Universal Remote URC-300 Customizer and MRF-100 Expander Reviewed

  • By: HomeTheaterReview.com,

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter Print this article

HTR Product Rating

Performance
4 Stars
Value
3.5 Stars
Overall
4 Stars

Disagree with our product rating? Email us and tell us why you think this product should receive a higher rating.

Page 1 | Page 2
Universal_Remote_URC-300_remote.png

This quick review was delayed a few times, but that was somewhat intentional. It's no secret that movie studios like to delay the release of certain films on DVD so that they can coincide with a film's anniversary. I thought it fitting to mark my two-year anniversary with ETC. Magazines with a remote control review, since my first review was Universal's MX-500 back in 2002. So here I am, two years older, arguably wiser, and faced once again with a full-featured remote from Universal Remote Control. If you're ready to torch that pile of remotes and you're looking for control without barriers, the Customizer and Expander may be just what the doctor ordered.

Additional Resources
• Read more remotes and system control reviews from HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Find an AV receiver to program into the URC-300.

Unique Features 
If there's one thing common to most remote controls, it's the inability to see through walls, the couch and the family dog. Elaborate aiming measures must often be taken before a successful register of the infrared signal. This is because most remotes only emit infrared (IR) commands, and line-of-sight to the component is critical. The Customizer emits both infrared and radio (RF) signals. When you add the Expander radio receiver, the RF commands are converted to infrared and self-adhesive "flashers" are affixed to the front panels of
your gear to receive the IR commands.

Also noteworthy on the Customizer is its use of a touch-screen display instead of hard buttons on the top half of the remote. I'm a little mixed on this subject; if I wanted a touch screen, I'd buy a Pronto. That said, the Customizer's screen worked well and sensitivity was good.

Installation/Setup/Ease of Use
The URC line of remotes from Universal is marketed as their "consumer" line, while the MX series is considered "custom/professional." There is a tremendous amount of overlap in functionality, and advanced users shouldn't feel embarrassed for considering the consumer-friendly Customizer. As far as I can tell, the biggest difference between the URC and MX series is the packaging. The URC-300 Customizer comes with a handy setup and tutorial on DVD, in addition to a well-written and lengthy user manual.

Read more about the URC-300 on Page 2.

Page 1 | Page 2

  • Comment on this article

Post a Comment

You are encouraged to post your comments using Facebook on HomeTheaterReview.com. Simply sign in to your Facebook account below and post away.

Featured Audio-Video News

The Evolution of the Two-Channel Preamp

The Evolution of the Two-Channel Preamp -

The two-channel preamp has been due for an overhaul for a while now and it seems that the process is beginning with several of the new products hitting the market from several of the major manufacturers. But why is it happening now?

Latest Remotes & System Control Reviews

Peel Universal Remote Control and iPhone App Reviewed -

Apple's products have become more and more important to the home theater market. Almost every manufacture is trying to introduce the iPhone, but Peel's Universal Remote is an attempt to you the iPhone across multiple devices with the same app.

Logitech Harmony 300 Universal Remote Control Reviewed -

In search of a more basic universal remote, reviewer Adrienne Maxwell picked up the Logitech Harmony 300 universal remote. How did the remote perform? Read about the tests Adrienne Maxwell put it through.

Acoustic Research Xsight Touch Universal Remote Control Reviewed -

Acoustic Research's Xsight universal remote control can control up to 18 different products, is IR (with RF support) and has a 2.2-inch full-color touchscreen. Adrienne Maxwell takes it for a spin to see how it stacks up compared to Logitech and Philips.

Harmony One Universal Remote Control Reviewed -

When it comes to universal remotes, Harmony (now part of Logitech) is one of the leaders. Remotes like the One are easy to program, easy to use, and not hard on the wallet. This "one" can control up to 15 devices. We give it a thorough test with top AV gear.

Harmony 890 Universal Remote Control Reviewed -

With lots of buttons and a color LCD, the 890 from Harmony can control all functions of up to 15 devices. It can even learn commands from esoteric gear that may not be pre-programmed. An included RF relay lets the 890 control gear in cabinets.

Universal Remote Control PSX2 / PSXLink iPod Dock Reviewed -

URC, one of the most popular universal remote companies, has branched into the iPod dock category. More than just a simple audio dock, the PSX2/PSXLink turns the iPod into a streaming audio server. Brian Kahn puts it through its paces to see how it compares.

Harmony 1000 Universal Remote Control Reviewed -

Bridging the gap between home automation and universal remote is the Harmony 1000. Its 3.5-inch touchscreen is just the start of its user friendliness. It's not quite as customizable as some others like Crestron, Control4 and AMX, but it sure does a lot. Ken Taraszka checks it out.

Gefen Wireless for HDMI System Reviewed -

Even though consumers love putting flat panel TVs on the wall, there's always the problem of wires. Gefen's new Wireless HDMI product aims to take care of that issue. How well does it work? Adrienne Maxwell dives in to see how well it performs.

Philips Pronto TSU9300 Programmable Remote Control -

The good Doctor Ken Taraszka takes a look at Philips new Pronto TSU9300. It's got a full-color touchscreen LCD, can control devices using IR and even Wi-Fi. Programming is done via USB. Is it as good as Logitech's best?

Harmony 880 Universal Remote Control Reviewed -

Featuring a color LCD screen, backlit buttons, and easy to use computer software, the Harmony 880 universal remote has lots to offer those looking to simplify their home theaters. 15 devices are controllable. Ken Taraszka takes a look for HomeTheaterReview.com.