Entered CNET Catalog: 08/15/2003
SKU: MX-800
Manufacturer: Universal Remote Control, Inc.
Product summary
The good: PC-programmable universal remote; separate RF/IR module; 20 customizable keys; up to 912 macros of 190 steps each.
The bad: Expensive; available only from custom retailers; serial-to-USB adapter needed for PC connectivity.
The bottom line: The MX-800 is a comprehensive universal remote with plenty of high-end features--and a price tag to match.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 04/09/2004
Editor's note: We have changed the rating in this review to reflect recent changes in our rating scale. Click here to find out more.
It may not be the height of haute design, but the Home Theater Master MX-800 is among the most functional and flexible universal remote controls available. With the ability to control up to 20 devices, it offers easy Internet and PC programmability; a great balance between hard and programmable, customizable keys; and an RF option that allows you to control your devices from nearly anywhere in the house without wiring. If not for the MX-800's two major flaws--it costs a whopping $500 and is available only from custom retailers--this excellent remote would be an easy Editors' Choice.All of the "pro" Home Theater Master remotes share the same dull design. There are 20 programmable keys with corresponding LCD labels aligned in two rows of 10 at the top, with frequently used volume, channel, video transport (play, pause, rewind, and so on), and DVD onscreen menu navigation and numeric keys below. The key array on the silver MX-800 differs only slightly from that of its less expensive black sibling, the MX-500. The remote is powered by four AAA batteries.
The best attribute of the MX-800 is its software-assisted programming, an enormous time-saver. Once we downloaded the software from the Home Theater Master site, we managed to complete an entire MX-800 programming process--eight devices, including the rearrangement and customization of LCD labels and programming a couple of macros--in less than an hour; and that was with an incomplete list of models and some unidentified alternative code sets. (Sorry, Mac fans--the software is for Windows only.) It's the same great idea that we've seen used in the Harmony universal remotes, and Home Theater Master makes the process a breeze. You almost don't need the manual--or the custom retailer who is supposed to program the remote for you. The only drawback was the included serial cable. While its inclusion is understandable for custom installers used to the familiar RS-232 serial interface, we were forced to spend another $50 on a serial-to-USB adapter for our newer PC.
The MX-800 package includes the MRF-200 base station. The tiny MRF-200 receives radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted by the MX-800 and turns them into infrared (IR) signals that the base station blasts at your A/V components. This enables you to control all your devices from 50 to 100 feet away, regardless of line-of-sight obstructions such as walls or floors.
If you keep your gear stashed behind closed doors, the base station can accommodate up to six 10-foot wired flashers equipped with adhesive IR transmission "eyes" that get pasted to the IR panel on the front of each device. Setting up this wired system sounds harder than it actually is, and it worked completely as advertised. And the subsequent torrent of RF signals didn't seem to bother the cordless phone or the Wi-Fi network in the room. If you have more than six pieces of gear to be controlled, you can order additional MRF-200s ($99.95), and provisions are made for differentiating between identical devices.
The Home Theater Master MX-800 is highly recommended for home-theater aficionados for whom a $500 remote is a small investment in a high-end system. If you want the functionality of the MX-800 but can live without the RF control and the PC programmability, check out the much more affordable MX-500 or the newer, consumer-friendly URC-300 Customizer. If the PC programming aspect of the MX-800 appeals to you, the Harmony SST-659 or SST-688 are excellent alternatives.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10out of 10 user reviews
I wish I purchased this remote three years ago.
Pros: Easy programability, Macros make switching between components a snap, Rf capability allows you to hide everything except the Plasma screen. Data base includes IR code for Bose Lifestyle systems.
Cons: Large size makes it uncomfortable to reach topmost buttons during one hand use.
out of 10 user reviews
Just great.
Pros: Programming is easy. Well thought out design. RF is fabulous.
Cons: PDF instruction manual might as well be in Swahili. Backlight not great in dim light. Kind of too square and chunky.
out of 10 user reviews
10 remote in the closet says it all
Pros: Macro programming, buttons are amazing,
Cons: Missing one set of buttons, but you can program others
out of 10 user reviews
You'll never have to get up again!
Pros: This remote is the best thing since sliced bread. It works just as advertised and has the ability to controll my devices from two floors away. Great RF capability.
Cons: A bit pricey. Also a little difficult to setup perfectly. Its not that it is very hard, but takes some time and patience to get it just perfect.
out of 10 user reviews
Amazing capabilities
Pros: You are limited only by your own imagination as to how to set up the remote. Just spend the money and enjoy the best.
Cons: Serial connection to PC (not USB)...for technical people only...fairly complex programming.
out of 10 user reviews
THE REMOTE - OF REMOTES
Pros: Multiple unlimited code macros. Ability to control a rack full of same type and manufactures devices independently! PC Backup and programable
Cons: Needs serial port for programing. Pricey but no other remote can do what it does...yet.
out of 10 user reviews
Does everything I need, perfectly!
Pros: Because it's fully programmable it handles stuff no other remote can handle. Partiularly, switching from function to function for my home theater set-up.
Cons: Expensive. Have to learn how to program it.
out of 10 user reviews
Best remote but a bit pricey
Pros: This remote controls everything in my home theater. 2 DVD players (Sampo and el cheapo KLH), Pioneer AV 606S, Voom, and Sony 2000 Tivo. It's supposed to be able to do X10 and IR for the PC but I haven't had time to try those yet. Programming it via the
Cons: A bit expensive but I've gotten mine new on E-bay for $220 (MX800 new in box with MRF200). Look around and you should find a simular deal :)
out of 10 user reviews
Very good with a big price tag
Pros: Very good product. Very expensive to own one. But Its one of the kind out there.
Cons: Do I have to pay a luxury tax for this kind of remote as I paid that kind of tax for my BMW.
out of 10 user reviews
Last remote you'll ever need
Pros: This remote has made not only my life but also my family's life much easier when it comes to running our home theater system. I never have to hear my wife complain about all the money spent on our home theater and how she can't run it. Well worth the mone
Cons: None.
