I just tried the URC 780. It seems to be an excellent remote. My intent is not to bash it. I have been a user of URC programmable remotes, since their inception, into this type of remotes, with the MX 1000, 15 years ago.

I think mx 780 is possibly the best value for the money and offers good flexibility. CCP software is excellent.. I was very familiar with MX software and the CCP was not hard to learn. You improved on the short comings of the MX software and it shows.

Thanks for including a sleep function. Not many others (if any) seem to have it.

It has very few short comings - that I can see. I am writing here so that other users also can make comments - either on my comment or other issues.

1. Almost everyone uses a DVR. While you guys put the red/yellow/blue/green buttons and the menu button, did you not realize that most people would also use the "LIST" (button to display pre recorded progams)? Yes, I realize that this can be programmed into the LCD buttons but in my opinion, a LIST button is more important than a MUTE or Prev CH button. The menu button (in a directv DVR is less used than the LIST).

2. You have no database for Projectors? You need to increase your data base.. The new feature of importing from the data base makes programming very easy.

3. I like your two step macro idea (press once VS push and hold), even though I did not use it. I also like your Variable state option.

4. You should include the "Direct On/off" IR codes for the X10 (these are available in the Pronoto world, for you to copy). Direct On code is when you can send one IR signal rather than use a macro to turn a X10 device on. In some cases, where there are multiple X10 devices, macros can get long (X10 macros do seem to work better with a .5 sec delay between commands). I do admit, direct ON/OFF codes, when used, seem to cause some issues some times.

5. It would have been nice to include the "buttons light up when lifted" feature. Its not too much to ask, in a $300 remote. Obviously, many users would be using this remote in darkened rooms.

For the price, the 780 is an outstanding value. It can do 90% of what the much more expensive remotes can do. Somethings have to be left out, like the motion sensor to wake it up. Besides, it would cause the batteries to drain faster as it will light up from merely moving it around, an issue as it does not use rechargeable battery pack. Also, the projectors are in the database under TV's. The projector option is rather new and the info has not yet been transferred there. If it will remains to be seen. It may just disappear and stay how it has been.
As for lighting, URC offers their own Lutron based option that works flawlessly and takes almost no programming. My suggestion is to sell any old lighting system and switch to urc lighting devices.

I also use the X-10 and all the X-10 codes were included on my MX-450 database.

I do not use the X-10 for lighting control. I use it for controlling AC outlets. I have a WDTV Live Streaming Media Player connected to a My Book external hard drive (via USB)that both do not totally turn off. The X-10 allows me to totally turn off these devices thus conserving energy and probably increasing their life span.

There are many AC controlled outlets available but very few operate with IR. Most manufacturers have switched to RF since RF signals can go through walls while IR cannot. However, you cannot add an RF signal to your IR remote. You will have to use a separate remote control.

The X-10 units are not easy to find but are still available on Amazon.com.

I question whether Lutron has an inexpensive device that can control an AC outlet using an IR signal.

We discussed including a "Recorded Shows" button on our new remotes, but decided against it. The issue is that while most people do use DVRs, it's only DVRs that require such a button. We try to keep the hard buttons to a set that is as universally needed as possible. That is, after all, why the remote has a display with programmable buttons.

Although we do include codes for X-10, the reality is that very few professional installers would use X-10 in their installations. Although X-10 is great for the DIY crowd, it creates a lot of headaches for installers. Since the Complete Control line is built for professional installation, we do focus more on what our installers ask for.

And yes, the lack of a pickup sensor was to prevent battery drain. On a remote that uses off-the-shelf batteries, we tend to stay away from pickup sensors.

I just got my today for my wife birthday. Please show me how can I program it. what is the software or where can I get the software for program it.

thank you

You need to take that up with the company that sold you the remote. I hope you bought it from an authorized dealer.