Just got one and started playing with it. Personally i think the activity based programming is awful. Why can't i just program like all the other software? I think this was a bad decision on URCs part. Any one else play with it yet? Any thoughts?

I have tried it and totally agree.

This remote is not designed for the advanced programmer, they are really for the basic installer that knows who to install but not how to program advanced remotes.

I agree.... the software just made me look like an ass in front of a good client.

It needs to have some sort of a backend for programming. I felt like a chef trying to make a perfect fillet mignon with an EZ Bake oven.

I will try again tonight and post my exact gripes later just to be sure. Hopefully they get it right because the remote is good it just needs better software.

What shocks me most is that it is still "meant" for the CI. The software seems otherwise.

Problems:

-The software does not properly detect devices that are TOAD or Discrete. It tries to but fails

-When it does identify it as a discrete device it uses the power on off buttons as the location for finding the discretes. Which is almost always wrong.

-Then when attempting to associate the discrete command with the proper button location it does not save the change. It reverts back because the automation test does not run.

-It makes you chose input labels then associate them with a button on the remote. This is one too many steps.

-Adding components to the macro is silly

-You can not delete individual codes from the macro

-Maybe all of this has been fixed in the update, but unfortunatley the update does not process. It says "fail to save patch file".



THIS IS A NICE REMOTE AND I/WE CAN SELL THE HELL OUT OF IT. JUST GIVE THE COMPETENT INSTALLERS BETTER SOFTWARE OR WE WILL START SUPPORTING ANOTHER LINE IN THIS PRICE RANGE.

EDIT:

I found the "Modify Order or add a step" page but it should not be three or four menus deep.

Also, you have still have to run through the wizard to get to this step.

Also, I am having trouble adding dummy devices that I may just want to use one code from.

This shouldnt be this complicated.

And the hits just keep on coming...

This seems to be the answer to Harmony.. I have been told the mx-980 should hit at the end of the month. $599 retail.. I will not even sell the mx810 unless they change the software. Time is to valuable..

I gave the software another chance later last night. After some time I packed up the remote. It will be going back. What a waste. I think the remote has a great layout and features. Unfortunately I just cant even get through the wizard. Its way too frustrating. I could have finished 3 remtotes in the time i wasteed on this.

Bad move URC.

Hey Corey,
Would you mind posting your bug/issue list to the URC Control Room thread on the 810.
URC is monitoring that thread for 810 issues and these should be on the list.

My experience with the 810 is located at this link in the URC control room. You've touched on a few of the main issues, but there are about 15-20 more with the software that need to be addressed before the remote is ready to be programmed and sold (other then for us learning its nuances).

[Link: remotecentral.com]

I agree with everone. Its a cute remote but the software is a total waste of time. I will not sell one untill this is changed. Geez, I can program an MX-3000 in way less time than this thing. Seem like its made for the Harmony hackers out there.

That, in reality, is exactly what it is designed for....

It is after all, a DIY remote, just as the Harmony product is.

all I can say after downloading and messing around with the software is...wow, what a dissapointment. URC can do so much better than that, and to make it worse the 810 is classified on the URC site as a professional series remote. I think I will stick with the 900 and 950...just please do not let the 980 come out with the same software platform, that would be a MAJOR letdown.

my .02

Fonz,
Where did you find one in stock?
I've had orders placed with a manufacturer's rep, with distribution and direct with URC, none of them have been filled.

If you really plan on sending it back, PM me and let's work something out. I just need one to test with and see if I need to cancel my outstanding orders or not.