I whipped up an example of my perfect remote based on URC's latest remotes. The image is pretty self explanatory. It would be dvr friendly. Removed the unneeded Watch and Listen. Brought back the FAV key. And added a couple of buttons on either side of Main that could used for either page up/down in the guide or pip channel up/down or perhaps for htpc usage. Also added a nice color screen.

ENJOY!

RTI T2-C

That's very close, but no dvr buttons. I press dvr (to get to my recorded programs) about as often (if not more) than guide and info. I believe it merits it's own button. I own a MX-850, I will not purchase another remote until it has at least that. At least I'm not arguing for the need for skip forward/backward buttons anymore. That was ridiculous.

I'd suggest symbols for "play," "pause," "skip," etc.

Believe it or not most people hate the the use of symbols on the 850. They dont know what they are. I can tell you how many times I have had to explain that the boomerang looking button means play.



To the Thread starter...... Whats wrong with programming a button for LIST or DVR as you call it. Any button..... +10 ..... ENT ...... or the fantastic LCD.

Not all boxes have a "list" some are "TiVo" or many other options so your idea wont happen for a long time. This is why they have the LCD screen.

You will probably be waiting for a long time.

That’s what the LCD is for. Make your own button. most people also use this remote for CD's, DVD's, Ipod's, etc...
every button that is a hard button is pretty much used in every other source. DVR and LIVE are only for TV.

Although I do like you design for the screen. Time, Icons & Color would be nice.

Right now, since I have an 850, I have skip forward/back mapped to the +10/ENT buttons. Though I have never liked programming misc buttons to buttons that are labeled differently. It makes explaining the remote to someone infinitely more difficult.

I have my "DVR" lcd button in both the Main Menu and the Cable Menu. If I'm in another menu (such as favorites or audio, etc) I have to press "Main" then "DVR." Most people have dvr's now, at least they're standard issue rental boxes from cable and satellite companies. Also more and more people are getting/building htpc's. I don't think having a hard button that I use as much as Guide or Info is such a crazy idea.

The reason I like my 850 and the rest of the urc pro lineup is because of the hard buttons. I store all my macros, fav's and miscellaneous rarely used buttons up in the lcd. As for naming the button, use anything, LIST works for me.

edit: Looking at the RTI again I notice the * button where the +10 button is on the urc. That's might work nicely as a List button, at least it'll be easier to teach the girlfriend.

Want it to be REALLY easy to teach the girlfriend? Use the LCD screen as many others have suggested :)

Where is the record button?

Right. I've been so conditioned by not having one, I forgot. Added. Also swapped out the +10 to a *.

Can you add a button in the shape of thumbs down?

Since all of the buttons on the MX-900 can be programmed to perform Macros, and these Macros can be 'press-n-hold' Macros, many installers have told me that they program the center select button with a 'press-n-hold' for the "List" or "TiVo" command. Just make the Macro a 'press-n-hold' and don't put anything in the "Before" window. This will allow the original IR command to be issued when the button is pressed and released. Choose 2 seconds in the 'Time' drop down box, then put the "List" or "TiVo" command in the "After" window. The client now has to hold the center select button for 2 seconds, and they get their 'Now playing' list.

Also, many installers complain that the "Fav" button forces them to provide favorite channels since the clients will inevitably ask what that button is for. Removing the button allows each installer to decide for themselves if he or she wants to provide this option.

Personally, I prefer to have the Record button as hard to find as possible. I do the vast majority of recording through the 'To Do List' and 'Season Pass'.

Dylan,

That's a very nice looking remote! I like it and think it has its merits. However, the two columns of LCD buttons would probably cause the remote to be about the size of the MX-950, if you want to be able to clearly see icons on the LCD.

Good work!



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

Actually, you'll probably see the 950 with a screen like this before you'd see it on the 900 due to price considerations. Looks great though.

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Glenn: So simple yet........ Thanks for the tip on putting a press-and-hold on the Select Button. I have some great uses for it!

The thumbs up thumbs down is a TiVo only thing. I haven't seen any other DVRs use such a feature.