URC Digital R50 remote skips PCs, steers iPods

Universal Remote Control on Wednesday introduced its Digital R50 universal remote that, unlike similar products from competitors, does not require an Internet-connected PC to set it up for use with home theater systems. Sporting a two-inch color LCD screen and soft, backlit buttons, the Digital R50 can control the functions of 18 home theater system components by copying the codes of their associated infrared remotes.

The URC Digital 50 also includes customizable labels for every button associated with the touchscreen along with logos for as many as 48 favorite channels. URC is so confident in the ease of set-up via its built-in wizard, which comes with built-in programming tips and step-by-step instructions, that it does not even supply any software or an owner's manual.

The Digital R50 does not necessarily require users to program every button of an existing remote, as its ProPerfectDatabase contains control codes for many existing A/V components, including iPod docks. If a code is missing from the database, the URC Digital 50 has a learning function that can copy signals sent out by the original device remote. The company does indeed offer database updates thanks to a USB connection.

The URC Digital R50 has an ARM7 CPU with 32Mbits of flash memory that lets the device create the color channel logos and create macros as large as 255 steps. Its range is between 30 and 50 feet, while a built-in sleep timer can turn off the entire home theater system. A SimpleSound feature gives users volume control over all of their home theater devices. To help prolong battery life, a Soda Mode will cut off power when a button is pressed for an unusually long time.

The URC Digital R50 is available now at major retailers including Best Buy, priced at $149. [via CrunchGear]

Filed under: iPod, gadgets
Other story tags: home theater, Universal Remote Control