Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control
- No Longer Available
- B&H # UNR50
- Mfr# R50
Product Highlights
- Controls up to 18 Components
- One-Touch MacroPower Function
- SimpleSound Technology
- Convenient IR Learning
- 48 My Favorite Channels
- Customizable Color LCD Screen
- Setup Wizard Configuration
- Ergonomic Design
- Easy-To-Use
If you're searching for a very intuitive universal remote that will take your home theater experience to a whole new level, look no further. The Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control will blow you away with superb functionality and versatility. With its MacroPower function, you can turn your entire entertainment system "on" or "off" with one-touch control. It features up to 1500 macro buttons that are capable of storing up to 255 commands each. SimpleSound technology gives you full control over the volume output on each device, even those components that are not equipped with their own volume level control. In addition, enjoy the ability to control up to 18 devices and any brand with the built-in extensive infrared database.
Moreover, it offers the ability to store your favorite TV programs (up to 48 channels) with "My Favorites". With a push of a single button, your favorite show is easily accessed - TV viewing has never been so easy. It features convenient infrared learning, easy access commands, up to a 50' transmitting range, easy to hold ergonomic design, cursor navigation pad, and backlit device buttons. In conjunction with the built-in color LCD screen, Setup Wizard installation is a cinch - without the need of a PC or Internet connection. Now you can finally put away all your remote controls and replace them with one stylish, powerful controller, the R50.
- Powerful 18-in-1 Control
- Consolidate all your remotes into a single remote; it enables operation of up to 18 devices (i.e., TV, VCR, DVD/CD Players, Cable Set Top Boxes, Satellite Receivers, TiVo and other DVRs, Audio Components, Tape Decks, Multimedia PCs, XM Radio, iPod, X-Box, Lighting Controls, and more).
- One-Touch MacroPower Control
- Put away all of your remotes and enjoy easy, one-touch activity access to your home-entertainment system. You have the ability to customize up to 1500 one-touch macro buttons (with up to 255 steps each) that accommodates your entertainment needs. One simple press of a programmed macro triggers a series of commands such as turning on the right components in the right order.
- SimpleSound Technology
- Dynamic SimpleSound technology that offers total volume control over all the devices within your system.
- Convenient IR Learning
- When device codes are not included in the on-board database, they can always be learned from the original remote, simply by pointing to it.
- Favorite Channel Access
- The R50 enables instant access to your top 48 My Favorite channels with the press of one button, without the need to remember or punch-in a channel number. If the available channel (My Favorite) logos don't suite your style, just use one of the blank colored icons and simply type in the name of the channel. Also, it features 4-way cursor buttons for quick scrolling through menus and commands.
- Full-Color LCD Screen
- Gives you easy, one-touch access to any entertainment activity such as watching a DVD, watching TV, listening to music, and more. Also, enjoy the convenience of customizing your screen preference with your favorite device and function labels.
- Setup Wizard on LCD
- Easily configure your remote with the built-in color LCD screen and Setup Wizard software. It guides you through the steps, offers quick and easy installation, and supports thousands of built-in codes for brands and devices; providing full control of your home theater system.
- Advanced Setup
- This function enables you to re-label any button; and Add/Hide pages and buttons enables the ability to hide entire pages of pre-programmed commands, which simplifies locating the correct button.
- Ergonomic Design
- It's specifically designed to be used with only one hand - its vertical alignment results in an easy, single-handed operation.
Go To
| Remote | |
|---|---|
| IR Signal | Yes |
| IR Learning | Yes |
| RF Signal | No |
| RF Channels | No |
| RF Transmission Base | No |
| Operating Distance | 30-50' (9-15 m) |
| Max Controlled Devices | 18 |
| Memory | Yes, 32MB non-volatile flash memory |
| Convenience | |
|---|---|
| Touch Screen | No |
| LCD Size | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Color | Yes |
| Display Colors | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| LCD Backlight | Yes |
| Button Backlight | No |
| Macro Capability | Yes, up to 1500 with up to 255 steps |
| Connector | None |
| Audio | No |
| Digital Media Slot | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements | None |
| Battery Type | 4x AAA Batteries |
| Battery Life | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 8.9 x 2.3 x 1.1" (226 x 58.4 x 27.9mm) |
| Weight | 9 oz (255.1g) w/batteries |
| Color | Black |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 25 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (11)
- Attractive (9)
- Well designed (9)
- Durable (6)
- Easy to install (5)
Cons
- Difficult setup (3)
Best Uses
- Home (12)
- Movies (6)
- Inside (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (13)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (6), Casual do-it-yourselfer (5), Casual user (5), Avid do-it-yourselfer (4), Power user (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great Remote, But...
