Universal Remote URC MX-450 First Look
Universal Remote MX-450
Summary
- Product Name: MX-450 Remote Control
- Manufacturer: Universal Remote Control
- Review Date: August 18, 2008 13:50
- MSRP: $249
- First Impression: Gotta Have It!
- Specifications
-
- LCD Size: 2” TFT Color LCD (176 x 220 Pixels)
- Size: 8" x 2.25" x 1.25" (H x W x D)
- Weight: 9 ounces (with battery loaded)
- Learning Capabilities: Standard frequencies (15kHz to 460kHz)
- Macro Capabilities: Up to 255 steps each
- Memory: 32 Megabits of Flash Memory.
Total Customization Capability - Up to 18 devices on 3 Main pages with up to 8 pages for each device; plus up to eight pages of favorite channels for a total of 155 pages. - RF Freq: 418 MHz
- Range: RF - Up to 100 feet when used with MRF-260, MRF-350 or MSC-400 RF Base stations
IR (line of sight) - Up to 50 feet with fresh batteries.
- Power Supply: Four AA Alkaline Batteries (included)
- Warranty: 1 year parts & labor when purchased from an authorized dealer
Executive Overview
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.
See also:
Recent Forum Posts:
Midcow2;454109
I have thought about doing this, especoaily since All my equipment, except for the DsiHNetwork receiver and TV are behind cabinet doors. But if I understand a MRF350 cost about $250 and the MX-450 about $250 , so you are talking about $500 correct?
Also, how good is it at emulating all of the satellite controller functions ?
Thanks and very interesting thread , at least to me?
MidCow2
I have bought some cheaper univerals, but they never did fully work to my satisfaction. I can program most of the stuff into the marantz controoler except for some of the DVD and a lot of the Satellite receiver. Maybe, I just haven't spent enough time.
I have found very few peices of equipment that there are no work arounds for. The URC remotes will replace your oem remotes, all functions to be programmed. The base stations with assignable ir outputs allow for control of identicle gear without conflict and with URC partnering with Lutron, new remotes get native rf control over their products.
Midcow2;454109
I have thought about doing this, especoaily since All my equipment, except for the DsiHNetwork receiver and TV are behind cabinet doors. But if I understand a MRF350 cost about $250 and the MX-450 about $250 , so you are talking about $500 correct?
Also, how good is it at emulating all of the satellite controller functions ?
Thanks and very interesting thread , at least to me?
MidCow2
I have bought some cheaper univerals, but they never did fully work to my satisfaction. I can program most of the stuff into the marantz controoler except for some of the DVD and a lot of the Satellite receiver. Maybe, I just haven't spent enough time.
I don't know how important it is for you to have the pretty color pictures but I picked up an MX-900 and a MRF-260 on ebay for $112. It's an option...
bandphan;447031
at the least the mrf350. The base stations allow for addressing of components(allows for multiple base stations and identical gear without conflict), choice of control(ir/rf or both) and have ir gain adjustments. Ive had issues with the 250 being 100% dead on. As for programming, i havent done one yet, but you should be fine.
I have thought about doing this, especoaily since All my equipment, except for the DsiHNetwork receiver and TV are behind cabinet doors. But if I understand a MRF350 cost about $250 and the MX-450 about $250 , so you are talking about $500 correct?
Also, how good is it at emulating all of the satellite controller functions ?
Thanks and very interesting thread , at least to me?
MidCow2
I have bought some cheaper univerals, but they never did fully work to my satisfaction. I can program most of the stuff into the marantz controoler except for some of the DVD and a lot of the Satellite receiver. Maybe, I just haven't spent enough time.
i think that for the price of the ONE it should have rf. but thats really my only issue is that a big enough issue to go with the URC
Not as of yet. I'm waiting to make a final decision until around xmas time. I keep hearing roomers of an RF version of the Harmony One. We'll see what happens. I'm not looking to spend a few hundred dollars, yet I want a good looking, great working remote. That doesn't leave much. Right now, the 450 looks like the only game in town for me. We'll see what Logitech does with the Harmony.
itschris;454044
The Harmony has both it's detractors and it's fans. My neighbor just got it not to long ago and seems to love it just fine. He doesn't have a very complicated setup at all however. He just uses it to switch inputs on his TV and control his DVD player, though I don't see how that would make that much difference.
I think the biggest gripe is it has no RF capabilities. For my setup where I have all my equipment in a cabinet, this is a bigger issue. The IR just doesn't work well and some of the delay times I would need would make it a pain in the butt to just sit there holding the remote pointed at the system while the macros run.
At least in my situation, RF is where it's at and I've gotten that from the folks here who' likely forgotten more about this stuff then I'll ever know.
so you ahve a 450 ?
i think that for the price of the ONE it should have rf. but thats really my only issue is that a big enough issue to go with the URC
