Has anybody played with one of these yet? Time consuming, as there is no PC software to configure it. The one we got (our first) did not re-label the upper textual buttons to match the device that was selected via 3 digit code. The result was almost comical as the buttons might be labelled "TIVO" and "THUMBS UP" but the codes being issued were "INPUT" and "SLEEP" on a pioneer television.

I am just kinda wondering if they are all like that or if this is just a 'bad' remote we were sent (according to HTM tech support the text SHOULD have updated, so stay tuned)

We took one home for a week to see how it worked for our customers that didn't want to shell out for a pc based remote. It has a nice (and simple looking) layout.

We concluded that for the amount of time it takes to make it an easy remote to operate, we could have sold and programmed them a 700 or 850 for just a little more.

A lot can be said for the ability to design, manipulate and store a remote control's design on a computer.

Steve,

I'm with you on that 100%! The only way the end user would save money is if they program it themselves and don't mind a few extra button presses here and there. Any real customization of one of the non-PC programmable models is time consuming.



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
Control Systems Consulting, Sales & Online Programming

I've programed quite a few of these for clients that only have a TV, cable box,DVD,VCR.

If you use the code base, you have to try every code to see if the 'buttons line up'. Time consuming, to say the least!

It's easier to learn from the oem remote.

For discrete codes, I use my 'well traveled' MX-700, and learn them, too.

It is a good remote. It's just harder to set-up(compared to a PC remote).

Ironically, about 50% of the clients that see me use my 700 to program the osiris decide to buy a 700, or 800/850 if they think the RF ability is something they think they need!

And these were the people that were dead set against spending a dime on a remote!!!

Often, an 'installer' can be an excellent salesman!

Pilgram,

That's great! I think the problem is that the clients don't know how cool and useful the "higher end" remotes can be, until they actually see it in action. Then, they can justify the expense, because they see that it's not just smoke and mirrors that you're selling to them at a higher price.



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
Control Systems Consulting, Sales & Remote Programming

The benefits really tip the scales all the way around. I generally tell clients that they can fire me if they don't like the 700-850's. These are the primary reasons we get a referral nowdays.

I do, however, make sure they don't have a bunch of junky toad code equipment beforehand.

We tend to use them in the Kitchen or Master Bedroom when there are only 2 or 3 pieces of equipment. Since DirecTV has decided not to offer a RF capable remote, we use them for that alot, also to control DirecTivos that are modulated thru the house.

The issue pops up again now that URC is putting on a push to sell a second or third remote to clients. Makes sense, if they like an 850 in the family room, why not a 350 in the bedroom? But like the previous posters said, it's a slow go.

If I were King URC I would build a 350 like remote that's PC programmable. But set limits on it so it wouldn't sink the 850:

1. Single row display as now, not two wide like the 850.

2. Limit the devices/activities to 5 or 6 (that would do it for a TV, cable box, DVD and so on.)

3. Gotta be pc programmable.

4. Has to have discretes like the 850. My 350 browsing has not turned up many discrete power codes - can't figure it out. Why get out a laptop and an 850 to program a 350 with discrete power???

I think we'd sell a bunch and they'd be a natural companion to the 850, which clients are always jazzed about.

Excellent point. I'm glad many of our customers are wealthy (at least before we get started). Putting the 850 in the kitchen/great room and master bedroom as well means they don't have to learn 2 remote configs, especially when doing multizone.

Multizone is our main concern when having identical remotes. The only change would be that the bedroom "Radio, CD & Music" buttons will key up zone 2 instead of zone 1.

Nearly all the systems we do are multizone/source from the great room Yamaha, Denon or HK.

It would be great though to have an Osiris that would PC just like the sidekick.

I also only use this remote if there are only a couple of components to control. It is a pain to re-label the remote, so we have one in the shop with all of the labling removed that we clone as a blank tmeplate to start with.

We also use them for zone2 control off of the main receiver. We are almost always using the same brand components, so I have one already programmed at the shop and we just clone that one for zone2 jobs.

I have only had positive responce using the 850 as a main remote and 350s for bedroom/kit/zone2, etc... The layout is so similar, it is not a problem.

It is nice to have an affordable version of the 850.

So what did you do? Take a 350 and delete EVERYTHING so you just start from scratch? A little more info pls.

Didn't read up - you can clone one to the next, eh?

Yes, you can clone exact copies of the remote.

I have one that is just a totally blank template. I teach that one discretes and such from an old MX-700. I takes forever to delete all of the default text, so that is why I like to start with a blank.

I keep one more with my zone2 program for the receiver I use. I only need to make small changes for each job.

DDeca,

That's pretty clever, keeping a blank remote in the shop so you can provide a more "customized" remote to your clients who go with the 350.

Then again, I'm also very much for using strategically placed MX-3000s around a home, rather than running wire through a completed home and doing a whole retrofit job just for touch panels. It's also great for those who are a little more budget conscious. It's sometimes easier to sell a few MX-3000s with MRFs and programming than it is to sell a low to mid-end in-wall touchpad system that may cost upwards of $12,000, including parts and labor. They can all be programmed identically and just as easy to use. The main difference (depending on the type of in-wall alternative) is a current lack of 2-way communication. Then again, if a client is looking to go relatively low-budget, then they probably aren't going to get much in the realm of 2-way communication anyway.

Just my two cents about providing yourself and your client with options, based on their budget for touch screens. :)



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
Control Systems Consulting, Sales & Remote Programming

You're a fricken genius! I never thought of cloning a blank 350. It's going to save us alot of time in the future. Thanks for the info. :-)

Do you have to go through and manually wipe out everything?