I would like to purchase a beo5 at some point  I like the look of them

Very nice object... but no very comfortable remote... 

If you can do all that you want with the BEO4 don't change!!!

If you need macros and/or like the screen, logos, ... buy.. 

The software should be given to customers, absolutely. Just another way to "milk" B&O customers for money.

Exactly the same advice here : the customer is the only one wanting to have a specially tailor-made config, the dealer only sells simple programmation at high cost.

A simple exemple of my config : when I press TV, I have the TV turning on, and all channels logos are displayed on the screen of the Beo6. I have to go to the third page to get special buttons.
In a "dealer-made" configuration, if you press TV, you always have a stupid menu displayed on the Beo5/6, with a "Channels..." button that you have to press before reaching the channels logos... 

I agree that you need to have to tool to make good use of the beo5/6 possibilities.

But I do not think that the average B&O costumer should get this tool; this would probably cause more problems then lead to happy costumers.

Regards,

Bieele

Not THIS unergonomic tool, but a tool designed for the customer : more user friendly, maybe with 2 levels of interfaces : one for simple use (where you can add products in zones, and make simple modifications), and one for advanced programming (macros, third party, full editing)

I have the same opinion, if you want to fine tune the configuration, you need to have the tool.
I configured it for my setup and for my home automation system. Works perfect, but this is to time consuming for a dealer ...
I propose B&O should organise a "certification" training for those who wants to program the BEO5/6. You get the certificate (and the tool) after a (small) test. This way you avoid non-technical people to play with the config tool... No problem if they even ask a small amount of money for this training.... 
I was talking to someone who was interested in this remote only for his home automation projects and not al all for B&O products. Now they have no access to this remote. It could open an new market for this remote ...

nico

Interesting remote but until it is properly two way, I would not use one. I have had a couple of these (Beo5s)  and have got rid of both of them. I have had the software and it is reasonably easy to use - I had one of the first and could even use the first software and am no computer expert!

I've come to like the Beo6 a little better since it started interacting with the BeoSound 5, but as iOS apps get slicker and their capabilities increase, the Beo 6 increasingly feels obsolete. I'm not at all convinced that an iOS app should be the sole means of control, though. A few hard keys for volume and navigation are ideal when watching TV or listening to music, but the reality is that touch screens are the only way to make large complex systems operable and the bar has been set extremely high for design, responsiveness, and intuitive operation. Clicking on a little pixely word has a rudimentary feel that's out of step with what B&O should be offering. I look forward to what's to come, but until then the Beo4 remains a phenomenal remote.