Should have gone with my first impression but hesitated buying the MX-850 because I had no idea what I was doing in my trial of the software.

So I ordered a Harmony 890. Came with the RF/IR thingy (sorry if I'm being too technical), rechargable, bla, bla, bla.

Unpacked it. Held it. Repacked it. Mailing it back tomorrow. What a piece of junk. Small buttons all crammed at the bottom. Too small overall. No way can I hold this thing, let alone actually USE it after working all day painting and beating my help with sticks. Closed my eyes and realized I could never tell the buttons apart in the dark.

So, back to the 850, which I wanted for the RF/IR thingy (again, apologies) since I intend to have 2 Comcast DVR's and they have the same codes so I need to isolate them with their own emitters. Besides, I am lazy and don't want to have to point the remote.

So...850? 950? How about the 350? I believe that one also works with RF/IR but does not use the software to program.

With my probable inability or patience to learn the programming, I'm willing to pay someone to do it for me, maybe for the DVR's, DVD player (movie and DVD-A, SACD modes). Maybe a macro to watch TV using TV speakers only, channel set to Lifetime for my wife (we could call that macro "sappy")...then try to add Laser Disc, CD burner, DVD burner, VCR myself later. I rarely use those devices.

OK gurus...let's have some ideas. Feel free to ask painting, wallpapering questions of me....I do know all about that.


Thanks and if anyone is looking for work painting and doesn't mind being beated with a stick now and then.........


Sals

The 'crammed button syndrom' has always been my biggest problem with harmony!

I have an 850 as well as a 950.(as well as a 700)

My big,overworked fingers prefer the 850!

The programmer in me prefers the 950!

My wife loves them both!

The thing I dislike about the 350 is the programing! It takes at least 3 times as long if you want to do anything custom.

I just have to ask why no record but on anything since the MX-500? If I could have the same layout as the 500 with the pc programability of the 700, I would buy a universal in an instant.

Sals,

The MX-850 w/MRF-300 is what you want to get. The MRF-300 is far better for controlling multiple components (2 cable boxes in your case), because you can adjust the amount of IR output for each of the emitters. Additionally, the MRF-300 is much easier to install.

If you have any questions or would like a free consultation, please call me at: (914) 509-5360. I am always happy to help.



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

man, some real jargin in that post.
go for the 850 for a basic system, but if you want to really lay down the tech talk, go for the 950.

Called Damon yesterday at 4pm, got some great advice from him, ordered the 850 and MRF-300 and it arrived this afternoon at 3. Apparently Damon brought it here himself disguised as a UPS driver. I don't know how else it could have arrived so quickly.

Now as soon as I fill out the programming form and e mail it to him,he'll send me the files and I'll be up and running.

This MX-850 compared to the Harmony 890 I bought and returned unused is...well, they should not even be compared. So glad I bought the MX....the Harmony is a toy.


Sals

Thanks for your posts Sals,

I have a MX-850/MRF-300 on the way as well. I was having some second thoughts about not getting the Harmony 890. Every one of your negatives about the Harmony were my exact reasons for going with the 850. I feel better now :)

Greg