Manage updates with the Download AppURC Digital R50
Manufacturer: Universal Remote Control, Inc. Part number: R50
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The URC Digital R50's successful combination of good ergonomics, solid design, and easy programmability makes it a good alternative to Logitech Harmony universal remotes.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
URC Digital R50 price range: $180.00
- Reviewed by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 10/19/2008
- Released on: 10/20/2008
The good: Controls 18 devices; easy, wizard-based programming using built-in screen--no need to connect to a PC; capability to learn from other remotes; large, superbright screen with eight contextual hard buttons; backlit keypad; multidevice macro programming.
The bad: No rechargeable-battery option; button layout is good, but could be better; some programming functions could be more straightforward; costs almost twice as much as similar, competing models.
The bottom line: The URC Digital R50's successful combination of good ergonomics, solid design, and easy programmability makes it a good alternative to Logitech Harmony universal remotes.
User reviews
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Love this Remote!!
by Maugrim-WOW on August 4, 2009
Pros: Easy to use, easy to set up, self contained.
Cons: None that I have found thus far.
Summary: I have tried other remotes, Logitech's harmony versions of late as well. This is the Best Remote I have purchased and owned in a very long time. Very easy ...
Summary: I have tried other remotes, Logitech's harmony versions of late as well. This is the Best Remote I have purchased and owned in a very long time. Very easy to set up, easy to ?fine tune?. I recently purchased all up-to-date A/V equipment and it controls everything I own. Tivo, LCD, THX sound system and Blue-Ray. I liked it so much I bought one for my parents and even they have found it easy and comprehensive to use and operate. It replaced 5 large remotes and till has room for more! Hope this finds you well.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Most intuitive embedded user interface ever
by terogers on March 12, 2010
Pros: Virtually everything
Cons: Would be nice if it also could be programmed from a pc or mac, would be nice if the macros were a teensy bit more flexible, and it would be nice if the batteries lasted forever. But it would be nice if it were free, too, so everyone could have one.
Summary: I've designed hundreds of embedded user interfaces, studied the subject seriously for 30+ years. The design team that produced this device deserves an award. Outshines any other similar device ...
Summary: I've designed hundreds of embedded user interfaces, studied the subject seriously for 30+ years. The design team that produced this device deserves an award. Outshines any other similar device I've seen or owned.
I carefully read dozens of users manuals before buying this remote, mainly curious as to how the heck it could possibly deliver given it's description.
Every time I sat down with it, I was prepared on several levels to work around the idiosyncrasies of the UI design.
Idiosyncratic it is (of course: they all are), but there was never a struggle or even a glitch. Not a moment of annoyance, and I am the ultimate critic of this corner of the design world.
Every time, it simply worked, and we were using it before the significance of that fact fully sunk in.
It is the oddest feeling, being done using the interface before I've fully glimpsed the character of the team behind it. These guys are really, really good; I'll bet there's a sound reason for the choice of button placement mentioned in the review, too, but it's not anything that rises to the level of conscious awareness when I'm using it.
Come to think of it, maybe that's it.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Overall good remote just a few technical issues
by Ron1Zuber on July 27, 2009
Pros: Basic setup is very easy (no need for a manual)
Display is very nice
Not having to program from a computer
Learning function and the copy/paste function are perfect
Easy to program no matter what your tech levelCons: none thus far (just a factory defect with a hard button not recording macros)but not much you can do about that, but send it back.
Summary: The only reason I didn't give this remote a 5 star rating is I am currently in the process of having to return the remote due to my "Power ...
Summary: The only reason I didn't give this remote a 5 star rating is I am currently in the process of having to return the remote due to my "Power On" button not being able to record a macro...I know that may not seem like a huge issue for a lot of users however when I spend $100 or so for a remote I expect for all of it's functions to be operational. Other than that issue (in which I called tech support and they told me to send it in and I would have a 3 week turn around before I saw a remote again) I have been very happy with the remote. Macro's may be a little tricky at first but once you spend a little time with it you will get the hang of it....I recommend that you start off with simple macro and test it out and then move on to the more complex ones. The set up and learning functions of this remote are absolutely great, no need for a manual and you can program anything (minus Playstation). Re-naming device labels and hiding buttons/pages is a breeze as well. Just be patient and give yourself a little time to play with it and you will be rewarded with a great remote!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Buy this remote!
by hoomook on April 9, 2009
Pros: - incredibly flexible macro programming
- learning feature
- powerful IR blaster
- good ergonomicsCons: -when programming devices you can't test all of your buttons to ensure you can access the features most important to you
Summary: I have a problem with this excerpt from the review:
"The other problem we had was that you can't create a new soft button (onscreen) while in macro mode. ...Summary: I have a problem with this excerpt from the review:
They did cover the pause button in the review. They just omitted the push and hold feature.
