URC Introduces Latest Flagship Universal Remote

By John Laposky On Dec 1 2008 - 8:00am

Universal Remote Control (URC) has introduced a new flagship universal remote for the consumer retail channel, the URC Digital R50.

The remote can be programmed to provide IR control of up to 18 A/V components, the company said, using an intuitive, setup wizard that is displayed on the remote's 2-inch TFT color LCD screen. The wizard includes built-in programming tips and step-by-step instructions with no software to install, and no PC or Internet connection is required.

The R50 employs URC's onboard ProPerfectDatabase, up until now available only in the company's professional-install products. The database contains thousands of pre-programmed control codes for a wide variety of components and brands, including iPod docks, URC said. It also includes a "learn" mode that copies functions and commands from any IR remote. In addition, code database updates via a built-in USB connection are also available from the company.

The R50 features an ARM7 microprocessor with 32Mb of flash memory that enable it to record unique favorite channel buttons with color logos and macros of up to 255 steps. Each device controlled can have up to eight pages of its own custom buttons, and each page can have up to six custom buttons, for a total of 48 buttons per device.

URC's SimpleSound feature provides volume control over all of the components in a system, even those without their own built-in volume control. A built-in sleep timer can turn off any and all components.

The remote was ergonomically designed with button clusters engineered for comfort and usability, the company said. All buttons and the screen feature LED backlighting for use in dark rooms.

It runs on four AA batteries, included, and has a number of power-saving features including a "Low Battery Warning; Sofa Mode," which prevents accidental battery drain if a button is pressed for a prolonged period of time.

"The URC Digital R50 delivers everything consumers desire in a do-it-yourself universal remote," said Debra Sharker, URC's consumer products sales director. "Its power lies in its simplicity. It's a stylish, sophisticated device with excellent ergonomics and a beautiful, colorful interface at an affordable price. Even better, it doesn't require a PC or an internet connection for setup."

The URC Digital R50 has a suggested retail of $149 and is available now.