i got my M2P in a bundle with a usual controller, it was a while ago and it was shipped with 1B controller version. i could never find where to get 1A one separately.
with smart controller it is easier to use its HDMI out to feed it into anything else.
i agree... i've seen a lot of verbage about using the BT35E with the SC and how easy it is. once you get over the $900 cost of the BT35E, of course. i've seen 1A's on ebay but that's always a roll of the dice.