This is a great remote but to do macros right you will have to have another remote to learn discrete code into it or trick it. In other words all the preprogrammed code sets in...Read complete review
This is a great remote but to do macros right you will have to have another remote to learn discrete code into it or trick it. In other words all the preprogrammed code sets in this remote have togle on/off, meaning "on" is also "off" and "off" is also "on". With discrete code "on" in "on". Also some devices, sony is the worst at this, are "TOADs" or Togle Only Devices" so for example you want to set the TV to HDMI1 and you are on HDMI3, your TV might not have a code for HDMI1 so you press Source button 4 times and your there. But this will never work for macros because what if your on Component1. If you cant get a discrete code there are a lot of tricks out there to fake it. For example on a lot of TVs, or TOADs you can press like Channel Up to get to a channel (from a source), then hit Source once to get to Video 1 or twice to Video 2 and so on. Another example is a lot of DVD players will turn on by pressing Play once or twice. So on is Play, Play and off is Play, Play, Power.
Anyway GREAT remote, it is the devices, TOADs and the lack of having dicrete code that will drive you crazy!!!
The setup menu is great and easy, but be ready to spend 1.5 to 3 hours getting the remote really tuned in.
Im a pro installer and I use the MX900 to learn discrete code into R50 remote. MX900 is much more expensive and kinda ugly but you can get discrete code with it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Phenomenal flexibility; hardware so-so
I am a long-time owner of the URC MX500 and was excited to upgrade to this "next generation" universal remote. The color screen and "any key" macros were big ...Read complete review
I am a long-time owner of the URC MX500 and was excited to upgrade to this "next generation" universal remote. The color screen and "any key" macros were big attractions for me, and they both look and work great. Unfortunately, my family and I are both unhappy with the remote for several reasons: 1) the volume and channel controls are smaller and flatter than the same controls on the MX500 and are harder to feel for and push; 2) the black face plate has continually fallen off and gotten lost in the couch cushions--the remote still works fine but it's annoying; 3) when the face plate is off, the remote tends to reboot itself when you hit certain buttons; 4) about a month ago, the LCD screen stopped working altogether--it was just a bright white--the remote still worked but we had to push the soft keys (i.e. the ones next to the screen) by memory; 5) yesterday, the remote stopped working once and for all.
I like URC and I want to like this remote but our experience hasn't been great. We either got a lemon, or URC has a quality control problem.
I've switched back to our 3 year old, rock solid MX500, and it's working great. I just wish it had the any-key macros. Sigh. Not sure if I want to trust another RC50.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 25 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attractive Design
- Fast Setup
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Movies
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
I use the R50 to control my home theatre system, TV & BlueRay audio.
It does a great job, and I still have 6 open slots to control other stuff I may come to own.
Programing is straight forward, and though I couldn't find my Sony BlueRay, it wasn't too much work to have it "learn" the controls straight from the original remote.
Too bad it doesn't offer RF to control my ceiling fan also.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
A cheap yet better alternation to Logitech Harmony. It is a little annoying at first, but once you know how to program, it's powerful.
Only thing keep me from giving 5 star: cannot update the database.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
I was very happy with my first remote from universal and after 10 years I needed a new one.
