Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to add a few corrections to this thread. The new Osiris remote is not identical to the URC-200. It has several differences now and more coming soon. First, the Osiris uses "Addressable RF" so can be used in the same house as another URC "addressable" remote control. In fact, fifteen remote controls can easily co-exist in the same house. Secondly, the Osiris uses a professional installer learning method, single tap learning that supports RC5 toggle bit learning without learning twice. Thirdly, the Osiris offers the custom installer the ability to rename the MAIN screen to identify the room it is programmed to operate from.

Best Regards,

-Eric

Eric Johnson
VP of Technology
Universal Remote Control

I'm all over the Orion as soon as it comes out, I was going to get the MX-700 now, but since I'm low on cash anyways, I'll wait for the Orion, it's sexier, and that thumb button is nice too.... I'm going to program the heck out of that thing, it will do everythign except seduce your wife...

- D

Eric,

Great news! Hope you can clear up a few more things for us...


Has this enhancement made its way into the Orion as well? Are any other toggle bit protocols learnable with the new algorithms?

Is the Orion programmed via Serial interface or USB?

Lastly, are the Aurora and the rumoured MX-1500 the same remote? If not, can you share any details about the MX-1500 with us?

Thanks!

Greg

Eric -

Does URC have plans to introduce any products that are better optimized for PVR users (e.g. with different keypad layouts including chapter skip keys, colored keys, etc.)?

Good point Ihl12 !
When are they going to add colored keys ? This new generation is the perfect occasion. If they miss it, the Harmony will get the edge ....

I'd like to know where anyone got an MX-1500 rumour? I've never heard about it.

Greg,

I think the MX-1500 name was revealed/coined in this thread although rumours of an MX-1000 replacement have been floating around for as long as I can remember. You even posted the following on the topic:


Regardless of what you choose to call it, my guess is that quite a few people are wondering whether or not this thing is more than just a rumour.

Greg

Still serial.

Wow, that's impressive

It may be more than just a rumour. I just don't have any definites on it.

Personally, I have been advocating a replacement for the MX-1000 with roughly the same form factor, and maybe a change in the button layout.

I still think that a B/W grayscale touchscreen that fits properly in one hand like the MX-1000 did would be a great asset in the HTM line and a great remote to have.

I'd love to have the MX-3000 OS in B/W in the MX-1000 type format. Although the new Aurora has all of the capabilities of the MX-3000, I could put up with all of the capabilities of the Orion (MX-850) in a more inexpensive touchscreen like an MX-1500.

Again, I have no definites at all, but I sure would like to see it come to fruition.

Greg

I would love to see a merging of the MX-1000 and MX-700/800... give me the hard buttons of the MX-700/800, but replace the small LCD and LCD buttons with a larger touchscreen (and of course, include updated features/software). And throw in a charging cradle. ;)

THAT is something I'd upgrade to.

I think the touchscreen vs. button debate isn't one that'll end anytime soon :-)

Well, I'm definitely a "button man". But when it comes to the LCD buttons, which aren't as easily reached by one hand, and generally have to be looked at to know which function you are accessing, I think the advantages of hard buttons diminish on those. The extra space that would then become available to the LCD, as well as the extra flexibility of defining the size/shape/layout of the "button areas" on the screen, plus the ability to use graphics, make a touchscreen more appropriate FOR THAT PART OF THE REMOTE. The LCD buttons are typically used for less used functions anyway, so it's not like the lack of tactile feedback is going to be a frequent issue. And since that area is typically used for more uncommon functions, the ability to use graphics and/or extra text to describe them can be helpful.

Any word on when the Orion is going to ship?

- D

I am also interested in the Orion! I should probably be perfectly happy with my MX-700, but the worthless select button continues to bother me!

- Bill

This message was edited by Bill Mullin on 10/17/04 23:03 ET.