However, the Windows Media Center control is the coolest function of the remote.Īll you need to do is tell the remote the Windows Media Center computer’s IP address in the PC programming software and it works. The info screens are nifty, but almost a novelty. And it can easily control a Windows Media Center PC. The remote also features a Wi-Fi chipset, which enables simple RSS feeds like sports scores, news, and weather to be displayed on the remote. I added a dedicated TiVo button to one of the default layouts and it works great. My setup allows me to control three different AV systems in my house – not that I really need that ability. I found that backgrounds for the BlackBerry Storm are the perfect resolution, and this one looks great with the brushed look of the remote. I’m personally happy with how my UI turned out. It’s totally up to the installer to create a pleasant user experience. You use pre-programmed themes or make your own in Photoshop. Anything is possible and installers are not tied down to a wizard.Įverything is customizable. However, this type of programming allows installers complete control over how the remote controls each system.

It involves using IF THEN statements for macros and manually adding devices’ RF profiles. The issue is that the setup program isn’t meant for the general public or the DIY crowd. However, there is no way that the average Best Buy shopper could. I feel like all the CrunchGear writers could program the remote, along with a few of my nerdy friends.

I’m sure there are some super-macros that I don’t know about, but I managed to program the remote to control three AV systems (one via RF). But after that first, huge learning curve, I feel like I can do almost everything with the remote. I thought, “How hard could it be?” Well, after watching four online instructional videos from URC and spending about eight hours, I finally got the remote to communicate with my devices.

The company offered to pre-program the remote before they sent it to me, but that insulted my inner nerd. It’s easily the best-feeling remote I have ever used.īut then I tried to set it up. The screen is bright, sharp and very high-res. The buttons are smooth and hard with just the right amount of pressure needed to press them down. The first thing you’ll notice about the MX-5000 is the build quality. Touchscreen is perfect in size and function.

Urc remote reviews