URC 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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CNET editors' review
URC Digital R50 price range: $72.48 - $149.99
- Reviewed by: John P. 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.
With a wide range of ever-improving offerings, Logitech's Harmony line of PC-programmable remote control have gobbled up a large share of the universal remote-control market in recent years. Still, there are plenty of people who just don't like the fact that you need to do the bulk of the setup duties for those units while they're tethered to a computer. For that crowd, the URC Digital R50 will be a breath of fresh air. (URC is short for "Universal Remote Control," the aptly-named company that also makes remotes under the Home Theater Master brands, as well as many of the "generic" remotes that are packaged with cable boxes and other devices.)
The Digital R50 combines a color information screen with a standard control wand full of DVR-friendly buttons, and uses a built-in programming wizard that makes it fairly straightforward to replace the remotes of up to 18 component devices. It is 9 inches long by 2.25 inches wide; once you load the 4 AA batteries (included), it feels substantially solid in your hand. It has 44 hard, rubber keys, plus a five-way directional pad. The top quarter of the unit is a 2-inch, 176x220 color screen flanked by eight contextual buttons, the functions of which change depending upon what's on the screen (the bottom two are usually "page back" and "page forward," allowing you to move between multiple screens). Screen brightness and resolution is excellent, and the unit's device icons and channel logos look great.
Below that are the volume and channel controls. The directional pad dominates the center of the remote; it's encircled by DVR-friendly "guide, "menu," "info," and "exit" keys. Below that are the video-transport controls (play, pause, fast-forward, and rewind, as well as dedicated "skip back" and "skip forward" buttons). The bottom quarter of the remote is a standard 12-digit keypad. (DTV fans will appreciate that there's a dedicated "dash" key, perfect for punching in digital channels.)
In a perfect world, we'd prefer the video-transport controls to be closer to the center, and we wouldn't have gone with the hourglass key layout that pushes some keys too far to the periphery. But all in all, it's a good key layout--better than the Philips Prestigo SRU8010, which made the mistake of isolating the video-transport keys at the bottom. All of the R50 keys are also completely backlit--just click the button on the remote's right-hand side, and the resulting amber glow provides easy visibility, even in complete darkness.
The "main" key underneath the screen could be better called "home." Press it for 5 seconds, and you'll enter the setup mode. Main options include basic and advanced setup, as well as favorite channels and preferences, which are the user settings, such as screen brightness and low-battery warning settings. Using the basic setup option, you can get most of your devices programmed in rapid succession. Follow the onscreen prompts, and the built-in wizard guides you straight through the process. Most mainstream devices will be built into the Digital R50's internal database. Once you choose a device button on the screen (up to 18 devices can be controlled), pick the type of device (TV, audio, DVR, VCR, and so forth) and the manufacturer, and the remote will automatically begin cycling through the codes. Once the device powers off, it asks you to double check the codes, and you can lock them in or try again. We tried several products--TVs, AV receivers, iPod clock radios, and game consoles--and the Digital R50 nailed every one without a problem.
If you've got something a bit more obscure, though, you can use the R50's learning function. Take any existing remote, and you can teach its function to the R50, one button at a time. Likewise, if you've added a device and need something more specific than the default options, you can add a specific function with the learn command as well.
Adding favorite channels is just as easy. The Digital R50 can hold up to 48 favorite channels (eight screens of six each). There are 60 icons from which to choose, including some generic colors. That's not nearly enough for the 2,000-channel universe, but the inclusion of such familiar channel logos as NBC, CBS, Fox, USA, and VH-1, and the capability to add your own labels (on the keypad, a la cell phone text messaging) go a long way.
For those who just want the basics, that will pretty much cover things. But the URC Digital R50's advanced menu offers two other key functions: punch-through functionality and macros. Punch through refers to the capability to take some key functions--volume, channels, video transport, menus (menu, guide, info), power--and have them assigned to specific devices, regardless of what's active. For instance: You can assign volume up, down, and mute to always activate those functions on the TV--or the AV receiver--even if the VCR, game system, or cable box is the current active device. Or, for instance: Most folks would assign channels and menus to the cable/satellite box, or video transport to the DVR. URC calls this "cut and paste," and the screen prompts make it pretty easy to "cut" the volume function from the TV and "paste" it to all devices (or just individual ones).
Macros are multistep actions that you can program into the remote. The Digital R50 lets you program more than 800 macros of up to 255 steps each. The macros can be multidevice, as well. Just start the macro "recorder," and punch in the functions you want in the order you want. So, if you'd like to set up a macro that prepares your home theater system for watching a DVD--for instance, powering up the DVD player, TV, and AV receiver; flipping the latter two products to the right inputs; and setting the TV to "cinema mode"--you can do it.
