Universal Remote Controls have come quite a long way since their initial development, back in the 70's, by Apple's Steve Wozniak. They're now a lot slimmer and closely resemble normal remotes, a very good example of this trend being the RF-30 model launched by Universal Remote Control back in the first half of 2006, a device that packs quite a large number of important functions into an extremely small form factor.



First and foremost, the RF-30 sports a touch screen LCD panel can be edited based on consumer device and function label preferences. However, the possible customers shouldn't expect much out of this particular control system, since the size of the panel makes it quite difficult to use.



Another major selling point of the RF-30 is the fact that it can send both IR and RF signals, making whole-house operation (indoors and outdoors, through cabinets, walls and doors) possible with the addition of the optional MRF-100 RF receiver base station. Moreover, the device actually replaces up to 15 remote controls, and provides instant access to around 40 channels.



The RF-30 is one smart remote control, as it allows users to pre-program it, as well as “teach” it new codes and macros, since it can retain up to 720 IR commands at standard frequencies (15 kHz to 100 kHz) and sports up to 647 macro buttons, each with up to 190 commands. The users can also automate activities with such advanced features as favorite channel, punch through and more, and the device is also capable of retaining programming without batteries for up to 10 years.



The RF-30 remote universal remote control is still available at quite a large number of retailers for around 120-140 US dollars, which is actually a pretty good price range, considering what this device has to offer.