Universal Remote Control MX-450

This is a very good universal remote. I've owned the URC R50 twice before this, which is essentially identical to the MX-450. The only real differences are the fact that you can upload your configuration to a PC after you're finished setting it up (which is not possible on the R50) and the buttons require a little more effort to push and make an audible click unlike the R50. The screen graphics are also a little better and the color scheme is all black on the remote itself. Oh, it also controls some types of lighting but I have not tested its capabilities in that regard. The remote comes pre-programmed with just about every manufacturers codes so it's unlikely you'll find something that won't work. I prefer to learn commands from the original remote so that I can place customizable buttons where I want on the screen... these are predetermined when using the built-in codes. I have however found that many newer pieces of AV gear like my new LG OLED and even an old Xfinity remote cannot be learned so I'm stuck with using the built-in codes and their predetermined button layout. This is not a deal-breaker but is a little bit annoying. For example on the Xfinity remote code that I used the page down button is placed above the page up button for some stupid reason and this orientation can't be changed. At least you are able to hide buttons that you don't want or don't use. I don't think this is an issue with the mx-450 per se, rather that the original remotes or using something other than straightforward IR signals. Luckily for me everything other than those two remotes are learnable. Being able to program macros (multiple consecutive commands) into existing buttons really makes this remote handy. These remotes will last you a long time. I still have my original two R50s. Both still work fine but they were getting a little bit beat up so I replaced them over time...one is about a decade old. The price on these has gotten a little ridiculous. Even though it's still a great deal and lower than the MSRP, both R50s that I purchased were under $65 and this one cost me $200. The few remaining R50s sell for $200 as well so I went with this one. After a few false starts I was able to upload my programming to the software that I found online. I haven't tested the download capability yet but if I get another one of these in the future hopefully I can just download the programming because it takes forever to program my 8 components the way that I want it done. You can accomplish programming 8 components in about 5 minutes if you just used the internal codes but like I said I like to customize as much as possible so I try and learn everything from the old remotes which takes a long time. In conclusion this remote is a very old design that still works splendidly and doesn't look or feel old at all. Most manufacturers other than Harmony have gotten out of the universal remote control business so I wanted to make sure I got one of these before they disappeared. I looked at the harmony but it wasn't what I was looking for not to mention that it costs a lot more so if you were looking to get a universal remote that can basically do everything I think this is the one.