Unique Wiring Solutions

Almost everyone knows that a remote control is single most popular device when it comes to controlling household electronics. There is one problem though:  if you are an avid audio/video electronics user, you know that using separate remotes for every piece of equipment could become a serious task.  Think about it: TV, cable/satellite box, DVD player, are the most commonly used household electronic devices.   Add an A/V receiver, CD player or even a VCR, and you are using 5 or more remote controls just to be able to watch (or listen to) what you want.

There is a huge variety of universal remote controls you can choose according to your budget or style, so we decided to review the ones we know to be the most reliable and user-friendly. Our testing criteria covered reliability, comfort of use, battery life, and attractiveness.

1. Universal Remote Control (URC) MX-450.

This is a first device in our approved lineup of universal remotes, mainly due to it’s attractive price point and styling unlike any other remote in it’s class. It retails for $249.95 and it features on screen macro programming (no computer needed to set it up). The remote features an attractive LCD interface, which can display a list of devices you use in your system, or activities (Watch Cable, Watch DVD, Listen to iPod, etc.), depending on your preference. The remote can be combined with an RF (radio frequency) base, allowing you to control your devices without having to point the remote directly at the equipment. The remote uses 4AA batteries and depending on frequency of use, batteries last for up to 2 months (keep in mind that this remote does the job of all your previous remotes. Simple to use, very stylish, and considering all factors very inexpensive, this remote got a score of 9 ( on the overall scale 1-10, ten being amazingly satisfied), based on our customers ratings.


2. Universal Remote Control (URC) MX-980.

This model is an upgrade from MX-450. In addition to all cool features of the previously mentioned, MX-980 features full compatibility with MSC-400 – control interface, which allows for sophisticated control of all household electronics, lighting and shades to be the few.  MX-980 is a little larger in size than its little brother, it is packed with more “goodies” -  more devices are able to be programmed into the remote, more pages per device etc. A plus is that MX-980 runs on rechargeable battery, it comes bundled with an attractive charging base. This provides an added convenience of not having to replace batteries in your remote. Another cool feature is a built-in motion sensor, which turns off the display to preserve battery power and screen life. Due to the remote’s sophistication, we recommend that you have a professional installer program MX-980, in order  to maximize the “controlling power” of your devices.  MX-980 retails for about $599.95, which is a decent price for this middle-of-the-line product. Our customers give it a score of 8, based on remote’s overall performance,  look/ feel,  functionality, and price.


3. Philips Pronto TSU9400.

This beautiful and very sophisticated piece of electronic equipment retails for about $699.95.  Main features include: high resolution touchscreen display, total interface customization, 2-way communication (like displaying your music playlists or current lighting levels, etc.).  You will need a professional to program it – make sure you get someone experienced, since not a lot of integrators are superbly efficient at programming this universal remote.  The TSU9400 holds enough storage to replace all the remotes in your house, which makes total sense – you will never want use any of your old remote controls again.  It scored  a perfect 10.


4. RTI K4 In-Wall Universal Controller.

Cost:$1799.95.   Although this remote control is tied to a single location, it can take over all your household electronics, regardless of where they are located. This in-wall touchpanel remote is perfect for use in a sophisticated home theater (to control all equipment, lights, climate etc.) or in a central place of the house, as a main systems controler.  Like TSU9400, it features a customizable interface, 6.4 inch touch-screen display, live security camera feed capability and internet browser to surf the web. Awesome top of the line performance and looks, blend sophistication and reliability in this awesome remote control.