I have been off this site for a long time and am now out of touch.
Is it still the case that the msc 400 still does not program with anything other than win xp or vista, or has it been updated. Many years ago i heard that they were obsolete, yet I understand that they are not even discontinued yet. The reason I ask is because I plan to renew my system.

it only programs with 32 bit operating systems.  the msc400 has been discontinued for a few years now.

pick up a cheap windows xp laptop if you want to program an msc400.

Thanks for your reply. Would I need to go with TotalControl to get an an equivalent modern setup or would a couple of MRX1s in Complete Control do the job.
I suppose, I am asking is there anything new and not discontinued that can do as much, and as reliably, as the venerable msc400?

Total Control would be much more powerful than an MSC400.  Total Control is dealer only though, so you will have issues getting software if you aren't a URC dealer.  It isn't as customizable with graphics as Complete Control is, but they did just release 2.0 software that is more customizable than the previous version.

Complete Control with MRX1s won't be able to do smart macros like an msc400 and the only way to use the RS232, voltage sensor, and relay functions, is with one of the network based CCP remotes  (mx5000/mx6000/ios or android apps)  You can't trigger any of those with the basic RF remotes.

Again, thank you for the timely reply. I think what I am hearing is that I may need to update my system entirely. I do have several mx 6000s and 5000s but they are old and worn out. My two msc 400s, have also seen better days.
Anyone have any suggestions? Total control? Next Gen? or go with someone else like Crestron or RTI

I am able to communicate to an MSC-400 with Windows 7 Pro if I use the Virtual PC Mode which runs a virtual XP operating system. I saw something about doing it with Windows 8 but haven't tried it. I'm hanging on to Windows 7 as long as I can.

It's still a pain to do but it works.

If you upgrade, I like RTI and Elan g!. RTI is great for its open platform but Elan is great for how quickly you can program an excellent system and make changes across all interfaces.

My two cents...

Thanks Shaner, thats exactly what I want to hear.

Both of the options Shaner mentioned, along with Total Control are dealer only options. If you are not a dealer, CCP is the best platform for you. Unfortunately, there is nothing in the CCP lineup to replace the MSC400.

If you're running a IP based remote (MX-6000, MX-5000) you can use a Global Cache GC-100 or one of their itach devices for RS232/IR/switch.

And if you do not have either of those remotes, I have both available for sale. Let me know if interested.

Hi,

I had to place my Complete Control into compatibility mode for Win XP SP2 for it to work on my Win 7 Pro laptop - I also have not touched my MX-780 program since a few years back but decided now to add Roku to the system.
Prior to placing the Complete Control in to the Win XP compatibility mode the program would randomly shut down. Now appears to be fine. (knock- knock -knock...)