Universal Remote URC300 15 Device Universal Remote Control (Silver & Black) by Universal Remote Control, Inc.
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List Price: Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Universal Remote URC300 15 Device Universal Remote Control (Silver & Black)
Digital camera Review: An Extremely good remote
Summary: 5 Stars
We bought this remote after trying a string of cheaper universal remotes that always came close, but didn't control everything. We always seem to have the one component that there is no pre-programmed code for, or the function couldn't be learned by the universal remote for who knows what reason. This remote is the first one that controls everything and seems to be able to learn ANY function. We love it. It is backlit, and has a touch screen that works quite well. We have customized the menus to control our HDTV(HP), our DVD Player(Samsung), and our cable box (Motorolla). I hope to control an apple TV with it soon. I highly recommend this remote.Digital camera Review: Best Value for Your Money (Well---mine, anyway)
Summary: 4 Stars
I won't take up a lot of space repeating what others have said. Not having a PC interface, not being able to edit macros, the set placement of the default device keys, and having the LCD screen always on (although I don't mind that so much, thanks to rechargeable batteries) are indeed minor weaknesses of this remote. That said, though, I'm absolutely thrilled with its performance.
I had a few issues at first when trying to learn the functions of a couple remotes, but when I put fresh batteries in the "feeding" remotes, the URC300 suddenly had no problem whatsoever. That's just a tip if you're trying to learn other remotes---save yourself a headache and put fresh batteries in your old remote first. It'll send a stronger signal to the URC300, which will in turn recognize and replicate the command that much easier.
Basically, anyone who's not afraid to get a little down and dirty with programming it (and once you do it once, it goes pretty fast) should be more than happy with the URC300. My wife even figured out how to use it with my admittedly complicated AV setup (Xbox/Xbox360/PS2/Wii/VCR/Cable/HDTV/Surround Sound) without me warning her that I had replaced all the other old remotes with it. THAT is saying something. She loves it, and when I showed her that she could turn everything on and have it set to the right input & aspect ratio on the TV with ONE press of a button, thanks to the macros, she was as impressed as I was. Just remember that you may need to included some pauses in between commands when setting macros. I had to toy with the timing for my TV.
There may be newer remote models out that that come with software, but honestly, I'm kind of glad to not have to install yet another program on my PC. With a little patience, the URC300 works incredibly well, and in my opinion there isn't a better option out there for the money. The tech-savvy will want to be on hand to program it, but once that dirty work is done, just about anyone can use it.
It does come with an evidently useful how-to DVD, but I've become proficient with the device without viewing the help video. The fairly straightforward manual was all I needed, and now I can customize the thing to my heart's content. Impressive build quality, too--this does not feel cheap at all, and the lightly rubberized underbelly and hard keys give it a good feel in your hand. Whole-heartedly recommended.
Digital camera Review: Best for people that really want a customized remote control experience
Summary: 4 Stars
This remote can be fully customized. Once you get to know its capabilities, you can easily mix and match commands from any device on a single screen. You can easily label and sort the screen buttons in any way you want. You can create macros and even create activities instead of plain devices if that's what you want.
Of course you will need to spend time reading the manual, experimenting and planning your setup.
This remote also has better ergonomics than other I have tried on the same price range. You need good ergonomics if you are planning to use it for TiVO or other DVR as you are likely to keep it in your hands all the time to fast forward commercials, etc.[...]
In summary: if you want to be able to really customize every detail of the control, this is the one for you.
If you are a more casual user that don't want to spend much time learning to program and customize your control, maybe the Logitech Harmony line would be a better fit for you, but watch for ergonomics.
Digital camera Review: Better than the others
Summary: 1 Stars
Ok, I bought a TV/VCR/DVD combo, and so far there is not a remote out there that works without having to manually learn each button for it. That includes this one. But so far, this remote is one of the better ones I have used. It's touchscreen feature and programs and menus re-programability make it easier to set up the way YOU think they should be. Easy to set up and customize. Most common buttons already there.Digital camera Review: Cheaper than an RF repeater
Summary: 5 Stars
Very satisfied with the remote. Easily programmable and supports macros. I bought the MRF-1000 to go with it and have been very pleased with the result. I installed the MRF-100 in my cabinet with cable box and DVD player. The RF/IR capability of the set allows for remote control without line of sight. I can leave my cabinet doors closed and the remote works great. The two devices cost less than other IR repeater options I looked at and did not require any drilling in the cabinet for sensors.
Highly recommended if you need an IR repeater solution to hide your electronics in a cabinet or closet.