Universal Remote Control’s MasterControl RF10 is a very affordable alternative to Logitech Harmony remote controls. The RF10 brings fairly deep set of features and convenience to the remote control that cost around $60 at most retailers.
Features
The URC’s RF10 is capable of “learning” from your existing remote control if you cannot program certain devices. Also, it takes the hassle out of programming with the preprogrammed codes that will virtually guarantee to have all the codes for any of the devices you own. As with most programmable remote controls, the RF10 is fully capable of macro functions. The URC offers a feature called SimpleSound which controls the overall volume of your home theater without having to individually controlling each device. Another nice feature is ability the ability to control devices through RF instead of infrared. You will need to purchase optional RF receiving station for RF operation.
Design
Unlike some of the other universal remote controls, the URC RF10 does not have sizeable LCD screen. Instead, it has small display area that displays general information. The device selection buttons are right beneath the small display area. The channel, volume, directional, and playback function buttons are placed in the middle of the remote control. The bottom of the remote control is dominated by the numerical buttons and few other functional buttons. A bigger and more functional LCD screen would have been nice. Otherwise, the layout of the remote is very practical.
Ease of programming
The remote control comes with an instructional DVD for step by step programming of the remote. Most of the devices have the codes preprogrammed into the remote. There is no need to connect the remote to PC or install any other program. Instead, you program the remote with devices or macros you wish to run. Also, the remote can learn from other remote control on the functions and usage depending on the devices. You can assign constant function to channel and volume button so you won’t need to cycle through devices to control channel or volume.
Ease of use
The programming is the hardest part of operating this remote. Once you have successfully programmed the remote, operating it is fairly straight forward. The audio switch option is a very nice addition. You can switch between different audio encoding with push of button. The macros worked as intended and operated the devices in correct order and without any hitch.
Overall
The backlit buttons are very nice addition and pretty important one in my opinion. The lack of rechargeable system was an inconvenience but not a deal breaker. Overall, it is a very solid remote control at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Easy programming
- Good layout
- Backlit buttons
- Price
Cons
- No rechargeable system
- Lack of sizeable LCD
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Universal Remote Control brings a very capable sub $100 remote control in the form of URC-R50. While RF20 was a very capable remote control with RF capability, it lacked simplicity provided by the ever popular Harmony remote controls from Logitech. URC-R50 is aimed at rectifying that weakness.
Features
The URC-R50 features on screen set up wizard as opposed to PC based programming. The URC-R50 can control up to 18 different devices, up from 10 devices from RF20. Also, the larger LCD is upgraded from monochrome to full color. The LCD is flanked by increased number of corresponding hard buttons. It retains the backlit buttons as well multi device macroing capability.
Design
The URC-R50 retains nothing from the RF20 model. It is a total redesign. The larger color LCD is flanked by 8 buttons. The playback function buttons are right beneath the LCD. The volume and channel buttons are separated from other areas via distinct line etched in the remote. The middle and the bottom are dominated by directional button and numerical buttons respectively. The overall shape of URC-R50 is similar to the RF20’s rectangular shape. The button layout made it easy to operate the remote without having too much problem remembering their locations.
Ease of programming
The URC-R50 takes departure from other remote control in the way it is programmed. Unlike Logitech’s system, URC-R50’s programming is done entirely on the remote. This eliminates the need to connect and disconnect the remote between programming to see if it is working. On the other hand, Logitech’s method of programming is still easier and more straight forward. The step by step wizard on the URC-R50 is not as easy as the Logitech’s programming. One thing you notice immediately upon unpackaging is the lack of user manual. URC must really like their set up wizard to forgo any kind of documentation. And, for most part, it was not too difficult to program the remote. It is very easy to punch in your device’s model and have it remember. It’s the macroing that gets little tricky. You will likely need to spend a good day if you plan to use the macro function.
Ease of use
Using the remote control is fairly straight forward. The ability assign constant function to channel and volume key is pretty useful. You won’t have to cycle through different devices to lower the volume or switch the channel. If you programmed any macros, they work as they should. I did encounter some problem using the macro function. For some reason, the macro worked few times before completely going crazy on me. I had to redo the macro and it has worked fine since. The lack of rechargeable battery system was bit off putting as I’ve gotten used to high end remotes coming with recharging docks.
Besides some screwy macroing and lack of battery recharging, the remote was solid performer. For sub $100 category, only the Harmony remote is comparable in the overall function and ease of use. The inclusion of RF might have pushed this model ahead of Harmony remote controls.
Pros
- Self sufficient programming
- Good button layouts
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Easy to use
- Price
- Nice LCD
Cons
- No rechargeable system
- Some problem with macroing
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No RF
- No documentation
Purchase URC-R50 Now and Save 40% or more!!!
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URC
Universal Remote Control might not be household name brand. However, URC has been around for well over 20 years developing professional and consumer remote controls. URC is a unique company that specializes in universal remote control. URC produces wide variety of remote controls that are all aimed at higher end remote controls.
Features
RF20 can operate up to 10 different devices including TiVo and other DVR devices. The remote can “learn” from the existing remote controls for easier programming and compatibility. And, more importantly, the remote control is macro capable. The remote can also be programmed with constant function on volume control. URC is calling this the SimpleSound. This is a very familiar feature that is present on most universal remote controls. RF20 is also RF capable with optional PowerBlster RF base. You can control up to 6 devices via RF with the PowerBlaster.
Design
The remote control has basic rectangle shape. The top has monochrome LCD with 5 corresponding buttons. The basic menu buttons are right beneath the LCD. Volume, channel, and directional buttons are in the middle of the remote. The bottom of the remote is dominated by the numeric buttons. The buttons have soft feel to them and seemed little too small for my hand. There’s nothing spectacular or abysmal about the design. It is relatively solid looking unit. The back light is pretty useful if you use it in dark environment.
Ease of programming
The programming is not the strong suite of this remote control. It can be bit frustrating trying to program various macros. The remote control comes with step by step DVD that takes you through the programming. Thankfully, the customer service was pretty fast and accessible. It took few calls to actually get the macros up and running. URC should include better documentation with the remote control. The Logitech’s programming procedure is lot easier to use. The remote control accepted all the codes for the devices I had with no problem.
Ease of use
The remote control operation is pretty straight forward. The macros work well and the “punch through” volume control is pretty useful. RF is very convenient if you have devices inside or behind solid obstacle. One downside of the RF capability is that RF is on open frequency and not mated to PowerBlaster base. This means any other roving RF frequency can interfere with your remote control. Other than that, the remote had no problem operating all the devices.
As of this review, you can pick up the remote and RF base station for under $100.00. This only remote control with RF capability for under $100.00. If you have to have RF function for this price, this is very solid remote control. However, you can pick up one of the cheaper Harmony remote control that is a lot easier to program.
Pros
- Backlit buttons
- RF capable
- Macro capable
- Price
Cons
- Difficult to program
- Poor documentation
Buy MasterControl RF20 Universal Control Now!
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