Customer Reviews

URC Complete Control TX-1000 Medius - Universal remote control - infrared/radio

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I recently purchased the Universal Remote TX-1000 to replace my broken Sony RM-AV3100. I had two of the Sony remotes and started devloping similar problems of them getting stuck on a command and not stopping as if the button was held down. So I swore to not buy another sony remote again since they seem to fall apart after about 3-4 years. When I was researching remotes a lot had changed, now the remotes are being programmed via computer. I had narrowed it down to the Logitech Harmony 890, Universal MX-950, or the Universal TX-1000. I enjoyed using the Sony remote and wanted something similar so I opted for the TX-1000. Based on conversation with retailers and reading threads on the internet it seemed that the Logitech tended to be a hit or miss and would eventually fall apart and that the Universal Remotes were "professional" quality remotes.

Pros and Cons:

- You have a lot of flexibilit with this remote. You can set the delay down to each button and choose the desired interval.
- When the software is updated, this remote can pretty much pickup any gear that you own and has the ability to learn the remote (as long as you have the original) in case it doesn't have it within the software. My Sony remote couldn't even support all of the buttons on my Sony TV! The other amazing thing is that the satellite box that I have does not have a shut off button. You have to go through menus to turn it off which is difficult to do using macros. This remote was able to provide a single button to turn off the box. The remote that the box came with didn't even have this button.
- It is fairly big and hefty
- Uses AA batteries which is a pro for me since I don't want to worry about some proprietary lithium ion battery needing to be replaced over time. I purchased rechargeable AA batteries instead.
- My Sony remote had the ability to have single buttons to be able to do two different functions. Example, when the SAT button was pressed slightly the remote would show the buttons on the screen for the Satellite. But if you held the button down for about two seconds the remote was able to perform a macro function. This is a very useful function that I will miss, which is the only real con against this remote.
- You can label the buttons however way you prefer (limited to 6 characters).
- I wish there was an off button for the screen to minimize battery drain. The screen stays on but not the light.
- I wish it had a sensor like the MX-950 where it senses your hand and the backlight would turn on or have glow in the dark buttons to be able to find the remote (it would make sense if the light button was glow in the dark).
- I wish it had the ability to control wall light switches using RF like the Harmony 890 or other high end remotes.
- This was the first time I had ever used software to program a remote so I can't compare this to the Logitech or other ones. If you are not computer savy or do not really understand how a high end remote works maybe you should buy the Logitech since I hear that their software is more user friendly. I had absolutely no problems understanding the software. A manual is provided with the remote but it's a joke. The software has help menus so if you're stuck it might help. Fortunately I never needed to use it. I can see how the software might be difficult but I think it's laid out pretty well. There is a learning curver and it took trial and error before I figured it out. If you have a notebook computer use it, you'll save trips going back and forth. The only problem with the software is that it takes a long time to set the remote up since it has so much flexibility. And if you are detail oriented such as myself it will take you even longer.
- Universal's customer support is a joke. You have to deal through one of their retailers. It seems like they don't really have tech support which I was concerned with since I wasn't sure if I would have questions.
- It was no problem for my wife to understand how the remote works.
- It has the most important buttons as hard buttons instead of entirely being touchscreen which is a plus.

Conclusions:

I think I made a good decision with this remote and plan on replacing my downstairs remote with another TX-1000. I'm sure that there are better remotes than this one and would have to wait 4 years to tell you if it is built better than my old Sony. But the remote is capable of doing everything that I need it to do and truly replaces all my other remotes to make life easy.

The TX-1000 is a wonderful remote when purchased from an authorized dealer.

BUYER BEWARE neither Amazon or any of the Marketplace resellers are authorized dealers (despite any listing here) . BUYING FROM A UNAUTHORIZED RESELLER FULLY VOIDS THE WARRANTY!

URC is very punitive on items bought through unauthorized dealers. You receive no support, no replacement if defective and the software needed to program the remote will be locked from receiving any updates.

The listings on Amazon promising 1 yr manufactures warranty are deceptive if not outright fraudulent.

I got the TX-1000 to replace an earlier damaged ( I steped on it ) Universal Remote Control MX-800.

My surround system is a multi-componet system and my wife is a "techno-ticked" person who wants a easy and direct method of controling the "tv".

This remote ( with the URC provided software ) had the control functions of ALL my individual remotes.

ALL buttons can be used in a custom macro. There are even discrete on/off's that were not on the maufacturer's remotes. That makes the macro programming very direct.
Just be sure wherever you purchase this from is an authorized Universal Remote Control dealer. If you buy this from a "third party seller" URC will not honor the sale and will not provide the programming software.

I recently purchased the TX-1000 and RF base device. I was surprised to find that the instruction manual was
similar to a digital watch, i.e. how to set the time, date and color. Nothing else, I invite you to pull up the
14 page color sales brochure. In the brochure it lists an email address to download the "true manual" with the
codes and system information...all you are required to do is register, and there lies the problem. You must be a
dealer to obtain the registration code. I sent a request through Amazon to obtain the registration code and they
are "looking into it". Meanwhile I have invested over $500 in a device that is of no value and cannot be programmed
without employing one of the URC installers. So if you ahve the technical ability and skill, run, don't step away
from this device and company as they are not selling items for the end user to install.
I have never experienced a situation like this from Amazon, as they have always done their homework in the past,
but they missed this one. I hope that you don't fall victim to the same waste of time and energy that I have wasted
with UDC.

Upon purchasing and receiving equipment, attempted to connect and configure remote but it required a software which was never provided and seller redirected to manufacturer providing no support whatsoever as they did not have the software. How can you sell a product which requires a software to setup and not provide the software? remote is currently unusable due to lack of software and buyer unwanting to buy software separately.

First, I had problems getting the software. After some weeks URC sent it to me. Set up wasn't difficult despite a rather scanty URC database. The main problem with this remote is the touchscreen which isn't reliable. My first unit was replaced after the screen became unreliable and the second unit's screen froze after four months.

Very nicely constructed product with good fit and finish quality.
I have been using URC brand products for almost 10 years.
This model is very easy to program with the computer interface versus programming remotes directly.
The only downside I have run across so far is that it uses batteries quickly which is odd compared to the other URC products I have used. I use rechargeable batteries so it is not that big an issue but it could be improved.

Received this as a gift for Christmas.
Easy to program.
Works very well.
Controls all of my HT equipment including light dimmers.
Great product!