Hello, My 1st post here, but I've been lurking for some years. And I'm thinking of replacing my MX-800 with a newer remote.

Part I: What I'm looking for in a remote -

Features I like/need.
Hard Buttons
Programability (computer)
Short Macros
about 7-10 devices (more is OK)
Ability to add discrete codes as needed
Learning ability (remote to remote)
RF capibility (need to control components in seperate room, just like MX-800)
Better backlight then the MX-800

Features I'd like:
Color screen
auto backlight
recharable stand
USB support
Mac Support (not a must have as I can run windows now on my Mac.)
(Ignore price range for now)

I was looking at the mx-900/950 (universal remote) as a likly upgrade, but it rumors say URC is getting stingy and difficult to deal with for software upgrades. As I have not been thrilled with my contact with URC to date (about 3-4 years?) I am researching my options for other remotes... seems there are a lot of them these days hence my post.

Part II: Hard vs. Soft -

Soft buttons (touch LCD) always seemed the way to go to me. The ability to set up each screen just the way you wanted it seemed too good to be true. However, quite some time ago and crude by todays standards, I had a Sony touch lcd remote. I could never get used to it. I just missed the tactile feel of the buttons on the remote. It seemed like I needed to look at the lcd remote, and hold it with both hands to use it, while with a hard buttoned remote I could 'feel' the keys and use it with one hand, and not have to look at it for every key press.

That said, todays LCD 'soft key' remotes seem far more capable then my old Sony, mouth watering graphics and some seem to have more hard buttons then my old Sony.

I know this is more of a personal preference, but I would welcome any comments on ease of use /reccomendations on an LCD style remote that might fit my needs and hard key bias.

TIA.

The MX-900 will give you your first list, and the MX-950 will give you the rest, except for the color screen. The 950 does allow you to change the color of the backlighting for every device.

The 900 is USB, but is battery operated. Both have hugely better backlighting than the 800.

The 900 is about the same length as the 800 while the 950 is longer and heavier.

The 950 is more customizable using variables. The 900 does not support variables, but there have been unsubstantiated rumours that it might support limited variables in the future, however that rumour has been around for a long while.

I just changed from an 800 to a 900 and it took me a couple of months to get used to the new button layout, but now I'm quite comfortable with it. I love the Skip+ and Skip- buttons. Blue backlighting is nice. I have the 950 as well, and prefer the 900 for daily use.

Forget the rumours about URC not providing software upgrades. If you buy from an authorized dealer or custom installer, you will get a link to the updateable software to download.

I hope this helps.

Surf Remote is great for software updates.

I'm assuming you're not a professional and can't use RTI. In that case, you'll probably want the 900 or 950. However, then you can't get a color screen.