I can't believe I'm considering a purchase after reading this forum, but I really like the look of this box. Also, URC just changed their support policy. In essence, if you buy an MX-3000 brand new through amazon or ebay, they won't let you download the software for it. You only get the required software if you buy through an "authorized" dealer who will charge you an extra $450 for the remote AND try to force their services down your throat.

But I digress.

I'm still considering this RC9800i, and I want to know if I'm insane. I do all of my media distribution through structured wiring using the MCE upstairs and the XBOX 360 in the family room (acting as a Media Center Extender). All I need to do is: (1.) consolidate remotes. I'd like to have full function though. (2.) program activity-based macros. In other words, create one button for the wife to switch from live cable tv, to DVD mode on the XBOX. Another example would be a single button to turn everything off. One issue of concern for me has to do with power on/off. Are there discreet IR commands for "On" and "Off?" If not, I could picture the "turn everything off" macro turning some components ON--that would drive her nuts.

Here's my setup:

NAD T753 (Receiver)
Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3100HD (Cable Box)
Sony KV34 XBR800 (TV)
XBOX 360 (XBOX 360)

So what's the deal? Am I bonkers or what?

when setting up devices/activities it asks you if this device is "always on", which would exclude it from the turn off all devices button. Also, you can control individual devices power buttons, and the re-synch(fix) button is on every screen which has a power and input button for each device defined in an activity.

I got the part about always on exclusion.

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Do you mean that if a component falls out of sync, I can manually go to the screen for that device, and press the power button to get it back into sync?

That would drive my wife nuts. The problem is the XBOX 360 has a fan and heat, so we like to turn it off when not in use. Therefore, I'd like to set up three macros (at least): (1.) Play a DVD (which would include a "power on" command for the XBOX), (2.) Watch TV (which would include a "power off" for the XBOX), and (3.) power everything off. As you can see, these macros would never be in sync with simple power toggle command. My understanding is that the XBOX 360 does support discrete power on and off commands, but you have to be able to program the remote with the hex codes. The commands can't be "learned" from the original remote, because it uses a single toggle button to save space.

I think I answered my own question. I don't think I can use this remote.

If your equipment is out of sync when you turn on the activity, you'll find a small button, called fix, on the appearing screen. It opens a small overlay screen where all the devices can be turned on and if the input is incorrect it can be corrected as well. This is so straightforward that I could learn it my girlfriend.

Here solution for out of sync problems was turning the activity off and on again (which also works but is not elegant)

There are discreet buttons for turning on and turning off. Turning on and off is well implemented. Sometimes a device stays on when turning everything off, but that is usually caused by pointing the remote the other way around when it is still busy shutting the devices down.

Now to answer your questions, first of all when switching from one activity to another the remote doesn't turn off the devices of the old activity (all devices stay on). You definitely cannot program hex codes in the remote, you'll have to learn the ir code or they must be in the database. So I think you're right and that you cannot use this remote. I can guarantee you that you will be frustrated.

But your problem was exactly mine, all remotes which come close to what I want are not do it yourself and need to be purchased including installation of a authorized dealer and then you have still no access to the software and updates. So until better options are available I stick to this remote.

Best regards,

De Pampi

Thanks.

One more question. Does anyone know if this device exists:

An Ethernet box with IR Emiters. I could use a UMPC or Pocket PC as the remote over Wi-Fi. The Remote Macros and Button Presses would be sorted out by the "box," and sent to the components via IR emitters.

I haven't found such a device.