Universal Remotes: MX850 vs MX950

[CPA]

I'm looking to get a universal remote for my home theater. Technically, my remote for the Denon 2805 is a programmable universal but a couple of things drive me nuts:
1. It does the basic functions only for each device. Anything more advanced like faving favorite channels programmed in, or labels for macros, can't be done.
2. Even when I use the learning feature for other buttons I need, I forget where I programmed something in, especially after a few glasses of wine.

I've narrowed things down to the MX850 or 950. I'd like something that can keep up with new codes for all the equipment. Any thoughts on a comparison of the two?
And how difficult are these to self program? I'm rather tech savy for a woman, and reluctant to shell out the $ and likely still have annoying glitches to fix myself.
Finally, do I need the RF extender? My equipment is in an open rack but I was told that it's best to have the RF device since otherwise you have to point more towards the TV or more towards the rack depending on what macro you're using.

Thanks!

 

[ruadmaa]

MX Series Universal Remotes

I'm looking to get a universal remote for my home theater. Technically, my remote for the Denon 2805 is a programmable universal but a couple of things drive me nuts:
1. It does the basic functions only for each device. Anything more advanced like faving favorite channels programmed in, or labels for macros, can't be done.
2. Even when I use the learning feature for other buttons I need, I forget where I programmed something in, especially after a few glasses of wine.

I've narrowed things down to the MX850 or 950. I'd like something that can keep up with new codes for all the equipment. Any thoughts on a comparison of the two?
And how difficult are these to self program? I'm rather tech savy for a woman, and reluctant to shell out the $ and likely still have annoying glitches to fix myself.
Finally, do I need the RF extender? My equipment is in an open rack but I was told that it's best to have the RF device since otherwise you have to point more towards the TV or more towards the rack depending on what macro you're using.

Thanks!

I am currently using several of the MX500 series remotes so I can't help you with your particular model number. I will say that you definitely DO NOT need an RF extender for these devices. I can point mine on the floor, ceiling, wall or just about any place and the remote works just fine. The 500 series is very easy to program so I suspect the more advanced models to be more or less the same as far as difficulty in programming.