Rating: 
Summary: Everything you need... where you need it.
Review: I've never had a universal remote that didn't force me to comprimise somewhere. Most "learning" remotes force you to learn too much and the lack of tactile buttons is a negative for the LCD models. The pre-programmed off the shelf universal's are not nearly customizable for my tastes. The MX-500, however, is nearly perfect. I love being able to put virtualy any function into the top LCD area while still being able to control the remote by sense of touch. I had the entire remote configured for my system in about 15 minutes, but I spent an extra hour programming macros and custom functions because it was so cool. When I turn my DVD player on, my TV switches to DVD input, adjusts its color settings to my preferred movie setting, and the remote sets itself into its custom DVD mode on the LCD. All I need is an IR receiver for my lights (which the MX-500 had preprogrammed codes for) and I'll be in heaven!
Rating: 
Summary: It's great
Review: It's a great remote with a lot of features. It's easy to use and it's easy to set up. I don't like that even though I have a lot of buttons for each appliance you cannot assign a macro to each of them. So that only leaves you about 65 choices for macros...( yes, but even channel 123 is a macro!) I also don't like that it cannot fix some of the problems that my original equipment has, but how much can you ask from a remote. This is one of a kind, I understand, so it's definetely the best Universal Remote below 200$.
The initial paragraph was done in December 2002.
Now is June and the remote is still working, I changed the bateries the other day, so they lasted 5 months. I still did not finish to program more then 3 appliances (TV, Satelite, and VCR).
For the Home theater and DVD, I use the original remote, except for a the volume.
I only figured out 2 macros they I need, to start the satelite, put the password, change to weather channel, decrease the volume on TV and start the home theater) and another little one. I've been trying to do what it's suggested in the instructions, program the activity, not the appliance. So if I watch a tape I can also change the close captioning on TV, and adjust the volume and the listening mode on the home theater.
Having said that I only use 3 "appliances", so far, I didn't figure out in 6 months what more I need. And I learned things that I don't like, first of all having to use 2 buttons to change the appliance is very frustrating. Also some macros that I tried would send the remote to the main screen, so it takes another button to return to the previous activity. (example: I watch satelite, and I click a macro that would change twice the input on my TV - it has a cycle of 5 inputs -. So I was watching satelite, I realize that the TV is on antena, I click the macro and the satelite doesn't work - I have to look at it and click on it again. It's frustrating, but it's minor.
I read a review before buying it, someone was complaining that you need 2 buttons to change appliances, I thought he was picky, but it's annoying. The enthusiasm has diminished, but it's the same rating.
Rating:
Summary: Almost perfect... I give it 4.5 stars
Review: OK - I checked all the reviews before purchasing and everything that is said about this little puppy is true.
* It works!
* It controls all kinds of components / devices
* The learning and punch-through features are cool, quick and powerful.
* It is relatively easy to use but has complex features
* Feels good in the handle - feels like high-quality
But there are some key shortcomings (that assuming the Harmony remote works) might make you consider the Harmony remote.
1) More space to name/describe a component or function - The remote limits you to six characters or so -- perhaps pre-2004 six characters or so to describe a function would be OK but with today's complex functions this is a shortcoming.
2) More pages should be provided - each component can contain two pages worth of commands - I have seen other models by the manufacturer and these remotes have up to six pages. I know for $100 bucks or so you cannot have the world but three pages seems to be a minimum.
3) No defined 10+ key -- for skipping to say, track 15 on a CD/DVD quickly (sure you program a key to be 10+ key but all the other keys are suited for other purposes. This may seem like nit picking but wait until you are in the middle of a CD/movie and want to skip ahead quickly. You will then remember this review. ;-)
Truthfully I cannot say enough good things about the remote - one of the best purchases for our home entertainment. You will not be disappointed - I just want to inform you of all the features & limitations the product offers.
Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Great non pc programmable remote
Review: Pros: Easily programmed. Great macro functions. Learning remote works well. Like the lcd screen with separate buttons. Amazing range.
Cons: Does not work with the motorolla moxi calbe box. I have sent it back to company and they said they will update the codes.
-Its not pc programmable. You can purchace IR-clone which allows for pc programability, although then you have to use codes, and not the learning function.
Rating:
Summary: Well Designed
Review: The user manual appears a bit daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's actually really easy to use. The pre-programmed setups generally work OK, but even if certain buttons don't work quite right, it is very easy to get it to learn commands from your original remotes and set it up the way you like. The macros are pretty easy to program as well. For example, I can set it up so that it automatically switches to the proper input on my TV, the proper setting on my AV Receiver and then finish by going to the control screen for my TiVo. I use the two other generic Macro buttons (M2, M3) to switch to my DVD or VCR with just one button. I waited until I used it for over a month before I wrote this review to see if I found any major problems. So far, the only minor nit is that you can't seem to edit the LCD screen button labels on the main screen. You can edit the sub-menus however.
Not very expensive and works well. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: I wish I had bought it sooner
Review: This is an excellent remote for solving the all-too-common problem of remote clutter. This remote successfully replaces 4 separate remote controls for my home theater. Things I especially like about this remote:
1) It has well-made "hard keys" rather than a touch screen. Hard keys are the only way to go for durability, ease of use, and a good tactile feeling. 2) Becuase of the learning capability (which worked flawlessly for me), and the ability to customize the LCD labels, you can set up this remote to be "activity-centric" rather than "device-centric." For example, you can program the remote to function in DVD-watching mode--which will allow you to control all of the functions necessary to watch a DVD for all of your components (like surround sound settings, wide-screen settings, volume, etc.) without having to switch back and forth between devices. 3) Three macro keys and a "system off" key. The macro programming is very powerful, especially if you use the learning feature. For example, I programmed a macro to turn on all my components, switch the receiver to DVD mode, and open the tray on my DVD player. 4) Great backlight. The backlight button is well-placed (so you can find it in the dark), and you can customize how long the backlight stays on when you press the backlight button. Overall, I am thrilled with this remote and highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Worth the price!
Review: This is the first universal remote I've owned that didn't make me reach for other remotes from time to time. Every function on every component is covered. The programming is very easy. I had it set up to control 5 components within 15 minutes. The button configuration is nice as well. Overall, this remote is well worth the price tag.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!!
Review: This remote is so well thought out. There is nothing you can't do. Perfect! I wish I had bought this remote years ago. You won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Thor has a new Hammer!
Review: Thor try many other hammer, none so mighty as the MX-500!
Other hammers included ones from Sony and Carver. Thor could not believe how quickly other "learning" hammers "filled up". Thor never could replace all of other hammers until now.
Thor now wields MX-500. Thor now never let hammer go. Thor be powerless without his new hammer. With MX-500, Thor slays the likes of Loki and Tivo with ease.
Thor now brings pride to Odin (dad) and to all of Asgard.
This review was, of course, intended to be humorous, but after trying many other replacement remotes, some costing close to $200, I found this to be the drop-dead best.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Amazing!
Review: We previously had 7 remotes around our house. This remote recognized nearly all of the functions of the old remotes via the built in code tables. The few minor controls that were not immediately available were extremely easy to program. This is the only universal remote that has been able to handle all of our devices. Besides handling multiple devices, it can be setup as a task oriented remote, with punch throughs to other layouts and/or fully re-configured layouts. The coolest function is the ability to program Macros. Want to switch the Stereo, TV, and DVD on, while changing A/V inputs and volume levels, just put together a macro and you're all set. Too Cool!
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