Is the MX 700 available directly to the consumer or do you have to buy from a authorized dealer?

Will the consumer be able to do all the programming themselves or does some or all of it have to be done by a authorized dealer?

What would be the reason to purchase the MX 700 over the MX 500?

LQQK

1) For right now, the information is that it will be available only to custom installers, although at least one internet dealer has it listed on their site. All dealers must be "authorized".

2) Any dealer will be able to sell the MX-700 to you with or without custom programming. If you buy it custom programmed, the program and manuals are available on HTM's website, so you can update your programming yourself if you choose to. If you buy it without programming, well, then you can do it ALL yourself.

Many people that the customer installers serve have no desire to do so and will pay the custom installers for any changes to their configs.

3)

Versatility.

Macros on all buttons. (Even a 2-step macro in the right place can make a world of difference in the overall "satisfaction" factor of the MX-700.)

20 device pages.

4 pages per device.

Ability to hide any device pages, while retaining the codes for use in macros, etc.

SideKick remote (contrary to many messages on this, many people like the SideKick remote and have uses for it. I think even some of those who don't think they'll use it will find it handy when they give it a try. I know I was skeptical until I programmed it and have my nieces use it when using my HT system to watch VCR and TV without trying to learn all the buttons on the main remote).

Backup of your configurations.

Sharing of device files so you can get any codes that you many not have from someone who has them.

Versatility. I say this one again, since I thought the MX-500 was the best button remote out there, but since I've been using my MX-700 with the greater macro ability, it has become much more customized for me and therefore more of a pleasure to use.

I'm sure there are many other reasons others will come up with once they own an MX-700.

Whether or not the SideKick remote, or the price, is to your liking is up to you.

Some will say the extra $$$ aren't worth the difference. Some will say that, for their system, it is MORE than worth the difference.

I hope this helps.

... Greg :-)