Read all about it.
http://remoteshoppe.com/index.php?itemid=798

Thanks for the linky. Yeah it looks like a very cool remote unfortunately I can't seem to get my filthy paws on them! If I can find them in the supply chain I'll be happy to re-post... in the meantime it looks like you guys that are hungry for one will have to wait on line at the local Best Buy

I picked this up last night. I am comming from a Harmony 890. So I was use to the computer setup to setup the actually remote. Well this remote is very light. It had all components in the wizard except for the Nintendo Wii. I was kinda weird adding game systems. There was no option for game systems at all. I had to choose Aux. Also when setting up my Denon Receiver it took a little time to get it to work. Now this setup was all done with the remotes LCD. Now this is where I need everyones help. I am having trouble setting up the Macros. Like I want to pre xbox360 and Have it turn on the xbox change the tv to HDMI 2 and have the receiver change to DVP all in one press but its too confusing to do. I also want to do a power off all. Is there some that can help me with this? I am new to Macros.
O let me point out one cool feature of this remote. The copy and past fucntion. Basically you can copy the volume controls from the receiver and paste it to cable and xbox. So it always uses the receiver to raise and lower the volume. I also did that with the cable to change channels. All in all I love this remote. I love the way the buttons feels. I didnt like the plastic buttons on the Harmony remote which are non-responisive and I think it is because they are palstic. Basically I have to push the volume very hard just for it to work. With the URC the buttons are rubber and feels better. The only draw back of this remote really is no recharge batteries it runs off of 4 AA batteries.

I picked up this remote today as well. I'm used to my harmony 550, and honestly, I'm missing the PC set up. I have partly set up my macros...

hold the main key for a few seconds,
Advanced Setup
Macros
On Main Menu
Pick a button (of a device you've created, can rename it later something like "watch Directv")
at this point, select your devices and what you want them to do in the order you want them to do it, just press the buttons. I would do the root device last. (if it's watch directv, do your tv, then your surround, then directv, that way the watch directv menu will be displayed when the macro is finished, and you'll have all your source options on the LCD.

this works for me, although I would love this remote to turn off the devices I don't need once another macro is selected. also, I can't figure out how to power off everything on one button push. I can already tell that the remote is not smart enough to know what is on and what's not. this lack of feature might be what drives me back to the harmony....

I'll take any help I can get here, and I'll share what I find. I do find it nuts that this remote is not even on "www.universalremote.com" yet.

Erik

***UPDATE*** v.2

I've spent a lot of time with this remote this morning, and I have it working for me the way I want it to. I do however think I haven't set it up the "right" way.

I reset to factory defaults for a clean start.
I added devices (but named them as if they were activities). after all my activities were added, I added all of my devices.

Then I went through the process of setting up my macros. Selecting macros on my main device, then using those activity buttons I set up in step one.

Once all those macros are set. You can use the copy/paste feature to set the volume control for all devices. I use a surround receiver for all my volume, so I copied it's volume group to all devices.

EDIT!!!* this is not working now. I re-set everything, and now power off all is not working.*
Then I copied the power off from my tv device, (i used my tv because I know it has a separate "power off" not just a power toggle command).

Right now I'm pretty happy with how it's working. It's honestly not much different in the way it functions over my harmony 550, it of course, just looks nicer and the IR seems to be stronger. (I know beam is beam, but it seems to work better than the harmony).

hope this helps. I will be interested to know the recommended process for this, but for now, I can hand this over to my wife with little to no explaining.

***UPDATE*** v.2

I've spent a lot of time with this remote this morning, and I have it working for me the way I want it to. I do however think I haven't set it up the "right" way.

I reset to factory defaults for a clean start.
I added devices (but named them as if they were activities). after all my activities were added, I added all of my devices.

Then I went through the process of setting up my macros. Selecting macros on my main device, then using those activity buttons I set up in step one.

Once all those macros are set. You can use the copy/paste feature to set the volume control for all devices. I use a surround receiver for all my volume, so I copied it's volume group to all devices.

EDIT!!!* this is not working now. I re-set everything, and now power off all is not working.*
Then I copied the power off from my tv device, (i used my tv because I know it has a separate "power off" not just a power toggle command).

Right now I'm pretty happy with how it's working. It's honestly not much different in the way it functions over my harmony 550, it of course, just looks nicer and the IR seems to be stronger. (I know beam is beam, but it seems to work better than the harmony).

hope this helps. I will be interested to know the recommended process for this, but for now, I can hand this over to my wife with little to no explaining.

Hey I still get confused setting up the Macros. Do you use on LCD or On Device. I wish there was a walk threw on how to do it easily. Do you mind helping me I really like this remote but I was the ALL OFF, If I press Xbox I want it to switch the tv to HDMI and switch receiver to HDMI 2 and power on Xbox on all at one time. Do you mind helping me out. I also just noticed that for my receiver that the power on button turns on and off my receiver. But again the original remote for the reciever has a single button for powering on and turning off the reciever. I wish Unverisal would give you a sample like full power off system so we can have a sample of how to set it up correctly.

I'll be glad to try and help.
Remember, I set up my activities in the "Basic Setup" area. I created them as if they were actual devices. It doesn't matter what category and brand you select, as all you want to do create the button. (this is the part I think is not quite right, but it's working for me.)

Once you have created your LCD button, ie. watch directv, watch HDDVD, etc and your actual device buttons, you can then go to "advanced Setup" and do your macros.

