I am finally in the market for a remote & have been looking at the 850, but also considering 800 or 750. my main question is how easy are these things to program & set up for an average guy. I have heard that for the Harmony line is very easy, I am also considering the Harmony 880 if the URC's are too difficult. I am pretty good with tech stuff but don't want to get in over my head with a remote. Can an average person with some help from this board get these URC's set up easily or should I go Harmony? My system is fairly basic, TV, Tivo unit, Onkyo receiver, & Dvd/Vcr combo unit. but I do want a remote that can handle my system growth in the future.
Thanks, Chris

Certainly - I have the 850 and it was very simple to set up. I had an MX-500 for years and have found the 850 to be much easier to set up. I have no experience with Harmony remotes - but would highly recommend the URC products.

The Harmony is better if you are a do it yourselfer who can't learn URC software. However, the MX850 is miles better in terms of readability of display, size of buttons, flexibility in customization, and so on.

It's a no brainer if you want the better piece. Many folks get a hold of the URC software and have a lot of fun learning it.

I looked at several lines of higher end remotes and purchased URC. The great thing about their remotes is they grow with you. Meaining... An average user can start with a simple device layout and a few macros. Then as you understand and gain confidence, the software is sophisticated and can meet most any need or want the average user can define. By the way, you can download the configuration software from their website and try it out before you buy.

Depending on your budget, I'd at least consider the MX-950. It can do anything but make the popcorn. Finally, it seems that URC authorized online dealers use MSRP as their listed price. You should call several of their online authorized dealers to see if they are running unadvertised specials.

The remainder is from a previous post about the MX-950 not 850:

I looked for several months before purchasing a high end remote and selected the
MX- 950 (NOT 850) for several reasons. The most important to me were:

1) Ability to use variables -- I use this to:
a) for late night viewing and at wifes request, the volume buttons either control
the receiver or the TV volume depending on activity
b) Control acces to return to calling devices from a master power and lighting
device -- Supposed to be a feature upgrade in near future.
2) Push and Hold Macro -- I use to select device only or select device and send
macro to setup activity
3) Motion sensitive backlight -- I know its minor but I really like this feature
4) USB connections -- More reliable and easier to use. If you buy 850, I'd suggest one of the serial to USB converters.
5) No real limits to number of devices or buttons for a device -- very future proof as system is upgraded
6) Colors of backlight can be selected
7) Simple (Very Simple) Graphics and Sound can be used

the 850 is a great remote... i prefer the 950 and 3000 mainly for the use of variables...works great for epquipment that does not have descrete codes...if all your equipment has descretes then the 850 is right up your alley. and is pretty easy to program..harmony is nice but i prefer more programmability...but im a custom installer and i program these things everyday almost so choose the best one that suits your needs.

The MX-850 is a great remote for most standard-size systems. You would have to be have a LOT of components or be controlling multiple zones in order to find a better model necessary.

We also offer expert programming services at very reasonable prices, so if you are not comfortable with programming it yourself, we would be happy to help.

You are welcome to call me at: (914) 509-5360 if you have any questions or for a free personal consultation.



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

Ok so now I am considering the 950 based on the feedback, between the 850 900 or 950 which would be better for an avid dvr user, I love those Tivo controls. It also looks like the 950 has activity based functions, is this similar to the Harmony line? Thanks again all.

I have an 850 and a 950.

Comparing a harmony to them is like comparing a Ugo to a Ferrari.(Harmony=Ugo)!

The 850 is a great remote, the 950 offers 'split' ffw/skip ,frw/skip keys that would make your tivo experience better. Not to mention that it has more 'custom' ability's.

If your the type that wants to CONTROL your system and are willing to spend the time it takes to set-up a remote, and want unlimitted flexibiliy, get the 850 or 950.

If you don't mind being at the mercy of someone else's idea's of control and just want the tv and receiver to go to the proper inputs with little interaction on your part, get a Harmony.

Sorry Pilgram, I was with you until this part. The 850 is a great remote, but at this point I would say If you want almost unlimited flexibility get the 950.

If you have discretes for all of your equipment the 850 is great. But also if TIVO is important, get the 950 for the split ffwd and rew buttons, it really is nice to have, you won't regret it.

O.K.

The 950 blows the 850 away in some area's when in comes to truly cool customizing!

I was comparing the 850(and the 950) to the Harmony line.