It is a good remote but there a few things I don't like.You can't clone this remote and my other one you could.If you enter a remote using the codes you can't change or rearrange anything on the keys or the LCD screen.In the center of the remote using the up down left and right keys it is easy to bump the circle keys around the center and then it kicks you out of the guide etc.Nothing is perfect however and overall it is a pretty good remote.Also Universal has excellent tech support.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Movies
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
This is my 2nd r50. My first one lasted 3 years before it took the last drop on the floor. The macros are very easy to use and set up. I use them all the time when switching between different units. I have my tv, soundboard, ps3, receiver and DVD all set up to the remote.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Difficult Setup
Best Uses
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
Got this programmed to all my electronics easily, but it is lacking clear instructions on how to program the more intricate instructions. Still trying to figure it out and make it work.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Macros
- Simple Controls
Cons
- Basic Manual
Best Uses
- Home
- Movies
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
My previous remote was a Logitech Harmony 880. It was ok although a bit buggy as it intermittently turns on/off my devices. I hated the way it needed a computer to re-program it and that it used a rechargable battery. The most important buttons were too small as well.I was searching for a better replacement when I saw the R50 on [@]. I liked what I saw on the reviews and for the price it was tough to beat. I got it after 2 days, it took me about 3 hours to figure out all the features, macros, and program my devices as there was no online manual. It took some time as I preferred programming it in learning mode. I'd say I like this better than my old Harmony. It has nicer features, faster, and you can program it using the remote alone. AA batteries is a big plus. 5 stars! :)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Fast Setup
- Improved Audio/Video
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Movies
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
I first purchased a Harmony 650. I liked the computer interface ok. When my son knocked it onto the carpeted floor from the couch I think "Big Deal" its roughly 18". Well, from there on it would randomly forget all of its programming. Then, the screen would go black. WTH? I returned it and bought this. I was apprehensive because of the on screen programing. No need to be. I think it was easier than the computer programming of the Harmony. I did have to make it learn some commands, but it is very very easy to do. It's build quality is the best I've seen. A true pleasure to own. [...]. On this purchase they even had the best price. B&H, you can't go wrong.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Good setup menu
Cons
- Setup take a while
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
This is a great remote but to do macros right you will have to have another remote to learn discrete code into it or trick it. In other words all the preprogrammed code sets in this remote have togle on/off, meaning "on" is also "off" and "off" is also "on". With discrete code "on" in "on". Also some devices, sony is the worst at this, are "TOADs" or Togle Only Devices" so for example you want to set the TV to HDMI1 and you are on HDMI3, your TV might not have a code for HDMI1 so you press Source button 4 times and your there. But this will never work for macros because what if your on Component1. If you cant get a discrete code there are a lot of tricks out there to fake it. For example on a lot of TVs, or TOADs you can press like Channel Up to get to a channel (from a source), then hit Source once to get to Video 1 or twice to Video 2 and so on. Another example is a lot of DVD players will turn on by pressing Play once or twice. So on is Play, Play and off is Play, Play, Power.
Anyway GREAT remote, it is the devices, TOADs and the lack of having dicrete code that will drive you crazy!!!
The setup menu is great and easy, but be ready to spend 1.5 to 3 hours getting the remote really tuned in.
Im a pro installer and I use the MX900 to learn discrete code into R50 remote. MX900 is much more expensive and kinda ugly but you can get discrete code with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Macros can prove tricky
Best Uses
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
I used this remote to consolidate 3 into 1. It controls my cable box, plasma TV and DVD/HT system. I had no problems setting up the URC R50 even though it only came with a quick start pamphlet and not a manual. It controls everything from the original remotes it has replaced with the exception of my PS3. PS3 is BT not IR. That is ok because I don't watch many blue-ray. The, LCD screen is nice and having backlit keys is also a nice touch.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Fast Setup
- Improved Audio/Video
Cons
- Difficult Setup
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
easy to use, but could use a more informative manuel.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
Very good product for the price, easy to program and after easy to use
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Movies
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
Did everything I expected and needed it to do, I just wish the PS3 had IR. No fault of this remote, though.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Fast Setup
- Improved Audio/Video
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Movies
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
I have been using my R50 remote for a little over 2 weeks now. I love this remote! It is convenient, light weight, very simple to program. It currently controls my cable, surround sound audio, tv, dvd, and PC (windows media). Programming it to take the place of my other remotes was simple and was just a matter of point and click. I then added all of my favorite channels and programmed a macro to turn on my cable, audio, and tv with one push of the "on" button. Overall everything was setup in less than 45 minutes and has worked perfect so far.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
Cons
- Difficult Setup
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
I use this product at the present time for running my tv, vcr and dvd player. Just rec'd it so am sure I will connect more to it as I go along.
