Review: URC MasterControl RF10 Remote Control
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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URC MasterControl RF20 Universal Learning Remote w/ RF Capability List Price: $119.99 Sale Price: $48.15 Used From: $34.99 Average Rating:   |
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Slightly complicated, but it works…
It does work well, feels good in my hand, and does more than I needed it to do. I personally like this remote compared to some of others I have used. The remote controls my DTV receiver with the optional RF blaster unit, the Panasonic plasma TV, the VCR, DVD and probably anything I would want in the future. Be prepared to spend time programming the special functions, like turning the TV power off when you are using the remote on the VCR function, as an example…but everything does work on it, even the pretty red lighted buttons that you can see if you come from the planet Mars.
could be better
The light leaves much to be desired…we bought it mostly because it lights up, but the light is red for some reason, and does not light the buttons very well. Otherwise, it does what it is supposed to do, and is fairly easy to program, as long as you are good are following the manual directions.
Best Universal Remote for High-End Receivers & New Blu-Rays
I have used various brands of universal remotes over the past 12 years, and I think this one is the best. I have never yet been able to get one remote to control all my components satisfactorily until now.
I just bought a new Sharp Aquos TV, Panasonic Blu-Ray, and Onkyo 100 watt receiver. Plus I have an AT&T Uverse Motorola box. Since some of these items are brand new, no remote codes would work (although the Onkyo remote came close).
This remote did not have the preprogrammed codes either…BUT…you can program this remote to do everything your other remotes do. It took an hour or so, but now it works ALL COMPONENTS! Woo hoo! I especially like the fact that it has specific Receiver buttons (like DTS, THX, DD) that MOST universal remotes do NOT have. So when I want to switch to THX sound, I just press Shift+THX on my remote and it switches…just like my receiver’s remote would.
Plus, this remote’s macro capability is endless…and it includes a Pause control so that you can make the macro pause for several seconds (while a component is turning on, for instance) before moving to the next step. This is VERY handy for slow starting components like Blu-Ray players and high-end Receivers.
The buttons are VERY well placed, and the light button on the side is ingenious.
It will take some time to get this set the way you want…but it is well-worth it!
Universal Learning Remote
Probably OK but would not fully learn the volume control function for an Olevia TV. Instructions lacking for use of the DVR controls.
Very good Universal remote , but….
Progamming up is very easy , buttons are laid out very well. This “is” the last remote you’ll ever need. I have another previous model and could not be happier. The light is a good idea when your watching your favorite shows at night , but this model has a “red” light back ground illumination which is very hard to see. The other model had a normal “greenish white” back ground which worked well. I’m not sure why they chnaged it , they should go back to it. I would have rated it 5 stars otherwise due to hard to see lighting..