Universal Remote MX-Series (RF)

[airpolgas]

I've been reading up on a possible upgrade to my MX-500 (http://www.universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=55), and the MX-980 (http://www.universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=135), although really pricey, piqued my interest.

I'm familiar with how the newer models have RF capabilities, but I'm under the impression that the RF signal goes to a separate receiver, then that receiver sends out an IR signal to the device.

My question is, for devices with built-in RF - like some Dish Network DVRs - does the remote bypass the URC receiver? If that is possible, I can "hide" my 622 somewhere else and free up some space on the rack.

Thanks.

[DBSNewbie]

I've been reading up on a possible upgrade to my MX-500 (http://www.universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=55), and the MX-980 (http://www.universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=135), although really pricey, piqued my interest.

I'm familiar with how the newer models have RF capabilities, but I'm under the impression that the RF signal goes to a separate receiver, then that receiver sends out an IR signal to the device.

My question is, for devices with built-in RF - like some Dish Network DVRs - does the remote bypass the URC receiver? If that is possible, I can "hide" my 622 somewhere else and free up some space on the rack.

Thanks.

RF Base Stations receive commands from the remote via RF, but relays the command over to the device you wish to control via IR (either through an emitter from the base station itself, called a blaster, or through a small cable with an IR Flasher on the end of it.

The cable with the IR flasher allows you to control multiple identical devices discretely because you are routing each unique command to one specific device. Otherwise, a command from the "blaster" will change channels on all identical receivers or TV's that are placed in its line of site.

So to answer your question, your 622 cannot be in RF mode when used with an MX remote. The 622 has to be in IR mode when used with an MX RF Base station if you wish to "hide" your receiver away from the rack. MX remotes cannot learn the RF commands of other devices.

[airpolgas]

I suspected as much, based on the non-reply from this very tech savvy community. Thanks for the confirmation. I'll just set my eyes on the lower models then. :)