Hi
I currently have the Harmony 688. I love its activity based commands, i.e. watch tv, watch dvd, etc and its ability to switch between these activities. I don't like the tiny buttons which are very hard to distinguish. Programming for me ( a complete dummy) took several calls to tech support and hours of trial and error.

I also have the MX-500 which I was able to program to former tv and equipment but which the backlight died. The backlight was never that great and this remote was not activity based.

I am interested in the MX-850. Not sure if I need RF but definitely like the ability to program on the computer.

How easy is it to program for one button activities and switching activities?

Is there anything clunky about programming, e.g IR learning?

When it switches activities, is it possible to turn off the device no longer needed with the one activity button?

How is the backlight and feel of the buttons compared to MX-500.

I recommend you downloading the mx-850 program and give it a try.
The hardest part will be planning out what you want the remote to do.

What you want to do is create macro's.
It's basically what your harmony remote is doing.
if you create a macro on "DVD" on the lcd screen, you are essencially sending out a series of commands.
For instance, my remote has a SAT on the LCD.
This button when pressed:
Display: Power On
Display: S-video Input
Pre/Pro: Power On
Pre/Pro: Sat input
DTV: Power

You can pretty much do almost anything in a macro including turning off other equipment you want.

The library for the components MX-850 has is quite large. You will most likely find it there. If not, learning should not be a problem.

Good luck.

Bernster,

How easy the remote is to program is relative. It really is based on each individual who attempts it. Ultimately, and compared to other remotes, it is very easy to program. But, like anything else, there is a learning curve in order to understand how it works.

The remote is capable of IR learning, but I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "clunky". It's generally pretty straight forward.

When switching activities, it may be possible to turn off devices not being used, however, that depends on if discrete power commands are available. I suggest using system on and system off macros to deal with power commands. If you just need to turn off the TV while listning to music, then there are often discrete power commands.

If you would like a more personal consultation, I would be happy to give you a free consultation and help you determine what's right for you. Feel free to call me at: (914) 509-5360.



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