Home theater remote controls can get in on the “wow factor” action too. With the cool graphics and LED-backlit LCD screen, you might not want to put the new MX-450 from Universal Remote Control down.
The new model is part of the company’s pro series, so it’s meant for your custom installer to program, personalize and teach you how to use. As an entry-level model, though, the MX-450 is pretty low on price and big on special effects.
One of the keys for ease of use on this slick remote is the programming itself, with which URC’s MacroEdit requires no PC or Internet connection and allows an installer to program and tweak macro commands right on the screen of the remote.
It’s a pretty snazzy looking screen, too, being a 2-inch LCD color display of 176 x 220 pixels with LED backlighting so you have no problem seeing and reading the bright graphics in the complete darkness of your theater. URC’s PowerSaver functionality lets the LCD operate at maximum efficiency as well.
How’s the control, you ask? You can have up to 18 devices programmed and customized on three main pages (with up to eight pages for each device). For watching TV, you can have channel logos for up to 48 favorites (up to eight pages of channels). That’s on top of those macro commands, which can be as complex as 255 steps each.
RF range on the MX-450 is up to 100 feet when used with MRF-260, MRF-350 or MSC-400 RF Base stations, and IR line-of-sight range is up to 50 feet.
The ergonomic design and slim dimensions of 8 x 2.25 x 1.25 inches will have you in comfortable and complete command of your theater or media room in no time. MSRP on the MX-450 is $249, and it’s available now, so start making a list of your favorite channels.
“Posted by Tom on 08/15/08 at 01:25 PM
I like how they say it is for custom Installers, yet they have been selling direct to customers for years.”
Really? Do ya just call them and give them a credit card number? Have you personally, as a consumer, bought a remote direct from URC?
Suffice it to say, URC only sells thru retailers and distributors, not direct to end users.
URC definitely makes the most user friendly and reliable remotes on the market.
This is a very exciting remote at its price point, because i have had to jump customers all the way to the mx-980 to have a nice LCD screen with completely reliable control (the mx-810 is piece of junk with the current programming software).
Usually the pro stuff means that the programming software is only availble to installers. This unit has internal programming, so anyone could most likely program it. However, it takes years of practice to be able to fully program the remotes by hand (such as the MX-350) without missing anything.
I like how they say it is for custom Installers, yet they have been selling direct to customers for years. Stupid installers..
I wonder if this will be a good move from my MX350?
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Electronic House is now available in a digital edition. Learn more.
Rocky, Maybe I can suggest some glasses for you. Blu Ray will always look and… 
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i know you can urc remotes at best buy, etc. though i never looked to see if all their models were available. so, in that sense they do sell to the consumer.