The MX-450 is an excellent higher-end remote. While this model is geared more towards pro installers (the similar consumer model is the Universal Remote Control URC-R50) it is still relatively easy to program via it's on screen setup and does not require advanced manual PC programming like my previous URC MX-700 did. There is a large database of built-in codes for all types of devices and automatic searching for your equipment, though I used the unit's learning functionality to do most of my programming so I could place the button locations directly. You can have up to eight pages of six functions each on the LCD section plus the hard buttons for up to 85 functions per device (this unit can control 18 devices). Very nice.

The unit is well-made and feels balanced and solid when in hand. Ergonomics are excellent with it's curved sides and thumb-recesses. I've never been a fan of base-charging remotes, so the use of four standard AA's is a plus for me. I've gotten about 4-1/2 months of fairly heavy usage with my first set of batteries and that includes a ton of initial button and macro programming for a complex system. The 2" LCD color screen is sharp and bright and the rest of the hard keys are nicely illuminated (intensity levels and timing can be adjusted) with multi-colors via button push or a Light button on the right side of the remote. Note that you can NOT import a background picture like the product page shows, though there are various built-in button/icon graphics available as well as a bunch of popular channel logos for the Favorites list. There is a USB port in the battery compartment area that allows you to backup your configuration to a computer file with the downloadable software from URC's website. As of now I believe that is the only use for that port.

I am using just the standard infrared transmitter and not the RF, and signal pickup response is very good with my equipment. If the unit is "sleeping" and you want to use one of the six buttons for the LCD functions those require an extra click to wake up the screen first. Buttons are solid and have decent resistance to them. Full 255 step macros with variable delays can be programmed on to all the buttons except for (I believe) "Main" and the two "Soft" navigation keys.

If you're looking to save some cash you can go with the previously mentioned R50 which gives you pretty much the same programming and device functions minus on-screen macro editing (a big minus for me, as you would have to delete the macro and start over if you screwed up or want to edit). You also lose the USB port and backup function, RF-signal transmitting capability and a nicer finish (the buttons are the rubber type vs. the 450's hard button and the backlighting is just full button red vs. the 450's multi-color lighted label type).

Product Overview

The Universal Remote MX-450 is a future featured remote control with a color screen. It can be programmed to use RF control with the addition of the MRF-260 base station. This means you do not have to point the remote at the device you are controlling to adjust your settings.

Product Feature

• Can use Narrow Band width RF or IR to control all devices.
• Has a color screen for easy viewing.
• Controls optional URC lighting by Lutron¿.
• Can be programmed by the end user.
• This remote can control up to 18 devices.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 14, 2010 11:26:46