I've narrowed my choice for a universal to the MX-850 or 3000.

I was leaning toward the 3000, but the graphics and screen look a little weak in some of the pictures I've seen. The 850 looks sharp and durable, but then you have no screen for displaying movies (i have a sony mega dvd/cd player), or a battery charger. Also I like the shape of the 3000 (hate losing remotes, and that one looks like you never would loose it!). The ability to control lighting is important to me although I think I could do that with either. The price differential is not big enough for me to go with the 850 for that reason alone. Based on reading reviews online, it seems like the 850 gets rave reviews across the board, but I noticed in the professional installers forum on this site, the 3000 appears to have some detractors.

Looking for help to make the final call on this. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

The 850 is an all around sold remote with good capabilities, quick programming, and advanced options.... Thats why CI's enjoy it.

However, If you can afford it and can program it properly go for the 3000. They DVD megachanger software is just one of the features (add on). I saw a 3000 program at a local tweeter that I loved.... better than any I have done and it really improved my vision of this remote. Lighting, mega-changer, size, and cool factor are all great reasons to purchase this remote. You wont be dissapointed.

NOTE: 850 battery life is really pretty good. You may like the 950 or 900 too.

Doug -- I didn't know (and doubt) that you can display movies on the screen of he 3000 - but I would be happy to learn that you can. The 850 is a great remote -- think about getting one and learning about programming a remote -- and see if you then want a 3000!

Craig

I hope (and think) he was refferring to meta data not the actual movie.

[Link: remotecentral.com]

I think for me the mega changer software ( http://www.triplebsoftware.com/ ) was the straw that tipped the scale in favor of the MX-3000 for me. I just love the MX-3000 with the companion add on software DMX-3000. I can't imagine finding a more flexible bullet proof remote now that I have a handle on the programming and use of many of the features. The many posts about lockup issues have stopped since the last update, making this remote arguably the best remote available directly to the consumer. With all the great people here who can help and programmers willing to bend over backward to get you up and running (for a fair fee). You just can't seem to go wrong in my opinion. I must admit it was quite a jump from a Sony commander AV-3000 to my MX-3000 but there is NO I repeat NO comparing them.

http://www.triplebsoftware.com/

Ken

im an avid user and professional programmer of the mx-3000, 850,950,900...if you want the dvd changer interface then the 3000 is a must have and will work great. also using variables to track a device's power status.. (Great for working with TOAD equipment).
the pronto pro can also do the same and is a great remote as well. the tsu7500 is very nice.