I do on "main menu"
I pick my "activity button" and that's when the recording starts. Here's an example of one of mine.
Once recording starts:
i hit TV then Power On, then Input the #4(this is how my tv changes inputs)
Hit Main (this will take you back to select another component)
I then hit AV receiver, then Power on, then Video 2
hit main
I then hit DirecTV, power on,
then hit Done.

This has created a macro for my "Watch Directv" LCD button. You should go through the remote once you've added your devices and write down the steps you have to take to do the things you want to do. then when you come down to recording the macros, you'll have it all written out.

I still haven't figured out the power off all yet. I have created a macro for the "Off" hard button that should send the power off command to everyone of my devices. I even copied my "power off" from my tv to my HDdvd player which didn't have one. I sure wish I knew what I did yesterday to make it work for those 10 minutes.

I plan on calling URC tomorrow for some guidance, I plan on asking why there's no mention of this remote on their website as well...

I have seen where there's two reviews on Best Buy.com with guys who say they had their remotes set up in 30 minutes to a hour. I wonder if that means macros and all....

I'll be glad to try and help.
Remember, I set up my activities in the "Basic Setup" area. I created them as if they were actual devices. It doesn't matter what category and brand you select, as all you want to do create the button. (this is the part I think is not quite right, but it's working for me.)

Once you have created your LCD button, ie. watch directv, watch HDDVD, etc and your actual device buttons, you can then go to "advanced Setup" and do your macros.

I do on "main menu"
I pick my "activity button" and that's when the recording starts. Here's an example of one of mine.
Once recording starts:
i hit TV then Power On, then Input the #4(this is how my tv changes inputs)
Hit Main (this will take you back to select another component)
I then hit AV receiver, then Power on, then Video 2
hit main
I then hit DirecTV, power on,
then hit Done.

This has created a macro for my "Watch Directv" LCD button. You should go through the remote once you've added your devices and write down the steps you have to take to do the things you want to do. then when you come down to recording the macros, you'll have it all written out.

I still haven't figured out the power off all yet. I have created a macro for the "Off" hard button that should send the power off command to everyone of my devices. I even copied my "power off" from my tv to my HDdvd player which didn't have one. I sure wish I knew what I did yesterday to make it work for those 10 minutes.

I plan on calling URC tomorrow for some guidance, I plan on asking why there's no mention of this remote on their website as well...

I have seen where there's two reviews on Best Buy.com with guys who say they had their remotes set up in 30 minutes to a hour. I wonder if that means macros and all....

Ok so you have to hit the main button to setup the next component. Ok thats where I was stuck I would choose the first option then I didnt know where to go from there.
You know what I noticed that even though I can control my Denon reciever it doesnt show the correct options for it. Like it does list DVD and for the power on power off I have to use only the power on to do both which sometimes makes it confusing. I have to reset that one up. I try tonight and hopeful it will work. I have seen other review but they have all been say the only negative things are that it runs on double AA's and that it is expensive. I also read the best buy reviews and I think they only did a Basic without Macros. You thinkg I can setup the Wii to turn on with the system or do you think that I can setup a dummy button that says wii and will switch everything for me and all I have to do is power on the Wii.

My guess for your Denon receiver is that you have a code that will obviously work, but it's not a code for your specific model. This is one problem I have seen and I don't like it. I would much rather tell the remote (or my computer like my harmony) my model number and let it program specifically for that. The way it's set up now, you just have to do the wizard, then go see if it adds the feature buttons you need, if not, then do the wizard again and go to a different code.

I don't have a wii, but I believe it's just like my PS3, in that the remotes are bluetooth. That being the case, you just have to set up an activity for Play Wii, macro that to turn on your TV and reciever then just pick up your wii mote and turn it on. That's how I have my PS3 set up.

I emailed URC this morning and haven't heard anything back. I do plan on trying to call when I get home and have the remote in hand. I'll relay any info they share.

Here's the latest...

I called URC when I got home yesterday afternoon. An actual person answered the phone and transferred me right over to tech support. I was very surprised at how easily i got to support.

My main questions at this point were how to configure my power off button. I found that you can not configure the "hard" power off button to only power off devices that are one, the remote is not smart enough to know what is on and what is not. "Supposedly" you can program a macro for that "Hard" power button to power off whatever devices you want.

Here's what I tried (without luck):
advanced set up
macros
on main device
select "Hard Power Off" button
hit directv, power off, main...
hit TV, Power off, Pause (which is supposed to create a .5 second delay for each time you press it) then pause again for a total of 1 second delay main...
hit AV Receiver, power off, pause, pause, pause, pause (2second delay).
then done.

This does not work!

at this point, i hit "watch directv"
this turns on my tv, directv, and av reciever and leaves the "WatchDirectv" screen on the remote. this screen has the options for my Directv device.

If i hit the Hard power off at this point, it only turns off my directv receiver, and will then turn it back on if I hit the button again.

If i hit main then the hard power off button, my tv will turn off, then back on if hit the button again.

Essentially, it doesn't seem to take the macro that I set for the hard button (i have tried erasing and re-doing)

For the time being, i have created an activity called "power off" and created a macro that of course sends the power off to my tv, directv, and av receiver. i'll just have to manually turn off my HD-DVD player, which hardly ever gets used anyway.

I just picked one for my inlaws and I cant program activities, Ishould have bought a Harmony!!!!

I am done with this remote, I should have gotten a Harmony in the first place. Especially for my inlaws who will be calling for help routinely.

