Madrigal, Microsoft IRIQ Universal Remote

Introduction
Gaining control of our sound systems is more critical than ever, as more devices are required to complete the home theater setup. Filling the gap between inexpensive universal remotes and state-of-the-art desktop touchscreen systems is a new breed of controller, the handheld LCD touchscreen panel.

Entering the market at $399, Madrigal Labs (Mark Levinson and Proceed), in partnership with Microsoft, has released the IRIQ™ Learning Remote. Following a different scheme than other such devices, the Microsoft programmers created the unique Setup Wizard for faster, idiot-proof programming and the development of a method called "Activities" that issues commands to multiple devices from a single screen.

Out-of-the-Box Programming
The curvaceous and slightly bulbous chassis contains a 2x3-inch screen with a selector wheel and several buttons underneath. The selector wheel is a fast and efficient way to change TV channels or scroll through the remote’s menu items. Pressing the wheel selects items in the menu. A Home button returns to the main menu from any screen. The "+", "-" and "Mute" buttons raise, lower and mute the volume of the selected device. A backlight button dims or lights the touchscreen itself. Menu screens consist of menu items or text. Button screens show the actual commands for a specific device or devices.

The unit provides two IR (infrared) windows. One is an IR transmitter that sends commands to your components, while the other is used for learning IR codes from existing remotes.