I use the Logitech Media Play logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=3,CONTENTID=9340 I can use it 15ft away, it has media function buttons and is highly customizable.
I just gave my 52" RCA Home Theater Premier RPTV (that replaced my 10 year old 27" RCA TV) to my ma-in-law after 5 years of trouble free use, and purchased an RCA D61W20 61" 16x9... because it had the best picture out of the ones I compared at a lower price. I believe there are many gear snobs...