One Remote Control for All Appliances

As the popularity of home theaters soar (with a number of older systems steadily accumulating in the yard), the remote controls too are beginning to form a considerable heap in the home. How come it always seems that the button you need the most can only be found in exactly the remote that is not in your hands right now?

Those who end up splitting hairs need to be introduced to the convenience of universal remote controls. Read on for more on the best tried and tested remote controls.

ConsumerSearch.com, a "search engine and reviewer of product reviews and information," and one of the top 15 most visited websites in the US, recommends:

Universal Remote Control MX-500

Adjudged as "Best value." Reviews say the Universal MX-500 remote control tops cheaper universal remotes. Among the ten devices that it can control are TiVo digital video recorders (DVRs). An LCD display shows labels for tactile, user-customizable buttons. And why not record custom macros, since one button can execute a whole set of A/V commands? A 50-channel favorites feature will be a hit among those who have hundreds of cable and satellite channels. This product, by the way, can store 1,000+ product codes for programming.

One For All URC 8910

Adjudged as "Budget universal remote." For the budget conscious, the user-friendly One For All URC 8910 is highly recommended by reviewers. Few will probably mind the lack of LCD display since this device can control eight components like TiVo DVRs for one. Other extras are dedicated function keys for digital cable and satellite TV. The One For All's library houses product codes for programming, with additional ones within the reach of download. A maximum of three user-created macros can be saved. Worthy of mention also are the excellent customer service.

Which is ConsumerSearch.com's “Best universal remote control”? Click here to find out.

Go to the best eBay niche site for everything on universal remotes, www.e-homeaudioremotes.com.

Take the following expert advice when choosing between remote controls:

First, while such remotes can a handle TV, DVD player, cable or satellite box, VCR and receiver, things might be different with a DVR or DVD recorder.

Next, if your equipment consists of the more basic stuff alongside the TV, then remotes that have internal code programming, or a web interface would be fine. Things change if you have more than 10 components; web programming is usually faster.

Full story here...

CNet.com is an established website when it comes to exhaustive gadget and computer-product related reviews. How many of CNet's picks jive with that of ConsumerSearch (CNet was one of the sources of CS's report)?

Logitech Harmony 880 The Harmony 880 is Logitech's first salvo into the universal remote foray.

Universal Electronics NevoSL The advantages that pits this against Philips's high-end Pronto remotes: Built-in Wi-Fi and extensive control options.

More top-rating remote controls from CNet? Get them here.

Go to the best eBay niche site for everything on universal remotes, www.e-homeaudioremotes.com.