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Here at Remote Central, we’ve long been hearing that Universal Remote Control Inc. (URC) could take their popular (and already very powerful) Complete Control MX-950 remote control, replace the ordinary black and white screen with a vibrant color one, and instantly enhance both the sophistication and appeal of their product lineup. Well, it looks as though the company is finally going ahead with that idea – but in a slightly different direction.

As the rumors go, URC is planning a sneak peak of a brand new remote control at CES, one that will not be openly exhibited. It’s called the R70, and just one look will tell you that it’s certainly not merely an MX-950 with a color display but rather a completely new bold design. Of great interest to some is that the model number indicates that this will be one of URC’s consumer-level remote controls, similar to the mass marketed R5 and R7. The design of the new model, particularly in the keypad area which mimics the R7, carries this impression through.

Will the R70 be the first post-shakeup consumer-marketed computer programmable remote from Universal Remote Control? And when will the company’s Complete Control side see the introduction of a comparable “stick” model with color LCD?

For now, all we can say is that the R70 is due in March 2007, has a total of 49 buttons including 6 LCD-adjacent keys, and is designed “to let average consumers automate their AV systems or Home Theaters like the pros”. Pricing has not been announced, although as a consumer model expect it to be competitive with similar products on the market.

Uploads have been uploaded!

I also wanted to comment that I’ve finally caught up with the backlog of user-submitted files and have entered them into the database. That’s right, everything is now up-to-date in our file areas, so be sure to check it out. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to send in their work!

One note, there are a couple of submitted files for the new Philips Pronto Professional TSU9600 that haven’t gone up yet – I need a few more before I can create the new system and device areas! So if you have something you’ve been working on for this new remote control please take the time to upload it and share with the rest of the community!

And if you’re the creative type and plan on creating your own layout, then be sure to enter The Great Pronto Design Contest where you could win a 50" plasma television!