OK, A client didnt like the bulky Pronto and wanted a cheap remote (that his kids have) to control his Masterbed system. He does have to press more buttons to accomplish his coplicated tasks, but he is happy. My problem is when 6 monthes from now he calls up and says that he changed the batteries and I have to drive 55 miles just to reprogram his remote and hope I remember how to do it the same way.
Im not in the market to purchase the IRCLONE because this insodent will hopefully be isolated, but is it possible to use the IR port on my laptop to accomplish the same task? Im hoping that it isnt a scam to have to purchase the hardware to be able to do this. Thanks for any information.

The use of IrDA ports to communicate with the MX-500 has been discussed a few times, but it was determined that "The MX-500's IR stream isn't compatible with the IrDA standard", so that's not an option. The only way to communicate with the MX-500 is with another MX-500 (clone) or with the IR-Clone device.

If you're just concerned with saving CODES, and can live with losing the overall configuration, you could get an inexpensive JP1-capable setup, like the URC-8811PKG, and learn all of the codes to a file on your PC. When and if you need to, you can use the URC-8811 to teach the MX-500 in the future.

David
www.BlueDo.com

Thanks for your help.

I think the professional HT Installer community is missing a big opportunity with the MX-500/IRClone combination. They seem to think only in terms of Pronto (and similar) or Harmony remotes and end up giving their customers something that, if they bothered to ask they would learn, they are not really happy with. They always show it to you hoping to impress then end up confessing that it is a pain.

With all the software that is now available for the MX-500 (MX500 Learn is fantastic) it is second to none in ease of programming and support for a professional installation and for these guys (who will charge list for the remote) the first install would pay for the software. Subsequent installs would be gravy. They can keep backups for their customers and even have a loner on hand to send out. It should be all about customer support!

This remote is very spouse/kid friendly (M1=TV/SAT, M2=DVD, M3=VCR). My wife would kill me if I tried to make her use the ProntoNeo I have sitting gathering dust!

I am a huge fan! I have 3 MX-500s with 2 15-1994/JP1s, a ProntoNeo, an iPAQ-Nevo, Marantz RC1200 and a bunch of original equipment ones sitting, gathering dust.

PS
Why would anyone buy an MX-700 when they could buy a 2 MX-500s and IRClone for about the same price?

Dundas: You make a great case for the MX-500 and the custom market. I completely agree.

As for your PS question...I own both models MX-500 and MX-700. The 700 is much more complete. It easily fills the automation gaps that the 500 can often struggle with (number and complexity of macros, freedom to use any key for nearly any purpose, etc.) It supports twice as many devices. That alone means alot to many users. And as much as I love IRClone, nothing beats PC connectivity that's supported from the ground up (so to speak.) That said, for the moment, my 700 is in the closet and I'm running 2 IRClone tweaked MX-500's...

Han,
Both of us should really be looking at selling these relatively expensive remotes that we own and are not using.
While I could make use of a little more flexibility with macros I would not be willing to give up dedicated macro buttons and I am still trying to figure out what I would do with the ability to handle more devices. I have a fairly complex system but still have room for a Laser Disc player and a Cassette that have not been used in long time.
D

At the risk of taking this thread even further off topic, I have to address a few things that I prefer with the MX-700.

Even if you don't have more than 10 devices, I find the "macro on any button" and "instant execution of device button macros" of the MX-700 to be the most compelling reason for using one over the MX-500. In my particular case, having Tivo shortcut macros on the first page of my multiple Tivo devices, as well as HD channel macros on the first page of my HD STB is reason enough. Having dedicated macro buttons that are properly labeled is much more valuable to me than macro buttons that say M1, 2 or 3. I love my 2-1/2 year old MX-500 that is still going strong, but even with IRClone it's collecting dust.

Nonetheless, given the gross pricing disparity between the two, I agree that installers are missing out on a great opportunity if they do not use IRClone in combination with the MX-500 to provide a superior low-cost solution to home theater control.

I think that given the price differential, I would opt for the MX-500. However, I have to ask: If you could get an MX-700 for the same price as an MX-500 with IRClone, which one would you choose?

Mike
www.SurfRemoteControl.com

I would buy the MX-700 if it were the same price as the MX-500 and IR-Clone. Anyone selling one for that price?