Check it out: [Link: remotecentral.com]

Quote from Daniel's link: "Will the R70 be the first post-shakeup consumer-marketed computer programmable remote from Universal Remote Control?"

Verrrrrrrrryyyyyy interesting! :)

Mark

That looks cool! I wonder what it's capabilities will be...will iit be more like a Harmony or traditional URC? I've been waiting for something like the MX-950 (or even MX-900) with a color screen.

Since it's in the Consumer lineup and from the description in the press release ("It provides access to the world's best professional control code library through their PCs"), I would guess that connection to the PC will only be used to access an IR database. I think all the programming will still be done on the remote itself.

Mike
Surf Remote Control

Oh, allright. I'm still waiting for a nice color screen remote from them. Not that I mind black and white, but I'd like the addition of color.

All good things will come to those who wait. ;-)

Although the sample screenshot would indicate a level of sophistication beyond what I would imagine possible from on-remote programming. Going from that, I'm going to guess that there will be some level of computer programming, probably "highly simplified" and less configurable than their current custom installer-oriented software.

I think there are some great clues...

Notice the "Help" key on the remote. The MX-950 has variables, it would be really easy for URC to compete with Harmony and their "smart state".

With the color display, I would guess that the ability to load graphics, given the state of what URC does now, is a given.

URC seems to understand that giving out their IR codeset to everyone may not be in their best interest. It provides a huge barrier to entry to other manufacturers. Could it be that we will see an internet programmed remote from URC?

I like the transport controls, and buttons for task or device interfaces. The labels on the transport controls are important. It is amazing how few people know that the triangle pointing to the right means play. You would think after 25 years of VCR's being around that people like my parents would know by now...

If it has URC's newer RF, this could be a Harmony Killer!

I don't want to get my hopes up, but this looks like the HOLY GRAIL of remotes to me. If it has the programablity of the 850 and RF, I will own one. I didn't think anything could replace my 850. Go figure. Can't wait to hear and see more about it. Thanks Daniel

ps: I hope they give it a rechargable battery and a cradle.

I don't want to dash any dreams here, but I think it's safe to say that it will not have any of the programmability of the more expensive Complete Control series remotes.


I think you're probably right on with that assumption.

So, a fancy "consumer level" remote.

OK... everyone with an IQ over 100 can look the other way. There's nothing here that will interest you. :)

Mark

Yes, but will there be a Complete Control MX-970 with the same button layout, colour screen, and with the 950's programmability?

The buttons layout KILLS the 950's button layout, IMHO.

It even kills the layout of my 900, which I've come to love much more than the 850 I used for years, even though the 900 has all flat, same-sized buttons.

To my eyes, the R70 has the proper differentiation in button size along with different "knobbies" on some of the buttons to help those of use who love to use their remotes without looking.

If priced right, this is a killer remote.

If it is a preview of a new MX-970 with complete computer programmability, then I see wonderful things in URC's future!!!

And who says URC doesn't listen to the wishes of the consumer? How many people have asked for Activities and Devices instead of just Watch and Listen? Hmmmm?

And there is the RECORD button that the consumer's have been asking for for their DVR's too!

I say again, this could be a killer remote for URC!

A couple of other tidbits: The program will be on a CD with a "Wizard"-type setup, no internet connectivity. The first model may only be IR but a second model will follow with assignable RF.

I'd also like to see PREV CH changed to just PREV or LAST, since the button is used for far more than just Previous Channel. It is used to back out of menus in Electronic Program Guides, DVR menus, setup menus, TV menus, etc.

Anyone agree?

Also, since it seems that Page - and Page + are on the remote screen, I think that the PAGE indication on the remote itself is redundant.

However, if this is the overall design for a Complete Control remote as well, then PAGE printed where it is would be fine, and the Complete Control remote would have the PAGE + and PAGE - indicators configurable in the PC Editor (possibly).

Anyway, I'm more concerned with the PREV CH being changed.

Thoughts?

Another thing: Wouldn't PREV or LAST be used more than MUTE?

On the MX-900, MUTE is on the top, where I think it should be.

Thoughts?