Those of you who are owner of this remote, can you confirm if it is back lit? I tried out the remote in a BB store and liked the feel for it, but not sure how good it is

I have Radio Shack 15-2117 remote which I love, but unfortunately its dying. I tried Harmony 880 but did not like it, as I had continually look down, because the buttons were small and the back lit was bad. With RS 15-2117 I could also use the JP1 to do macro programming. I would like to hear for those who own this remote if it will be comparable in its functionality to RS 15-2117. Appreciate any feed back on pros and con.

Thanks.

will this support ps3 and an ipod dock?

will this support ps3 and an ipod dock?

If you're iPod Dock uses an infrared remote now than you can teach the R50 the commands and yes it will work. No remote will work with the PS3 without an adapter of some kind. Sorry for the shameless plug but this article should tell you just about everything you need to know of about 90% of the PS3 control options out there

http://www.remoteshoppe.com/index.php?itemid=803

Those of you who are owner of this remote, can you confirm if it is back lit? I tried out the remote in a BB store and liked the feel for it, but not sure how good it is

I have Radio Shack 15-2117 remote which I love, but unfortunately its dying. I tried Harmony 880 but did not like it, as I had continually look down, because the buttons were small and the back lit was bad. With RS 15-2117 I could also use the JP1 to do macro programming. I would like to hear for those who own this remote if it will be comparable in its functionality to RS 15-2117. Appreciate any feed back on pros and con.

Thanks.
Obviously, your 2117 isn't even in the same league as the R50. However, in spite of that, if a simple master power off macro is difficult on the R50 (something that can be done in about 15 seconds with JP1), I think you'd really miss the power and flexibility you have today. And unlike your 2117, the R50 isn't RF. I know of very few JP1ers who've been able to go back to an unhacked remote. Believe me, I've tried. The odds are against you, so make sure you're able to return it.

If you end up replacing your 2117 with something similar, the 15-100 is the latest generation of the 2117. Problem is, JP1 pins are missing and a little tricky to add yourself (I've done it myself, but it's a PITA). The One-For-All URC-9910 (RF/IR) or 8910 (IR only) is the generation prior to the 15-100, complete with JP1 pins that would work with the cable you already have. There are a couple for sale at hifi-remote.com/forums marketplace and on ebay.

I finally got all the commands working with the harmony on all my devices (two which didn't have OEM remotes), but the macro's just never work the way they should and continue to ruin the HT experience (lack of matching the correct devices for volume control, failing to switch on/off sometimes)

There's no point in getting another harmony as the software will be the same.

looking around the URC-R50 was the best consumer self programing system I found.

given that I have all the remote codes in my current harmony, I'd have the tedious task of learning codes for some really old gear, but if it allows me to control the macro properly, I'll be sold.

just only found one review and it was glowing.

curious how fast the response time is for this R50? the Harmony 880 even when delay is set to 0 was SLOW at times.

I have had this remote for about a week now and really like most of it. In reading this thread, I see a lot of folks had trouble building macros that turned everything off. With this particular remote, you have to find the discreet on/off codes for all your devices. What these are are codes that turn something on and a different code that turns it off. The R50 has a lot of them built in. You then program all the discreet power off codes to the main power off key. When you add your device from the database, scan the lcd keys it builds. If you find a power on and a seperate power off lcd button, those are your discreets. Copy those to your actual hard key for the device and then build your macro for all off from the main screen. You don't want everything going off any time the off button is hit. Or, build in a delay to those keys.

As far as delay time. Most of the time it is good. The only probem I am having is when the remote powers off, the first time you hit the key it turns the remote back on then you have to hit it again. This doesn't happen all the time for some reason. I read that this only happens on learned keys, but I am finding it on programmed keys as well. I need to study it more and find a pattern. At first, I didn't like the arrangement of the ff and rew keys. For keys you use a lot you would think they would be bigger and better placed. But after using it for a week it has become a non issue. At first, I found it difficult to just touch the ff and rew without pressing another key, but it seems to know which one you want. Not sure how but like I said, it is a non issue now.

For less than $100, I think this is really a great remote. Sure there are ones that are easier to program, but so what. That's part of the fun. I have had it a week and I change something on it everday. I can do this and then try it immediately and don't have to connect it to anything. You don't even have to read an instruction manual. It is all there on the screen. All I need to do is figure out why I have to double press sometimes and other times I don't.

Bought one and tried it out for a couple of weeks. I could get by with almost everything else except the ergonomics. The ff/rw keys are really badly placed and too small. Also, you can't keep your hand in one place to get the transport keys and the volume/channel keys. You have to slide your hand up and down the remote to use these two crucial sets of hard buttons. I have 3 MX-500s (yes, I like them) and thought this was my chance to have two things I thought I wanted:


A Color Screen
Unlimited macros

The color screen really isn't a big deal, as you don't really want to look down all the time. And actually, while being able to make any button a macro is cool and all, I find that I miss dedicated M1, M2, M3 buttons.

But the ergonomics killed it for me. I sent it back already.

Jay W

Bought one and tried it out for a couple of weeks. I could get by with almost everything else except the ergonomics. The ff/rw keys are really badly placed and too small. Also, you can't keep your hand in one place to get the transport keys and the volume/channel keys. You have to slide your hand up and down the remote to use these two crucial sets of hard buttons. I have 3 MX-500s (yes, I like them) and thought this was my chance to have two things I thought I wanted:


A Color Screen
Unlimited macros

The color screen really isn't a big deal, as you don't really want to look down all the time. And actually, while being able to make any button a macro is cool and all, I find that I miss dedicated M1, M2, M3 buttons.

But the ergonomics killed it for me. I sent it back already.

