Universal Remote intros versatile MX-980
By Darren Murph 
posted Aug 4th 2007 2:35PM
posted Aug 4th 2007 2:35PM
Hot on the heels of Universal Remote's MX-810 comes the oh-so-versatile MX-980, which aims to allow "professional installers to more quickly and efficiently customize and automate" sophisticated home theaters and entire home AV systems. The wand-style device sports a 320 x 240 resolution display, RF capability, an open programming architecture, and the ability to be programmed by any Windows-based machine with a USB port. Other subtle niceties include a motion sensor that automatically turns on the display when the remote is picked up, blue backlighting for all the buttons, a small integrated speaker, rechargeable Li-ion, and built-in compatibility with the firm's MSC-400 Master System Controller. If you hadn't already recognized, URC is clearly aiming for the high-end crowd with this one, and it's safe to say the $599 pricetag further substantiates that very point.
i have no idea why i'm on this virus kick, but couldn't someone inject malicious code into this remote that would turn it into some kind of death ray? highly likely, i think...
Master System, it's a while since i've heard those two words together, AGES!
I can see stupid issues with the motion sensor... namely, cleaning. If you just pick up the remote and the tube cuts on... that's just stupid, a waste of power, and could also cause whoever is cleaning to get distracted and not continue cleaning. I know, it's not my problem, but, that just seems like a stupid, and lazy feature, cause... it's not THAT hard to cut the TV on.
GR
> a motion sensor that automatically turns on the display when the remote is picked up
It turns on the REMOTE display, not the TV, you silly git! I mean what would be the bloody point of that?!
Why dont they work out a deal with the major HDTV manufacturers so that the menu appears on screen UNOBTRUSIVELY rather than just on the remote?
More here:
http://www.remotecentral.com/wn070803.htm
Keep your PC only remote, I'll stay with Harmony and other companies who support macs.