I am contemplating a new remote for our media room and thinking about the MX-980. I am not new to universal remotes and have used and programmed multiple MX-700s as well as a Nevo Q50 involving several intricate macros. Part of the satisfaction of a universal remote for me is the programing and tweaking process, so I won't buy a remote without a way around professional programming. No offense to the pros out there, I just enjoy the process and prefer to do it on my own.

Although I like the Q50 and would consider another, they seem to be getting tougher to find and I don't like the difficulty in replacing the battery. I used a URC MX-880 this past weekend and it was a nice remote, but the MX-980 seems to be the next notch up in features and people generally seem to be happier with it. My first step in considering that remote would be to get my hands on the software to play with. Does anybody have a copy of the software that they would be willing to e-mail to me? I would love to join the MX-980 club and be able to contribute to this forum.

Thanks,

Matt

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[Link: remotecentral.com]

Actually, I prefer the 880 to the 980. I have both and when my setup was much more complicated, (matrix switches and T.O.A.D's) I appreciated the 980's power. But I much prefer the ergonomics of the 880 in addition to its REC button. I still have the 980 in my media room and while the graphics are nice to make visitors ooooo and ahhhh over, in daily use, I hardly notice them.

As for getting the software ahead of time, probably not going to happen on this board. But you can always try and find a dealer who will provide it that gives refunds.

Thanks for the replies. I just read the entire thread that was linked in the above response. Although I certainly respect Universal Remote's right to distribute their products how they see fit, it looks like I will be pursuing other alternatives. It is very annoying though that the average DIYer can't just go out and purchase a decent remote at a reasonable price without jumping through a bunch of hoops. At this point it's looking more and more like I am going to be forced down the iPhone/iPad route for my future remote solutions. Or maybe I'll happen upon a nice used Nevo Q50...

Matt

if you can program a Q50, you should be able to teach yourself how to program an MX980.   I started off with Nevo then switched to URC a couple years ago and the transition was pretty smooth. 

just use URC's dealer locator on their website.  there are dealers out there that will provide the software with the purchase of a remote.   make some calls.   I own a Q50 at home and honestly would rather have an MX980.

No hoops. And you can get a reasonable price. Not an ebay price, but still reasonable. There are a couple of well known dealers who will 1) give you a discount and 2) provide you with the software.

If you can't "find" one of those dealers here, go ask over at AVS.