So this is what an expensive universal remote looks like, eh? Interesting. I have to say after using almost every Harmony, Monster Cable remote, and many Philips Prontos, that Universal Remote Control’s MX-5000 is the best feeling remote. [period] I haven’t hooked it up to my A/V system but I’m so taken by this remote that I had to post some pictures. Give me a week or two with this remote and I’ll report back with a full review. That is if I can actually program the damn thing. This remote isn’t meant for the DIY’er so there isn’t a handy wizard like Logitech uses for the Harmony remotes. The installer program isn’t hard, it’s just very involved as it allows installers to program the remote precisely they way they – or their customers – want it.

URC has thrown down the gauntlet and let loose the sexy MX-5000 universal remote. Look at that thing. It’s stunning, but the looks are only half the equation as this is the first remote on the market with a haptic feedback touchscreen. The company apparently has been working on the technology for a few years. Essentially the MX-5000 is the same thing as the MX-6000 except in a candy bar form factor rather than the tablet style. This means that all the two-way communication over 802.11 b/g and RF is also included.

The MX-5000 works with URC’s Complete Control Program, which allows for most installers to also enable two-way IP and RS-232 setup without any complicated programing knowledge. Two-way communication allows the MX-5000 to remotely display media information and receiver volume levels, along with a lot more.

Now, this remote isn’t meant for the retail market, but rather something a purchased from and installed by an A/V pro. We’re getting a review sample shortly so hopefully the setup isn’t that hard.

Pricing hasn’t been announced just yet but URC told us that the MSRP will be under $1,500.