Jay W

I guess I am much more shallow because I don't think I could live without the color screen. I need that WOW factor when friends and family are over ;-)

I actually wanted to point out though... if you miss the M1, M2, M3 buttons than you can just program these macros to the screen at the top and actually give them more logical names than M1, M2... I have set-up the R50 with Watch TV, DVD buttons right on the main screen

I think I've finally set my R50 the way I wanted, and the Harmony 550 can go to the dumpster. My setup (HTPC, receiver, plasma display) is quite straightforward as everything is controled through the HTPC except volume and power, but I think the process can be applied to more complex situations. I always wanted to control the entire system (no matter how complex) as one coherent unit using one remote with buttons in natural positions controlling the correct device -- I don't want to switch between devices and activities. The way I do this is copy and paste groups of buttons to the Main and Favorite screens (volume from the receiver and everything else from the HTPC), and defining the On and Off buttons to power all the devices.


Harmony 550 and URC-R50.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=137179&stc=1&d=1237483041



Actions on the main screen - these are actually devices (doesn't matter which ones - they're never used), but macros do the required action. The last step in each macro is always the MAIN button press, so the screen doesn't change. The selection of images is very limited, though. Also I find it very limiting that the labels are limited to 7 letters per line, even though 10 or more can easily fit.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=137180&stc=1&d=1237483041



Actual devices - they are on the third page as they're not intended for normal use, and I may hide them later. Note that there are multiple devices for Microsoft Media Center HTPC and the Sony Receiver as the presets are not complete on a single device. I was also very pleased that the presets had discrete ON/OFF codes for the Panasonic 7UY plasma display, which I wasn't able to find anywhere, and thought didn't exist at all.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=137181&stc=1&d=1237483041



Media Center factory presets -- pretty unusable:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=137182&stc=1&d=1237483041



Favorite Channels - kinda gimmicky, as the keystrokes are transmitted slowly, but it does work. What's interesting is that it can store a lot more macros (as long as they are single device, which in my setup is quite possible)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=137183&stc=1&d=1237483041

Is there an official R50 owners thread yet?

Good point: I can't believe one wasn't created. When it is, someone should put the "make the first Macro command a pause" secret in to make dual-function device keys.

Guys, may I ask how the backlight is activated. I don't see a backlight button anywhere on the remote in the pics.

There's a button on the side. You can read a very informative review here: http://www.remotecentral.com/reviews/urc_r50/index.html

http://www.remotecentral.com/reviews/urc_r50/photo08a.jpg

By the way, you can program more complex macros on the Favorites screen, not only single device ones using numbers 1-9: Just learn or assign macros to the number keys on one of the fake devices (if you do it like I did, there should be plenty), then use that device and the number in the favorite channel definition.

There's a button on the side. You can read a very informative review here: http://www.remotecentral.com/reviews/urc_r50/index.html

http://www.remotecentral.com/reviews/urc_r50/photo08a.jpg

Thx a lot. Last time I was at remotecentral they hadn't reviewed it yet.

They've had a huge review on it for over a month: are you on the same website? That's basically what led me to buy it (and I'm happy I did)!

anyone know how to program macros on the Fav buttons? can it be done?
u can tell me or just post a link to instructions. i'll keep searching in the mean time.
thanks in advance!

Favorite channel macros must consist of numbers 0-9, ., ENTER, and possibly PAUSE (not sure), and they must all be on a single device. My proof of concept:

- create a new device; it doesn't matter which type, manufacturer, or code -- it will never be used directly
- assign a (regular) macro to one of the buttons 0-9 on the newly created device;
- enter that number in the favorite channel definition
- hide the newly created device

awesome.
thanks!

They've had a huge review on it for over a month: are you on the same website? That's basically what led me to buy it (and I'm happy I did)!

Sorry if my comment was confusing. I found the review thanks to your link. I was just commenting that it had been so long since I was on remotecentral they hadn't posted a review at that time. :)

Question for one of the owners of this beauty – this may be a stupid one, but I’ve been out of this market for several years and I’m not sure what kind of “advances” were maid in that area:
Does it have a build in codes for any of the IR keyboards (old LiteOn Airboard is what I’m looking for)

Question for one of the owners of this beauty – this may be a stupid one, but I’ve been out of this market for several years and I’m not sure what kind of “advances” were maid in that area:
Does it have a build in codes for any of the IR keyboards (old LiteOn Airboard is what I’m looking for)

Not sure that it's in their but the R50 does have learning capabilities so you can simply teach it the IR commands you want

:confused: Can anyone tell me if the R50 can control 3 separate TiVo's all on different frequencies? My current remote 1-4-all urc-8910 can only control 2.

Also, am I correct in reading that the hard keys such as volume control, that are set for the TV, can remain functional if I am in other devices such as a Tivo? I don't have an av system, just TV speakers and don't want to switch to the TV device every time I want to change the volume or mute. Thanks ;)

Also, am I correct in reading that the hard keys such as volume control, that are set for the TV, can remain functional if I am in other devices such as a Tivo? I don't have an av system, just TV speakers and don't want to switch to the TV device every time I want to change the volume or mute. Thanks ;)

Absolutely: there is a "copy and paste" capability for certain functions/keys that allow you to "punch through" things like volume and channel up/down. I do this for my receiver volume on all devices.

Thanks...
What about multiple (3) Tivo's?? :confused:

Thanks...
What about multiple (3) Tivo's?? :confused:

Your problem won't be the remote (which can hold 15 or 20 devices--I forget), but the Tivo's: if they're all in the same rack, they're all going to see the same command (unless Tivo changed their frequencies for different models).

Thanks....