I love the way it sits in my hand, love the feel of it and how glossy it looks.
I only wish it could have had a manual with it, I am not really used to a universal remote as advanced as this but I will be calling Customer Service and I am sure they will help me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Flimsy
- Poor Design
- Poor Quality
Best Uses
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
I am a long-time owner of the URC MX500 and was excited to upgrade to this "next generation" universal remote. The color screen and "any key" macros were big attractions for me, and they both look and work great. Unfortunately, my family and I are both unhappy with the remote for several reasons: 1) the volume and channel controls are smaller and flatter than the same controls on the MX500 and are harder to feel for and push; 2) the black face plate has continually fallen off and gotten lost in the couch cushions--the remote still works fine but it's annoying; 3) when the face plate is off, the remote tends to reboot itself when you hit certain buttons; 4) about a month ago, the LCD screen stopped working altogether--it was just a bright white--the remote still worked but we had to push the soft keys (i.e. the ones next to the screen) by memory; 5) yesterday, the remote stopped working once and for all.
I like URC and I want to like this remote but our experience hasn't been great. We either got a lemon, or URC has a quality control problem.
I've switched back to our 3 year old, rock solid MX500, and it's working great. I just wish it had the any-key macros. Sigh. Not sure if I want to trust another RC50.
Pros
- Actually Works
- Durable
- Easy to Install
- Easy to Use
- Well Designed
Cons
Best Uses
- Gifts
- Inside
- Random Home Theater Stuff
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
Great product. Only reason its not a 5/5 is that I wish it had a manual in addition to descriptive menu pages. It takes a minute or two to figure out, but once you do.....it works great.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Safe
- Well Designed
Cons
Best Uses
- Getting rid of clutter
- Inside
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
I use the R50 to control my Onkyo home theater system, Sony TV, Sony Blue Ray player, Sony CD juke box, Roku streaming player and my Direct TV box.
The greatest feature is the ability to program macros to turn on all and off all pieces of the system to perform certain functions ie. Watch TV, Watch a DVD or Blue Ray disc, listen to CDs or watch a streamed video. The ability to either use the data base or the learn mode for your existing remotes is helpful. You have to play around to fine-tune macros to accomplish the functionality you want. You can easily configure the R50 to control your equipment individually without using macros. This would allow you to keep the R50 in your hand instead of reaching for multiple remotes to control your devices. I highly recommend using the macros if you can figure it out
The macro might be a little challenging if you haven't used or created macros before. I found the instruction to be lacking but i figured it out.
Be careful when you try to load the batteries...I almost broke the battery cover.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Fine addition
- Safe
- Well Designed
Cons
Best Uses
- Inside
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
I bought this Remote because all my remotes do not have a sleep timer. I wanted the ability to utilize all the features a fine remote has. This remote does and much more. However my very High end receiver remote does, Not have the ability to turn itself off. During a romantic moments for creating the perfect atmosphere when the time is right, this is a very fine feature to utilize. This remote does all this and so much more. This will, on my comand turn itself off, the lights etc. When we are ready for the end of the perfect evening. Thank You.
Pros
- Easy to Install
- Easy to Use
- No experience required
- Well Designed
Cons
- No online help
Best Uses
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
This was my first venture into universal remotes. My previous exposure was with claims by AV component manufacturers that their remote was universal only to find my component codes were not included. The R50 was easy to set up and found all my components without having to enter code after code. In retrospect I am very glad I chose a remote with a screen. The macros were fun to setup and a bit of a challenge to see how many different functions I could automate. The icons are customizable and can be labled so all users can understand. My only complaint is that the icons can't be easily rearranged after they have been entered. I highly recommend this product for anyone looking for an easy to use remote to replaced the six or seven sitting on their coffee table.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Well Designed
Cons
Best Uses
- Inside
Comments about Universal Remote R50 Digital Remote Control:
Very user friendly. I was able to set up our Dish Network, C-Band Satellite, DVR, DVD/VCR combo, TV and audio within 20 minutes. I also created macros to turn everything on and off with the push of one button.
Batteries & Power
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- Price: $2.49
- Price: $14.50
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