I have two Home Theater Master (URC) MX-500 remote controls. I love them. I just bought a third unit (with the "Gemstone" buttons).

Home Theater Master has changed the joystick on this "upgrade." The center "select" button works intermittently. It is so hard to find the sweet spot that the joystick is virtually unusable.

At first I thought I just had a defective unit, so I contacted the dealer. The dealer (BlueDo.com, formerly RRDeals.com) directed me to Home Theater Master who supposedly has an active recall/exchange program for this problem. Home Theater Master sent me a new unit.

The new unit is as bad as the original. They have apparently not corrected the joystick problem.

The MX-500 is a beautifully designed device. It is a shame that URC has made a design/manufacturing decision that cripples a great product.

I, as with many, had the same problem on two GemStone remotes. URC has had problems with the GemStone remotes, but most have been replaced successfully and the newer remotes aren't having very many problems at all.

You may just have been very unlucky and got two bad ones in a row.

Send it back again, just making sure that URC is paying for shipping both ways.

I know it's a pain, but you'll get one that works well.

The only remaining problem that URC is having with the thumpbads now is with EchoStar/Dish remotes, and they are looking into that extensively right now.

Email Mike Gifford at [email protected] if you've been having a problem dealing with someone else.

... Greg

The old design was so popular and easy to use, why don't they just switch back (at least for the thumbpad)?

Greg,

Thanks for the reply. Given your experience, I will try going around one more time. (I was just going to send it back for a refund.) I'll report back after the next round.

Just for the record, I have been dealing with Mike Gifford. All parties, including BlueDo/RRDeals have been very cooperative in trying to rectify the problem.

Burt

Hi Greg,

This is an update after another round with URC.

I spoke to Mike Gifford again. He said that the select button on the second remote he sent me is the latest one and it is as good as it gets.

Apparently, this is my problem. I must have weak perceptual/motor skills that prevent me from pushing a button properly.

I've been experimenting with this remote. It took 23 attempts to get it to send the code to my UltimateTV box. My two other MX-500 remotes accomplished the same task with one attempt. My perceptual/motor skills must be highly selective. They only fail with the Gemstone unit.

So, I guess this is the end of the line. I just emailed BlueDo to request an RMA for a refund. Too bad. I really wanted that Gemstone unit.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Burt

I bought a MX-500 from www.surfremotecontrol.com and received the newest gemstone version. The center thumbpad is a little stiff, but works. you just have to make sure u try to press it slowly in the middle (i know its easier said then done).

ANyways, when i use it, the thumbpad does move in other directions, but the select always works. Atleast with the DVD menus. Havn't used it on DishNet reciever yet.

vtec11,

I would try to use it with the Dish Receiver - you might be unpleasantly surprised! Mine works perfectly fine on other devices but not the Dish Satellite.

Greg,

I sure hope your right with URCs efforts in getting the MX-500 select to work on DISH satellites. I understand Burts' frustration - just trying to be patient as the MX-500 is otherwise no doubt the best remote these hands have ever held! Hopefully I'm not waiting for nothin!

Rich

Burt: I'm sorry to hear that.

I'm VERY finicky when it comes to remote controls, and my latest GemStone MX-500 is completely within an acceptable range for me.

That's really too bad.

... Greg :-)

Rich,

here's an update. I finally got a chance to set up the MX500 for dishnet satelite. because i am still using my marantz RC1200 (since it is fully programmed), and have not yet full transitioned ot the mx500.

Okay. i tried entering in a bunch of pre-programmed codes and none of them worked on the JVC dishnet receiver. I then used AutoScan to find the code and found code 33 that worked. Most of the function buttons were wrong, but the #'s keys worked. and i quickly learned in the 5 directional buttons onto the thumbpad.

Result ? Well, it works... all the direction keys work through the guide, as does the center select button. it works 99% of the time. But, like i mentioned above, you have to atleast try to hit the center part of the thumpad. because it easily pushes in other direction. But, as long as the middle part is pressed, even if it moves in other direction, the select works.

So, i agree with Greg, my MX500 is also completely within acceptable range.

Again, thanks mikeSRC, from surfuniversalremote.com

I just noticed that the MX-700 has been released. Can anyone confirm if URC is using the same joystick as the Gemstone MX-500s, or have they switched to one that works.

Burt

Yep, same thumbpad as the MX-500, so one would assume, same potential issue. But from MY experience, URC stands behind their products and will replace any unit that is defective.

Hi All'
I have had my MX-500 for a month and have it all programed, it works fine with my entire system including my DTV. The select button on the thumbpad works every time, first time. A bit stiff but no problem at all. I purchased it from SurfRemoteControl and am very happy with it. I was going to wait for the MX-700 but am glad I didn't, the 500 does it all and at a very reasonable price.
Jesse

vtec11,

Glad to hear its working out for you.


As I've said before mine works for me fairly well, it's just that my wife and several visitors have not been able to get the select button to work with the Dish system.

This is very strange - there must be some differences in thumbs or dare I say motor skills?!? Maybe it's a genetic thing....my wifes family all had a difficult time with it. Ssshhhh, don't tell anyone I suggested that:)

Rich