Universal Remote URC MX-450 First Look

Universal Remote Control, Inc. released the new MX-450 a stand-alone IR/RF programmable remote control with 2-inch color LCD screen. Custom installers can program and set up the remote in minutes without a PC or Internet connection and URC's MacroEdit firmware allows for full macro editing on the MX-450’s LCD screen.

The point of the MX-450 seems to be getting a PC-free remote into the hands of custom installers who may not be apt to bring along a laptop to the jobsite. The MX-450 also provides an advanced, GUI-driven macro programming and EDITING interface, something that is new to the remote control world.

Macro programming, which delivers a specific sequence of commands to a variety of components, is usually irksome on standalone remotes, which don’t provide instant feedback. Installers always have faced the challenging task of programming macros on such devices without being able to modify their work on the fly. If one step is wrong in the macro (for example, if a delay is too short), the entire macro must be deleted and completely re-programmed. With the MX-450’s MacroEdit on-screen setup, the installer can see the macro steps clearly displayed on the remote’s screen, and can fine-tune, re-order, adjust delays and add steps to macros without deleting his or her previous work.

The MX-450 can be set up and installed more rapidly than many other standalone programmed remotes. To demonstrate its simplicity, there is no programming manual for the MX-450. All the information installers presumably need is available on-screen in the form of programming tips and step-by-step instructions that simplify the setup process. Experienced installers can bypass the tips and instructions completely for even faster setup.

A beautiful two-inch color LCD display (176 x 220 pixels) delivers bright color graphics for all home theater activities. Labels for every button are customizable, and channel logos are even available for up to 48 of the client’s favorite TV channels. The MX-450 features LED backlighting of its LCD screen and all buttons, making it easy to read every button even in complete darkness and extending battery life. The MX-450 requires four AA batteries. To extend battery life, URC's "PowerSaver" circuitry enables the color LCD screen to operate at maximum efficiency. The MX-450 can control up to 18 different devices and can serve as an infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) remote (URC RF Base Station required).

The MX-450 is now available for an MSRP of $249. For more information on Universal Remote Control, please visit www.universalremote.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.