hello everyone, my request is simple, I would like a universal remote possibly RF as appose to IR. How ever IR is still an option, but i have been informed its not great in regards to macro setups. I have seen the RTI system but the total cost was around $1200 AUD and the lack of software for the end user is not an option for me, what suggestions do you all have. Many thanks in advance.

As near as I can tell, the only company that makes remotes with the software (legitimately) available to end users is URC. This was a key factor in my decision to go with the MX-980 (and the MX-700 before that). The MX-980 is a great remote (aesthetically, ergonomically, ...), it does IR and RF, CCP, the programming software, is quite good, and my recent experience with URC has been good as well. I think it's certainly worth checking out if they are available in Australia.

parish is wrong in a few things. URC doesn't make the software available to end-users anymore on their higher end remotes.

That being said, Nevo, Pronto, and URC all have good quality RF/IR remotes that do have software available to you. Check their websites to find a local dealer.

I had been thinking in terms of standalone software programs, not internet-based programs, but in any case I guess I'm poorly informed. I completely forgot about the Pronto, but in looking into the Nevo remotes I could have sworn I read that the NevoStudio software was only available to CI's. As for URC is the MX-980 is not considered one of their higher-end remotes? I thought their policy was to allow authorized dealers to provide the software at their discretion.

The software comes in the box with every Nevo remote.

The Q50 and NC50 (Z-wave) will set you back about $1500 to $1600AU...great remote!


Cheers
Jason

Thanks guys for setting me straight and apologies to Andif for the misinformation.

Brings a Samual Clemens quote to mind...

"It ain't what you don't know that's so harmful, it's what you know that just ain't so."

That was why I recomended he find a local URC dealer.