One thing I'm learning in trying to decide on a remote is that no matter what I read in the sales lit, it's not the full story. These forums uncover loads more info. However, it's still overwhelming. I'm now considering the MX810, or 880, or 980. Why? I'd like a color screen, simple one button operation for everyone to use, rf capability if needed later, and one that will let me handle the typical home theater stuff (tv,dvd,music). I don't see big differences in the remotes I'm considering, but that's probably because I don't really understand them or my needs. I steered away from URC initially because I heard that pros had to program them. Now I hear that SurfRemoteControl.com will provide the software and tech support. So I seem to be going in circles and really need to make a decision. Harmony sounded good for my needs, but who knows. These remotes cost too much to make wrong decisions. I know there are a lot of experts on this forum and I'd appreciate hearing some advice on how to go about making the remote control decision.
Thanks

The 810 is the only one that you listed above that has software access to the end user and the easiest to program if you have no experience with URC remotes but is not as customizable as the other remotes (wizard programing)

The 880 would be the next easiest to program, but end user software is not currently available.. If you have experience programing any other mx series remotes this will be simple. (this is my remote)

The 980 has the most functionality of the three.. with the big difference being the macro programing.. there are a lot of options that are not available in the other two remotes mainly if/else statements) This remote can get a little tricky with the graphics editing at first, but you don't have to get into it with the initial programing.

All three are RF, Color screen, macro programing and will handle the typical stuff

just my opinion....

Go with the 980 for future expandability and more advanced options you may want down the road. Know who you are buying from and ensure up front whether or not you will be receiving the software (it's up to the dealer). If you're going to purchase on the net, Surf would be my only recommendation...he's an authorized dealer, provides support, has a good reputation and frequents this board as well. If you purchase local you may or may not receive the software (again it's up to each individual dealer how to handle this)...some like me won't sell product out the door but as a complete system solution with programming and install. Either way, the 980 will blow away any harmony, don't even waste your time. Good luck.

Brytrinque is pretty much on the mark here regarding programming. MX-810 and MX-880 are very similar hardware platforms, with different approaches to editor software, and some internal hardware differences. Their screens are both 176x220.

MX-980 is a higher end product with far greater flexibilty and capability, a charging base, replaceable "Watch" and "Listen" buttons that let you choose from 14 possible categories, and a high-density 240x320 screen.

However, to clarify one point about the editors:

Authorized URC dealers do have the option of providing the editor software to their clients who purchase remotes. URC doesn't make all of the editors available on our site because for some of the models there was once a time when the editors were freely available, but now they are not. For those models, users can download editor software that lacks the "Live Update" feature. For newer models, we do not provide a public link to download the editor, because we want our dealers to make the decision about whether or not they choose to sell the remotes without programming.

Best regards,
Dale

WRONG


WRONG



RIGHT


RF capable...not RF Seeing as the OP is research we should try to be accurate.


2 in the correct column now... :)


The 810 is wizard programmed, activity based remote. Grouping it with the others, by just saying it's macro programmable, is just wrong.


definately

Sorry about all the "bold" type. I was inserting the replies differently at first and didn't feel like editing.

To be more specific...

810 is the only one with end user access to software from universalremote.com.. it can be obtained from your retailer if they want to give it to you, as Dale said

If you know nothing at all about URC Remotes, I feel that the order of easiest to program to hardest would be 810 then 880, then, 980- especially if coming from a harmony.. again as I stated, my opinion

mod was asking about RF capability if needed later and that is what I was responding to, with all three you would need an RF base station. I could have been clearer about that by adding the word capability as opposed to insinuating it

And lastly, I personally would put the activities of the 810 in the macro category, maybe it can't perform a macro like a 980 can ( or even an 880, 900, or 950 for that matter), but it can perform its " activities" similar to macros of older/ other complete control remotes.. again as stated, my opinion.. but with the below info to back it up:

From page 14 of the mx-810 owners manual:

Macro Capability - Up to 255 steps each

Also if you download the feature sheet from universalremote.com it says the word macro 10 times

You can also get the software for the 880 & 980 from an authorized dealer. You implied you couldn't in your first post. That's why I stated you were wrong.


I agreed earlier, and remain to do so.


Exactly why simply grouping the 810 with the others without giving more detail is wrong.


By definition it does do macros, but is nowhere as versatile as the other remotes mentioned. Considering the OP was looking for differences between the models, I think it's worth mentioning those differences.