The Universal Remote – A Turn-On Whose Time Has Come
It seemed like such a good idea – the universal remote control – back when we started filling our homes with electronic gadgetry. Why have four or five remotes cluttering up the coffee table or getting lost in the sofa cushions when a single remote could turn on the TV, pause the DVD player, crank up the stereo and send the Super Mario Brothers twirling into action?
Well, as many discovered, the early days of “universal remote” were not the industry’s finest. But fast-forward to the present and you’ll see some vast improvement. Today’s universal remotes boast features that may even surprise you. Better yet, they work!
Which features do you need?
You can buy a universal remote that not only controls your electronic devices but also lets you browse the Web and send and receive e-mail. However, those may not be things you want – or want to pay for – in a remote. So what are basic features you might care about? Here are a few:
- Programming ease: If you don’t see yourself manually punching a bunch of code into your remote, consider one that comes with software and a USB cable or built-in modem for downloading manufacturers’ codes from an Internet site.
- Infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF): An IR remote uses light to send signals to the device you want to control, while an RF remote transmits radio waves. For a complex setup that involves components behind walls or doors, an RF remote is probably the best option.
- Touch-screen or buttons: You can get universal remotes with touch-screens, buttons or a combination of the two. Think about who will be using it and their comfort level with touch-screen technology.
- Docking station: Some remotes come with a docking station that not only provides a convenient place to keep the remote, but also keeps the batteries charged.
- Ergonomics: If you’re a power channel-surfer or otherwise use the remote as a third appendage, you will care about how comfortably it fits in your hand and how easy it is to manipulate.
Scads of universal remotes are on the market today, at varying price points. Here are three that caught our eye:
- Kameleon 8-Device Remote has been around awhile, but it gets decent reviews and can be purchased online anywhere from $30 to $70. It runs up to eight devices.
- Philips Prestigo SRM7500 will appeal to home-theater buffs and PC enthusiasts. It syncs up with Windows Media Center and supports Windows SideShow. Touted for its ease of use, you can find it online for $128-$150.
- Logitech’s Harmony One seems to be a favorite with reviewers, getting high marks for ease of setup over the Internet, plus its color touch-screen display and docking station. At roughly $200 to $250, it’s an investment.
