The benefits of one remote over another has been discussed in the forums to great extent already, so that's not what I'm trying to do here. Just thought I'd preface this question...

I haven't had the time to follow this forum in a long time, so I just wanted to know if the custom graphics situation for the MX-880 had changed at all in the past year with the move (?) to using CCP. In other words, is it possible to have custom images for buttons within an activity and/or device? Or is there still a restriction that custom images only be used in Watch, Listen and Favs list?

I don't have an issue with URC positioning products based on feature sets, I just wish the information outlining this was easier to discern from their product pages. :)


As an aside, does anyone have any news of URC releasing a successor to the MX-980 with a button layout and physical enclosure closer in design to the MX-880? With that, I mean better transport button arrangement, not missing a record button, etc. Maybe adding a List and Back button while they're at it.

My distributor obviously sells too many products and doesn't have enough hands-on experience to be able to answer the first questions and simply had no news about the last part.

The graphics in the MX-880 haven't changed, and are unlikely to do so. The MX-880 was specifically designed to be essentially an MX-900, but with color graphics that don't require any additional programming. That's why the MX-880 can use MX-900 files. It wasn't designed to be fully editable and, although some folks have figured out amazingly creative ways to get graphical buttons on device pages, I don't foresee URC spoiling the simplicity of programming this remote by introducing graphics customization as a regular step in programming.

I understand that it's frustrating to have a product be 90% of what you want, but this is just a case of us making a product that's 100% of what another group of installers wanted, and those needs are in conflict with your needs.

Obviously I can't discuss plans for future products.

Best regards,
Dale

Thanks for the feedback, understood. Of course I wouldn't expect you to let anyone know about what the company is working on. The thought was that someone other than employe would reply with perhaps some rumors or Cedia/CES news I didn't pay attention to.

Here's a suggestion however. When creating such a product, whether it be more similar to the 880 or the 980 from a software perspective, make sure the button graphics customizing option isn't a required step for the installer, but an optional one. There should be a default set of images, even if the image is just a background rectangle, just like on the 880. That means no extra time setting up unless someone wants that extra level of polish. Upon which an installer can charge accordingly. I don't create graphics for customers for free in any facet of my two businesses. ;)

It's all about the bottom line. URC will always make a remote up to %90 of a feature list since people are always willing to spend and buy new products. It is a shame though that the 880 isn't more customizable, I've been forced to purchase other brands because of decisions like that.