from 50-60 ft. away.
I was thinking of the TX-1000/MRF-350 because it looks like the TX-1000 could have 12 'boxes' on its screen.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
--Michael

Are you the end user or the integrator?

I'm the integrator and am in the process of becoming a URC Dealer.

I would recommend that you find another integrator that would be willing to partner with you on this job. Something this complicated needs someone with some experience. Otherwise, it is too easy to get over your head and screw it up.

could you provide more information. Is this a sports bar or home. Do you need to control other devices such as TV's etc

Again, depending on what, if any other devices you need to control, I would recommend an RTI XP-3 processor controlling the DirecTV boxes via IP, assuming it is DTV. That way you can get the meta data back to the panel, whether it is an Apple device, PC, or an RTI panel. The processor will also allow you to automate turning the system on/off via an astronomical clock, if it is a commercial application.

Like darth said. Look into RTI. XP3 plus itouch will be very cost effective if you want something basic with the option to upgrade. You can also add some basic automation at this price point as well.

Darth and Cams, don't you think he should learn to crawl before he runs a marathon?

exactly - I'm just trying to say "hire a pro" in a different way ;)

Micheal, if you are becoming a URC dealer you will learn quickly that there is more to specifiying a control system than just how many slots you have on a home page. The TX-1000 agreed does have sufficient space on the home page, but there are much better products out there from URC that are way more accomodating than the TX-1000. I would go with a graphical touchscreen that gives you the ability to really set up a decent system of screen selection and adjoining activies. You need some more power, some more ability to customize and need to really control the page jumps. Somone suggested partnering up with a URC dealer - that is good advice. There is no need to jump into your first job with a sytem as large as that.

Thanks to everyone for their comments.
I've completed the CCP basic course (and passed the exam [g]).
My situation (SportsBar) is somewhat different than a full-blown A/V system in that what I need to control are only a -few- functions on the satellite receivers and no other devices. Large, maybe, but redundant. I don't even need to control the power on/off.
Now I'm thinking something like the MX-980/MRF -350 (2) might be the way to go because it has all the functions I need (Guide/Digits 0-9/Enter) as 'hard buttons' already and it looks easy to hide the unused functions. I have the MX-980 Editor program open right now and I have one of the same model receivers sitting here in front of me, so I could (learn to) program the remote and test the emitters/ports, etc. without having to be at the customers.
Or maybe this would be better for a bar?
[Link: remotecentral.com]
Again, thanks for your thoughts.
--Michael