Remote controls that do more than just channel-surf

It started with our new HDTV. Then I realized I needed to add surround sound, which meant an audio receiver. No longer wishing to watch DVDs on my Xbox 360, I got a new DVD player, too. Throw in my new high-definition satellite receiver, and suddenly I had a problem.

My remote controls were spawning. (Also, my wife asked if I thought we were made of money, but that's another story.)

With one remote control for the TV, another to adjust the volume, another to change the channels and yet another to watch a movie — and a toddler who exploited any chance to get her tiny hands on just one of them — I looked for a better solution.

Yes, it involved spending more money, but that's not the point. Turns out there are a surprising number of universal remotes out there, from the inexpensive to ones that cost $500 or more, from those that control the basics to ones that also can dim your lights and control hundreds of devices. There are even differing philosophies: Some are device-oriented, while others focus on activities, adjusting settings on the TV, an audio/video receiver and a DVD player with the press of a button.

As for a rating system, only one method seemed appropriate: my wife found them intuitive, or she handed them back saying, "Here, you do it."

MX-900 Genesis

You won't find this one in many consumer-electronics stores because it's really for high-end entertainment systems with complicated setups, and consumers without the requisite technological savvy may require the assistance of an installer to program the remote. But if you need a heavy-duty remote, this is it.

Nearly every button is programmable, and the software — compatible with Windows only — allows for complicated macros that other remotes wouldn't be able to handle. Plus, it can operate via radio frequencies, with the programmability to allow it to control systems in more than one room. Functions are displayed on a black-and-white LCD screen with six buttons down the side, and they're divided into two categories: "Listen" (for controlling, say, a CD player or satellite radio receiver) and "Watch" (for everything else).

The biggest drawback: Unless you're proficient in the software that accompanies the remote, you may need to call your installer any time you change components or something goes wrong.

Manufacturer: Universal Remote Control

Suggested price: $450

Where available: Home-theater installers, online retailers

Wife acceptance factor: No complaints. Then again, at that price, it better be easy to use.

Harmony Advanced Universal Remote

Harmony, indeed. Not only does this remote categorize functions by activities — "Watch TiVo," "Watch a DVD," "Listen to CDs" — but it offers Web-based programming, via the Harmony Web site. A series of simple questions asks you for the brand and model numbers of the devices you wish to control, then queries you on how you perform each activity. These instructions are then downloaded to the remote via a USB cable.

The result: When you press, say, "Watch TiVo," the remote turns on the TV, makes sure it's tuned to the correct channel or source, awakens the TiVo from standby mode and turns on the receiver. There's no need to switch between controlling separate devices because volume controls are assigned to the audio receiver, while playback and channel-number keys correspond to the TiVo.

The same works for watching a movie or listening to CDs. (This remote also has the "Y," "X," "A" and "B" keys corresponding to the Xbox 360, but a similar Harmony remote is available for those who don't want the Xbox buttons.)

Moreover, the Web-based programming — compatible with both Windows-based PCs and Macs — allows more advanced users to tweak commands to their liking, including assigning some functions to the two buttons on either side of the small LCD screen, for a total of four, near the top of the remote.

Manufacturer: Logitech

Suggested price: $150

Where available: Many home-electronics chains and online retailers

Wife acceptance factor: Very good, though not a perfect fit.

RF20 MasterControl PowerPak

Mainly a device-based control, but with one key addition: the ability to send radio-frequency waves in addition to infrared. By connecting your components to a small antenna-equipped base station (included with the remote), the system is controlled by radio frequencies that don't require being in the line of sight to work; in fact, you could stow everything in a closet and the remote would still function.

Where this remote shines is its programmability — if you're willing to spend time with it and the manual. The customization features reduce the hassle of switching back and forth between the components you're controlling, and the directions are fairly straightforward. Still, if you have a complicated setup, you may want to consider a more advanced remote.

Suggested price: $169

Where available: Circuit City, many online retailers

Wife acceptance factor: OK, but not quite there.

Kameleon 8

In a way, aren't all remotes chameleons? They never seem to be where you left them. Thankfully, unless your decor is neon-blue, that shouldn't happen with the Kameleon 8.

When not in use, the silver remote has a blank blue screen. But when picked up, its keys become fluorescent. Icons across the top represent seven devices — satellite/cable box, CD player, TV, DVD player, audio receiver, VCR and digital video recorder (i.e., TiVo) — plus a key for an auxiliary device. The remote is so named because, once programmed, only the relevant keys for that device will appear; the rest remain dark.

Setup was simple: Just look in the back of the manual for the four-digit code for each device and punch it in. But while the remote can control up to eight devices, I'm not sure you'd want it to. You can set up "macros" — simple programs that take several functions (such as powering on several devices in succession) and condense them into one button press — but these were limited in functionality.

Manufacturer: One for All

Suggested price: $59

Where available: Home-electronics chains and online retailers

Wife acceptance factor: Forget it. It's relatively inexpensive, and for just a few devices it may come in handy, but owners of more advanced home-theater systems will find it frustrating.

Philips Universal Remote

At nearly 10 inches in length, this one comes close to crossing the line from remote control to "emergency Wiffle-ball bat." In this case, the added size fails to translate to increased effectiveness.

At least programming this remote was relatively simple: Using a menu on the display screen, you select the brand of each device (up to eight are allowed), and the text on the screen will walk you through the rest. Once it's set up, keys for controlling each device appear on the touch-sensitive screen. Unfortunately, this makes it nearly impossible to operate by feel alone.

To switch between devices, you use the scroll wheel. However, this quickly became cumbersome, especially when having to constantly go from one device to another. There are ways to add macros, but, frankly, it's not worth it.

Manufacturer: Philips

Suggested price: $130

Where available: The Sharper Image

Wife acceptance factor: No way. And there are much better remotes out there for about the same price.

Harmony 880

For ease of use, programmability and cost — you can find it for considerably less than the suggested price online and on eBay — it's hard to beat this remote. Like the other Harmony remote reviewed here, you program it via the Web and a USB cord, and selections are geared to activities ("Watch TiVo," "Listen to CDs"), instead of devices.

The differences: The LCD screen is in color, and there are four buttons on either side of the screen (eight total). Instead of a rectangular shape, it more closely resembles a bowling pin (reminiscent of the peanut-shaped TiVo remote). And it comes with a rechargeable battery and charging station, instead of regular batteries. However, its keys are flat, making it difficult to navigate the remote by feel alone.

Manufacturer: Logitech

Suggested price: $250

Where available: Most home-electronics chains, many online retailers

Wife acceptance factor: No complaints here. Its ease of use, shape and feel give it the edge over the others.