I am a test engineer and work with graphically based software and am good with PC's etc. Would this purchase be good if I wanted to tackle the programming myself? I have browsed the programming manual but I have a few questions...
1. I mainly want normal functions for my equipment. Are these most likely default when I pick the make and model?
2. Macro's maybe down the road but for now I just like the look of the remote and do not need anything too fancy. Is it easy to set up for basic functionality.
3. If all else fails how much is it for a pro to come in and program it?

Thanks in advance...

It's extremely easy to just select devices and put them in.

But in my opinion it's rather pointless as well, as it eliminates the usefulness of the remote.

FYI. I have the following equipment:
Sony Bravia LCD HDTV
Yamaha V661 receiver
X-Box
Comcast HDDVR
in the future a blu-ray player and IR/RF Lighting

The one I am worrying about is the receiver. There are certain functions I will really need to program into the remote.

I really like the look and feel of the remote out of all the others and may want to go RF in the future, so spending the extra $100 instead of a Harmony seems worth it to me.
Thanks for the feedback.

Yes, the database will probably have all codes for the receiver, and if not, you can always learn them.