"The other problem we had was that you can't create a new soft button (onscreen) while in macro mode. Instead, we had to create a fake device or function first, and then assign the macro to it thereafter. The fact that we had to hack that process together was an oversight in the R50's otherwise-straightforward setup routine."
Although this is a great work around you don't have to do this. A major exclusion from this review is creating push and hold macros. If you are programming a macro and make the pause button your 1st step this inserts a .5 second delay; every press of the pause button will add another .5 seconds.
If you program a macro in this manner on one of your device buttons this will create a dual purpose button. If you just depress the button you bring up the device page BUT if you press and hold the button it will activate the macro. This is great b/c you don't have to create fake devices and you can easily access your device w/out activating the macro.
There's a more detailed review of the R50 at remotecentral dot com
Updated on Apr 9, 20091 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Simplify your life........
by shadow5250 on January 30, 2009
Pros: EVERYTHING!!! Easy to setup, use, seems durable, intuative.....
Cons: NO Problems at all!!!
Summary: I own a Sony RM-AV3000. It controled everything I own and then some. My wife hated it for it's size and she couldn't remember how to use it. ...
Summary: I own a Sony RM-AV3000. It controled everything I own and then some. My wife hated it for it's size and she couldn't remember how to use it. It died slowly over the past 2 yrs. I started researching remotes and found the R50. I didn't want a harmony (I try not to have what everyone else has), and this seemed to fit the bill. I kept looking for a good price for a while until a couple days ago when the price dropped significantly! I immediately hit buy!
When I got it, I was perplexed to see that there wasn't a full manual/booklet. Just a pamphlet or "Quick Start Guide". Surprisingly that's all you need. The wizard is incredible (Read everything on the screen though!) I sat there in front of the TV (NO Computer Downloads) and programmed the basics for now (TV, audio, cable, and DVD). It took me 10 MINUTES!!!! When I finished, I handed it to my wife. Showed her the basics of it and she was completely satisfied!!! She considers herself a "Techonological Peasant" and the fact that she can master this that quickly shows how intuitive it is. I've not messed with the macros, but will soon. BUY IT!!!!
Only thing I don't like is how the volume works. Press more then a couple time in succession & it'll significantly increase or decrease the volume. I'll get used to it though.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Solid Remote
by s-sonic88 on November 3, 2008
Pros: All hard buttons
Cons: Macro programming
Summary: I have been using Universal remotes since the SL-9000, also the MX-500, URC-200 and most recently the MX-900...all good but not perfect remotes. This one is not perfect either ...
Summary: I have been using Universal remotes since the SL-9000, also the MX-500, URC-200 and most recently the MX-900...all good but not perfect remotes. This one is not perfect either but there is a lot to like. This is the consumer version of the professional MX-450, which I couldn't find anywhere yet. The only difference being the MX-450 is also RF capable. I was leaning towards the MX-810, which is similar and a little more expensive and is RF capable but it is programmed using a PC. The reviews I read were positive for the remote but very negative for the software. The MX-900 I owned was programmed the same way and it could be frustrating at times. Setting up the devices was pretty straight forward especially if you have used URC remotes before. Even though you are only choosing a brand and not an exact model the majority of the buttons were set up correct. Be prepared to invest some time customizing the devices and learning some buttons. I haven't spent much time yet setting up macros but so far it doesn't seem as straight forward as setting up the devices. After a couple of hours I have set up and customized all my devices (8) and I am very pleased with most of the button locations, the feel and quality of the remote. No rechargable battery so you will have to buy your own. I have used a number of Harmony remotes as well and even though the macros are set up automatically there still has to be quite a bit of customization. I believe ultimately this will be my favorite remote I have owned.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Super easy to use, very intuitive.
by zoebidell on June 15, 2012
Pros: Very easy to program! Good button placement. Signal to TV is quick/sensitive. Can program many devices. It was the perfect present for my bf, who is very tech-savvy. I didn't want to spend much, but wanted sleek and fancy with no touch screen.
