What am I supposed to do with all these remotes?
These days, just about every piece of HT gear you purchase will come with it's own remote. Some receivers even come with two! So, in a common HT setup, it's not uncommon to have eight, ten (or even more) remotes!
Imagine having to pick up one remote to turn on the TV, another remote to turn on the receiver, and yet another remote to turn on and operate the DVD player. Ugh!
So, how do you get around this remote control nightmare?
The solution is a
universal remote control.
The universal remote control allows you to emulate or program the required functionality from all your other remotes into one single remote. One remote can now replace all your others.
I'll discuss some of the major considerations when looking for a universal remote.
Hard vs. Soft Buttons
This is a very important consideration when purchasing a remote. Most remotes come in one of three different styles: hard button, soft button or a hybrid version.
Hard button remotes are the most common. They require the user to push a button to activate some command. Soft button remotes are the newer flat-panel LCD types. The hybrid models incorporate both.
The main issue is that with soft button (LCD type) remotes, the user generally has to look at the remote to know what button is being pushed. This can be awkward or annoying for some users...while others do not mind. However, it is recommended you experiment and see if that is an issue. With a hard-button remote, the user can generally "feel" his way around the remote - thereby eliminating the necessity to look down first. The hybrid models typically utilize hard-buttons for the most common functions (volume up/down, channel up/down, power, etc) - but then utilize the LCD panel for other functions.
Again, this all boils down to personal preference.
Programmability
All universal remotes are either pre-programmed from the factory or allow the user to program the remote. You should select a remote that has enough programmability and memory that it will be able to learn all your existing remotes. This should not be a problem for the higher end models, but may be a limiting factor for the more inexpensive models
Typically, you must "tell" the remote what brand and component you want it to function as. So, if you have a Sony DVD player, you must tell the remote to emulate the DVD's remote. Typically, this is done by entering a code into the universal remote.
Another common method to program the remote is to have the universal remote "learn" the function of the original remote. As an example scenario, let's take programming the 'play' button from your DVD to the universal remote: First, you'll point both remote controls IR sensor towards eachother, next you'll put the universal remote into learn mode, then you'll press the play button on the learning remote, then the play button on the DVD's remote. By doing this, you're telling the universal remote to learn the play button command from the DVD's remote. In essence, you are "sending" the code from the original remote to the universal remote.
Either method of programming the remote works. However, for total customization and compatibility, the learning method is typically more flexible.
Cost
Universal remotes can range in price from twenty dollars all the way to several hundred dollars. Usually, the higher the price, the more features, power, programmability, memory, etc. You should determine how much functionality you want the universal remote to do. Do you only want it to do basic commands or are you truly looking for the "one-remote-does-it-all" model?
Macros
Macros are a very convenient and powerful feature. Many of todays universal remotes have this capability.
A macro feature will allow the user to program into the univeral remote a pre-determined sequence of button commands. So, the next time you want to power on your tv, power on your receiver, power on your dvd player, switch all necessary inputs to the dvd, change the sound format and finally adjust the volume to a particular level...this can all be done by simply pressing one button.
Other Considerations
There are other considerations to purchasing a remote. Among the most important is
backlighting. This will allow you to easily find the correct button in the dark.
Also, consider the remote's
button layout. Is it logical? Typically, the most utilized buttons should be physically distinguished in some way...making it easier to find by feel - the volume and channel buttons are a good example.
How about the overall
ergonomics? Does the remote feel good in your hand? Does it have a nice balance and weight to it? Or does it seem uncomfortable and hard to hold?
Additional Resources
Without a doubt, one of the most informative resources for remote control reviews and information can be found at:
Remote Central
This site has comprehensive reviews of many remotes, plus a forum section, where users can post questions about their specific model. It is very highly recommended.