Here is a bit of background so you can answer more effectively.

REASONS FOR WANTING TO CHANGE:
* Buttons are sticking on the URC MX850 - some attempts at dismantling, cleaning etc not wholly satisfactory
* I use a VU+Solo2 the most and despite entering in hex codes and trying "learning", the 850 does not handle all functions correctly

PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE:
I'm a self taught senior who can capably do macros etc for the MX850 but would prefer not to have to learn programming for a different remote unless it is the only option. I have all the programming software for the 850 but struck problems in the past so hope any future move will be without such drama (so should I move away from URC?)

REQUIREMENTS:
* Control of at least these devices: A Vu+Solo2 PVR, A ZGHEMMA PVR, a HUMAX PVR, a ZCruiser PVR, an OPPO 105, a Pioneer DVD-R, A Pioneer lasser disdc player, An Onkyo 5509 preamp/processor, a 12 channel remote control switching device + maybe a JVC projector
* RF not important, IR is OK
* Touch screen or color not important
* Easily hand held with most function layout similar to the 850 (the button layout on some Logitecs do not look good for me)
* Back light

BRAND:
Not necessarily URC. Logitech Harmony One (discontinued) looked attractive. logitech's database really good, but not sure how easy programming would be and/or how well they last so a used one would be no better than the current 850.

All suggestions gratefully received.

John

Full disclosure: I'm not a Harmony fan and mostly I'll look for excuses to replace them. And, I have no experience with the current models. In terms of the older Hormony models that I encounter, the button reliability is on the same level as the 850. One must be online while programming Harmony.

A contrarian plan would be to buy a few inexpensive used MX-850's and consider them to be disposable. If the keys fail, toss that one and pull out another. I expect the DIY market to explode with options in the next few years. When your stock of 850's runs out, I'm sure that there will be attractive options. A major risk for this approach, however, is that these options will be centered around pad/phone.