When you have a name like �Universal Remote Control�...
With the formal retirement of the old Home Theater Master brand and the formation of the new Complete Control name for professional products, URC�s exact strategy for marketing consumer remotes has taken a little while longer to stabilize. Currently made up of an �R� series of remotes sold directly under Universal Remote Control�s own name, the lineup includes the aforementioned mid-range RF10, RF20 and RF30 LCD models, plus the low-end R6 and R7 clickers.
While the R50 shares literally no design cues from the rest of the R series, it does have a direct counterpart in URC�s professional line: the Complete Control MX-450. That model is priced at $249.99 USD MSRP, with the extra $100 in cost affording the MX-450 a higher-end finish, built-in RF, more advanced on-screen macro programming, and the possibility of firmware upgrades and configuration backups via a USB port (although it still can�t be programmed by a PC).
Walk softly, carry a big remote!
The R50 may not be even close to the largest remote I�ve reviewed, but it certainly can�t be called �dainty� either. Measuring 2.30� wide, 8.97� long and 1.26� thick (5.9cm by 22.9cm by 3.2cm) the R50 is of average size, perhaps a bit thicker than usual. But what makes it stand out is how much it weighs for that size: 8.8 ounces (247 grams) with batteries; a more lithe 5.3 ounces (150 grams) without.
Readers will be pleased to note that the weight has gone primarily to a good cause: batteries. Although the R50 doesn�t include any sort of rechargeable docking system, it�s the first �stick� remote from the company to use standard AA batteries instead of their smaller AAA counterparts. AA batteries weigh twice as much as AAA ones but they also hold two-and-a-half times the power, affording longer runtimes between battery changes and lower operational costs (since they generally don�t cost more).
A button for every function, and every function in its place.
The R50�s design may not break new ground, but it adheres to what has worked successfully for the MX-500 and many other remotes: a medium sized LCD screen at the top with customizable hard buttons, plus a respectable selection of regular hard buttons below.
As the most notable feature of the R50, I�m pleased to see that the TFT LCD screen is of good quality with bright, vibrant colors and tack-sharp definition. It measures 1.23� wide and 1.53� tall (3.1cm by 3.9cm) with a 1.96� (4.9cm) diagonal dimension. The display has a resolution of 176 by 220 pixels, something most commonly seen with cell phones, and a high pixel density of 144 PPI. Positioned on either side of the screen are four thin hard buttons. The larger top row are master power keys for turning your A/V system [On] and [Off], while the 6 other keys use the LCD screen for labels and will perform different functions depending on whatever the label reads.
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