Hi,
I'm new to the forum... i've done quite a bit of reading as a guest, but this is my first post. I've searched and read quite a few threads, but I can't find a complete/solid answer here, so i thought i would post the question.

I notice that almost everyone suggest buying the MX-850 & MRF-300 package, but honestly I don't want to spend $600 on that combo. If I have to pay more than the $250 the MX-350 & MRF-250 package cost, i will probably forget the whole deal and just stay with my current setup.

Here's my plan. I just closed on a brand new house! :o) Yippee!
I have a 42" Plasma I will be hanging on the wall and I wanted to install my other equipment in the closet directly behind the TV Wall.
I have a SONY Receiver, DVD Player, and HD/Digital Cable Box. So I will only be controlling those four components.

Is there any reason I cannot use the MX-350/ MRF-250 package?
From what i've gathered the main dissadvantages are the lack of controls and macro buttons. That doesn't bother me too much, i only have four devices total.
I think the main issue may be ease of programming. I would love to have the USB/PC programmable unit, but not for an additional $350+.
I am a computer technician, so i feel fairly confident that I can handle the programming of the remote.

any suggestions or recommendations?

BTW, thanks for taking the time to read all of that... if you made it this far.

Regards,
Josh

The 350 will work.

You won't have access to discrete codes for power and input selection in many cases. This will make your macros less useful or sometime useless. When I use a 350 to make the price palatable for a client, I still have to use an MX-850 to learn discrete commands so I can have useful macros.

Being a computer tech would help with the 850 but wouldn't make much difference with a 350 at all.

Thanks for your reply Tom.
I guess I haven't fully researched all the functions of the macro buttons.
I'll do some more research and try to decide if it's something I'll want in the future.

Thanks,
Josh

If the components are going to be in another room in a closet, I suspect you will have lots of problems unless you use a remote that can send discrete power codes, because you cannot see whether devices are on or not.

I think all Sony devices have discrete power codes available, so you are all right there, but unless the remote can send those codes, things will get out of sync for sure somewhere along the line if all you are using are toggle codes.

Josh,

Congratulations on your new home! Being very experienced in remote controls (worked for URC and now do consulting and programming), I do not recommend the MX-350 for your application. That remote, I would recommend for a kitchen or bedroom with only a couple of components to control. The reason being that 1) the LCD screen is only one column...2) it does not have discrete commands (as posted previously)...3) you will want macros (those are what make the remote simple for anyone in your household to use).

If the MX-850 is out of your price range, then you may want to consider the MX-650. It includes discrete commands in the IR database and has a two column screen. It's a big jump up from the MX-350, but neither model offers the PC programmability that I personally prefer.

You are welcome to call me for a free consultation at: (914)509-5360.



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
http://www.ProRemotes.com - Authorized Dealer & Remote Programming Services

Hey Guys,
thanks for your replies... I appreciate you taking the time to answer that stuff for me Damon.
I went ahead and spent the extra money and got the MX-850. I figured I would rather pay a little more and have something that will not cause me headaches, so hopefully it will pay off.
I'll let you know after I get a chance to work with it some more.

Thanks,
Josh