Universal Remote URC MX-450 First Look

By Clint DeBoer — August 18, 2008

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.

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

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Discuss This Article

leilaslass posts on April 07, 2016 16:40

admin, post: 445738, member: 1
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.

Discuss “Universal URC MX-450 First Look” here. Read the article.

I have one of these remotes and it was originally programmed by an installer. I recently had to replace my DVD player and despite the excellent advice given to me on here through an actual video of how to set up a macro, I can't seem to pull it off. The one I watched used a Satellite Receiver as the example so I just tried to replace my DVD function for the Satellite one in the video. I thought I followed it step by step, and all I was trying to do was get the DVD button to work when I switch from Cable to DVD from the main screen. It always did that before. Now if I press DVD, it stays on Cable and the DVD options screen comes up, but I've managed to make it change the channels when I attempt to use them! What I did accomplish was being able to go the main screen, then press AUDIO, and THEN I can press the DVD button which now activates the DVD input. I know that's wrong, but I did it so I can live with it. I am considering switching my cable box for a new Xfinity1 box but I am afraid I won't be able to get the MX-450 to recognize it. Considering that my installer will charge me a high hourly fee plus a truck charge to come do this for me, I thought it worth asking on here if anyone has ever done this on their own without the expertise of a paid installer. I don't want to risk screwing up on the few buttons that still actually works the way it was meant to. Thanks. :-)

highfigh posts on February 24, 2011 18:04

I wouldn't rule out the Harmony 1100 with the RF extender. It's very versatile and customizing buttons is easy. Unfortunately, creating different macros doesn't work.

highfigh posts on February 24, 2011 18:02

zamboni99, post: 795352
will the mx 450 work with the rfs 100 base station?

Get one of the base stations with assignable outputs. It makes life a lot easier. Don't just go for the cheapest in this stuff- that only leads to immense frustration.

adk highlander posts on February 24, 2011 15:10

They both run in the 418mhz RF frequency so they should work together. I would email URC just to make sure.

zamboni99 posts on February 24, 2011 14:55

rfs 100 question

will the mx 450 work with the rfs 100 base station?

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