I have used the MX800 with mixed results. In most cases, I have spent hours locating the unit and then had to route the output from the base unit into an infrared block and use standard emitters (as a benefit it does get around the problems associated with the "hot" emitters and the poor "stick" quality of the emitters).

If the problems associated with this product were a result of the proverbial "Installer Learning Curve", then I would say that it was a great product. However, each installation is a new adventure. Until the house is built, the lights are in, the a/v equipment installed, etc... then we can try to locate the base unit. What if there is too much interference and there is no way to get wiring to the optimum location? I have run into all of these problems and have spent days trying to get jobs to the 100% mark. Unfortunately, this product (the MX800) is not a product that is 100% reliable.

To the point - What is the difference between the MX-850 and the MX800? I note that there is now a third piece of software out there (what's up with that?).

Does this issue solve some of the problems associated with RF interference and the VERY fickle performance of the unit? Is Universal Remote moving forward or treading water with this product?

I quit using the MX-800 a long time ago because poor RF performance and started using the MX-700 with Xantech IR system instead. A couple of weeks ago I had an install where I needed a remote control in the pool area and IR was not an option because there was not a place where to put an IR Receiver out of the reach of the sun during the day and afternoon. So I decided to give the MX-800 another shot since I read in this forum different post from another people reporting good results with it after the new 3.0 firmware. The one I installed was actually 3.5 and worked like a charm right out of the box. I was able to control all the equipment that were in a Middle Atlantic rack around 50-60 feet from the pool area. I always cut off the plug from the URC emitters and use them with Xantech's emitters though.
Going back to your question I just picked one MX-850 but I haven't been able to play with it. I can tell you that one of the improvement that they did was to separate the enter botton from the joystick and I believe that the light is a white light and not the one that the 800 and 700 use that you can barely see anything.

The RF performance has more to do with the MRF-200 (or 250) than the remote. The upcoming MRF-300 will address the "hot" emitter issue with variable output level adjustment for each emitter. Also, it will be using standard 3.5 mm jacks.

Mike

Hi

I have a problem, and i read about hot emitter etc, just thought i will ask if this is a problem or not.

I have a Russound System for Whole house audio in my house, I have a MX800 for controlling all equipment in my great room. I have a dish network box in the control room, that is controlled by the IR emitter from the russound (i have one sitting on my TV in Great room)

when i put the emitter from the MRF-200 stuck on this emitter for Russound, i see it doesnt work. Is this because its driving the signal too strong? is there a way to get around this issue.

If i point the MX800 at the RF emitter for Russound, it seems to function properly,
just if i do from RF it doesnt seem to work.

ashok

I agree with Mike. The MX800 issues were tied completely to the RF200 unit. I used to just buy an RF250 to use with all the MX800s. The new one, MX850, comes without the RF unit and lets you purchase the RF250 if you need it. That means my customers who need a his and her remote setup and only need one RF unit, don't get stuck with an extra RF unit. I like the change in the up/down/enter selection buttons and I do like the better light.

I like the cosmetic improvements on the MX-850 with one minor griping point. The new font that they use on the hard keys looks nice, but the "play" button instead of resembling the usual triange now looks something like a boomerang. I'd be in favor of simply spelling out the word "PLAY". People are confused enough by the symbols as it is.