When I first got a Logitech Harmony remote, I was extremely impressed. I loved how it was programmable and I could customize the buttons with inputs going to multiple devices (for example volume controls receiver, channels control cable box, and other LCD display buttons control aspect on projector). I also especially liked how I could press 1 button to start everything up in the desired mode with programmable delays, how I could use macros to program more complex operations such as automically set lighting to desired levels when pausing DVD to get up, and how my more unique devices were all supported (things like Lutron lighting, Lexicon receiver, and Sim2 projector). Harmony also has it's flaws. The processor appears to get overwhelmed easily on my model, and the software is buggy... particularly with macros.

So I'm looking for something with all the benefits of the Harmony mentioned above, particularly with the PC programability; but a better piece of equipment, without the Harmony bugs. Note that I'm not a fan of the newer trend towards touch screen buttons, like an iPhone. Instead I favor real buttons. The clicker picker on the site and other research pointed me towards Universal Complete Control professional series. They look like impressive remotes. I especially like how there is more programming control with if/else, for loops, and such. But I'm finding the installer/dealer programming awkward. I want to program it myself and will likely modify the programming multiple times per week. I have a strong programming background, and I do not need or want a professional installer. The enjoyment will drop tremendously for me, if I need to go through an installer to setup the remote. I also do not want to pay related fees.

Given the comments above, does anyone have a recommended remote or series? Lower price is better, but I am willing to spend a few hundred, if the remote is worth the money. The remote also needs to have learning, some easy way of being visible in the dark (backlighting), and some means of working with RF (I favor Next Generation's extender, which makes an AA/AAA battery remote RF, so any remote with AA/AAA batteries is acceptable, as well as any remote with some other quality means of working with RF).

If it's computer programability you need from a URC, you can start with their MX900. It has RF capability, real buttons, and some variable programming. The catch is you must get the software from the dealer you buy it from as URC no longer provides software outside the professional community (including the non-updateable from their website).

I'm almost in the same boat. I have a URC MX-600 that has been great (let me do an activity based setup, macros, controls my Lutron lighting, RF) but isn't PC programmable. It can't learn Pioneer discrete codes (the newer PC programmable ones can) and I need to move on. I love the features, feel, and quality, and generally recommend it.

BUT, and this is huge, as a "prosumer" like yourself I'm not comfortable
moving to a newer model in the Complete Control series because only installers can get the software. You can search the forums here and find long threads about $400 remotes that are bricks because the installer purchased from won't provide the software to the user. URC's position seems to be that these are only for installers, and as a "prosumer" you should shop elsewhere.

I'd be interested in hearing what others say, both about URC software and URC vs Harmony.

I ended up getting a MX-900. My review on this site focuses on URC vs Harmony, and is at [Link: remotecentral.com] .

In the review, I mentioned planning to make the Listen button like a Harmony 1-touch activity. This isn't possible, but I found a way I like better. When I turn a setup off, the remote jumps to the top level watch menu. And when I press the corresponding activity from that menu, the devices power up/configure and the menu jumps. So it's always 1 touch to start an activity, like Harmony. I use the listen button as a way of jumping to menus without power up/configure.

Your posting indicated you wanted to integrate the MX900 with a NGE. Why not use the URC MRF260?

I originally tried to use a NGE because I had a NGE integrated into my system (with my old Harmony remote) and it work flawlessly. When I ordered the MX-900, I thought I'd just be able to swap the NGE battery transmitter between the two remotes and would have RF with all the IR cables set up on my devices. However, when I learned the NGE I had wouldn't work with a MX-900, I came to the same conclusion with you about using a MRF-260. In fact, I ordered a MRF-260 yesterday.

Maybe the MX900i (433MHz) woulda worked...

Or the 418MHz NGE. NGE claims to be able to convert any AA/AAA remote to RF. You put a RF transmitter in the battery case, and it transmits the remote signals on to the NGE RF receiver. For my Harmony 670, it works as claimed. I have a range of 100+ft and flawless performance. However, with my MX-900, the range was about 5ft. Upon further testing I found that this 5ft range was entirely due the MX-900's internal RF, rather than the battery transmitter. If I removed the transmitter, there was no change in range. However, if I turned off RF in the SW, then it failed completely. I suspect that if I have matching frequencies (both at 418MHz or both at 433MHz), then I couldn't have used the internal RF. So the only question is why the NGE battery transmitter doesn't work well with some URC remotes. My guess is it has something to do with RF filtering in their remotes to block neighboring frequencies, maybe tied to their narrowband RF.

When you get your MRF260 make sure you set the RF ID code to something other than "0" in the software and on the MRF260 dial to insure the best RF communication.