RadioPatriots,
Reading your posted has me intrigued about the 436. The programming would likely be a problem for me with the 396, but being able to program easily might push me to the 436. Since the 436 is a new (2014) product, it looks like it will be around for a while. I'm not in a big hurry to get it.
Does it use the Radio Reference database? Or does Uniden have some arrangement with radio reference for the database? Can someone explain where the Uniden (or the scanner) gets the frequencies from?
I'm not Radio Patriots, but I can still answer the question.
The 436HP
does use the RadioReference database. Download and install the software Uniden provides (Sentinel, which is free), update the software database from the server, then update the scanner. Then, enter your zip code, after choosing the service types you wish to monitor, and you'll be up and scanning in ten to 15 minutes, or less.
HRO had it on sale around July 4th, but now it's back up at 499.95. I've seen a couple in the ~490.00 range from time to time. Some people simply do not like the scanner, and have sold their units at a substantial discount (check the classifieds here as well as eBay or perhaps a local pawn shop). Frankly, mine does everything I expected it to do. Handles the only (for now) Phase II system near me, as well as the wide mix of analog and digital,Vhf to 800MHz, channels and systems here in the DFW Metro area.
However, unless you want a "true" handheld case setup such as the 436 (or 396XT), take a second look at the Home Patrol 1. Yes, it's not a 'true' handheld, in that it does not lend itself readily to use with a belt clip (I saw where some one, a third party, had a "kit" for that". And, no, it does not do Phase II, though at present, that does not appear to be something you need in your area, though it might be a consideration for areas you travel to, either on business, or visiting friends and family. That's an unknown factor. The other difference is that with the 436, you can program systems and frequencies from the keyboard. You can't do that with the Home Patrol unless you purchase the Extreme upgrade. At $100, that pushes the cost to that of the 436. Otherwise, if that is not a concern, the Home Patrol also contains the RadioReference database, both the HP-1 & 436 will allow you to plug in a GPS unit and the scanner will literally program itself as you drive. The HP one can be found for about $100 less than the 436HP, though as noted, the 436 is the current 'latest & greatest' model available.
Note that you
can program a 396XT. Yes, there is a learning curve, but it can be done. Once you grasp the concept of how it handles frequency and system entry, it is very logical. There's a lot of help available here in the forums, along with user guides online and in the Wiki, so you can get assistance if needed, no matter which scanner you eventually acquire.