truck.
I'm interested in getting an MX-6000 with a PSX-2.
I've been lurking for awhile, and have heard all the URC software access gripes.
I only want to buy with an updateable copy of CCP. I'll program it myself, or buy it with a simple setup done remotely by the seller, but insist on having the ability to change it myself.
Any suggestions on how/where to purchase at best price in my situation? I'd like to get at a decent price, but don't want to be bitching later about not being able to get software 'cuz of an ebay purchase. I would hope that I can find a reasonable and legitimate way to buy this thing...

I'm just a consumer, not an AV pro, that wants to mess around with the remote that I buy. I'm pretty tech savvy, and not really intimidated by the prospect of making this work as long as I have the tools.

Thanks!

Jim

Got to URC's site, enter your zip code, and find an Authorized Dealer. Best bet will be to ask the dealer if they will provide you with the software before you buy the remote to insure you get an updatable copy.

[Link: universalremote.com]

I don't understand why an updateable version the software is so impotant to a diy'er. How often do you guys change components?

LOL, you should see my collection of electronic equipment boxes. I would think that most DIY's that want to hassle with programming remotes are hobbiest in the AV world, and as such do a lot of tinkering. I'm modifiying and or changing equipment all the time......it's a sickness.  :)

Secondly, important stuff does get added to the software.  When I bought the MX3000 the MSC 400 didn't exist.  When the 400 came out, updates were needed for the MX3000 editor.

IMHO URC's software policy isn't the best for DIY's, but it's workable.  I've been able to buy from Authorized dealers who provide the software.

What I do miss is some of the tech support stuff.  It sounds like CI's have access to a lot of tech support docs and files online that I'd love to be able to use.

Regards,
John

| I don't understand why an updateable version the software is so impotant to a diy'er. How often do you guys change components?

Like dormie, I think you have to consider the personalities of the DIY folks who buy expensive configurable remotes. Speaking for myself, I am constantly changing things around. Also, in my house, a change in one room often means a change in several rooms as I tend to buy stuff for my own use and then push my old equipment down to the other rooms.

Above and beyond that though there are some other reasons.
- A house with little kids tends to burn out dvd players. Cheap consumer grade DVD players are usually easier to replace than repair.
- Replacing a remote often means putting the old remote in another room. This means a complete reprogram for that remote.
- Technology changes. For example, how many people have added blu-ray players to their lineup in the last couple of years.

Part of the problem is that once I added a universal remote that automates input switching in my main theater room the wife and kids wanted it in every room whether it was needed or not.

Thanks for the replies, guys.

Joe - I will start calling the closer dealers to my place before long - I'm travelling for the next 3 weeks - but first I'd like to see if some of you out there if you know of a DIY friendly source for this equipment/software. I'd rather use someone that is known here, and already is proven to supply the hardware with software. Has anyone on RC successfully bought an MX6000 + CCP as a DIY project?

Steve_Man - If I look back over the last 4 years, it looks like I buy new components every 8-10 months. Replacing crappy ones, getting a bigger screen, etc. Then I often move components from room to room also. I don't have a big system, and I don't want to spend big $$$ to get a whole new system that won't need changing for years. I expect that within a few months of getting this thing, I'll get a new AV receiver, and depending on how solid I get the control system, may try to control it with rs232, getting some more control parts. Seems like a good idea to have the updateable program, though I think I could cope with a version that wasn't. But if I'm going to the trouble of changing the remote function, seems like a good idea to have the most recent version...

John - nail on the head, pal! Would you be able to let me know the dealers that you got the hardware/software from? PM me if you don't want to post it for any reason.

One interesting thing I noticed on URC's website - where you can give them the serial number of your remote to download the software, there is a dropdown list to choose your model number, but the MX-6000 is not listed. I had some concern that I'd have trouble getting the software thru this method, since the one that I'm interested isn't on the list - not to mention that I believe this gives you the version that is not live update enabled.

Thanks again for the input.

Jim

You cannot get the software for the mx-6000 from the website. You have to get it from a dealer. In fact, I am not even sure if there is a non-updatable version of the CCP.

All of the equipment I use or find in customers homes are in the URC database and have been there for years. As for bluray players, unless you buy an off brand, the codes are in the database.

As for the off brand, you most likely will have to learn the codes anyway.

I didn't realize CI's didn't need to update their software. :) For the most part I'd agree on the Database, however I've still had the occaisional IR and Serial Database update that have had additions that have made my life easier.  That still doesn't address other updates, like the one I mentioned in an earlier post or when MS comes out with a new operating system and you're looking for drivers.

Guys we all know updatable software IS a benifit, why do you think CI's get it in the first place. It's silly to argue otherwise. There are legitimate reasons to have updates.....in any software. I guess folks can argue back and forth how big of a benifit it is with regards to URC's sofware but the bottom line is I doubt URC is going to change their policys, at least not in the DIY's favor. I just hope we can keep what we have.

Try Surfremotecontrol.com

Regards,
John

I just did something I told myself I'd never do, get in one of these software threads. I'm feeling very "dirty" right now. Sorry.

BTW, saw Avatar in 3D today, amazing movie.

John

It's ok to get dirty every once in a while. I have been home with my kids since thursday and am about to go crazy.

I think that is the only reason I posted.

Considering that the last software to be available in a non-updateable version was (I think) the MX-810, it's kind of a moot point to worry about which version you get for the MX-6000. Just find an authorized dealer who will provide you with software, period. Software support is another matter - it's going to be either through that dealer, or here. :-)

Thanks Dalto,
I've suspected that but wasn't sure.
Jim

hidef lifestyle should help you with a purchase as mentioned

Thanks Guys,

I found a source, auth dealer, good to work with so far, remote on the way.

Now I find myself jonesing for a new receiver...

Jim