Just an FYI to others, I was able to get it working again by rolling back just ccp.exe and urcframe.exe I'm not sure if ccp.exe even needs to be rolled back; I tried replacing only that with the old file, and nothing actually changed. urcframe seems to be the main culprit.

there are some weird visual inconsistencies now - the backup I had was from some time in late June, so my copies of the programs are still using the old GUI style, while the graphics for the remotes inside are using a newer gray style that the program gained when I updated... but everything still works OK despite the inconsistencies.

If the July 12th files retain the newer look without the login check, I'd love to get a copy of those (just so everything looks the same), but I understand that RC can't be party to that.

If I had more programming / debugging skill, I'd try to find a way to patch out / skip over the stupid login window... but I changed majors from comp. sci. to info systems for a reason. :P

YIO One was done on Kickstarter and he delivered the product (to really positive reviews/feedback) so I have a fair bit of confidence that this one will be legit as well.

As far as URC, for years everyone bitched about dealers being the bad guys.  URC put dealers in a bad spot by claiming they could give the software out.  It was not a dealers responsibility, but URCs and never should have been passed down to a dealer.  What they have done here is nothing new for them, just just decided to screw a different base of their customers this time.

In my testing I found just doing the URCFrame.exe was enough.  Seems that is the main exe for the not only the programming but also what calls home to check for new updates.

I have not tested connecting to all of my devices yet with this new setup.  Hopefully this will work for a while.  I am sure URC will eventually close the loop with future updates.  And they probably read this forum - thanks alot URC :/.

YIO One was done on Kickstarter and he delivered the product (to really positive reviews/feedback) so I have a fair bit of confidence that this one will be legit as well.

The YIO remote looks impressive, but I'm not a fan of the button layout. I'm a hard button guy. The thing I've always loved about URC remotes is that they have the best hard button layouts out there. In my eyes, the MX-880 is pretty much perfection in terms of ergonomics. The transport controls and other important buttons are all super easy to find without looking. This is precisely why I've been such a dedicated URC customer for so many years. If I am forced to switch to something like the YIO remote at some point, I'll definitely feel like I am taking a big step backwards in this regard.

What user agreement? I just installed the latest (2017) standalone installer that I have. InstallShield displays a "WARNING: This program is protected by copyright laws and international treaties." And then proceeds to install without a user license agreement. I also didn't need to break any seals on envelopes etc since this sw was digitally distributed.

fwiw no user license agreement on live update either...

1.1.3 “URC Software” means the executable code version of the computer programs in all forms that run on the URC Equipment irrespective of how such URC Software is delivered or made available to End User, including, delivery on media or by downloading in electronic form and includes all URC executable files, programming editors, code libraries, IR databases, RS-232 control code data bases, associated DLLs and devices drivers.

3.2 End User shall not use the URC Software or URC Documentation, except expressly designated under this EUA.

3.3 End User shall not copy, reproduce or transmit the URC Software or URC Documentation in any form

3.4 End User may not, directly or indirectly: (a) sell, rent, lease, sublicense, lend, allow access to or otherwise make available, the URC Software or URC Documentation to any entity or person; (b) make modifications to, or generate any derivative work or computer program from, the URC Software or the URC Documentation, (c) distribute, charge or receive any fee for access or use of the URC Software or URC Documentation; or (d) copy, reverse engineer, reverse compile, disassemble, decompile or otherwise manipulate/convert, develop a modified or derivative of the URC Software or URC Documentation or attempt to derive information from such.|

3.5 Use of the URC Software and URC Documentation by End User is limited to the initially installed URC Equipment and URC reserves the right to limit the use of the URC Software by device.

I'm the same - I want buttons, which is why I went with the MX-990, which has 8 instead of 6 LCD buttons, and the color buttons.

I have a 980 for my home theater. The thing still works great 10 years later. If it ever breaks, I'll probably replace it with a 990 (assuming I'll still be able to program it). I have 900's and 880's throughout the rest of my house.

I've been a URC customer for a long time. My first remote was a an MX-500 back when it first came out, and I've bought exclusively URC products ever since. That's why this sudden policy change seems like such a huge slap in the face. I've been a customer for nearly 20 years, and all of the sudden they decide without warning to make all of my products obsolete. That total bulls**t as far as I'm concerned.

I was an MX-3000 beta tester back in 2003-2004 ... the good old days :-)

Started with a Marantz Rxc2000 II as well, then Pronto, then Mx500, then Mx850, Mx3000, Mx950 (still in use in second system), then back to and still using Mx850, I like buttons and fast response, and find it hard to beat. I have a couple as new in boxes for when the current ones dies !