URC-R50 Digital R50 Universal Remote Control

The Digital R50 doesn't come with USB cables and a power supply docking recharge station. But that's for a good reaosn, it doesn't need them.

This remote is a strange blend of power user flexibility with some simple operation thrown in. It runs on 4 AA batteries so there is no need to plug another charging station into the wall.

It comes with a built in database of known devices and does not require you to connect up to a PC to configure them. (Tip : Don't accept the first device code that is registered, it's worth searching until you get the remote to recognise your device exactly, or a very close fit).

The Digital R50 looks great, it's certainly a remote that visitors will notice. The buttons are noticibly harder than some of it's competitors, this will be appreciated by some and will mean the buttons will last longer under heavy use.

Very little printed documentation is provided with the remote package as it attempts to be 'self documenting'. As you configure the remote the display walks you through the process.

It's true that it will probably take longer to configure the R50 to control all your devices than it would take with some of the Logitech remotes. But the R50 is available at a great price and has capable macro recording abilities.

Controls can be configured at the Main and Device level. This means that you can direct the remote to control a single device or switch it to control multiple devices. You may for example have the volumn controls operating your audio system and the channel controls your cable box.

In conclusion, the R50 is an attractive looking universal remote with the ability to record multi-function macros, it may take a little longer to configure than some of it's more expensive rivals but at this price who's complaining.