Universal Remote Control Introduces Home Theater Master MX-800

15-May-03

Universal Remote Control, Inc. has introduced the Home Theater MasterÆ MX-800 PC Programmable RF Remote Control and its companion MRF-200 Base Station. This package combines several technologies to offer users greater control of their A/V components. Using both RF and IR technologies, the MX-800 and MRF-200 can send commands up to 100 feet away, through walls and household structures. The MX-800 sends radio frequency (RF) signals to the MRF-200, which converts the RF commands back to infrared (IR) signals to control A/V components.The MX-800 incorporates the same MX Editor PC software program introduced in Universal's Model MX-700. The MX Editor software automates complicated routines such as macros. Each macro is a series of commands that is activated with a touch of a button. For example, the MX-800 can be programmed to turn on all of the components within a home entertainment system, with a single button press. The MX-800 is designed to operate up to 20 audio and video components, and is capable of creating 900 macro buttons with 199 commands each. The name of each component and its functions appear on a 1.4 x 2.1-inch LCD screen with text editing capabilities.The MRF-200 receives RF signals from the MX-800 and transmits commands to all components in the space (cabinet or room), either through the MRF-200's front IR blaster or the six plug-in flashers. The MX-800 and MRF-200 are said to consistently achieve a range of 75 to 100 feet without any interference, even in hostile RF environments with multiple satellite receivers, computers, and several key A/V components.Each MRF-200 is assigned one of 16 unique ID numbers, allowing for up to 16 equipment locations in a single installation. Each MRF-200 can be controlled from any MX-800. A system can be comprised of any number of MX-800s and MRF-200s. If desired, each MRF-200 Base Station can have a dedicated MX-800 programmed only for the components in that room. For instance, a single MX-800 may be used to control three different locations, or each location can have its own MX-800. The ID number is selected from the MX-800, and it will only communicate with the MRF-200 Base Station programmed with the matching ID number. Theoretically, a user could control all his or her components with the MRF-200's front IR blaster. However, sometimes when components are out of sight of the MRF-200, it is necessary to use the supplied flashers. There are six plug-in flashers provided with 10-foot cables. The flasher has an IR blaster at the tip of the cable that should be affixed to the front panel of each A/V component. The other end of the IR flasher connects via a mini-jack to the rear of the MRF-200. The MX-800 comes preprogrammed for over 1,000 audio and video components (including PVRs/DVRs, DVD players, VCRs, cable and satellite receivers, and audio equipment), and is capable of learning over 1,500 functions from original remote controls via infrared or the PC. The unit can also be programmed to ""punch through"" operations to any of the 20 audio/video components for volume, channel selection, recording and transport control, and information display. For example, the user can raise, lower, and mute the volume on the audio receiver while operating the remote control in the satellite mode.The Crystal Clear LCD display screen and glass-like hard buttons on the remote incorporate ""EL"" illumination technology, which is said to provide for bright, energy-efficient illumination. Powered by four Duracell AAA alkaline batteries, the remote control features a built-in memory backup designed to prevent memory loss for up to one year should the batteries be removed, and up to 10 years, should they be discharged.The MRF-200 comes with its own external power supply and mounting plate for installation on walls and inside cabinets.The Home Theater Master MX-800 and MRF-200 package carries a suggested retail price of $499. Extra MX-800s run at $429 each, with additional MRF-200 Base Stations expected to sell for $99 each.For more information about Universal Remote Control's products, visit www.hometheatermaster.com.

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