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User reviews for the Complete Control MX-900 "Genesis" from Universal Remote Control Inc.
Ratings
Reviews
MSRP (USD)
Average: 4.17/5.00 Median: 4.17/5.00
8
$449
The MX-900 is an economical version of the powerful MX-950 that continues to offer many powerful features. It includes 1mb of flexible memory for almost any programming method you desire including device and activity-based concepts, an 8-line alphanumeric LCD display, full blue LED backlighting, USB-based computer programming, narrow-band RF technology, IR learning, a code database and MRF-400 compatibility.
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 8 made on November 3, 2007.
Strengths:
Solid construction, easy to program.
Weaknesses:
Hard to read buttons when lit. Down loaded software doesn't have a liveupdate unless you get a code or something from a authorized dealer which most people would find out until after the purchase from a unauthorized dealer.
Review:
Programing is easy once you get the hang of the downloaded software. It is a solid remote by feel. The buttons are hard to read when using the backlight. The biggest problem for me is not getting a live update for newer devices. You can learn most functions from factory remotes but most factory remotes only have a toggle power button to save space but the most needed is discrete power on and off control which you can find in downloaded codes only if it isn't on the factory remote. I would not buy this unit at the price it is sold at by authorized dealers (~$450), I paid less than half that online but had no indication about not getting a liveupdateable software. I agree with others that this policy sinks, It serves only so some dealers can make more money on the few they sale but limits the total net sales by URC. I would not buy their productis again, there are other fish in the pond.
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 7 made on July 9, 2007.
Also owned:
cheap learning remotes (no screen)
Strengths:
Looks good, feels good to handle. Programmed on the PC (the Internet is NOT required). Reasonable software.
Weaknesses:
Buttons are hard to read. Software has a number of annoying bugs. No tilt sensor. No variables. IR database of not much use.
Review:
I bought this on the recommendation of users in this forum. Here in Australia this is a very expensive unit (with freight and all), and of course there is no warranty. So it was a very risky purchase decision. But I did not like the way Harmony mandated the use of the Internet and forced you to a limited wizard setup. And the Prontos received nothng but negative reviews. I am a computer programmer, so I liked the programming flexibility of the MX-900. I would really like the MX-950, but it is way too expensive, unfortunately.
The MX-900 feels and looks real good. The buttons are pretty hard to read - virtually impossible at night. The backlight only comes on when you press the 'light' button. No tilt sensor or anything. This was a bit surprising. The LCD panel is good though - quite readable, and the buttons all have a good solid feel to them.
The software looks fairly good, but it is a bit awkward to use. I also found quite a few annoying bugs that did not bode well. I am a programmer myself, and I develop software just like this for a living. And I have to say tjhat I would be embarressed to say that I wrote it. It simply has not been tested enough. Having said that, the software does the job fairly well, and I eventually managed to program the MX-900, so none of the bugs were fatal. And perhaps I am just a bit picky (this being my job and all).
Not one of my devices was in the IR database, which was very surprising and somewhat disappointing. Actually my LG HDTV was in there, but the codes were simply wrong. So I gave up on the IR database completely and learnt every command manually. Luckily, the editor software handles this very well, and it is no big deal. It is probably just as quick as trying to find your device in the database!
I also bought the MRF-250 - the RF wireless base station. This is great - and I can recommend it as a very useful option.
A big moral issue is the new new poilicy of URC of not giving the full live update software to it's customers. As it turned out for me, this was no issue at all - as I did not use the IR database in any case. But it is still a restriction of trade that annoys me and many others. If there was another remote of similar capabilites, then I would give URC the flick just on principal.
The other annoying thing is that they do not sell these units to the public on the grounds that you must buy them from a professional installer. What rubbish! These things are not even programmable in the true sense. You simply generate a list of key macros and link them to buttons on the LCD screen. Simple. What they need to do is beef up the manual with a few more good examples, and any technical savvy person could program one of these things. I have spent several days programming it - most of this time trying to work out how to lay out the devices and trying to get around the limitations of the software. A few good tips from this forum, and I was set right. The actual programming of the keys takes very little time once you know what to do and you have a system worked out.
All in all - even though I have made a number of slightly negative comments - this is a great remote control. I am very happy with it. Most of my problems were because I was a new user and did not fully understand how the software worked. This forum has been an invaluable help, I have to say.
I would strongly recommend that you try to get the MX-950 instead if you can possibly afford it, otherwise this is a great remote.
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 6 made on June 16, 2007.
Also owned:
Marantz rc-2000, Home Theater Master mx-500, Harmony 688, URC 200, Monster Home theater Control 100
Strengths:
ease of programming hand fit button layout
Weaknesses:
price
Review:
After years of searching for the 'perfect remote' I think I've finally found it. The mx-900 has a nice grip and feel in my hand unlike some of my earlier remotes(marantz) and a nice button layout unlike the harmony's. It also holds its programming better than the harmony's, including the Monster. The URC mx-900 is easier to program for 'device' set up, which is what I prefer for my system, although it comes set up for 'macro' watch and listen commands. Unlike the Monster, which is also set up for 'macro' activity use the mx-900 can be easily converted to control devices and the LCD screen can more easily be adapted for 'device' use. The computer program for the mx-900 is set up for 'professional' use and it was a little intimidating at first, but by reading the downloaded manual- (not the small one that comes with the unit that only shows you how to set up things like lcd contrast, sound level, light time) and playing around with it for a short time I was able to easily set it up the way I wanted. When I tried to set up the Monster HTC-100 the way I wanted,it was painful. When I talked to customer service at Monster I was told that the unit was set up to be used as an 'activity' remote and they questioned why I would want to use it to control 'devices'. When I tried to explain that I had set up a number of remotes and preferred to set it up the way I wanted, they basically told me I didn't understand what I was doing and should use my remote the way they intended. You can imagine how much that endeared me to their product. I returned it the next day. I've only had the mx-900 for a couple of weeks, so I can't attest to its durability, but it does feel as if it tis well built. In that short time I have been able to set it up and tweek it (although the tweeking is an ongoing lifelong process) to meet my current needs, and the programming will allow me to easily change it to fit any possible future needs. Take it from someone that is not easily pleased with most remotes, the URC mx-900 is a great remote!!
