FYI, described in Daniel's "What's New" section here.

More to follow.

Mike
www.SurfRemoteControl.com

Well, this should lead to some lively discussion...

So, Mike, is it too soon to ask you for my new version of the software? :)


-Neil (suddenly VERY happy to have gone the authorized dealer route)

See that? You're glad you went through legitimate channels! :)

Everyone who didn't WILL NOT be able to update their software anymore and get new IR database updates, new features, etc.

Only Authorized Dealers, like Mike and I, will be able to give this to you.



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

Now how are they going to block out updates, though? I was under the impression that you would just not be able to download the software from URC anymore; and that if you all ready had software, you'd just continue updating.

Unless they make the Live Update a member only login thing, which could be a real pain in the a$$

Edit: my bad. This link is a more detailied description that the email I received through work which basically said the same thing, except didn't say anything about the Live Updates.

I'm not sure *exactly* how they're handing it, but basically the live update server will simply not update the old software versions any more. If you try right now... it will just fail.

hmmm..... i got my mx-3000 for free when i attended the URC advanced training program..do i sill get the new software??... hopefully as i got it from URC ..

I had two requests before the new software was even available. ;-)

If you do a "Live Update" to the old software and try to do it again, you get a message saying that "Live Update" no longer works and to contact your dealer.

I should have a password-protected download site up later today or tomorrow for my customers. Send me an e-mail with as much info as possible (order number would be best).

So essentially, people who bought the MX-900 or MX-3000 prior to August 1 will no longer be able to update the firmware on their unit to fix known issues/bugs with the product?

This seems like a pretty questionable policy change to me. I could understand it being applied to all future purchasers -- since they have some warning -- but I'm sure many who purchased the MX series remotes from ebay, etc before did so with the expectation that they would be able to download software and firmware updates / bug fixes for their remote, even if they got no formal warrantee or dealer support.

RonL: If they purchased from an Authorized Dealer before or after August 1, those customers will be taken care of accordingly by their dealer.

The moral of the story is: buyer beware. Most people who post here (myself in particular) have been expressing that you should only buy from Authorized Dealers. The URC web site has also expressed that for several years. I know that because I am the one who originally posted the dealer warning to their site. If you chose to ignore that warning, then that's unfortunate.

If you buy a cable box on eBay, does that mean you are automatically entitled to all of the premium programming for free too? Of course not. Live Update is a specially designated service of URC, in the same fashion.

If you purchased your remote from an Authorized Dealer, you should expect to be taken care of properly. Only Authorized Dealers have access to the software now.

Buy from us and we will take care of you properly. :)



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

Universal's policy has always been, at least for the past 5 years, that only Authorized Dealers and Authorized Internet Resellers are allowed to sell this product. If you bought it from such dealer, you could go back to that dealer to fix known issues/bugs, just like you would take your Porsche to your dealer to fix issues/bugs. It's a done deal, don't hold them accountable for a timetable that was, essentially, established 5 years ago. Pay your authorized programmer/installer/dealer to do it right the first time!

So, I purchased mine from AVSmarts.com 10/12/2004...but they appear to be offline. I thought they were an authorized retailer at the time, will it be possible for me to get updated software?

What he said.

I'll email with order number tomorrow.

Not trying to exploit a loop-hole in the system, but what about the B&K SR10.1 software? I tried doing a live-update and received no error message. I gather they'll still support updating of the SR10.1 software.

What a coincidence. I bought a new computer a few days ago and just checked into downloading the software for my MX-850 and found this out. I'm thankful that I bought mine through an authorized dealer! I just sent them an email.

This sounds like a good idea, but I have to wonder about loopholes that will develop. It's gonna be awfully hard to keep the software from leaking out. Are they gonna assign a unique customer number that requires a password? That would help, but hackers can get around that too. Most end users that buy these products are very technically savy people.....