Cons: Feels off-kilter in your hand at first, but you get used to it. If you have small baby hands like I, you have to shift your hand a lot, or use two to operate all the buttons successfully. Runs out of battery fast with regular batteries. No keyboard.
Summary: Definitely the BEST pick for anyone looking for a CHEAP remote that works well with NO ISSUES, looks SOPHISTICATED, and wants to eliminate CLUTTER! This is not the remote for ...
Summary: Definitely the BEST pick for anyone looking for a CHEAP remote that works well with NO ISSUES, looks SOPHISTICATED, and wants to eliminate CLUTTER! This is not the remote for you if you are looking for a touch screen or something to control your blinds/lights/your entire house. But for anyone else this is amazing!
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Better than Harmony-if you want to cntrl specific unit
by njelectro on February 7, 2010
Pros: Surprisingly easy to set up and get basic functions working
Price
Build qualityCons: no PC interface
would be good if they had a list of model numbers and what codes are best recommendedSummary: I have owned 2 Harmony remotes. In regards to Harmoney. I loved the PC interface and that they have done the hard work of what buttons and codes go with ...
Summary: I have owned 2 Harmony remotes. In regards to Harmoney. I loved the PC interface and that they have done the hard work of what buttons and codes go with what device. The problem with Harmony is that you always have to start from everything being off. If you run an activity and one component is on by mistake , it shuts it off, you have to get up anyway or with difficulty find the power toggle through the device setting. Very cumbersome and I find we have all the remotes nearby in case we need to get everything to a base state. My wife and I got fed up and I found this R50.
What I LOVE about this R50 is that it is a COMPONENT based remote not an ACTIVITY based remote (although you CAN program activities). I find it easier to use and it has ON and OFF hard buttons right on the top of the remote- so you select the device and turn it- and only it- on or off - without scrolling through pages to turn a single device on and off. If Harmony added this- it would be a superior remote, but until they do- I find it maddening.
The R50 set up easy enough. But for my Samsung Blu Ray- there are about 20 codes to try. You have to try each one and see which ones gives you the best optional buttons. It would be better if Univeral remote had a web site where you look up your model number and they tell you what is the preferred code for that device.
The learning feature is VERY easy to use and excellent.
Glad I bougtht it. Worth it. Much cheaper than harmony. -
OK, but needs some work
by WTS54 on September 13, 2009
Pros: Great display
Cons: Hard to follow the instructions for advanced features. They need better online support.
Summary: If there was better support, it would be an excellent device for the money.
Summary: If there was better support, it would be an excellent device for the money.
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Solid and reliable
by Merkel1 on July 7, 2009
Pros: costs less than Logitech remote, solid build
Cons: short battery life
Summary: Once you get the macros set up, it sure simplfies your life
Summary: Once you get the macros set up, it sure simplfies your life
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Universal Remote Control, Inc.
- Part number: R50
- Description: The digital R50 makes it easy for your whole family to enjoy the home entertainment system and controls up to 18 component! It features a large, color LCD and provides a setup wizard right on the LCD screen for quick and easy configuration. Simply answer a few questions - no Internet or PC required. And it has thousands of built-in control codes to assure full control of your components. The exciting R50 is learning capable, too, so it's able to learn functions and commands from other remotes. It will never become obsolete. It's truly the last remote control you will ever need. In addition it offers 48 my favorite channels, MacroPower buttons (for single-button press to turn on/off all components, switching sources, inputs and more) and SimpleSound, a dynamic feature for total volume control over all components in your system, even those without built-in volume control, such as TiVo, DVD and VCR.
General
- Remote type Universal remote control
- Remote control technology Infrared
- Dimensions (WxDxH) 2.3 in x 1.1 in x 8.9 in
- Weight 8.8 oz
Overview
- Features Programmable ,
Macro function ,
Learning - Number of supported devices 18
- Supported devices Audio/video components ,
TV ,
DVD player ,
VCR ,
Cable box ,
Satellite TV system - Max operating distance 49 ft
- Display LCD display - 2 in
- Color display Yes
Power
- Battery 4 x Standard battery - AA type - Alkaline
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Universal Remote Control, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Universal Remote Control, Inc.
- Address:
271 North Ave., New Rochelle, NY - Phone: 800-901-0800
- Fax: 914-235-5902
