I've been reading forums and reviews trying to get an idea of what I want and what I need to control my home theatre at home.

In short, I have a Samsung DLP TV, Yamaha reveiver, and an HTPC that I will use as my PVR(Sage), DVD (Zoom player), and Music (winamp). I have Girder to be able to take full advantage of a remote on my system.

I want a remote that will be able to use macros to turn on/off both the TV and the amp as well as set them to the proper inputs. I watch TV using the TV(cable card) and also through the HTPC. I'll also want the remote to be able to change inputs on the TV/Amp for things like Xbox and PS2 which aren't as important but still factor in my decision.

I'm not sure how many devices the HTPC counts for. I really like the MX-850 with the improved select button and apparently better backlighting than the MX-700. I'm singling these two out because of PC capable programming, but if the MX-500 or another remote can be programmed almost as easily and function just as well for less money I'm all ears.

As it stands now, I'm having a hard time justifying the increase in price from the MX-700 to the 850 (more than double). I never thought I would considering spending even $50 for a remote, let alone over $100. Any advice that might help my decision is appreciated.

(if) the built in database for the higher end MX-700+ codes lack discretes then really you might not need the higher end models. Yes they're easier to program, but if you have the patience and all your existing remotes work the MX-500 is actually a very good remote. It can't have macros on every single button like you can on higher end models, you can't move LCD buttons, or quickly edit like on PC software, can't have as many pages per device nor total number of devices- but you can have macros on the main device page, so really it might be good enough.

I would suggest you download the MX Editor and create a rough profile that you want it to do. Post it here and someone will say "MX-500 can't do that" in which case you can decide for yourself. I can send you my MX-700 profile and I'll also give you another copy of it of what the MX-500 lacks features (ie remove macro from device page listings)

I have MX-500 and MX-700, the MX-700 is better, I have a pretty complicated system, probably moreso than yours (two systems that have some interactivity between each other) and I'm positive most of it could be achieved with MX-500..any missing goto links or macros not too big a deal due to cost difference. All the discrete codes on the MX-700 database I already have anyway that I use (MC-1 remote) the other programmed IR codes I use could just as easily be learnt. Considering the cost difference (roughly 3x) I think MX500 would be fine.

Download the MX-500 manual and that will give rough idea what it can do, you've got the MX-700 editor so then spot what the higher end models can achieve.

My HT is composed of low to mid equipment and I bought an MX-850. A remote is the interface between you and the system and plays such a huge role in how enjoyable a HT can be. I say don't skimp on the remote. Yeah, if an MX-500 will do there's no reason to spend more on another remote, but if you think an 850 will work best, then don't let the price talk you out of it. BTW, I got my 850 for below $250 from an authorized dealer...shop around.

Yes don't skimp (ie a 4 in 1) but you don't need to go overboard...would someone with a midi hifi and TV only require a top of the range Pronto or HTM MX-3000 remote? No and it would be wasted money IMO...probably worthwhile to put that money into more DVD's or upgrade something. It's like someone spending £8000 on a Plasma but then buying a £100 HTIB. At least the MX500 you can label up any buttons...so you have the usual hard buttons (numbers, navigation, transport, volume/channel etc) but add buttons to any 5 letter/number name...ie Log-7 where a cheapo button only remote would have no ability to custom label buttons (unless you use a tipex pen!) :-)

The MX-850 has RF capability with the MRF-250. Do you need this? Ever plan to use RF components? Or say within 5 years?

The remotes that connect to PC have a CCF IR code feature from Pronto codes. Would you need this? Or do you have all the IR remotes already? Do you require Girder to send custom commands from HEX codes to do certain things? (Definietly need PC connectivity to do this, since you could convert HEX to Pronto, import then save to profile with 700+) MX-500 stuck with only the remotes you already have, not unique/discrete codes.

So OP has

1) Samsung DLP TV
2) Yamaha receiver
3) HTPC
4) PVR
5) Zoom player
6) winamp
7) Girder

MX-500 can have 10 devices.

Having all buttons for the standard devices should be no problem, just learn them to the location/buttons you require - no point learning never used commands. Place and name to easy to spot location
Not too sure with HTPC, winamp and Girder though as not in HTPC area. I guess if you change the remote settings/location frequently the PC remotes will be a desirable option instead.

If you can afford going to higher up models and you want bonuses of PC connectivity go for 700 or better...but if your system is pretty bog standard with really just standard macros (device-input) with all remotes at hand I think 500 do you. If $300+ is alot of money for you really need to think about it...no point buying a remote that you don't need to features of and saved up for a while.

Thanks for the feedback guys,

I will need to spend some time with the manuals and MX-editor to try and determine if the 500 will work or if I need to go up to the 700 or 850. I also need to look for discretes, as I've only really learned what they mean and their importance in this situation.

I do not currently own any RF components. In fact I'm not even sure what sort of devices I would buy that are RF only. I do know some PC's have RF-modules, but for a standard HT, why would I need RF, and what devices would the average comsumer buy that are RF?

Without getting too much into the setup, here are devices that I have, which may or may not need to be listed as 'controlled devices' by the remote.

1. TV - samsung DLP
2. Yamaha - rx-v596
3. Xbox (probably just need to change amp/tv input)
4. PS2 (same as xbox)
5. HTPC (several devices)
a. Zoomplayer (movies) I might be using a front end to interact with it, and certainly girder can take over from there, but it would be nice to have a macro that when hit, will minimize everything currently on screen and start zoomplayer maximized. Understandably, girder can do that simply with a single IR command.

b. Sage TV (PVR) need to setup the remote TIVO-like functionality. I would also probably want to have tv/amp change to proper inputs for HTPC when hit from the remote screen

c. Music is a nice one because I listen to music in stereo mode on the receiever, and will likely use a frontend (sage or xlobby) to interact with winamp as the player...again same macro as for Sage.

d. I'll likely want to be able to have an option to turn on tv, set input, turn on amp set input to get to the HTPC desktop. Once I get these other activities working properly from the HTPC I'll likely want to code in other, sometime more specific activities with the HTPC.