It's not called "advanced" mode for nothing, however--beginners will probably want to steer clear. Macros work better with premium devices, such as TVs and receivers that have discrete inputs, and the more elaborate ones take a lot of knowledge and patience to get working correctly. That said, the only problem we had was in not knowing how to program pauses (to allow a TV some power-up time before switching inputs, for instance). As it turns out, you just tap the pause button while in program mode for a half-second delay (5 seconds equals 10 pause commands). But that wasn't clearly explained in the Digital R50's quick-start guide.
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.
So: Is the URC Digital R50 worth buying? Certainly, there's a lot to like here, and the benefits easily outweigh the few quibbles we had with the unit's design and ergonomics. We'd place it somewhere in between the Philips Prestigo SRU8010 and many of the Logitech Harmony models. But that's where preferences and pricing will begin to play a big role. We generally prefer the task-based control options and PC-programming offered by the Logitech remotes--many of which can be had for less than the URC Digital R50's $150 asking price. Likewise, TV-centric users looking for more flexible channel-favorites options (separate fave lists for each family member) and who are willing to sacrifice more advanced macro-programming capability will probably find the cheaper Philips Prestigo the better buy. Conversely, if you want a powerful remote that's well-designed and easy to set up--without the need to connect your computer--the URC Digital R50 is a great choice. We'd just like to see it priced closer to the $99 level.
User reviews
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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!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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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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.
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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
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Buy this remote!
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, 2009 -
Easy Basic Set Up, Not So Easy Advanced Features
by pwirgano on March 5, 2009
Pros: Costs Less Than Logitech One Remote. Very easy basic set up.
Cons: Advanced features are difficult to set up. Remote ONLY has basic set up manual, no online full manual, and tech support not helpful
Summary: The reason to purchase a universal remote is to get rid the multiple other remotes you're using, ie. TV, cable box, DVD, home theater. The basic set up for ...
Summary: The reason to purchase a universal remote is to get rid the multiple other remotes you're using, ie. TV, cable box, DVD, home theater. The basic set up for this remote is very easy and takes about 30 minutes. However, to use the remote for all the different items, then you have to push multiple buttons which is inconvenient. For example, to turn on the TV you push the Main button, push the TV select button, and then push the On button. Then to turn on the cable box, you have to follow the same sequence, and so on. UCR's solution is to program the remote using "macros" so that you can turn on-off all your items with one button. Sounds good, but not so easy to accomplish since the remote only comes with brief instructions which does not detail the process of advanced set up. Although I'm no tech geek, I'm versed in electronics set up and this remote is not intuitive to use.
Their website doesn't have detailed instructions for this device, perhaps it's too new. Their web support also doesn't provide much help, and they emailed me the paragraph from the brief instructions booklet which isn't helpful to begin with anyway.
The advantage of this remote is that it's about $100 less than the highly ranked Logitech One remote. It may be worth the extra $$. -
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. -
Good Remote
by mike_julius on January 24, 2009
Pros: Solid build
Once working....Cons: Macros are tough to set up
Poor customer service
Poor battery lifeSummary: Macros made me dizzy trying to figure how to set them up. E-mailed customer support absolutely no help!!! Once I finally figure it out, went through the batteris doing it, ...
Summary: Macros made me dizzy trying to figure how to set them up. E-mailed customer support absolutely no help!!! Once I finally figure it out, went through the batteris doing it, it is a good remote.
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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.
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 components. It features a large, color LCD and provides a setup wizard right on the LCD screen for quick & 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 & 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 & VCR. The DIGITAL R50 is designed to be set-up by anyone - no professional installer is needed. And set-up does not require any special knowledge of computers, programming or AV equipment.
General
- Device Type Universal remote control
- Width 2.3 in
- Depth 1.1 in
- Height 8.9 in
- Weight 8.8 oz
Remote Control
- Connectivity Technology Infrared
- Supported Device Qty 18
- Supported Devices Audio/video components, TV, DVD player, VCR, Cable box, Satellite TV system
- Max Operating Distance 49 ft
- Features Learning, Programmable, Macro function
- Display LCD display - 2 in TFT active matrix
- Color Display Yes
Power
- Battery 4 x Standard battery - AA type - Alkaline
- Included Qty 4
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Universal Remote Control, Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Universal Remote Control, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.universal-remote.com/
- Address:
271 North Ave., New Rochelle, NY - Phone: 800-901-0800
- Fax: 914-235-5902