Can the FAV button be re-assigned as an TV/VCR (Input) button?

i think the 'Main' and 'Fav' buttons are the only buttons that can't be changed

Problem...I have 3 TiVos installed. The Menu key did not work for any of the TiVo devices. I "learned" the "Tivo" button from each original remote to the Menu button for each TiVo device. Problem is...regardless of which TiVo is engaged, the Menu only works for the 1st TiVo device. I can't get Menu to work for either of the other 2 TiVos. Any Ideas???

Did you configure each TiVo to use a separate IR code, as per these instructions (http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/284)?

Your first step is to setup three TiVo remotes (or separate switches) so they do not conflict. Then learn each set of IR codes into each separate TiVo device / activity.

Batteries supplied with the remote are out after about six weeks. I think I'll try some rechargeable ones next. BTW, the display brightness was set to 30% (second lowest), and the red glow was rarely used.

UPDATE: When I wrote this a few days ago, the battery indicator was changing color from red to green. Yesterday, the entire display was flashing off and on saying replace batteries or something like that, and it wouldn't do anything. I measured the voltage on the spent batteries, and it was 1.12V (usually when AA's are spent, they're like .7 or .8V). I put them in an MCE remote that I occasionally use with my desktop computer, and they'll probably last there for years.

The rechargeable batteries that I reclaimed charged only to 1.45V (they are designed to operate nominally from 1.2V down to .8V), and the remote only shows four out of five dots on the battery charge indicator. For comparison, brand new alkaline AA'a come charged ato 1.6V. I'm just curious how long these will last in the remote. I hope I won't have to recharge them every two weeks or so.

Typically, the batteries that are shipped with ANY consumer electronics are junk: I throw them away immediately. I put new (alkaline) Duracells in my R50 when I bought it in January and they're STILL going strong. That includes all the programming I did (which comsumes a lot of power) when it was new. Bottom line: (good) batts in this remote last a long time.

That's what I thought, but I just wanted to do this rechargeable experiment.

I have a Panasonic TH-46PZ85U. I also have an R50. Can anyone tell me which of the Panasonic presets work best with the 46PZ85U. There are bunch that turn the TV on and off, but they seem to have different control set ups on the LCD screen. If anyone has chosen one that works well with my plasma please share! I guess worst case would be to use the learning function.

I have read through the thread and am still confused about the macros. I programmed on that would turn on the tv, turn on the dishentwork dvr and select the guide screen. Worked great. But for the life of me I can't program a simple one to turn on the tv and then the take me to the tv/video selection menu. Guess I'll keep trying.

UPDATE I was not smart enough to realize that the tv would not accept any command for a full 4 seconds after powered on. When I used the R50 pause function (pressed it 10 times) the tv then accepted further commands and took me to the tv/video. After that i could prgram the source by pressing a number button. So that one is SOLVED!

p.s. I really can't believe this remote does not come with a hard copy manual or at least have one online.

I have the same panny screen - tried all the codes that turn the TV on/off - I found that code 0524 is the best choice - provides the most functions on the LCD screen that relate to the 46PZ85U.

I also contacted URC via phone and was immediately connected to a tech - posed question how to add a space when entering text - press the right cursor twice for the first space, then once for any additional spaces in the same series.

To Kdviner70 - I am using 8 pauses sucessfully, why wait an extra second.

Thanks for the info. I'll look but I think that is the one that I am using. I have finally built macros for the four functions I routinely use and this remote has replaced the four that I used before.

BTW - I posed my question above to URC tech support via email and got an answer within a day. Not too bad.

Anyone figure out which code to use for the new JVC Blu-Ray player? None of the JVC codes work for me and for some strange reason my R50 won't learn the Fast Forward button from the JVC remote.

With this remote, can you set a macro to be used like the SLEEP function on any device, so the remote can basically turn off all your devices after a set time? For example, if you wanted your TV and DVD players to turn off after two hr, can a macro be set to a 2 hr delay, after which it will hit the off buttons for both devices?

No, not on the remote side. Wonder if any remote on the market can do it. But why would that be important? Most TVs and receivers do have the feature, and it's really no big deal if the DVD player remain on.

I currently use my Pioneer receiver remote because it has a separate section dedicated to the TV, with it's own power, channel, volume, and input buttons. It may seem trivial but I love this about the remote and won't buy another until I can duplicate this somehow. :)

If the soft buttons can be assigned to power, input, and volume for the TV in a "punchthrough" fashion then it could work. Can the R50 do this?

Thanks

If the soft buttons can be assigned to power, input, and volume for the TV in a "punchthrough" fashion then it could work. Can the R50 do this?

Yes, you can copy buttons from any device to any other device.

Personally, I would "punch-through" volume and mute and put input in a macro. If you buy a remote of this caliber and still have to hit the input button manually that would be a waste.

Sounds good. Only problem with the stupid Input selection is that it pops up a menu and you have to move to the selection you want and press Enter. The popup menu will NOT disappear from the screen unless you press enter or exit. So annoying.

Sounds good. Only problem with the stupid Input selection is that it pops up a menu and you have to move to the selection you want and press Enter. The popup menu will NOT disappear from the screen unless you press enter or exit. So annoying.

You could probably deal with that with a macro. What model TV do you have?

I have a Samsung PN58B550 Plasma.

I have a Samsung PN58B550 Plasma.

That TV should have discrete codes for it. Meaning that there are buttons available that go directly to the right input with a single button press.

That TV should have discrete codes for it. Meaning that there are buttons available that go directly to the right input with a single button press.

