I have both Harmony's and Universal MX's. I program then both for customers on a regular basis. For physical design the only Universal I like is the MX-810 ... it is the only Universal with dedicated keys for record, instant replay, skip forward ... Also has a bright color screen that allows for 2-3 words to describe a function instead of just 5 characters. I also like the Harmony 880, 890, and One for the same reasons. HOWEVER I think Harmony and Universal (for the MX-810) are having a contest to see who can write the worst software with the most bugs and the least stability. The are running neck and neck on this account!! All the other Universal MX's require programming that is beyond the average consumer. So with all that I recommend one of three ... Universal MX-810, Harmony 880/890, or the Harmony One.

Hi Ben ... I followed most everything you've said but I still have one semi-related question. I am an ISF Certified video calibrator and I have been instructing customers to NOT run their HDMI thru their receivers. 99% of the time video sources will have very different video settings on the TV. Running HDMI thru the receiver results in a single, shared input on the TV, thus making it hard to get the best picture from each source.

SO ... In this brave new world of HD audio over HDMI ... How can one get BOTH the best audio AND the best calibrated picture???