I am pretty sure this isn't available, but here's my dilemma.....

I really want to push for getting a new remote. I'm thinking Mx880 or maybe even an MX980. However I want to see if all my equipment is in the database and what the programming complexity looks like... stuff like that. So crippled software would be fine as when I actually get around to making the purchase, I'm going to ask on here, buy it from one of the authorized dealers on here, and request the updatable software.

If a demo version is not available, can someone who already HAS the software see if it has my equipment in there by default? The equipment is listed in my sig and I also have a Sony DVP-NC80V (5 disc changer).

I do have all of the original (and working) remotes. So learning is an option and I'm not afraid to go that route, but obviously I'd prefer not to have to teach it everything.

I checked, and all of your gear is in our database (although we list the DRM-ES15, not DRM-ES15S, but that's not likely to make a difference).

However, even when your devices aren't in the database, learning from the original remotes is really easy.

Thanks for your support of your local dealer. There are no authorized online sales of MX-880, so when you start your shopping, make sure you find nearby. Your dealer is authorized to share a copy of the editor with you, provided he chooses to do so. Dealers aren't required to share the software, so if that's important to you confirm your dealer's policy beforehand.

Best regards,
Dale

Thanks, Dale. The DRM-ES15S is just the silver color model instead of the black. So no worries there.
And this is definitely going to be a purchase from an authorized dealer. For a whole lot of reasons I just don't see it making sense to do this any other way. :-)

There's only one reason not to buy from an authorized dealer: ... $$$

Plus if you want to set up the remote control yourself, you may have a hard time finding a dealer who won't insist on selling you the service AND will supply you the PC software.

If you care to lower your sights a bit, you might consider the MX-850. You can download the software for that over the web and try it out as well as purchase the NXG version of the remote with no strings attached.

My only advice I think I can add, is to not get impulsive and buy before doing your dealer research. Make sure who you're dealing with will support you in the the manner you expect. If that means giving you access to the needed SW with options enabled. Make sure that is clearly agreed apon, before swiping the visa.

Just because you're using an authorized dealer, doesn't mean you'll get everything you may want from the transaction.

Yes, dealers and installers are independent business people. They have their own policies on how they run their businesses. Talk to them before your purchase to confirm that their policies are in line with your expectations.

The dealer I'm talking to is a member here and will provide the software with live update. I'm looking over some of the programming documentation to make sure I'm not biting off more than I can chew. I'm an IT guy so it doesn't look too bad to me. Very robust. FAR more configurable (in an exciting way) than my current remote. I still have to pass this through "finance" and in the end all SHE cares about is whether or not it works in an intelligent way.

Is there a reason you didn't mention the name of the dealer? Or did they ask you not to because they were working outside their "area" in order to offer you the sale?

They didn't ask me not to. I'm not sure if there are assigned areas or territories. This is someone I've spoken to about these remotes before and I'm just not sure what's proper on here and don't want to step on any toes. I just figured I had some questions answered in the past, decent person, info for free, thought I should approach him first about an actual sale. Nothing arranged yet and this was the only person I knew to call. If I'm not doing this right or it goes against some rules.... well... I don't have access to the rule book so I plead ignorance. :)

There's always been a lot of wink wink deals that go on to help folks out behind the scenes, but last I knew to buy a remote like the MX-980 you have to do so from a dealer who works in your territory - but it does depend which remote you actually talked about.

If that's changed and there are dealers authorized to sell the MX-980 outside their territory and will do so with the live update version of the editor and hopefully a discount, I'd like to know, and I'm sure many others would too.

I'd have to review the terms of the board, but I don't recall that Daniel Tonks has an issue with giving a plug to a dealer, at least as long as it doesn't come off as spamming or advertising.