I'm much more comfortable with the idea of using a PC interface than I am going through the process of repeatedly pressing buttons to teach the remote. I'm still on the fence...but leaning towards the MX-700 or a later model.
Is it really necessary to get the live updates?
The URC300 got nice reviews on Amazon. But it's a button pushing exercise. I'd much rather push keys on a keyboard.

I never used Live Update when I had a version that supported it. I either download user files from Remote Central or I learned commands.

Live updates are nice since URC updates the IR database for equipment the remote can control without having to use a downloaded file from someone else, or learning all the commands for a device. That said, I have downloaded and used user files from remote control central for my MX-850, and they work fine, in fact, sometimes the files on remote control central have more buttons learned then what the device has in URC's IR database files. There are some vendors on ebay that do offer the live update version of the software. The dealer Gonk suggests posts at RCC often, seems helpful, and many people report they are happy with their service. If you decide to go with a local "authorized" dealer, make sure you get it written into your sales receipt that the current live update version of the software, and future versions are included with your purchase....people have had problems getting the software from some "authorized" B&M dealers.

I found a dealer on ebay who has the MX-850 for 200 bucks including shipping. He has a nice warranty, great feedback and supplies upgradeable software. I'm going to go for it and will let you know how it works out.

I've been toying with the idea of buying something like this, but am torn between models. There is now also an MX-950. Are these MX models better, more powerful than their logitech counterparts?

BobZoom, I look forward to reading about your experiences with this remote. The price is certainly right.

John

Purchased an MX-850 about a year ago, same route Bob is considering. Thus far it has been able to control the ten devices I have in my various rooms well. The MX line is marketed for Custum Installers, not typical end users, and that is probably why URC implemented it's new policies on the programming software....trying to steer regular folk to their consumer line. If you have any type of programming background, it should not take much time to ramp up on how to program it and get some useful macros setup. The differences I know of between them are a significant increase in the # of devices you can control from 25 on the MX-850 to 255 on the MX-950, port used to communicate with a pc (850 serial, 950 usb), and some cosmetic differences in the design of the remote. I do wish the 850 had a usb port, because my current thinkpad laptop does not have a serial connection..makes me break out the old dell inspiron from time to time. I can't compare it to the logictech remotes since I have not used any of them; but the idea of not being able to program the remote, and having to connect to the logictech website to setup your devices did not appeal to me.

As a general rule, I consider the MX's to be more customizable (better direct control over exactly what is happening in the background), while the Harmony remotes offer a less intimidating setup process at the expense of isolating you from detailed controls. You can probably get a Harmony up and working faster than an MX, but there will be things about the way it performs macros that you won't be able to directly control.

mm_half3 and gonk,

thank you, both, for the response and information.

If, by programming, you mean computer programming, using computer language, I'd be lost. I have no experience with computer program language. Is this what's involved?

I actually like the appearance of the 950, better, but it's at least twice the price. Also, I've read of complaints about poor customer support, in one posting. This is a bit of worry, given it'll probably be a year before I have everything worked out, within my system (hopefully).

I think, in my case, it would be wise to wait. I also find the Harmony 1000 appealing, but have read some complaints of issues with this device, with the recommendation to wait for version two.

I think I should wait.

In any case, thanks for your responses.

John

You can download the MX series software from my MX-700 review and play around with it - the software is similar for all of the MX remotes (basically identical for the 700 through the 850, in fact). You can also go through a demo of the Harmony software at Logitech's site.

Thanks, Gonk,

it appears perhaps time consuming, but otherwise doable.

Again, a helpful review.

John