Hi. New to this forum.

THE SHORT :

What is the best remote that can I buy that I can obtain total programming control over?


THE LONG:

Researching to purchase a universal remote for my home theater system.

Im currently using my remote that came with my B&K Reference 50 to control everything. Its a B&K SR 10.1 which I believe to be a URC MX-700. I love everything about it but the LCD screen. Very dated and the backlighting switch failed and I cant find a replacement.

I looked into URCs current lineup and about 1 hour into my research I discovered that I would have trouble getting it programmed due to URCs Apple-like protectionist policies regarding its software. Im not going to beat that horse as through my research Ive found it thoroughly beaten. I didnt have this problem with the MX-700(B&K SR 10.1) as it came with the software.  

Im very much a DIYer and a PC, not an Apple guy, so Im looking for something that I can get into and play with and customize myself without "help" from others.

It seems that this issue exists with all of URCs new remotes. Are there any URC remotes that the end-user can program? Im not interested in updating as long as I can use all of its features to begin with and learn any commands from my current and future devices(remotes).

Right now Im looking into the Logitech Harmony One but would rather a URC product. Since having the MX-700(B&K) Ive fallen in love with the PC programming depth and level of customization. Not sure if this can be had with the Harmony One.

Thanks

I think you should stick with the Harmony. I'm sure URC and their "Apple-like protectionist policies" would not be a very good fit for you. You could get a Pronto or Nevo, both of their software is available to the DIYers like yourself.

Dont get me wrong here, I think URC is a great company that makes outstanding products. I just wish they had a line of remotes that was at least half way as good as their CI line targeted to the DIY or end-user. Their "residential" or consumer line of remotes are lame at best. If they are afraid of damaging their brand then they should setup a subsidary company to market and sell to consumers instead of being held hostage by dealers. Like I said, this horse has been beaten. Moving on...

So what do you think of the Nevos(Q50/S70) vs. Logitech's Harmony One? Up to this point Ive only looked at the URCs and the Logitechs. I read that RTI, AMX and Crestron have the same software policies as URC.

Are there any other manufacturers of high-end fully customizable universal remotes that make the software available to the owners of the remotes besides Logitech and Nevo? Are you sure Nevo(Q50/S70) provides the SW because Im on their website and I dont see it.

Also, the S70 which is wifi capable operates at a 868mHz bandwidth for Europe. Is this product not for the US domestic market?