First post, and let me start out by saying I had no idea that such a well-attended site existed for the diffusion of knowledge of remote control units! Hooray for the www!

Now, after that shameless attempt at ingratiating myself, I'd like to pose a few questions. Bear in mind that I've lurked a bit on this forum to gather info on this particular unit. I'm not inadvertently trying to produce an inflammatory response, and am not making any comment whatsoever regarding URC policies.

My setup:

Sony TV
KV-27V15

Sony VCR
SLV-N900

Sony DVD Player / VCR
SLV-D370P

Sony CD Radio Cassette-Corder
CFD-616

Sony CD/DVD Player
DVP-NS300

Pioneer DVD LD Player
DLV-919

Carver Receiver
TX-12

XBOX
XBOX360

I'm looking to run them all with one remote, and think the MX-950 is the right remote for the job, but I have a few questions:

1) Would this remote likely be able to operate all of these devices?
2) Can this remote be purchased from someone other than an installer?
3) Is purchasing a used unit advisable?
4) Can the remote be programmed using a PC?
5) Is an MRF base station necessary? If so, which one 250 or 300
5) What could I expect one of these to cost? used or new
6) Should I consider another remote?

I've tried to organize my questions in a way that more easily facilitates response.
Budget for a unit is basically that it remain under $750.

Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

metalman

Yes, as long as they all have IR remotes.


Yes, URC has online authorized dealers, such as www.surfremote.com or www.proremotes.com. Email them and ask for "unadvertised specials" if you want a lower price.


No more advisable than buying a used TV, used PC, used audio system, etc. I'd reccomend you buy new.


Yes.


No. The RF base station is used when your components are behind closed doors or in a different room. If you want direct IR control, you do not need one. But if you want one definitely go with the MRF-300, not the MRF-350.


Email an authorized dealer.


Depends what you want. If you want something super-easy to program, get something like a Logitech Harmony. If you are willing to spend some time programming and wish to have a high level of customization, this would be a good remote.


You'd probably stay in that budget.

Many thanks OTAHD!
Please accept my gratitude!

I wish I knew enough to contribute, or could reciprocate.
I'd like to be of service.

metalman

I think he likely meant to say to get the MRF350...and not the 250. The 350 is the newest and best unit that incorporates narrow band RF technology and makes the RF operation more consistent and reliable.

About the MRF 350, I thought the 300 was just about as good? Is the 350 definitly advisable?

I'm also considering buying a MX-950 with MRF station... I was wondering is there any mainstream stores that I could go to that would sell the MX-950 so I could see it physically (I've heard its rather large) and get an idea for its heft before buying. Such as Best Buy etc, anyone know a mainstream store that carries the MX-950. I live in Orlando, so pretty big city lots of stores.

About the OP budget, you should be able to get MRF station and the remote for under $500 new I'd think but depends who you buy from.

The 350's better, but the 300 seems to work fine. It's sometimes a bit less reliable but usually works well. If you feel like throwing in the extra money, you could get the MRF-350.

As long as you stay away from the MRF-250!

Get the 350 and be done with it.

And the programming is not that hard, especially seeing as how you seem to be very good at asking questions properly on this forum.

Let us know how you do!

You've got mail!

I second the idea of just going with the MRF-350 since it's got their "narrow band" receiver.

Agreed -- no reason to go with the 300 over the 350 unless you already have one.

As for big, it is tall and thin. Not big, but long. At first it bugged me, but then I quickly learned how to shift it up or down in my hand as needed, and now I don't even think about it. It isn't heavy at all, so that isn't a concern.

It is one of the best hard button remotes around in my opinion, and I'm very picky about these things.