I went to a local home theater dealer to see the B&K AVR307 receiver, and to my surprise he had one MX1000 which he received three days ago. He is a tester for Universal apparantly. I played with it and was very disappointed with the screen contrast. But it was a working unit, so release can't be far away.

I've decided to stick with the SL9000 that comes with the AVR307. The poor contrast was enough to turn me off the MX1000.

One more comment. I was surprised that was more heavy, larger and less comfortable to hold than the pronto.

Was there no hard or soft contrast control ??

There was a software control. But it didn't have enough
range to satisfy me.

Hmmm. I'm still waiting to see one -- and I was expecting it to be a beta version as well.

aak,

Thanks for letting us know that this mythical remote does actually exist. That's good news. However, since your initial impression was rather poor, I'm definately not going to purchase one sight unseen. I'll wait for a thorough review from Daniel (provided Universal Remotes ever sees fit to send him a demo unit).

Daniel,

Did they give you a date at all for delivering a demo unit to you? Of course, we all know that dates mean little. I am discouraged about aak's report of what he saw. It made me go back to the specs on the MX-1000. I hadn't paid all that much attention but I realized that it's nine inches long. I started measuring all my current remotes and realized the MX-1000 is a monster. 4 ounces heavier than a Pronto and and 4 1/2 inches longer. Guess it could double as as a TV tray. Would give anything to get some reliable information on this thing. I check out the Pronto everyday on the internet. Patience wearing thin.

The Radio Shack RS-1994 is exactly 9 inches long and is comfortable to use. But, then it doesn't have the weight. And a heavier remote can still be comfortable if it is balanced correctly and shaped correctly. I'll be interested in seeing what others think about the size, weight and balance of the MX. -Greg :-)

Judging by the one I saw at CES, it had a VERY nice physical feel. Also the screen was pretty good, though the whole building was pretty bright. I'm really interested in seeing one, but I honestly have no dates besides "very soon".

The latest MX-1000 update:

"I've got good news. The MX-1000 is nearing completion. The manual is being made up, and the remote control is going through "beta testing."

The color of the MX-1000 will be as it appears in Remote Central. The dark charcoal color. Hope that is the answer you were looking for.

We expect the MX-1000 to be ready to ship by the end of August."

Thanks,
Mike Gifford
Universal Remote Control, Inc

I guess this means they won't be making the deadline of mid-August that is posted on their website.

Sorry, I've been working in technology for 20 years, and if they are starting on the manual and beta testing NOW, then they may be able to release to manufacturing by the end of the month. (What if, unlikely as it may seem, they find a problem while testing?)

Then, either they are hand-building them out back or contracting out to Asia, which means minimally that they will be filling distribution through September, meaning Daniel may see one but us mortals won't until October, and that's only if they build them here.

Do they have any management in this company?

Ron

My local home theater dealer just got a shipment of 10 Prontos this week. I had one in my hot little hands today. I put a downpayment on it so he would hold it for me while I wait for the mythical MX-1000. If it's not out by end of August, I'm buying the Pronto and end the waiting.

It certainly does exist! I should be receiving one this week.

Do you think you will have a review up by the weekend.

Not to push or anything ..

Heh, doubtful. I don't have it yet, and it takes a while to get a feel for something.