First off, I just bought a new Samsung LCD (LN52A750), and for 5 minutes when it is first turned on it is blinding the IR sensors on my other equiptment. So I decided that this is a good opportunity to unify all my remotes and sidestep the issue caused by the new TV, unfortunately the options available have me somewhat indecisive.

My equiptment:
Harmon Kardon 525 AV Reciever, setup for dual zone
Samsung LN52A750 (52" 7 series LCD)
~5 year old sony DVD player
HTPC running mythtv (linux based)
Cable Box controlled by the HTPC
Nintendo Wii

I am hoping a stronger IR remote may overcome the IR interferrance from the TV, but if it doesnt, I want whatever I buy to be RF capable. I want to stay under $250 for the remote. I want to be able to unify the whole setup and make it easier for my wife. The wife would also prefer a color screen, and at the very least the screen has to have a good backlight.

The choices I am aware of:
Harmony 890
Phillips Pronto tsu9200
URC MX-810 and other URC PC programmables
URC RF20 w/Blaster
URC MX-450

I looked at a Harmony 890 in the store and just don't like the button layout.

The tsu9200 looks interesting, but looking around the net it appears to have some serious issues with both the firmware in the remote, and the reliability of the optional extender.

The URC Pc programmable remotes look very powerful and nearly perfect, but the software and updates are most likely not available to me as a lowly end consumer. Unfortunately, full MSRP plus programming from a local distributor puts is out of my price range.

The URC RF20 is lacking the color screen, dedicated skip buttons, has limited programmability (as compared to the competition), and the on/off buttons are macros only. All those issues can potentially be overcome given the bargin price. my biggest concern is people reporting that the backlight doesn't work well. So I ask, can this remote unify my HT setup?

That brings us to the MX-450, while in the professional series, it doesn't look like it can ever be updated or programmed via PC, so the lack of software/update support is moot. And as long as I buy from amazon I will still be under warrenty. I am just concerned that it will have the same programming limitations as the RF20(the color screen isn't that important to me if it can't also unify my HT), and I am still somewhat concerned that I missed some other limitations imposed by URC on end comsumers.

So, which remote is right for me? What options am I missing? Please help me.

The only real programming limitation of the MX-450 is, well, that it doesn't have PC editing. Otherwise it's a pretty open field as to what you can put where (macros can go anywhere).


I'm not sure what you mean by this - that those buttons can ONLY BE macros, or that they are THE ONLY macros. Because there's actually a ton of macros; they just may not be advertised.

In the RF market with learning capabilities, you've pretty much hit the viable options. If you wanted a Pronto, I'd probably wait to see how the TSU9300 does (comes out in May). Otherwise, the MX-450 would probably be my pick, unless you can find someone who will sell you the MX-880 with software.

The OP was probably referring to limited programmability of the RF20 ON & OFF keys, which is that the macros are global on these two keys. The same macro programmed to the MAIN page on the ON & OFF keys are also on the these keys in all devices as well. Unlike the previous generation remote, the urc200, it could have different marcos on the ON & OFF keys in every device, and different one on the main page too.

That's not really TOO big of an issue - it's the way I end up programming my URCs. The "on" button sets up everything I need for my primary activity (watch TV), and the OFF button turns off absolutely everything that could be on (although discrete codes are needed for that to work well).

If you need manual control over power for some devices, you could simply make it one of the LCD positions (also something that I do, due to an aggravating number of toggle-only devices and an inability to set up a permanent control system for my testbed system).

I was referring to the limited programmability of the on and off keys on the RF20. And I hadn't considered the discrete code issue. My samsung tv remote only has an on/off toggle, and no direct source selection, but I found the discrete hex codes for discrete on/off and input selection on the web. So is there any way to get discrete codes not learned from another remote into the RF20 or MX-450? Maby get some sort of IR sender for my computer? Anyone know if what software and hardware could do this?

Another question, I saw in another post that the MX-810 software is available to people who purchace through non-authorized dealers, and that new-egg carries it for $250 which is in my price range. If I can get the software (can anyone confirm this) would that be a better option to ensure I can import discrete codes? I am fairly confident I could figure out the programming and at worst I have to have someone do it for me. Hours spent learning and programming don't concern me. Engineers desease, its sad. If after a week I haven't figured it out, I'm assuming for ~$100 someone will do it for me and I am just at the cost of the MX-880 without programming. Opinions?

The $100 for configuring your remote is probably 1/3 of the lowest bottom of the barrel bid you would get. Im guessing 2 hours to hunt down discretes and build the file and another hour tweaking the macros. You might get someone to do it for less if they can just email you the file to test but the back and forth emails to tweak macros might end up taking twice as long.

I just spotted a used MX-850 and MRF-300 on ebay for 72+17 shipping. Theres an MX-850 and MRF-250 for $30. They are used and boring but they work very well IMO and you cant beat the price.

I've already hunted down the codes, at least I think I have, hard to say since I have no way (yet) to test what I found. If the 810 software is unavailable, wouldn't I have the same unobtainable software issue with the 850 as with the 810? But I have to agree the price is quite acceptable and would be a much better choice than the rf20. How well do these remotes hold up... that is to ask, would an 850 with several years of use on it still have several years of use left in it?

