Universal Remote Control Inc. has announced that they are now shipping the all-new MX-880 universal remote control. Sporting a color LCD screen, USB port, plus IR and RF capabilities, the overall design is very similar to the existing MX-810. What’s new is that the MX-880 abandons the experimental “wizard” style of programming (which you either loved or hated) and replaces it with new software that the company describes as “programs like an MX-900”.

This is a very good thing, as anyone familiar with URC’s products will already know that MX-900 is one of the company’s quickest remotes to program, while still offering a good level of versatility. In fact, URC is playing up the MX-900 similarities, marketing the MX-880 as “color graphics on the MX-900 platform”... although it does seem more like “efficient programming for the MX-810 platform”.

Here’s some information I received:

Feature: Programs like an MX-900.
Benefit: Installers save time (no learning curve) and improve overall reliability by tapping into their programming library and their accumulated knowledge of the time-tested MX-900.

Feature: Powerful programming features give professional installers the tools they need to be creative—and efficient.
Benefit: Create status screens in macros (there is no limit to the number of page jumps inside a macro); nest a macro inside another macro to create a complex routine; use variables to track power status, users, rooms, or to create options that change in all macros based on one button press by the user.

Feature: Color LCD screen is populated with colorful backgrounds and icons automatically.
Benefit: Programmer/installer focuses on text label customization instead of arranging icons.

Feature: Coined area designed to accommodate custom labels.
Benefit: An included set of preprinted labels allows installer to identify which remote is customized for each room.

Feature: Motion sensor detects movement and activates backlighting feature.
Benefit: User enjoys instant-on backlighting (a highly prized feature) automatically.

To talk about the new MX-880 visit our Complete Control forum.