I am purchasing an mx-3000 from an AD who is quoting me what I would consider a hefty fee to program the device especially given the small number of home theater devices I am controlling (TV, Blu-Ray, AVReceiver, DVR Cable Box).

1. What would be considered a normal price range for programming the device given so few devices?
2. Is it easy enough to program it yourself? Is there enough freely downloadable material out there that others have written so that you just have to modify a few settings? or doesn't it work that way?
3. It is worth it to get someone else to program it (provided the cost is in the normal range).

I am, by no means, a good programmer but, I have written a number of VBScripts to automate various administration tasks at work as well as .bat files and kix scripts.

Thanks in advance for any guidance you can give me and please forgive me if any of these questions are inappropriate for this forum. Please feel free to contact me directly with any feedback if this answering here is inappropriate.

Well, I just ran into the big thread about URC's software policy change so, I will ask the AD about supplying me with the updatable version of the software then cancel my order if I don't like what I hear or maybe just cancel it anyway to protect myself from future retroactive policy changes.

I have no idea what you should be charged fro the programming, but from what you write I am pretty certain you could to the work yourself, though it might be a bit time consuming as you learn how to do it...

Chris

Any Authorized Dealer should provide you with the software if you ask them. We gladly provide it to all of our customers.



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

If I understand it correctly, and AD is REQUIRED to release the software if it is requested by the end-user, provided they actually purchased it from that AD.

Thanks for the information.

I had just almost made up my mind to buy the mx-3000 except, now I hear that a mx-3500 is coming out (possibly soon)? Does anyone have any information about when? I would hate to spend $1000 today only to find out that a newer version is coming out in a month or so.

Does anyone have any other reasons NOT to buy this remote (I've been told by my AD that they will give me the software)

I know I seem to be bouncing around alot and indecisive but, I really really hate buyer remorse and the larger the price tag the more remorse there is if I feel I made a poor choice so, anything I can do to prevent that pain is worth the effort.

Thanks

The MX-3500 is not even in beta testing. That means we probably will not see it for quite a long time. The MX-3000 was in beta testing for several months before going into production. The RFX-250 RF antenna was in beta testing even longer.



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

The 3500 is a ways down the road.

And you can program the 3000 yourself.

There is some discrepancy about whether an AD is REQUIRED to give you the updateable version of the Editor when you buy from them.

Yours will, so I say go for it.

The 3500 is basically the 3000 with 2-way communication with the MSC-500.

If you're not worried about 2-way communication, and are happy with the MRF-300 RF device, or the more expensive, but far more capable MSC-400, then you'll save a lot of cash.

Frankly, you look like all you need is the MX-3000 and an MRF-300 or 350 and you'll be in remote heaven!

This would be heaven for my sparky prewire vc systems where I have to program press and pray macros for second zone audio sat boxes, xm receivers, and the dreaded denon am/fm zone 2 tuning (or lack there of)

I'll agree with Greg.

It doesn't seem like you need the MSC-400, and if you eventually do, you can buy it later.

Some AD's won't give out the software, such as B&H Photo Video. If you buy from www.proremotes.com, www.surfremote.com, or www.bluedo.com, they all give out the software.

As for the MX-3500, I don't think we'll even hear about it's release for at least a year.

I first heard the rumor of the MX-3500 and msc-500 at cedia '05.

It will be quite an accomplishment and may take a while. Possibly a loooooong while.

Keep in mind that the msc-500 will probably be close to $1000 in addition to the MX-3500.

Without the msc-500(or whatever they decide to call it), the differences in the remote itself could be marginal.

If your interested in two-way communication, have components that can actually provide it, and are willing to pay the $$$ for the 'extras' it would require, it might be worth the wait.

If standard IR operation would fullfill your needs, buy it now. The mx-3000 is a VERY flexible remote that will probably fulfill the needs of 90% of the buyers for years to come.

Thanks everyone for all of the information and opinions. I've decided to get it. has anyone had any experiences with using their mx-3000 with Luton Maestro IR dimmer switches? I'm not asking for any programming assistance just whether or not the two work well together.

Thanks for all of your patience with me as I ask all of these questions but, I am a remote control noob.

Yes, it will work BUT I would recomend the Lutron 'spacer' switches. They have a clear housing allowing you to have the emitter inside the box if your using an mrf-300 or 350.

The mastro's have a black housing and can only recieve IR from the front. If the dimmers are in front of you, or you don't mind 'pointing' at the dimmer, no problem.

We all have to start somewere. I've not forgotten were I came from!!! ;-)