ok, thanks for the info.

They could have two offereings, 1-way for simple control and 2-way for feedback (such as Crestron does now). It could also be a future add-on...an RF reciever that plugs into the existing USB port, which already is capable of recieving data. I guess power could be an issue though...anyway just a thought, as I'd love nothing more than to see my entire MP3 library listed on my MX3000.

RobZ

Slightly off-topic, but does anyone know if Crestron will be announcing a newer version of their ML-500 (which is an OEM'ed URC MX-800)?

for the love of God, please, please, please, let the RF actually WORK! I hope that at some point the base station will function as the macronizer, have feedback, and have an IR input that can be manually routed as well(read Xantech Gatekeeper)...am I really asking so much!

For us less well informed readers, please clarify exactly how the MRF500 will remove any need to install IR emitters (which is what I assume you mean by "eye") inside controlled equipment. If this can indeed be achieved simply, in an unobtrusive fashion, then it would appear to be a significant improvement.

David, I think Diesel was referring to the supposed RS-232 capability of the MRF-500. I'm guessing the Rotel receiver has an RS-232 port on the backside that could be used for control instead of IR.

If you are right, then I assume that such RS232 ports must be a lot more common on AV kit in the USA than they are here in the UK. I've never seen an RS232 port on any TV, satellite box, DVD player, VCR, CD player, or any form of amplifier.

Notice Computer I/O port on back. This is an RS-232 interface.

[Link: rotel.com].

I think a lot of higher end equipment have these ports.

Dino

No, but in the US we have a big push to 'create' a custom market, which means a few American companies (read B&K, ADA, Niles) do build equipment which can be controlled via RS232. Some higher end Pioneer and Sony are also RS232 controllable. Mostly just TV's and recievers though...the stuff that sticks around for a while.

In my experience RS232 is slightly overrated...by the time I have tracked down a technician at a company who can send me a text document with the RS232 codes i need, and then I decipher the protocol (baud rates, data structure, etc) I could have long since learned an IR code, stuck on an emitter and have been done with it. RS232 is mostly useful where you need some sort of data feedback, such as MP3 ID3 tags, or playlist info, etc. to be displayed on your remote.

RobZ

I've just looked on the back of my fairly high end Denon AVC-A11SR AV Amplifier (the UK market prefers amps over receivers), and guess what? There's an RS232 connection!

However, the exact purpose of this connection is shrouded in mystery as my Denon manual goes no further than showing it on the back panel diagram. There is absolutely no explanation provided.

What sort of data feedback might this connector give me? It's a totally academic point in my case, because I don't think my MX-850 can use such data, but I would still be interested to know the answer.