MX-900 Editor. The most popular version of this product among our users is 1.1. The names of program executable files are MX880Editor.exe, MX900Editor.exe, MX950Editor.exe and MXEditor.exe. The product will soon be reviewed by our informers. Does URC still support MX-Editor? If not, what are people using to program the MX-850? I have the CCP software but that doesn't support the.
So How Do We Begin?
Unlike other programmable remote controls there isno wayto program the MX-700(or accompanying sidekick remote) apart from the MX Editor software, available as a free download atwww.hometheatermaster.com. This is by design as the MX-700 remote control is meant to be aprofessional OEM product, intended for high-end home theaterinstallations and enthusiasts who want the best money can buy. Theremote controls actually used to come in 3-packs, but are now availablein single units packs with a CD-ROM containing the software andinstruction manual. The only paper 'instructions' are more of anoverall feature set which you can then leave with the user as a shortoverview on the general use of the remote control (once you'veprogramed it for their equipment.) If you're looking for something thatdoesn't require a computer interface, consider the MX-500, and if RF isyour bag, then the MX-800 gives you all the functionality and power ofthe MX-700, but with an RF interface so you don't have to physicallypoint the remote control at your audio equipment.
Programming of the remote control is accomplished through the use ofthe MX Editor software which links to the MX-700 (and Sidekick) via anRS-232 to 1/8' mini TRS cable. Only 3 pins of the cable are reallyused, and we'd recommend getting additional cables directly from HomeTheater Master if you need more (for instance, if you bought an OEM3-pack to split with friends.) Replacement cables are only $10.
Using the MX Editor Software
Except for a couple quirky interface issues, using the MX Editorsoftware was a breeze. You are basically dealing with a visualrepresentation of the MX-700 remote control, with access to all of thebuttons and a database of IR commands from many industry remotecontrols. The first thing to do is run a 'Live Update' from the helpmenu to get the latest firmware, IR codes and software updates. I foundthe IR database to be fairly complete, though it lacked exactname-matching entries for my HK FL-8350 CD player, my Toshiba 32A40 TV,and my Sony DVP-550D DVD player. When I say it lacked exactname-matching entries, it had entries for an HK FL-8550, a genericToshiba, and a Sony DVP-550 (actually, come to think of it, my RX-V3000was referred to as an 'RX-3000'). The Sony and the Yamaha were typos,while the HK referred to a similar CD player model. In either case,using these codes enabled me to have the MX-700 programmed fairlyquickly with the IR database codes.
Customizing After Applying the IR Database Codes
It would be great if that was all there was to it, but then again, Icould have bought a 5-in-1 remote control from Home Depot if that's allI wanted. No, the power of the MX Editor software is in what you doafteryou apply the IR database codes. Your next step will be to decide whatmodifications to make to enable your system to be operated most efficiently from the MX-700. Here aresome basic suggestions for a geral approach to what I feel is a practical programming setup:
- Assign Punch-throughs for volume and mute functions - this enablesto to access your receiver volume in all modes of operation. There'snothing more frustrating than watching a DVD or cable TV and having thevolume control your television instead of the receiver.
- Keep it simple - there's a reason you have customizable buttons viathe LCD. Don't assign receiver controls to number buttons in the hopesthat you will eventually memorize your custom set up. Use the LCDlabels and build a sensible remote that anyone in the family can use.My wife picked up the MX-700 after I programmed it and was using itwithout any guidance form me in less than a few minutes.
- Programallfunctions of each remote into the MX-700. You have up to 4 screensfor each device. Use them so you never have to pick up the originalfactory remote, even if it's for some obscure function like angle oraudio options on your DVD player. I was careful to program all of thesetup functions of my RX-V3000 so that level controls and menufunctions could be accessed without going back to the original remote.
- Put the most commonly used functions on the bottom of the firstcustom LCD page. This is the easiest place to reach. The higher up yougo, the higher you have to stretch your hand to reach the buttons.
- Put the most commonly used functions on the first screen. You don't want to hitthe 'PAGE'button unless you have to, so put all your common functions on the firstscreen.
- Create a device named 'DSP' and place all your DSP programs on that LCD screen.This allows you to access DSP modes from any input mode without having to go to a sub-menu of thereceiver page. You'll probably want the DSP to be in the receiver pages as well, so I actuallyasliased the DSP functionality to the new page (more on aliasing later.)
All in all, you can really get alot out of the MX Editor software. Next, we'll go into somespecific programming tasks you'll use im programming the remote control to work for you.