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 5 made on March 2, 2007.
Also owned:
Marantz RC2000 Mark II
Strengths:
Build quality, attention to detail, and programmability.
Weaknesses:
none that I can think of
Review:
The MX-900 editor software is a breeze to use. I thought there could never be a better remote than the one that came with my Marantz AV-9000 reciever, the RC2000 Mark II, but I was wrong. I had my Vizio GV42L TV, Marantz AV-9000, Pioneer Elite DV-47A, and my Dish network receiver programmed with full control over every function in a matter of about 20 minutes. When registering your remote on their website to download the software make sure to select both boxes when you are registering your remote at the bottom of the page, one is you acknowledging the disclaimer and the second is a request for the software. If you just select one then you will not be directed to the download.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 1-3 months.
Review 4 made on January 5, 2007.
Also owned:
Kameleon, MX-500, MX-850, Harmony 880.
Strengths:
Easy to read screen, day and night. Listen/Watch effectively provides for 12 screen buttons. 7 digit labeling!! Press and hold feature. Drag and drop IR codes. USB connection. Great feel and look.
Weaknesses:
Price: $449 is unreasonable. URC software and support policy. #keys a little to close to DVD/VCR transport keys.
Review:
After my MX-500 I had a short visit with the MX-850 and then returned it when I read about the Live Update software problems.
Went to the Harmony 880 and thought I was done for this time around.
Then I helped a friend program an MX-900 ... and was hooked. At that time I also found ways around the software policy and decided that this was no longer going to be an issue for me.
The feel and looks of the 900 got my attention first. Excellent balance and one-handed control. Better display then on the MX-850. Both, day and night. The Listen/Watch buttons replacing the MAIN button on the 850, effectively doubles up on the screen-buttons so that the 950 has 12 instead of 10 on the 850.
The 7 digit labeling is the difference between using it only ourselves and being able to hand it to a babysitter with only 2 minutes instructions.
When programming, the drag and drop IR code ability adds a very useful feature.
'Press and Hold' programming allows nearly every button to have an alternate function when pressed and held for a pre-determined amount of time ( I use 1 second ). Therefore, when controlling my X-10 lighting system, the #1 button sends the #1 X-10 command when normally pressed, and the #11 command when pressed for one second e.t.c. Absolutely great feature!
Great limitless macro capability.
The software is easy to use with only a minimum of reading.
The USB connection makes for almost instantaneous down and uploading thus making it fast and easy to try different set-ups.
Once used to the way it is programmed it is easy to use without ever looking at it. The only occasional miscues are a result of the #keys being a little too close to the DVD/VCR transport keys.
My value rating assumes MSRP. It is possible to purchase it for half that price which then makes it a very good value.
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 3 made on July 18, 2006.
Also owned:
MX500,MX600,MX700,MX350
Strengths:
Powerfull, easy to PC program one remote does all. Great feel and layout for one handed use
Weaknesses:
None for my use
Review:
I use this remote everyday as well as my back up for all my Remotes 22 in all Equipment B&K, Denon, Rotel, Nad, Panasonic, Sony.
I have to say of all the remotes I own "good ones" The MX900 is by far the best remote i own, easy to program via PC very powerfull many devices fast to program about 2 days and a day to find tune for all 22 remotes still play with marcos fun and easy. The lighting and button lay out is great ! Cant say enough good things about this remote . For price and performance nothing compares at this time.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 1-3 months.
Review 2 made on July 10, 2006.
Strengths:
Strong IR, easy to program once you get the hang of it, IR codes for tons of devices, button layout, cool blue backlighting, decent battery life, sturdy design.
Weaknesses:
Retail price, doesn't make me dinner.
Review:
I'm a former Pronto owner (2 different models) and wanted to go with a remote that had more hard buttons. From reading a different forum, I was almost set on the Harmony 880. Went to a local distributor and just didn't like the feel of the remote...cheap plastic, small buttons jammed together...just didn't feel like a quality remote. Was at another store looking at receivers and noticed the MX-900...as soon as I held it I was in love. Went home, read this forum and the next day bought the MX-900 and haven't looked back. Everything I could ask it to do, it does. The programming was fairly simple once I got past my Pronto programming habits. The look, the feel, the IR operation, the software...I love everything about this remote. I also purchased the MRF300 as well and am thrilled with the way everything is working. A couple of issues that required some patience and tweaking with the MRF but eventually got it working the my satisfaction.
Now for the big downside of owning this remote....my wife loves it. With my previous remotes, she hated them so much she refused to use them so I was always in control of the tv. Now, she's taken my MX-900 over....I'm at her channel surfing mercy which is just horrible...I can only take so many "Design on a Dime" shows in a week.
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