I have been a long time user of the MX-850, which I love. I am sure that at some point my remote will fail or the old SW will stop working/be blocked on new Windows versions. So, I am considering trying an MX-990. Before I buy one, I have been configuring one in Complete Control to see if I can get a similar layout to what I use on my 850. I am not using RF and this is just for my HT, no other rooms.

I don't do anything sophisticated today. I have a main screen filled with macros for each source I use, Roku, cable, Xbox, BluRay etc. These lower the screen, turn on the preamp, source, projector, dim the lights etc. then jump to the screen for the source control. I also have macros in those pages to jump to a page for light control which jumps back to the source page when you are done.

As I was setting it up in CC, I realized I was doing things exactly like I did in the 850 and not taking advantage of any new features that might be in the 990 like variables etc. Any suggestions on things I should do differently or features I am not taking advantage of. Thanks!

Definitely variables for power as you will get rid of a lot of delays when switching between activities.

Bob,

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. So you mean if I am watching cable and want to switch to the Roku rather than running all of the macro steps for the roku that turns everything on, use variables to track that the audio is on, projector is on, etc. and don't bother running that part of the macro?

Today with my 850, If I want to do that, I hit main on the remote, then select Roku as a source and not a macro from my theater page, then I have a macro in the Roku screen called fixRoku and that switches the preamp source to Roku and toggles the hdmi. So three button presses. Seems like the variables could save me one click and the time for the skipped macro steps if I was reusing the main startup macro for each activity. Perhaps I am missing some of the value of the variables (other than for devices without discreet power codes)

Again thanks for your insight!

Depends on your setup but typically I have my remote set up if someone goes to the main page to switch activities. A variable for power allows the macro to just switch inputs if the system is already on. Makes sure you set your variables in your macros. If they press the 'On' button I usually have it go to the default activity and go through the whole procedure with all the delays.

Variables can also track the status of something that doesn't have discrete commands. You also have the toggle command in the 990 which can real nice for surround modes. For instance, Yamaha receivers have a lot of different options but say you only use 4 of them. You can put those 4 in a toggle so you can cycle between them. You can do this for a lot of functions where you only want a few choices but have many available. Also, good to save screen buttons by having a function that normally has an on and an off command you can put on one button. I remember one processor had mute on and mute off but no regular mute button. I put them both in a toggle on the mute button. could be for subtitles, etc.

With variables and toggle you have a lot of options to do many things.

Bob,

Thanks for the detailed response. I was aware of the value for variables for components without discreet codes. Your other use, for things like the surround modes is really clever.

My 990 is on its way so I may check back if I have questions. Thanks again!