I wanted to get everyone's opinion on PRO Control.
It looks like their remotes are easier to program than URC.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

They're about the same to program, both are super easy. They don't have the RF range but for a single room solution, I think they're fine. I've only ever had one go bad.

Whats so hard about programming URC remotes?

It's not that URC is difficult to program but the way ProControl handled the IR database is far superior and easier to use than URC's convoluted cluster of hundreds of model numbers with duplicated codes.

URC= look for model in database, find model, codes don't work, look for similar model, some codes work, try the generic codes for a product until something works.

ProControl= start typing in the product, e.g. "Sony tv", select "Sony TV's all models". Done.

I also like the way macro programming works in ProControl. Instead of having to have buttons on hidden pages and clicking through those pages to program macros, all commands are in a list grouped by device and can be dragged into a macro or you can even just double click.

I have found ProControl remotes to be reliable and durable. They offer more value at the same price point than URC.

I prefer the ProControl programmer's interface (similar to Rti's interface) over URC, but overall they are about as capable. I was not impressed by ProControl's wireless, performance.

Overall, we have 110+ PC's in the field right now. Maybe 2 wand failures on V1's. They are as solid of a product we have seen in a while, especially coming from RTI. Only knock is that about 1 in 7 go blank and a simple on/off dipswitch brings them right back.

As far as programming, I wish ID had PC type advanced features, such as.......copy and paste [insert sarcasm font]

I have very little experience with URC. I gave the software 2 hours and found that logos for channel's etc didn't work between different models etc (this could be user error). I also found it harder to work with.

At the time I was already using Pro Control so it was easy for me to give up and go back. With no experience in the Pro Control software, at the time I started playing, I got way farther and did far more complex things.

It has its shortcomings for sure but the code database is awesome, and their tech support is really good too. I do mostly one room systems. The Pro24r is very good for this and the processor had a lot of good features (power sensing included). If I were to go to a multi room system I would explore using the Pro24z.

The odd one locks up and needs to be reset. My customers are trained on this. People complain but my iPhone is worth three times as much and needs to be rebooted sometimes too so whatever.


I will continue to use them.

Craig

+1 on pretty much all this.

For a single room system, I think they're great. The biggest reason I got away from URC years ago was that anyone and their brother whores them out online. I don't think it's near as bad on PC. Not to mention, over the years now, they are pretty reliable. Programming is pretty simple. The database is way better than big brother RTI too.

Does Pro Control have a similar system to RTI where you have to connect to the processor separately to program it?

What's the MSRP of the 24.r and accompanying controller?

You just connect the processor to your laptop and load in the program. There isn't any separate programming. Just plug in and download.

ProControl has been solid for me. I like the URC remotes, but the programming has always bugged me. The PC programming is easier. I do wish you could pull programming out of a remote and modify it. But, it's only 1-way.

I was excited when Pro Control was introduced. Then the first one we sold crapped out after a week. Then the processor crapped out after a month. Luckily we had to deal with Snap AV tech support and warranty dept. and they sent new units out with no questions asked. But it was still a PITA. The v.1 charging port was a delicate joke as well. They should have given everyone the charging dock free when they came up with that oversight of an idea.

We decided that the URC had been solid for us for so long, with a few rare exceptions with MX900 buttons wearing out, that we did not need to change. Sure, the Pro 24.r/Pro Link.r are cheaper, but since when do we always have to sell cheap. :)

BUT, then the MX890 came out, and I was even more disappointed in it! I installed one and told the boss never again. The thing is slow....or sluggish rather. I was not impressed at all.

BUT then Control4 came out with the EA1 bundle and life is good. :)

Comparing Pro Control to some of the high end systems doesn't really jive. In fact, Pro Control is basically a one room system and made for those who don't need the complexity and cost of a central control system with all the bells and whistles. And yes, it is true that there were issues coming out of the gate like most products.

Pro Control has since improved on their products and offer some great looking product with some highly functional and popular drivers. For those who need more they can step up to an RTI system, which is the sister company.

Pro Control has two different offerings: the ZigBee and RF version. If you need two-way feedback and better driver interaction, ZigBee is for you. If you are looking for something that can control your media room, the RF version is fine. If programmed properly, these products work very well. And for those who get in trouble, the support (particularly th dealer site) is very, very good.

It's tough to compare it to other systems. It has an entirely different feel and look. Since the introduction of the tablet and phone control, I find myself selling less of them and just jump my customers up to the RTI line. But if you have a client who wants something sexy and control just about anything, I would recommend it without hesitation.

In simple terms, Pro Control is cheap RTI -

Decent but limited customization,
Decent but limited range,
Fairly easy to program if you've done remote programming before but would not recommend as a solution for a client who wants to tinker (I know they are not supposed to have access to the software)

The biggest drawback is their reliability and durability however...and to a lesser extent the fact you can't pull programming from an existing remote to make changes (not a big deal if your the initial dealer...but sucks on take over work).

The biggest advantage is the ability to use some advanced control drivers (Lutron Lighting and AVR control with 2 way feedback in certain circumstances).

My experience is either go with Logitech or step up to RTI if you need pretty touch screens and feedback, if not, stick with URC as they are Vastly more durable (with the only true drawback being codes are not always right...same can be said for the RTI database)

*its quite sad that both companies databases still have so many issues with common products.

There are some quirks with the Pro Control and RTI databases.

Today I changed a system with a Pro24.r and processor from a DirecTV receiver to a Cisco UVerse cable box. I found the commands in the ProControl database (with the exception that the 0 command doesn't work). Before I tried that I looked at Mega List 22 Beta, which I assumed has more command sets than the RTI database, and the Cisco commands were not there.

There were instructions in the ProC software as to how to use commands from the RTI databases, but the button I was supposed to click to import the commands was not on the screen.

As for durability, my client rubbed off the white from the volume label. ProC "cured" this problem in later remotes. They did it in a really creative way. They stopped putting white marks on the volume control, and voila: no more half-worn-out volume buttons!

One thing I noticed long ago that URC does better than ProControl is learing in commands. URC just works. I always have to fart around with the position of the remotes, distances, angles and even use a towel to cover the remotes sometimes to get the ProControl to learn commands. It drives me nuts.