I guess this is what the dealer was referring to:

Following clip was copied from RemoteCentral.com, titled, 'URC Complete Control MX-900 Remote Control & MSC-400 Review' page 5.

 "As mentioned earlier, the MX-900 is part of the company’s “Complete Control” series of professional grade remotes, which means that it’s primarily intended for custom installers. Due to a policy shift around the same time that the MX-900 was first introduced, this means that none of the company’s current Complete Control remotes ship with the requisite PC editing software on CD – instead, the authorized retailer or installer obtains this software direct from the manufacturer."...

kelA & dvcdude: You both are correct. The unit is a professional-grade product.  I will receive the remote this coming Thursday as it's in transit via FedEx. The company I purchased it from is sending the programming software and image library to me tomorrow and I believe this includes the manual or a link to where I can download a copy. I will let you know how the programming went after I receive everything and have time to work with it. We have company coming over next weekend so hopefully I'll be able to have the remote ready in time. -Glenn

 Universal is a great company...  Your choice looks cool!

Let us know what u figure out! 

Roger 

 i like that universal remote.  i saw it at starpower.  i have one of those questions.....regarding the rf extender.  do you just plug that into a wall and have it sitting out?  is there any other cords you need to plug in for it to work?  i was looking at the harmony 1000 and i think that remote doesn't even use a rf extender.  are there any other remotes that don't use that?  

thanks guys.... 

 If it is like the other universal remotes... Yes, plug it in... the leads go to your components (eyes)   So just hang it next to your system or on the wall next to it..

Works great!  

Glenn, Yes please let us know how everything goes. I have purchased the MX-900 which is the younger stepbrother to the 980. I just decided to let the dealer program the remote, since I probably would not have the patience to program it. They are still programming it, so I havent had a chance to play.I am going to ask if they can leave me the software along with a copy of their remote control database for future upgrades to my system. I have read a lot of reviews where the user gets frustrated with the programming and returns it. I did have a chance to play with my dealer's MX-980 demo and I am sure you will love it once you get it programmed. Good luck.-Kelly

You do need the RF extender for this remote. I have ordered it, too. It's a 2-piece affair with an FX-250 antenna module and base unit. The MRF-350 base unit has an infrared flasher on it capable of flooding nearby components with IR signals. Also there are plugs in the back into which six (6) IR flashers plug with 10 foot wires that allow you to glue each flasher over the front of any theater component's Infrared sensor. It can be expanded to include up to 15 MRF-350s to control a total of up to 90 separate components or zones, all from this one remote.

I see URC is set to release (2)new models in the coming month. The MX450 and MX-880 priced at $250 and $499 respectively. I may have to cancel my order for the MX-900 and look into the MX 880 instead. Much like the MX810, but software editor is based on the MX-900. Much easier programming so I'm told.  

http://www.universalremote.com/resources/pdfs/MX-880_features.pdf

I reviewed the handsome, MX-880, too and simply decided to go with the MX-980 because it has more buttons and selections on its larger screen. By the way, my MX-980 arrived along with the RF Extender yesterday. It sure is purdy (pretty blue lights)! Since I've played with the software all week long in anticipation of the remote's arrival, I already had the programs pretty much written when it got here. After charging the remote for a couple of hours, it only took a few minutes to upload the program from my laptop to the remote via the supplied USB cable. Tonight I will hook up the RF extender system and see how the whole thing works. -Glenn

Ok I sell Universal and sell alot of Universal. IR only solid as a rock. If you need rf features they are very hit and miss. Dosen't really matter on model of remote or rf base. If I have a budget customer ir only I go with Universal. For the last several years we have used RTI (Remote Technologies Inc.) for rock solid rf performance. Just our experiences, yours may vary...

Todd

OK, all my equipment is line of sight. Would I be better off just staying IR even with long macro strings, or should I invest in the RF base? Still waiting on my MX-900 since it was on backorder.

"to control a total of up to 90 separate components or zones, all from this one remote."

Woo Hooo  Yes, but can it tuck you in bed at night, and give you a kiss good night too?  hehehehehe

Good Choice Glen! 

Let us know what you think!  

 But the Question is............will it do the Dishes??????????????

90 componets !...........wow talk about over developing a Product !