Universal Remote Control MX-810 Custom Programmable Remote Control with PC Wizard Software
by Universal Remote Control, Inc.
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List Price: Category: CE See more product details |
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(Click here)
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Universal Remote Control MX-810 Custom Programmable Remote Control with PC Wizard Software
Customer Review: Good price, but beware of factory support policy
Summary: 3 Stars
Some of what follows is no longer valid, including reference to the "very attractive" price. See my entry dated 10/1/10 in the comments below for the updated story. Here's what I wrote back in '08:
The price advertised here is very attractive, but anyone contemplating it should do some research on Universal Remotes' VERY aggressive limitations on support. URC has been focusing their business more and more on professional installers and high end dealers. If you buy this remote from anyone but an authorized dealer you will get one download of the programming software from URC. You will NOT be able to get updates for software improvements or codes for new equipment, which are available only through authorized dealers. You also won't get any warranty service from URC if anything goes wrong. (Neither Amazon nor the dealer they're representing here are authorized URC dealers.)
This policy is obviously pretty controversial among the Home Theater and enthusiast crowd. You can find lots of yelling about it in the various forums. So far, however, URC is hanging tough.
You can find the relatively short list of authorized online and B&M dealers on the URC website. They all charge around $400 for the MX-810.
Customer Review: No PC Wizard Software
Summary: 1 Stars
I own several URC remotes and have been generally pleased with them. While URC doesn't provide consumer support, they did provide links on their Web site to download the programming software which was PC only. When I saw the listing for this product Universal Remote Control MX-810 Custom Programmable Remote Control with PC Wizard Software which included the software I bought it. It came, but with no software. I went to the URC Web site and all software downloads have disappeared. I sent an email to URC customer support but got no reply. I called Amazon support and the only advice they could give was to return it, which I have done. I replaced it with the Logitech Harmony One and what a difference! Software included and also available for download and it works on a Mac. URC has clearly chosen to service professional installers exclusively. That's OK but neither they nor Amazon should be selling their products on a consumer focused site. Save yourself a lot of disappointment and buy the Harmony One.
Update: I finally did receive a response from URC with a link to the software but in the meantime have replaced it.
Customer Review: Worth the effort!
Summary: 5 Stars
The quality of this remote (and the final result of some tinkering) - is worth the extra effort.
The bright, clear display; fit and finish; solid button feel - are un-matched. I've tried most of the others, and this remote has great in-hand feel and easily accessed keys in the dark. I'm not a big fan of the big screen only remotes as they are hard to use without looking at them.
The software MUST have been redesigned since some of these other reviews - it is easy to use and quite intuitive. There is one small glitch - you must unplug, then replug in the remote to do the download to it, but I am sure they will fix this.
And if your remote isn't in the database, there is a cool on-screen process to mark the "bad" buttons and it will automatically walk you through the learning process. nice.
At this current price, I would highly recommend giving this one a try.
Customer Review: Excellent remote, Wizard needs more time at Hogwarts
Summary: 4 Stars
I have a system that includes an HD TIVO, DVD, HDTV, VCR, CD changer, and an antenna rotor. I also redistribute video to other rooms, so the RF features were a major reason for an upgrade. I have used other programmable remotes from Sony, a Pronto Neo and URC, as well as two versions of TIVO remotes. The MX-810 will do everything except the two-way communication supported by my receiver. It is the first universal remote I have found that works well with a TIVO. The software will do what you need, but it takes a while to learn how to manipulate it rather than have it manipulate you :-) I use some RF and some IR, so I can move from room to room and run the TIVO and receiver remotely, while controlling a local TV. This is far better than putting IR receivers for my Xantech system all over the house, though I still use them in conjuction with the MRF260 blaster in the cabinet.Customer Review: Remote is Very Good, Software Very Poor
Summary: 4 Stars
This remote is great. I've had several URC remotes in the last few years, and this one is my favorite. It's one of the only ones that allows "activity-based" function (meaning you can set it up so that you press 1 button for whatever activity you want to do, rather than just control individual devices all the time).
I only have 2 complaints. 1. The software is VERY poor. Confusing, convoluted, not intuitive at all, and makes difficult some things that should be very simple. 2. The battery doesn't last very long, so I constantly have to recharge it. If I could buy a 2nd battery, it wouldn't be a big deal, but so far I haven't been able to find one.
Overall, great remote. They REALLY need to update the software, and should make the battery a higher capacity (or sell one), or make a regular 2nd battery (and charger) available for sale.