Any idea how to program the discrete codes into the R50? I don't see anywhere in the menu system to do this.

Thanks
Ian

Ok, forget about my last email. I was able to select one of the Samsung code options and it had all the discrete codes already setup on the LCD buttons in several menus :).

Now if only I could figure out how to "copy" each individual discrete code and paste it onto specific buttons!! Maybe I'll "teach" one of my old crappy remotes using these codes, and then have it learn them back on the button I want. Sounds like a long process!!!

Anyone out there try teaching their r50 commands for nyko's ps3 blu-wave remote?

I can't get the nav pad to work correctly. When I press up once it moves 3x. Same happens when I press the pad right or left. Down works fine. Very irritating :mad:

Favorite channel macros must consist of numbers 0-9, ., ENTER, and possibly PAUSE (not sure), and they must all be on a single device. My proof of concept:

- create a new device; it doesn't matter which type, manufacturer, or code -- it will never be used directly
- assign a (regular) macro to one of the buttons 0-9 on the newly created device;
- enter that number in the favorite channel definition
- hide the newly created device

I tried this with no luck. Here's what I did:

- created a new devide
- assigned a macro to "0" within this device to turn on my TV, satellite, AVR
- in the fav channel definition I entered "0828" (0 for the macro above and 828 for the channel that I want to tune to for the favourite)

When I hit the new FAV channel that I created it does not even perform step #1! If I go in to the device and hit "0" it performs all the steps that the macro should.

What am I missing here?

Hey guys, this is the only thread that I can find any information of tips on programing the R50 remote. I went from a Logitech 880 that crapped out on me after one year. I decided to go with URC considering all the good reviews, not expecting the macros difficulty I would have programing it.

After reading all the tips on this thread I have a few issues that I can't resolve. I set up on my first page all the activities that i use and all the main devices on the 2nd page.
Now I setup all the macros to which the main devices need to work together for one activity. My first problem is when I switch an activity, the devices that are already on turn off. Here is an example, all my devices are off and I choose a activity "My TV" therefore my tv, receiver, and cable box turn on. Now if I decided to switch to my Xbox activity option my TV turns off and receiver turns off and Xbox turns on. For the life of me I have tried everything and cant seem to find a work around. Same thing for the "Hard Off" activity, If the device is off and I press hard off everything on turns off and vice versa.

Please help me, I hope someone from this forum can give me some pointers. I've tried calling a tech on URC but I am constantly on hold and don't have the time to wait.

PLEASE HELP !!! THANKS

I figured I would add my 2 cents to this old thread. I've had for years a Pronto TSU3000 which is computer software based and you can create whatever you can imagine for your home theater system.

My friend had a Harmony remote which he had problems with --- first with remote cradle not charging and then a bad hard button so I decided to not get one of those.

Saw the URC 50 was 80.00 now and decided to get one of them. Setup was so easy and creating the macros after that was simple. Switching from watching uverse to any other hardware in my system was very easy. I was worried that it would not have uverse already in it's database but it did. It also had the WDTV too.

So if you're like me and still have older equipment this remote is for you.

I have manage to set it up for an activity on the main page for "watch Dish Network" and it goes and turns on my Dish receiver VIP221k, the Pioneer receiver VSX-01TXH, my TV Pioneer PDP-5020FD and changes the receiver to the SAT input and input 4. My question is how do you get the remote to turn the devices off?:confused:

My question is how do you get the remote to turn the devices off?:confused:

...the same way (program a macro) you got them to turn on, but using the the power OFF button (sometimes the same as ON, sometimes different) for the devices. Remember, there's nothing that says you can't ADD a (programmed) "on" or "off" button to one of the device screens. FWIW, I never program "off" macros because I delete all power buttons from my remote: that way no one can accidently turn anything off. I never turn anything off unless I'm DONE watching/listening, so I have to get up anyway.

Hello

I have a pc case 3R System HT-3000 containing soundgraph imon.
As I think your control bad, because I almost have to touch in the pc case to make it work, I decided to buy a universal control, choosing the URC R50, this very good in quality construction and signal, different than the Imon pad that came in the HT -3000.

Everything was fine when I added in UR50 the Panasonic Plasma TV, the Receiver Yamaha, the cable TV, etc, until it reached in the imon...

Well, simply there isn't in the R50 database the SoundGrapher or nothing about the imon, so I decided to add the buttons manually (as I did with success in controlling of cable TV) using the tool "learning." Simply the codes "Play", "Pause", "Enter", "SPACE" using R50 not respond, although the process of "learning" it did with successfully .... The remaining buttons are seized, but with delay, a problem that does not occur in any other control.

I would like to solutions, as I enter a code to the UR50, or an alternative program (not imon) to put the commands manually, or I do not know what else ....

Thank you.

Anything?

Learning is your only option. Newegg has refurb harmony 300 cheap you can teach from. JP1 can be programmed with codes for teaching as well. Both are about $15.

Sometimes when a remote control won't 'learn' a device, it helps to try using a DIFFERENT remote which then can be used to teach the original (in this case the URC). This happened with my electric screen. For some reason the R50 wouldn't learn it, but I was able to teach an older remote which the R50 learned from. There's no real explanation for this behavior, but it happens.

Ok. I bought the Harmony 300i. Tks

Is there a device code list out there somewhere that matches the device codes in the R50 with actual manufacturer model numbers. It is extremely frustrating and time consuming to try and determine if a code is correct, or not. The testing process sucks.

The first device I tried to configure was my Kenwood receiver. I do not like constantly turning it on and off. I have no idea what the test "menu" and "up" buttons are supposed to do on this receiver. So, I could have found the code and not know it.

