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URC-100 Unifer
Universal Remote Control�s SL-9000 has been available since early 1998, a veritable eternity in technology years. Even with the introduction of the far more advanced and customizable MX-500, sales of the SL-9000 remained largely unaffected � it seems that some folks just prefer remotes that you don�t need to look at to use, with keys you can feel the purpose of.
Still, despite its initial popularity the SL-9000�s design has begun to show its age. Even with almost semi-annual software and labelling revisions (it took years for them to decide exactly how many macros it should have), the SL-9000 continues to use a single cluster of buttons for both menu and transport controls (the little arrows printed next to the tiny buttons at the bottom of the latest revisions don�t count). Modern devices such as DVD players and DVRs absolutely require both sets of controls, so something had to be done.
Although the URC-100 Unifier is not marketed as a direct replacement to the SL-9000, the close similarities and considerable improvements make that outcome unavoidable!
Buttons galore.
Starting from the front of the remote, the Unifier has a small 5-character LCD display similar to the SL-9000 measuring 1.25� wide and 0.4� high (3.2cm by 1.0cm). This screen constantly indicates the current device and assists (as much as possible) with remote setup. Beneath the display are 8 device selection buttons: [Audio], [CD], [DVD], [Auxiliary], [Satellite], [TV], [VCR] and [Cable]. Next are three unusually shaped keys, [Off], [Shift] and [On]. The purpose of the [Off] and [On] keys is obvious, but the [Shift] key is used to access a second layer of commands on any button (more on this later).
Continuing down we come to the rather nicely shaped [Volume] and [Channel] rocker keys, with [Mute], [Previous Channel], and [TV/VCR] buttons centered between. The menu button cluster is next, featuring a 4-way directional ring with separate [Select] button in the middle, orbited by 5 transport and 4 other menu-related keys. Further along is a standard 10-digit numeric keypad with [+10] and [Enter] buttons, while finishing off the bottom of the remote are four pairs of up/down keys, labelled for �Mode�, �Subwoofer�, �Center� and �Rear� functions (and would work very well with JVC�s difficult-to-replicate �Date�, �Start�, �Stop� and �Channel� timer programming keys).
The Unifier�s keypad is brightly labelled with red, blue, green, orange and black text. The physical buttons are made from translucent white rubber, except for the [Shift] key which is light orange. All are finished with URC�s proprietary GemStone finish, a hard glossy coating that goes overtop of all printing and ensures excellent button and label durability � you won�t be wearing the labels off these keys! The GemStone finish also adds a pleasant doming effect to each button and gives what would otherwise be pliable rubber a more substantial feel. Buttons rise up appreciably from the case and, although they require more pressure to depress than most remotes, are not too firm and generate a very clear tactile �click�. You�ll know for sure when one is pressed � resting fingers need not worry.
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