Universal Remote Control Digital R50 user reviews

5.0 stars

"Most intuitive embedded user interface ever" on March 12, 2010 by terogers

Pros: Virtually everything

Cons: Would be nice if it also could be programmed from a pc or mac, would be nice if the macros were a teensy bit more flexible, and it would be nice if the batteries lasted forever. But it would be nice if it were free, too, so everyone could have one.

Summary: I've designed hundreds of embedded user interfaces, studied the subject seriously for 30+ years. The design team that produced this device deserves an award. Outshines any other similar device I've seen or owned.

I carefully read dozens of users manuals before buying this remote, mainly curious as to how the heck it could possibly deliver given it's description.

Every time I sat down with it, I was prepared on several levels to work around the idiosyncrasies of the UI design.

Idiosyncratic it is (of course: they all are), but there was never a struggle or even a glitch. Not a moment of annoyance, and I am the ultimate critic of this corner of the design world.

Every time, it simply worked, and we were using it before the significance of that fact fully sunk in.

It is the oddest feeling, being done using the interface before I've fully glimpsed the character of the team behind it. These guys are really, really good; I'll bet there's a sound reason for the choice of button placement mentioned in the review, too, but it's not anything that rises to the level of conscious awareness when I'm using it.

Come to think of it, maybe that's it.

4.0 stars

"Overall good remote just a few technical issues" on July 27, 2009 by Ron1Zuber

Pros: Basic setup is very easy (no need for a manual)
Display is very nice
Not having to program from a computer
Learning function and the copy/paste function are perfect
Easy to program no matter what your tech level

Cons: none thus far (just a factory defect with a hard button not recording macros)but not much you can do about that, but send it back.

Summary: The only reason I didn't give this remote a 5 star rating is I am currently in the process of having to return the remote due to my "Power On" button not being able to record a macro...I know that may not seem like a huge issue for a lot of users however when I spend $100 or so for a remote I expect for all of it's functions to be operational. Other than that issue (in which I called tech support and they told me to send it in and I would have a 3 week turn around before I saw a remote again) I have been very happy with the remote. Macro's may be a little tricky at first but once you spend a little time with it you will get the hang of it....I recommend that you start off with simple macro and test it out and then move on to the more complex ones. The set up and learning functions of this remote are absolutely great, no need for a manual and you can program anything (minus Playstation). Re-naming device labels and hiding buttons/pages is a breeze as well. Just be patient and give yourself a little time to play with it and you will be rewarded with a great remote!

4.0 stars

"Buy this remote!" on April 9, 2009 by hoomook

Pros: - incredibly flexible macro programming
- learning feature
- powerful IR blaster
- good ergonomics

Cons: -when programming devices you can't test all of your buttons to ensure you can access the features most important to you

Summary: I have a problem with this excerpt from the review:

"The other problem we had was that you can't create a new soft button (onscreen) while in macro mode. Instead, we had to create a fake device or function first, and then assign the macro to it thereafter. The fact that we had to hack that process together was an oversight in the R50's otherwise-straightforward setup routine."

Although this is a great work around you don't have to do this. A major exclusion from this review is creating push and hold macros. If you are programming a macro and make the pause button your 1st step this inserts a .5 second delay; every press of the pause button will add another .5 seconds.

If you program a macro in this manner on one of your device buttons this will create a dual purpose button. If you just depress the button you bring up the device page BUT if you press and hold the button it will activate the macro. This is great b/c you don't have to create fake devices and you can easily access your device w/out activating the macro.

There's a more detailed review of the R50 at remotecentral dot com

Updated on Apr 9, 2009

They did cover the pause button in the review. They just omitted the push and hold feature.

5.0 stars

"Simplify your life........" on January 30, 2009 by shadow5250

Pros: EVERYTHING!!! Easy to setup, use, seems durable, intuative.....

Cons: NO Problems at all!!!

Summary: I own a Sony RM-AV3000. It controled everything I own and then some. My wife hated it for it's size and she couldn't remember how to use it. It died slowly over the past 2 yrs. I started researching remotes and found the R50. I didn't want a harmony (I try not to have what everyone else has), and this seemed to fit the bill. I kept looking for a good price for a while until a couple days ago when the price dropped significantly! I immediately hit buy!

When I got it, I was perplexed to see that there wasn't a full manual/booklet. Just a pamphlet or "Quick Start Guide". Surprisingly that's all you need. The wizard is incredible (Read everything on the screen though!) I sat there in front of the TV (NO Computer Downloads) and programmed the basics for now (TV, audio, cable, and DVD). It took me 10 MINUTES!!!! When I finished, I handed it to my wife. Showed her the basics of it and she was completely satisfied!!! She considers herself a "Techonological Peasant" and the fact that she can master this that quickly shows how intuitive it is. I've not messed with the macros, but will soon. BUY IT!!!!

Only thing I don't like is how the volume works. Press more then a couple time in succession & it'll significantly increase or decrease the volume. I'll get used to it though.