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...Continued from Page 7.
RemoteLink's device editing screen.
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An even faster way to edit...
Double-clicking on any device brings up a new screen displaying all four LCD panels at once. Buttons along the bottom change between "Move" (a true move operation compared to how it works on the remote), "New" (to add new buttons – though you still can’t go beyond the total of 35), "Resize", "Relabel" and "Delete". Although most operations have been modified to work best with a mouse, the "New" and "Resize" procedures still require you to pick the top left and bottom right corners of the new button – a simple "drag" procedure would have sufficed. The nice thing with the "Relabel" tool is that you can type labels with your computer’s keyboard, and that all special symbols are shown at once. You cannot import custom icons, nor is a clipboard provided to copy buttons or panels.
RemoteLink's timer selection screen.
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Two other buttons on the toolbar, "Macros" and "Timers", provide a great way to see how those functions are configured. Unfortunately in the case of macros, you must record each step in a separate process – so, once you’ve opened the macro to edit you must press "New", select the device, select the button, then press "OK". Repeat until finished.
Rescue, 611!
To transfer files to or from the remote and your computer you must use the UC-616’s Duplication Menu and select "Send" or "Receive". In testing communications, I was unable to send a file from the UC-616 to the computer – no matter what, the software would "fail". However, I was able to initiate communications to the remote for uploading a file – unfortunately during transfer the beta RemoteLink package would eat up all system resources over a 30 second period and, as a result, the computer would crash. The file did manage to get to the remote, even though the software’s progress bar stopped at just 15%.
For now, RemoteLink seems geared strictly towards template layout – you cannot learn an infrared signal while in the software package, nor will it maintain codes you upload from the remote. Crisp Solutions is promising an eventual online database of device configurations, so there are obviously many additional features to come.
Conclusion
Owners of this remote can expect superior service and support from Crisp Solutions, who will often go above and beyond the call of duty to make a customer happy. The UCommand 616 steps up to the plate with a valuable set of features, excellent manual, loads of configuration options and extremely intuitive setup and general operation procedures. Despite the requirement of a $99 docking station to make use of the computer editing feature – which as of this writing provides no additional functions – the UC-616 package is still an attractive option in its market segment, especially as you’ll never have to buy batteries again. Although some debatable physical and operational design choices were made, the UC-616 is a good learning remote control that will satisfy the needs of many home theater users looking for that extra bit of customization in an easy-to-use package.
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