I am rather new to the Home Theater scene having just completed all the equipment purchases. Key components are as follows:

Panasonic Plasma TH50PX600U
Yamaha VX-2500
DirectTV HD DVR
Sony DVD DVPNS75H
Sony CD
5.1 Surround (Aperion)
IPOD


I just purchased the MX-850 to control this equipment and 1 hour into programming it have become very frustrated (and overwhelmed) that none of the equipment is in the IR database (presumably because it is relatively new stuff). The entire programming/set up seems very complicated (and I consider myself tech savvy). I am considering returning the MX-850 and purchasing the Harmony 890 but thought I would reach out to the experts for advice on the two models. Any input would be appreciated.

The 2500 is in the database. Same goes for the DTV DVR. For the DVPNS75H there are several numbers that are close. You could try one and see if it works. And try the 500P for your Panasonic TV.
Most of the time the codes do not change with the newer models.
If you have more questions try posting in the URC forum. There are lots of people willing to help out.

the MX- 850 will do more for you than Harmony can. Note there is no help button
Universals editing software is truly not for a just anyone to use it is intended for technicians. So to help you start at the program pull down. If it is not listed in there try all TVs in your size range. If that dose not work try all the [Panasonic1-11]. The nice thing about an MX-850 is you don’t have to use the codes. You can use the lean feature this is very fast. All you need to do is look for the icon on the “Edit and label buttons” window that has a remote with an arrow pointing in to the remote. Also like the harmony the macro’s are very nice. Just hit the Rec button and do what you need to do to make the tv land on the right input and the DVD powering on and amp changing to the right place and so on.

Also when looking up the IR codes change the pull down “IR data from:” to audio or tv so on…

The Harmony(i assume you actually mean 890) will be much easier to set up. I was in a similar situation to you. I tried an MX850 and absolutely hated it. Programming was a major pain. I then got a Harmony and had it set up in about 30 minutes. It works perfectly and is easy for anyone to use, and will do everything the MX850 will do.