Guys, I've owned my MX-500 for a few years now and it has performed amazingly. I also bought the IR-Clone product for it though I feel I never really fully exploited what it could do for me aside from simply backing up the device.

I'm now thinking of possibly replacing the unit and may just buy another one given that I paid something like $200 for it and now I see them down around $85.

However, I see now that there are all sorts of MX models from 600 up to 950 and wondering if I should consider one of those.

The only issues I've had with the MX-500 are as follows:

1. To this day I am not happy with the number pad. I continually find I have to look down at it or I mis-enter channels with it. If the 5 button simply had a bump on it so that I could find "home" with it, I'd never make a mistake. The Macro buttons (M1, M2, M3) don't help nor do the similar buttons above the 1, 2 and 3.

2. The "Device" button push capability I put to good use but I would like to see it expanded. The limited capability on a simple button push I have found to be a concern. While I can always hold the button down for one macro, I'd like to also have the ability to have full macro capability on simple button pushes. I shouldn't have to hold down the buttons for that.

3. RF would be interesting, possibly helpful but not essential.

Given the above, should I be thinking about another model or should I just stick with the MX-500 and pick up a second one?

I just upgraded from the MX-500/IR-Clone to the MX-700. While it won't solve your number button issue (the MX-700 essentially has the same number pad layout) the MX-700/800/850 will solve the macro problem.

The MX-700/800/850/950 can all execute instant macros so you don't have to push and hold the button as you had to do on the MX-500.

The MX-700 does not have RF capability but the MX-800/850/950 do have RF capability but you will need to purchase one of the MRF units to go with it.

The MX-800 is identical to the MX-700 with the exception of its outer case finish and color. The MX-850 has a much improved center select button and a different case color and finish. As well as improved back lighting. I personall don't like the feel of the MX-850. They did away with the "Gem Stone" buttons which have a very nice look and feel. I wish they would have kept the gem stone buttons and added the seperate center joy stick and select button instead of changing all the buttons to the cheap looking/feeling buttons.

Wow. Thanks for the great info Mitch. Cheap buttons on the 850. I was sold until I read that. I suspect I might go for one of the units that has no bottom row macro buttons so that I make less mistakes on the number entry. I guess with instant macro capability I won't need those 3 and better yet, I can use the display to identify the function.

I wonder about the RF and if it would really make a difference for me.

Rich,

As a matter of fact, the MX-950 has the 5 with the bumps. So, it sounds like that remote will solve all your concerns.

If you would like one or would like more information, I would be happy to give you a free consultation to help you determine if the remote will meet your needs. Feel free to call me at: (914) 509-5360 between 10 AM and 9 PM EST. I am always happy to help.



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
http://www.ProRemotes.com - Authorized Dealer & Remote Programming

Hey Rich,

it's been a long time since we've heard from you. ;-)

I personally don't have a problem with the new 850 buttons and they're not inferior mechanically to the Gemstones, but the Gemstones do have a better "feel" to them.
Any of the new Complete Control series remotes support macros on any LCD button and they can be instant or push-and-hold. This includes the MX-350 and 650 in addition to the models listing above. I prefer one of the PC-programmable models (MX-700, 800, 850 or 950), but you can get the macro functionality with the others. You can't use IRClone with any of them though, in case you were wondering.

If you don't need RF for the usual reasons (ie: components in a cabinet behind a solid door or in another room), it's often nice just not to have to point the remote during a long macro.

Mike
www.SurfRemoteControl.com

Hey Mike. Yeah, no word from me because I've been so well served!

On RF, the one place that's causing issues is my Lutron Maestro IR light switches in the family room. I sit on the extreme right side of the family room and the switches are on the front wall at the extreme left side of the room (typical family room off the kitchen setup). I have to hold the remote off to my left and behind me to assure that both go off. I've been thinking it might be nice to have an RF transmitter over on the left side that nailed it every time. I don't have anything behind any solid doors. Just glass and I'm thinking about doing in the glass.

Rich,

Like Mike said the 850 really isn't inferrior in a quality sense it's just that the gem stone buttons feel better in your hand. I would suggest going to an authorized dealer and holding an MX-700/800/850/950 in hand so you can judge for yourself which one you prefer.

Many custom installers carry the HTM line as well so you should be able to find someone who has one on display that you can play around with to help make your decision.