Guys,

I downloaded MX-700 programming software app, manual, + Gonk's files (thanks Gonk)

I leaning towards getting this remote. But I have a few ?'s:

1a) In the MX-700 editor if you start a new .dxf file, and search IR database under outlaw you only see 950. If you open up Gonk's file of course there is a 990 listed in the folder tree. Did you guys select the 950 and teach it the 990 commands, or does the MX-700 need to learn the 990 manually from scratch?

1b) Is it better to start programming the MX-700 from scratch or modify a guy's file?

2) Online URC vendor: Does it make a difference where I order it from? Is authorized dealer key or is a MX-700 reliable for years? any suggested vendors?

3) Macros- Can you assign a macro on the front display like "DVD": that turns on TV/990/DVD etc all the right modes dolby dig, 5.1 etc or does the macro need to be buried on a sub-menu page? (I heard you have a 5 character text limit should be OK?)

Thanks Vince

I taught the MX-700 all of the 990 commands from scratch - that's my standard approach, because it lets me put commands exactly where I want them (with very little effort). If you've got a config file to start with, that's not a bad option. I did that with several devices.

You can put macros almost anywhere - my device buttons on the main screen (cable, dvd, dvd-r, oppo, and such) almost all run short macros to set the 990's input and the TV's input and aspect ratio.

I did my MX-800 with a mixed approach. As with Gonk, I taught it the 990 commands. But with other devices, I used various sources, including the MX database and some files downloads from Remote Central -- very helpful for things like TIVO and the Polk XM tuner.

Thanks guys.......
Vince

While I don't have a 990 (1050). I can give you my two cents worth for programming a MX-700

1) Don't put your devices on the first page, put them on the 2nd page. Save your first page for activity type Macros. Yes you can have a single macro, turn on your TV, turn on your 990, select or change the input on the TV, select the 990 mode and then go to a device page that controls the predominate functions (e.g. a DVD). Another example is to create a macro for the 990's tuner called radio. The device page it links to then has sub buttons for the 10 or 20 stations you listen to most (that are also macros). That way you don't need to tongle through a host of presets.

2) Since you give them separate names, you can have a device more then once on the 2nd page. I start out by creating one from the device remote in learning mode and then test other users device pages using a 2nd description. I have found this a great way to get non-documented descrete function codes (e.g. my toshiba HDTV does not have descrete on and off codes built into it, but they are available on remote central).

3) When writing the macros, you may find you need to add substantial amounts of delay (e.g. the TV may not accept additional signals for 2-5 seconds after powering up). I have found it useful to switch the signals between devices to minimize the delay times (e.g. turn on the tv, turn on the 990 via the device that represents cable/satelite TV, then turn on the cable, then have the tv select the cable input).

A plus I found with the MX series is the ease of creating and saving various confgurations so that you can experiment with different formats and figure out what works best for you. For example, one file could be like that suggested by 73Bruin, with the macros up front, while an alternative could be with devices on the first page. The ability to tweak these remotes is outstanding, and the real limit is the time you have to play with the thing.

Buy it from an Authorized dealer. While issues with the remote are rare, if you do have an issue a warranty would be nice to have wouldn't it? You only get a warranty from authorized dealers.

Also, Unless there is a distributor near you with MX-700s in stock, you won't find any. They have been discontinued. Look at the MX-850 as it is the replacement for it and is an awesome remote that allows both IR and RF control.


Justin

Guys,

I ordered a MX-700 from surf remote (auth dealer)they have a few left

Coming from low-level Best Buy remotes, it should be a big step up.........

Thanks Vince

I liked my MX-700 so much that I bought two of them (so my wife can have her own).

To build on what others have said, I put all my devices on Main Page 1. Then I used the Favorite buttons to set up activity-based macros that switch inputs, modes, and devices (always ending the macro on that specific device).

On the second main page, I set up specialized functions, with cross-commands. For example, I have one for calibrating my TV which consists of both TV and DVD buttons (so I don't have to keep switching between devices).

The great thing is that it's so configurable. I usually end up changing functions/buttons at least once a month. As ideas come to me, I'll just pull out the laptop and program them in. There's a lot of freedom to experiment when you know you can always revert to an older, saved copy.

You'll love it, it seems expensive, but it's worth every penny.

Scott

So even though the remote is not coming til Thurs, I could start building an MX-700 file with the editor now?

Thanks for all the tips, I'm sure I will have some questions for you guys once its here..This is a big stretch for me not using 5-6 remotes..........

Thanks Vince