Universal Remote Control URC R50

URC R50

This midrange model features a bright, 2-inch color LCD screen, which doubles as your interface for setting up the remote. The R50 is backlit, so it’s easy to use in the dark. On its right side, there is a button labeled “Light” that you can feel by hand that, when pressed, causes the remote’s buttons to glow a warm red.

As far as ergonomics go, this is a very pleasing unit, with a hefty feel in the hand and nice feedback from the rubber buttons. It’s 9 inches long by 2.25 inches wide, and takes 4 AA batteries. The remote has a tapered black waist, which makes finding the channel, volume, and much-used DVR buttons very easy.

Unlike some remotes on which keys all look the same, this wand has a sort of sectional feel to it. The top is devoted to the aforementioned LCD screen and below that, you have the Main button, which helps you set up and configure the remote. Farther down, a four-way toggle button gets you through all your components’ various menu systems. At the very bottom, you’ll find the video functions and a numeric keypad. The remote can control up to 18 devices, which is plenty for most users.