I've given up.

You didn't say which model Kenwood receiver you had (old/new?). You should be able to find a Kenwood preset that covers most of the functionality and then LEARN the rest. Receivers don't change that much; you don't need 100% coverage.

You are right, I should know better. It is the VR-309, which is older than the remote.

As mentioned, I do not like how the remote finds a device code, i.e., constantly turning the device on and off. The test function is useless, as least for this receiver. It is "menu" and "up." I have no idea what "menu" is supposed to accomplish. Of the several that I tried, it did nothing, so I gave up.

I wasn't going to continue with the power cycling.

And yes, for all of the devices that I have, only the needed functions were going to be programmed. In the case of the receiver; power, volume, mute, video input select and audio input select..

The lack of a real manual makes it real difficult in figuring out this remote. The quick start guide is a joke.

For example, in Basic Setup, you can select LEARN and then On the Main Menu. Just WTF are you teaching the remote? You have to select a device. Then what? How the Hell did Universal Remote think they could get away without having a real multipage manual.

When in learn mode, how do you program the buttons in the main handle of the remote, including the power on and power off buttons?

As for my Kenwood receiver, I gave up trying to teach it, as I didn't know how to program the main buttons. So, I just started going through the device codes, accepting each one as a pass and then loking at the buttons and if the set looked viable, tried one and if it worked tried others. It was pretty much a no-go for about 10 tries before I got a viable set. I avoided the constant power cycling of the receiver, plus the built in test is a joke.

The lack of a real manual makes it real difficult in figuring out this remote. The quick start guide is a joke.

For example, in Basic Setup, you can select LEARN and then On the Main Menu. Just WTF are you teaching the remote? You have to select a device. Then what? How the Hell did Universal Remote think they could get away without having a real multipage manual.

When in learn mode, how do you program the buttons in the main handle of the remote, including the power on and power off buttons?

By selecting On the Main Menu, and then choosing the key like ON, OFF, volume UP & Down, or MUTE.

If you were to teach to a key inside a device, you would chose Inside a device, then chose a device, and then a key to teach to.

OK, thanks. I was under the impression, for some reason, that one would select one of the devices.

I just did a copy-n-paste of the volume group to the main buttons.

I have other devices, a bunch to set up. Having a device code list would really help.

Check at Remote Central file area under remote manuals for such URC models as mx-350, mx-650, RF10, RF20, and RF30. They all use the same 3 digit codes, just newer codes in the R50 won't be there.

They all use the same 3 digit codes, just newer codes in the R50 won't be there.

User manuals are also available at the URC site. Problem is that the R50 has 4 digit codes.

UPDATE: I just looked at the RF-20 manual and the code list is useless. It just lists the numbers for the various manufacturers, not what each code corresponds to in regards to model numbers. Plus, the code that I have currently set for my receiver, isn't even listed (ignoring the leading zero).

OK, I have a Samsung OTA DTV tuner that I use to tune on the local OTA DTV channels.

I've discovered a bug in that you can't change the icon image when doing learn mode. Dumb.

I also discovered than when device buttons are hidden, the location on the screen is left blank, instead of filling in the blank spots with unhidden images. That resulted in my receiver having two pages of buttons when they would have all fit on a single page.

IMHO, whoever designed this remote wasn't thinking very clearly.

No remotes manual shows model # of components, only computer programmable remotes have that on the computer screen.

The R50 adds zero to the codes making them four digit codes, so you would just add zero to the front the codes in the RF20 manual.

No remotes manual shows model # of components, only computer programmable remotes have that on the computer screen.

Well, that's not very helpful. That is why the company should release a list of the codes and what models they pertain to on their website. Kinda like another remote company we know. :D

I was very shocked to discover that the R50 actually had my two satellite receivers in the database., yet the remote would not learn from either remote. It was after trying to learn that I discovered that they were in the database.

Yet the old Samsung OTA DTV STB is not. Or at least I do not know what category it is under. I just found it under SAT. But what is there is definitely not for this particular device. There should be several pages of buttons for this OTA DTV tuner.

Remember, you can always edit/delete/learn buttons within a device once you select it (I believe this procedure was outlined a few posts ago). Also, you can always 'daisy chain' learning remotes when you can't teach the R50 directly (I've had this happen with other learning remotes as well). Bottom line: while the lack of 'step-by-step' instructions may be frustrating, there isn't anything I haven't been able to setup with the URC-R50.

Remember, you can always edit/delete/learn buttons within a device once you select it (I believe this procedure was outlined a few posts ago).

Not that I've found. I went looking thru the past pages and saw nothing about modifying an existing device that was pulled from the database.

Also, you can always 'daisy chain' learning remotes when you can't teach the R50 directly (I've had this happen with other learning remotes as well).

True, only if you have more than one universal remote. :D

Bottom line: while the lack of 'step-by-step' instructions may be frustrating, there isn't anything I haven't been able to setup with the URC-R50.

The learning curve is massively increased without a manual.

They've not responded to my contact e-mail yet. :(

I unhid the three buttons on the right (for the AMP) and taught them the three button functions that I wanted. Now the most used 5 buttons are on the first page of the AMP.

Now to go play with macros, using the excellent instructions on the getting started guide. Oh wait, there are no instructions on how to build macros, it only says what macros can do. :D

can anyone sayif this controller is for me?
its my first nice universal and i was trying to decide between thr r50 and the harmony 650.
any opinions would be great

can anyone say if this controller is for me?
its my first nice universal and i was trying to decide between thr r50 and the harmony 650. any opinions would be greatThere's really no way anyone can tell you which one would work for you since we have no way of knowing what your particular requirements are.

