Need feedback from users so I can get one of these ordered this week :-)
I have a new Harmony 720 that i really like, but unfortunately the BUTTONS don't work well for me. I mainly use the Remote on an end table & press the buttons while it is laying flat there due to my limited hand function. The buttons on the H-720, on the side of the screen, are hard for me to press while on the table without flipping to the side.

Any input on Button layout, ease of press/use, programability of these URC models would be a big help, since there is not a local dealer where I can physically "test drive" & don't want the hassle of returning another remote which looks like the case for the Harmony 720 :-( Shame...this thing is pretty sweet...

Thanks

Jack, I hear ya'! I also prefer to operate my remote on the end table, rather than in my hand or in my lap. I really do like my MX-850. But, that tipping over when the outside buttons are pressed really frustrates me. I've even thought about using some foam to make a cradle to support it. It's likely to be a deal-breaker for you.

Others will chime in here, but I seem to recall reading that the 900/950 does not have that problem, as it lays flat. While I prefer the 850, this is likely to be the deciding factor for you.

One other point is that it is very difficult to read the LCD display while the remote is on the table to one's side. I have to pick up the remote when I need to read the LCD. This may be the same for all of the remotes, though.

HTH & GL

900 is rock solid on a table. It has some grippies on the bottom also. It blows the Harmony away!

MX-900 for price. MX-950 for more functionality, mostly in the use of variables.

The both sit flat and will not tip when pressed on a table beside you, unlike the 850.

I like the size of the 900 much better. Lighter, and the same length as the MX-850.

The 900 can also be used with all of the new RF equipment that URC is coming out with.

Greg

Wow..thanks. I was ready to go for the 850 based on the pictures as it looked like it was wider & set flatter! Glad I asked you guys first.

What about the size, feel & layout of the buttons on the 900 & 950? Pictures look like the 900 has bigger buttons, but 950 has a few more mainly beside the screen. Are they hard to press?

Trying to justify the extra $$$ for the 950. The charger & tilt-on feature on the 950 are nice, but the Harmony 720 has both plus a color LCD with Favorite Channel color icons, etc...for 1/3 the price!! If I settle for the 900 will I lose significant features & tweakability?

Honestly, I like the MX-900 more than the MX-950, unless I need to control multiple zones of components. That is the only time I will use an MX-950 (or higher). Unless you are looking to control multiple zones/rooms of equipment, I would not recomment an MX-950. It would probably be overkill.

The MX-900's buttons are probably a bit easier to press than the MX-950. It is also a bit smaller in size than the MX-950. The buttons by the LCD are larger and spread apart a little more.

Actually, the Harmony is far less customizable than any of the URC remotes. When you program it, you have much less control over how it is programmed than when you program a URC. The only upside it has compared to the URC is the color screen.



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

bjack, as I've mentioned in our email correspondence, you might want to also take a look at the TX-1000 for use on a table.

Mike
www.SurfRemoteControl.com

I'd stick with the Harmony. You already have it and are happy with it.

The MX-100 doesn't have a lot of hard buttons. The MX-900 lacks some of the features of the Harmony 720, such as tilt sensor to trigger the backlight, color screen and charger, which may be important to you and with which you seem happy now.

If you really must change, go to a store and hold the TC 30 (the Harmon Kardon version,) which has a different (better) spacing and a couple of extra buttons on the LCD (8 LCD buttons on the TC 30, while the 720 and the MX-900 have 6 each.)

Harmony also has a much larger database of codes and better customer service (I do have a major problem with URC's business ethics.)

The bottom line, however is, that there is a good chance you will have to pick up most remotes, since you won't be able to read the LCD from an angle. You seem mostly happy with the remote now. You've already programmed it. Do you really want to spend a few hundred $$$ and end up picking the new one off the table anyway?

I believe he said he wasn't happy with it, and asked about certain remotes. Those questions were answered, plus you gave him another remote to look at.

If not being able to push the buttons while it is sitting on the table is the issue (which it is here), then his Harmony is not the best solution.

The ones mentioned have the capability that he wants, including the TX-1000 that Mike talks about.

The TX-1000 is a good "table top" remote. It is wide, so it is balanced better for such operation. Some of the hard buttons may be a bit closer together, compared to the MX-900. The LCD buttons will be larger though. Everything has its pros and cons. It's just a matter of determining which hold more weight with you personally.



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

GregoriusM - EXACTLY...as I said I really like the Harmony 720 & will really miss the color LCD, tilt-on, recharging, color station logo's, etc...but the buttons don't work for me.

Mike - thanks for all your help & suggestions. I Emailed the client you suggested for his feedback on using the TX-1000. Hope to get back to you soon.

Right now it looks like it's between the TX-1000 (since it's just a MX-900 in a touchscreen) & the MX-950. I don't need multi-room capability right now. If the 950's screen was like the H-720 there would be less of a decision to make despite the extra $$$.

Can someone explain "variables" on the URC's? If the TX-1000 & MX-900 are going to have the 950's "variable" capabilities later this year, will it be a firmware or software upgrade? Free or up-yours charge? :-)

It's a software addition to the macro programming. There may be a firmware revision, but that's all done through the software as well. The 900 and 1000 already have the memory capability. It may be limited to only a few variables with the 900 and 1000, as opposed to virtually limitless with the 950. They've never charged for a software upgrade so I doubt they would start now.

WAF ratings for the 1000 or 900/950.

Looks & EASE OF USE!!

i was pressed to decide a year(almost) ago between the MX-950 and the Nevo SL... i went with the Nevo SL. have you checked it out at all? very easy to program and being a high res colour touchscreen(with 17 hard buttons) it is perfect for side table use. in fact if you see it sits very nicely on its charger cradle, which i have plugged in on my side table. it also sits firmly on a flat surface on its own. i do still second guess my decision at times as the touchscreens arent as ergonomical to use while holding the remote in one hand, but it sounds like that isnt an issue for you.

edit-sorry i just realized i was in the URC forum... didnt mean to hi-jack your thread!! the MX 950 is a VERY sweet remote, i am still considering getting it. i did get the opportunity to "feel it up" and while a tad on the heavy side it fealt good with an intuitive button layout. i havent seen the mx 900 personally but from pictures i much prefer the look of the 950.

The Nevo is a little too pricey.

Had the wife take a look at the TX-1000 pic's. Didn't care for the looks & thought it was going to be too big "...one remote the size of the 3 it's replacing..."

So, it looks like a 900, due to 950 price or live with the Harmony 720 :-(