I've currently got a Sony RM-AV3000 but would like to change to either a MX-500 or the new URC-200/300, because over time I've grown to dislike the large size and the lack of feedback and contrast from the touch screen.

To assist with my decision, could anyone answer the following:

What is the build quality like on the URC remotes - the silver finish doesn't look as good as the MX-500 finish from the photos, but its hard to tell. Anyone handled both?

How good is the contrast & visibility of the URC-300's touch screen as compared to the MX-500 and URC-200 which most people think are good?

I have a Panasonic TV that requires a long press (about 1 sec) of the power button to turn it on or off, can these remotes replicate long presses in macros?

Yes. The URCs have a finish very similar to the MX-600 and 800 remotes. It is a smooth plastic, not like the grippy finish on the MX-500. I'd say the build quality is equal, which is to say very good.


It's virtually the same to my eyes.


No. You're only able to do a series of individual commands in a macro, not a button holddown.

Mike
www.SurfRemote.com

true. But I think in the dark, the backlight on the URC 200/300 is a touch brighter

Yes, it is.

Thanks for the help guys!

Mike, I notice from your website that you don't ship internationally, is this still the case?

If you were prepared the ship to the UK, I think I could be tempted by an open box MX-700 or MX-800. Any idea what shipping would cost - low cost would be more important than speed?

If you can afford a bit more, you may want to look at an open-box MX-700 from Mike. It has most of the URC-200's benefits (with exception to the smaller size and dedicated select button) and a whole lot more.

I just ordered one from him yesterday. I'll post how it compares to the URC-200 when it arrives next week. If all goes well, I plan to order an additional MX-800.

The MX-700 lacks native RF capabilities as well. With the URC-200 (and 100,300) you can add the basestation for RF use. You would need an MX-600 or 800 in the MX lineup to use RF.