Does the button layout fit your exact needs? Are there enough buttons for you?

Would you prefer a PC-based setup (650) vs a Learning setup (R50)?

You should read up on the 650 and R50 (as well as the newer R40) and see which one fits your needs the best. Maybe none of em do.....

Personally, after a trying a few Harmony remotes in the past 3 years and not being able to get them to do everything i needed them to do, i went back to my trusty old URC MX-500 learning remote.

I was going to upgrade to the R50 but i didn't quite like the shape of it nor the way it felt in my hands, but then they replaced it with the new R40 which is functionally almost the same (with a few different features), but with a better design and a few more buttons and i really like it a lot. I now have it controlling 8 devices with several macros to switch between them all and so far it's working out perfectly.

cool thanks - ill check out the r40

There's really no way anyone can tell you which one would work for you since we have no way of knowing what your particular requirements are.

Does the button layout fit your exact needs? Are there enough buttons for you?

Would you prefer a PC-based setup (650) vs a Learning setup (R50)?

You should read up on the 650 and R50 (as well as the newer R40) and see which one fits your needs the best. Maybe none of em do.....

Personally, after a trying a few Harmony remotes in the past 3 years and not being able to get them to do everything i needed them to do, i went back to my trusty old URC MX-500 learning remote.

I was going to upgrade to the R50 but i didn't quite like the shape of it nor the way it felt in my hands, but then they replaced it with the new R40 which is functionally almost the same (with a few different features), but with a better design and a few more buttons and i really like it a lot. I now have it controlling 8 devices with several macros to switch between them all and so far it's working out perfectly.

R40 $150 sorry really nice but to much. Still confused about the harmony 650 and r50 as far as fit finish and feel, oh and ease of use

Ease of use is about the same. Ease of programming is better on harmony. Hardware is better on URC. There's a huge detailed review on remotecentral. You can put your hands on both at best buy.

Ease of use is about the same. Ease of programming is better on harmony. Hardware is better on URC. There's a huge detailed review on remotecentral. You can put your hands on both at best buy.

Awesome reply, thank you!
When you say hardware, did you mean quality of build only?
Or the button placement as well?
That's a big decision factor for me.
Controller layout. Not for me as much as for the other user's.
I think or would like someone to be able to pick it up and use it like it was there's.

The button placement is very subjective, but both are fine to me. Harmony is smaller overall, and the buttons themselves are smaller and have less travel. I prefer a smaller remote myself. You'll just have to look a the layouts and decide for yourself. If you're used to a certain layout and don't want to change, then get whatever matches what you have now. URC is sturdier and will last longer, but both should last years.

how does a R50 handle the Time Scientific Atlantic "A, B, C, D" buttons that you need for recording and erasing shows on the dvr? I don't see dedicated buttons for them on the R50. Where does the code place them?

how does a R50 handle the Time Scientific Atlantic "A, B, C, D" buttons that you need for recording and erasing shows on the dvr? I don't see dedicated buttons for them on the R50. Where does the code place them?

Just 'teach' them to any 4 (empty) buttons in that function. You can even overwrite/edit an existing button if you like.

I have been setting up my new R50 over the last couple of weeks as time permits. I am coming from a 1forall-8 with display. I was disappointed that my old urc-8910 was no longer supported for upgrades, but I think I am going to be very happy with this one.
I haven't had any problem using the OSD tips instead of a manual. I have 4 of 7 devices programmed and just did the macros and punch thrus for the core 3 devices over the weekend. Whether your devices have discrete codes for on/off and input select or just toggle thru the choices dictates the kind of macros you can have. I have only used macros for audio select in the past. I am doing that now and have master on/off macros for the core 3 devices as well. Nice!
I have noticed a couple of quirks. On the first device, tv, the volume control would only issue a single command when holding it down. After navigating the tv's menu, which requires the vol and ch up/dn, it began working normally. I notice this again in test mode for my receiver, but it operated normally after saving the code. A couple of times after learning a string of commands in one session, none of them worked. Learning them exactly the same way again, they all worked. And once, the first learned command worked, but not the rest. And when I came back to the first one, it didn't work either. Everything was fine after relearning.
I haven't been too concerned with finding the best code for a device. As long as the hard buttons work in test mode, I save it. With the memory capacity of this remote, I can learn the rest and put them exactly where I want them.
I have been selecting the icon and labelling buttons before I program them. That way I can see how they are going to look and know I am on the right one when programming.

FWIW, all you needed for your 8910 was a $15 cable ($5 if you build it yourself) and you could load upgrades for all the latest devices to your heart's content using free graphical software and do a lot more than that R50 (nested macros, device multiplexing, short/long/double/shifted/double-shifted key presses, fast macros, variable delays, state tracking, device specific macros, custom LCD text, etc.). In fact, if you want to get rid of that 8910, PM me.

EDIT: I forgot, the 8910 has a modem, so you don't even need a cable, just our free software to make your own upgrade wav files.

You know, I did some initial checking into using jp1 before I got the r50. My first thought was this is something I don't want to spend time on. I may revisit this in the future. The 8910 isn't going anywhere. On the other hand, replacing a universal remote every 8 years or so, whether you need to or not, isn't a bad thing.

On the other hand, replacing a universal remote every 8 years or so, whether you need to or not, isn't a bad thing.

I agree: I replaced an RC2000 with the R50 a couple of years ago (the Marantz finally ran out of memory). Guess that means I have about 6 years left!