For these reasons, it might make sense to lean towards the pc programmable remotes. Although I will still take a look at the software and 500 manual to determine if it'll handle all that for me.

thanks again

Okay, I'll throw my three cents in as well. I have all of the ones you mentioned (MX-500, MX-700, MX-850), so I'm pretty familiar with the pros and cons of them.

The MX-500 is a bit of a pain to set up and reconfigure because it has to be done on the remote itself instead of on your computer. As soon as they came out with the 700, my two 500s were relegated to bedrooms because of this.

The MX-700 hooks to the computer to set up, which makes it much easier to get up and running. Perhaps more importantly, it is also easy to change as needed over time. This alone would stop me from buying a 500 instead of a 700.

The MX-850 is like the 700 but has the ability to control devices wirelessly using a separate base unit. If you needed this, you would already know it -- mostly it is good if your equipment isn't easily accessed because it is in a closed cabinet or isn't in your line of sight.

So, *any* of the remotes you mentioned will work fine. I recommend the MX-700 because it is easier to set up than the 500, and is less expensive than the 850.

Sean

I also have the MX-500, MX-700, and my MX-850 should be here tomorrow (yeehaw!).

In any case, my MX-500 was perfect until my system grew and I wanted the computer programming (tired of changing things manually). My MX-700 was the perfect replacement... until I recently moved and my equipment was now often "around the corner" (out of direct line of site) and the IR would skip a beat (especially during long macros). To save my sanity, I ordered the MX-850.

All three are excellent. If you have patience, and want to keep $ in your wallet, you can most likely live with the MX-500. The MX-700 is nearly perfect for the money, and it will afford you plenty of growth with your system. If you have components that are hidden (as previously mentioned), or around the corner, or have kids that hit the button and throw the remote behind the sofa while a macro is in progress (my kids), then you need the MX-850.

- Mike

Thanks for the replies!

I took a look at the software yesterday. My receiver and TV were in the database, but I'm not yet certain if they contain discrete codes for macros that I will want to program. Still, one hurdle down. I also found some posts here referring to yamaha website because all their discrete codes can be downloaded, but need a conversion to be converted into pronto format which can be read by the MX software. Hopefully I don't need to do all that, but its good to know that there is a way if discretes are a problem with intial setup.

I'm not going to get the MX-500. Computer setup is just too big a benefit for me, and I would probably get a harmony remote for the computer programming before going back to something that has to be configured manually.

That leaves the 700 or 850. I'm still interested in hearing thoughts about these remotes, but can't see myself spending the MSRP on the 850. I know it can be had for much less, and the question remains: How much less can I get it for? and does whatever remaining difference in cost between 700 and 850 warrant the upgrade. At the very least, I'll have a 700, hopefully before the new year.

Thanks again for replies.

I just paid $235.00 plus $15.00 shipping to get a brand-new MX-850 to my doorstep (last week).

That's only $100 more than what I paid for my MX-700 in July of 2004.

Gotta love E-bay! URC does such a "good" job of controlling their line from the internet lowballers!

The MX-700 is available for $150 from buy.com don't know of their reputation though..

[Link: buy.com]

Yeah, I'll admit (from under the table) it was eBay.

It's tough to support an authorized retailer when you can find them online at 50% off. IMHO, the warranty isn't worth ~$250.

I got my 850 for around $240 delivered from an authorized dealer that posts here from time to time. Like I said, shop around. You don't have to buy from the Ebay losers and miss out on a warranty.

I didn't mention above, but I also had (actually still have) a 500 and it was nice, but if you change equipment much or like to tweak the 500 will drive you crazy. I love the computer programmability of the 850. The first 3 months I owned the 850 I constantly tweaked it trying to make it the most user friendly remote possible. I bet I spent 50 to 100 hours on it. The computer programming makes it easy to try a configuration and save, then completely start over with a new design....and still have the ability to quickly go back to the prior layout. I finally have it where I want it and have pretty much stopped tweaking. However, I haven't bought any new gear for awhile.

I don't have a 700, but here are the reasons I would buy an 850 instead:

-looks (I hate the color of the 700)
-separate center select button on 850
-better backlighting on the 850
-finish on the 850 won't turn to goop like I've heard some of the 700's have.
-RF capability (I'm not currently using that, but it's there if I decide to).

Its very tempting to jump on the 850, but I've got a couple of outside factors that are pushing me towards the 700.

Amazon sells the 700 for $150ish, and I've got atleast 2 $25 gift certificate that I need to use.

I've got a couple roommate I live with who generally respect my HT, but may not treat it with $250 tenderloving care that I think it would deserve. This is a hugely expensive remote-- a remote! and for that money I expect it to last 5+ years(my reciever remote has and is still in good form).

I'm still shopping and researching. At some point I'll pull the trigger on a remote. I know what I want, I know what's smart and the middle ground is probably the right decision-- but who every makes the "financially smart" decision when buying electronics?

I wouldn't get a 700 because of that silly select button in the center. It is so aggravating to try and hit select and hit an up, down, left, or right.

The backlight on the 700 is only useful in utter darkness. The backlight on the 850 is useful all the time and is very attractive. In medium light the 700 is hard to see unless you are young and have 20-20 vision!!

I'm an installer and I put the 850s in people's hands frequently. They are met with great enthusiasm. The 700 is the only one I ever got a complaint on, and I only installed 3 or 4 of them.