Got my URC MX-850 today. Sweetness! Installed the software, plugged the remote into my computer, Vista recognized it w/no problem. It had the IR codes for all 5 of my components, even my rather obscure amp. The layout is very ergonomic, and the buttons are soft and feel great. It has a fast response time, better than my old URC 100. The macros, LCD screen, and Fav pages are awesomely awesome. On my Samsung tv it goes directly to the input when I press HDMI1 or Component1, instead of having to cycle thru as I did w/my old remote. Kewl.

This is an IR/RF remote, but I'm not even sure I'm going to buy the RF base. The IR signal seems very strong, I can point the darn thing all around the room and the signal still gets to the device.

A very nice addition to my HT, and I got it brand new for a sweet price on Amazon. Me happy.

Harold

As an introduction into URC's professional line, the MX-850 is a very nice remote. The features above a consumer remote make it very customisable. The RF is good, but as you say not worth shelling out for if you're devices aren't hidden.

For more complex custom installations it feels slightly lacking though - you can't fully customise buttons/pages on the home menu, and it doesn't include hex code input, and the serial interface is a big sluggish, which is where the MX-900 and onward come into their own.

Glad to see you've found a remote that suits you though!

mx850 is an old remote but still one of my favorites because it just feels so good in your hand

agreed.. that remote has a GREAT feel to it!

I agree, it is a very nice remote, and in fact I love mine. The only problem I have, at this point in time, is URC's lack of timely IR database updates. The last one was nearly 6 months ago and only 2 this past year or so. IIRC they used to average updates every 3 or 4 months several years ago when I owned a MX-700.

hcour, as the batteries start to run a little low, you won't be able to point the remote anywhere. I have an MX700 that I use in my bedroom to control just a TV, and as the batteries start to run a little low, I have to point it directly at the TV.

8, I just bought a MRF-260 for a great price on ebay, as I'd mentioned in another thread. Plus, I plan to buy a battery-charger soon.

Thanks,
H

Again, why is this a problem? What are you looking for that URC does not have? Or more importantly, what makes you think it will be another update?

Your macros will become somewhat more bulletproof if you go ahead and go with RF base station, plus it's just cool!