Specifically, I'm looking for someone who has "upgraded from mx-700 to mx-850. If not, any current owner of mx-850 would suffice. In your opinin, is the purchase price worth it? thanks!

I am looking to make this upgrade as well. One thing specifically I would like to know is, can I use the file for the 700 as a starting point to edit a file for the 850? Or, no matter what, will I need to start from scratch?

Thanks
Jerry

I've been told via another post of mine that both models use the same .mxf file so it's a straight swap. COOL.

I recently got a MX-850 (Christmas present from the wife with my suggestion), and I thought that it was so great that I ended up purchasing an open box special MX-700 (for six components in the bedroom). This was my first experience with MX-editor. I wanted one with the full capabilities to use rf. I am presently waiting for the new 300 base station to come out. Although the MX-850 works so good in my home theater room without it, I might be spending extra money unwisely (that never stopped me before). For my present applications, the MX-850 and the MX-700 are essentially the same (I must admit that the MX-850 is an attractive piece of equipment). The select/up/down/righ/left buttons are definitely better on the MX-850, but I never had much trouble with my original MX-500 or, for that matter, my new MX-700. All in all, I think that the MX-850 is fantastic, but the MX-700 might be all that I really need. In a certain previous congiurations, I noticed that some commands to a particular piece of equipment would occassionally operate another piece of equipment, thus the MX-850 might prove invaluable in the future.

I ahve installed 12 or so of the new 850s and they are great. Same files as MX700/800, so no issues there.

Stephen K. why wait for the 300? Take it from people that do this for a living, if you want rf, get the MRF250 and enjoy it now. 300 isn't out for a few months yet.

I have installed one MX-850 so far but many more are coming. I tried importing a file from a MX-800 that contained learned codes and codes transfered in from .ccf files and found that the program was there but most of the IR didn't work. I called Theater Master and asked and was told that file swapping was not officialy supported. I relearned of re-transfered the IR codes and everything was OK

Derek

YIKES!!!!! This is my biggest fear. MX-850 ordered and enroute via eBay. Stand-by for results.

I'm not a remote expert but the MX-850 has been a great remote. I think it has the luxury of being a mature product. I like it well enough to consider the MX-3000 as a replacement for my iPronto. Phillips problem is they are an electronic company not a remote control company. Its realy shown in the last couple of remotes. Universal Remotes on the other hand seems to want each new product to be better and it shows.

If you have one of these, be sure to post your review here as well: [Link: remotecentral.com]

This is probably the best remote on the market if you need RF. I've only programed 3 of them, so I don't know about the long term. But if it's anything like the MX-700, it's a finished job when you leave!!! A big plus if you do this for a living.

As far as the 250 vs the 300? I've never had any problems with the 250 (maybe I was just lucky!)

I've got 3 700's and am considering an 850 just because! You never know, I might decide to put my my equipment in a closet in the near future. My wife thinks I should!!

I recently purchased the MX-850 and the 250. I like the way the layout and feel of the buttons. The new select button is a plus as many of the new manufactors remotes now include this button. I have not had any issues with using the MX-850 with the 250.

The only issue I have had so far is I can not import mxd files into the Orion Editor. This has prevented me from adding discreet codes for my Panasonic TH-42PX25U. It would be nice if HTM would add a button edit feature to the software. That way you could enter the discreet code directly. This would speed up the configuration of the remote.

So far so good. I have done several of these, and finally ordered one for myself. I really like them, clients really seem to like them, and they are as easy to use as they are to program. I have not tried to do import a 700 file into it, so I don't know how that would work. If Derek says it doesn't work well, it probably doesn't.

I don't know if it's something to do with the current version of MX-850 Editor, but I haven't had any problems with MX-700 files. MX-700 files are supposed to work with MX-800 or 850 editor. I asked the Product Manager about this and he's not sure why someone at HTM would say otherwise.

Mike
www.SurfRemoteControl.com

Mike,
I hope you're right or my wife is gonna kill me for New Years Day.

WOW, the 850 ROCKS! What a joy to not have to worry about finding the EXACT middle part of the wheel anymore. The black body is sharp and the backlighting is awesome. As far as importing the my mx-700 .mxf file into the mx-850, all worked as it should with the exception of my Sony VCR not turning on when I select "watch VCR". That was easy enough to correct. MX-700 owners I urge you to consider upgrading to the mx-850. I received the 850 viz 2-day FedEx from a seller that I also had purchased my mx-700 from last January. Anyone who is interested in purchasing a slightly used mx-700 in perfect condition, please check the FOR SALE forums.