URC SR3 Big Button Universal Remote Control with Easy-to-Hold Body and Simple Programming

This remote is incredible for one so small (controlling just 3 devices) and so inexpensive (currently below $15, but sometimes below $10). However, you'd be deceived if you thought functionality was limited. This remote, out of the box, can control the usual range of manufacturers' devices in their respective classes. Nothing outstanding there... however, where the remote does stand out is in its ability to 'learn' codes for devices that are not usually listed in the typical classes. For example, lots of cable companies issue OEM cable boxes that cannot be controlled by off the shelf remotes. In this case, you can teach the cable company's remote codes to this remote, so that it can now control your cable company's cable box. Additionally, there are things like 'punch through' which allow you to, irrespective of which component you may be controlling at the time, you can simply just press any volume button and contrl the volume on your device that sound is played through, e.g. AV Receiver. Macros allow you to run a sequence of saved commands, e.g. to turn on your components and set the inputs automatically, with one button press.Once you become familiar with how to set these things, from a read of the manual, you're good to go. I use one of these remotes in each of three of my bedrooms to where my cable is distributed and they work really great.

I had high hopes for this remote for my mother (93 yo). "Big button" is relative, if you're average, yes, but if your hands/fingers are arthritic the buttons are too small and too close together.The programming of the device and macro functions were relatively easy although there was a problem with setting up macro power on the "Power On" button (top left red button) to turn on/off the TV, cable and dvd player. The user manual suggested to set-up the "Power On" for macro power and save the "All-Off" to turn components off individually. I tried several times to program the PO button for macro power but it never took, however, I was able to program the AO button for macro-power. So, I left the PO button for individual control and AO button for all device on/off. The hardest part was getting my mother to use the All-Off button to turn the devices on; she kept pushing the button with the power icon. I finally had to cover the power button with tape so she wouldn't hit the wrong button to turn the power on/off.Fast forward 5 months, the buttons with macro programming are not working well. They have become pressure sensitive; if you don't press long enough the stored functions work only partially.This remote is way too sensitive for my mother; her memory and dexterity is limited and it becomes too much work for her to use.

After going through 3 different Logitech Harmony remotes (wear and tear), I decided it was time to look for a more economical remote. The Harmony remotes served me well but they eat up a lot of batteries and they are expensive to replace. My setup is rather simple and I didn't really need all the bells and whistles of a Harmony so I decided to try this product out. I have a Samsung TV, a Bose Solo speaker, and an Apple TV. This remote allowed me to combine all 3 controls within one component so I don't necessarily have to switch back and forth between different devices. This was essentially the functionality I required from my Harmony remotes and this product did it for a fraction of the price. Setup was in fact easier than my Harmony remote because it didn't require a computer, creating a login, and uploading data to the remote. What this remote lacks is the database of codes that Logitech has but it's programmable and quite simple to do. Once you put the remote in learning mode (hold 2 buttons), you press the button you want to teach, then you press the button on your original remote. Rinse, lather, repeat. There are a few advance programming options if you want macros which are basically "activities" on the Harmony remotes.I did knock this product one star because what they don't tell you is that programming memory is limited. If you have a lot of buttons you wanted to teach to this remote, this is NOT the right product for you. I discovered this when teaching Apple TV remote commands to this remote. Although there's only really 3 buttons on the Apple remote plus directional keys, I wanted to teach the same commands to buttons in multiple locations (ie. back directional key to back directional key, to rewind, to skip back; menu button to menu, to exit, to last, etc.) I was able to do this for a bunch of keys but eventually the remote stopped learning. I thought something was wrong like I wasn't aiming correctly or certain keys just don't work but no...the reason it stopped learning was because it hit its capacity. When I manually deleted some buttons, it was able to learn additional ones.In summary, great product but they should have mentioned that there's a limit to how many buttons you can program. The rubber buttons have good tactile response and because there's no LCD screen, battery should last a long time. I decided to order a second one for my bedroom even though I only have 2 devices I need to control. Well worth the money!

Yes, I do love it, but I didn't buy it for me. I bought it for my father who has some vision issues. The listing states, "URC is not making any medical claims, but it's reasonable to assume that the larger, clearer buttons make the SR3 easier to read and operate, compared to standard remote controls." They are not making medical claims, but they're using this statement to sell these remotes. The big problem with the execution of this concept is that many of they keys are light gray against a background of medium gray. In my dad's case, that was a dealbreaker. He couldn't distinguish the keys from the body of the device. I would suggest that the company consider adding contrast in addition to button shape and size (and the buttons really aren't that big). Otherwise, it seems to be a good product at a good price. Once I have time to program it for all my devices, I'm sure I'll get a lot of use from it.