Who says the 810 software is unavailable? According to the URC support section you can obtain software if you register. Im assuming this because i know for a fact you can download software for the 850 after registering. [Link: universalremote.com] . Its automated but maybe the 810 registration operates differently. Both have a "Download Software (registration required)" link.

I had an 850 for 3 years then sold it used to a client who has had it for 2 years. So i can say that it should last you 5 years with normal every day use.

The only reason i suggested it is because IMO its a great remote at a great price and if you get 2 years out of it, its worth it based on what similar and less robust products cost today. Also because i see your thinking about buying from an unauthorized dealer so you dont care about warranty. And finally because something better that costs less will be out when the 850 dies.

I dont know if i would call it a better choice than the RF20... its a different choice. Its PC programmable. Its not terribly difficult to learn but it definately takes a little to get the hang of it. It took me a day to figure it out the first time i opened MX editor for a 700 and another day to really learn how to use it.

I suggest the used ebay option to friends and family who are toying with the idea of buying a universal remote but think a budget of $100 is "crazy for a remote control". A used 850 allows them to understand what a discrete command is and why its important to listen to me :). Once they enjoy a few days of pressing a single macro button to start up TV or DVD they can never live without it. Next thing you know their budget for a remote control gets another zero tacked on to the end ($1000).

Maby I am just misunderstanding URCs software policy, I got the impression that you can't register or download the software for a remote bought from an unauthorized dealer. I also got the impression that the dealer had to give you the software even if you do buy from an authorized dealer, although you could then register for your warrenty. then I saw someone post that they could download the software for the 810. I just assumed that maby this remote was a special case or something. So I was looking for clairification, confirmation, denial... Color me confused.

I would definitely prefer a warrenty and intend to call around locally to see what kind of price I can get as I have 2 dealers within a reasonable drive from my house. I just have an aversion to full MSRP if it can be avoided. Especially when I see any given URC selling for 1/2 price all over the nets. Makes me think they should have some leeway in their pricing.

My big concern now is being able to somehow teach a remote codes that are not on the origional remote, like discrete on/off, specific inputs, etc. Weather I have to send them from the computer (still trying to find out if this is possible and how) or send them directly to a pc programmable remote.

The used ebay route looks promising, but again the software policy has me baffled. I don't want to end up ranting like a doofus because I didn't understand (or didn't want to believe) URC's policy.

I really appreciate all of your help and patience.

The reason its selling for half price is because the guy selling it at that price doesnt plan to help you get it repaired if it breaks. His business model is "move lots of boxes and buyer beware". I dont care what they tell you.. even if they wanted to.. they cant afford to help you.

Maybe the 810 is different. I am not good at navigating red tape. If you buy used maybe you can find an auction that includes the software.

URC clearly state,

Amazon.com is URC’s exclusive internet reseller for this product. Only Amazon.com is authorized to sell this product online

All other products

Buyer beware! URC does not authorize internet sales of this product. Purchasing this item from an unauthorized source may result in loss of manufacturer’s warranty and denial of technical assistance (including programming software).

[Link: universalremote.com]

yes, yes, I know what the website says, it says "may result", which also implies it may not, that combined with the information on another post stating he got the software for the 810 led me to ask for clairification.

I also understand how business works, and that authorized brick and morter will cost more than the grey market, but not necessarily MSRP, well, that is unless it has a little apple on it :)

I have no interest in pissing you guys off, and I don't want you to think I am just looking for the cheapest option. I am just trying to get practical advice.

So did I understand correctly that I can't download the software if I buy used or grey market?

Heres a better question, would you buy a grey market URC remote, or a harmony from an authorized dealer?

What I really want to know is if I buy am MX-450 from amizon or my local dealer, is there any way I can get codes from my computer to the remote? I really don't mind if it is convoluted, as long as it can be done.

Walmart sells the ipod for 2 dollars less :).


I understand the need/want to save money and thats why i offered the used ebay idea. Your options for saving money are buying used, or grey market. No one can stop you for taking either road and IMO who cares what they think about you? The "practical advice", the reality... is that when you head that direction you should assume you will never get support, software or warranty. Sometimes it doesnt matter because the product never fails.. but sometimes it fails within a week.


You buy a grey market URC remote and you get a great product with no warranty or support. The harmony just plain sucks so... darn.. i dont have a clear answer for this one. Scratch that.. i would rather get up and go press buttons on the directv box than have a harmony in my house.


Are you going to program this remote and then your done or are you cultivating an obsession? If you get this $50 bit of goodness [Link: cgi.ebay.com] You can use it as a PC programmable learner then use it to teach the commands to any learning remote. I dont advise the extra expense unless you feel an obsession coming on :).

Plus.. other than no hard buttons and a crappy greyscale touchscreen.. its a great remote. PC programmable and completely customizable.

Well, the hunt is over and I thank you all for your input. I called my local dealer and they happened to have a returned MX-900 and base station which they offered to me for a price I couldn't turn down, and provided the software. So I think I have a fun week ahead of me. Thanks again.