High-end remotes
This is the cream of the crop: here, you'll find top-of-the line universal remotes with brilliant LCD screens, intricate PC programmability, unprecedented control over all of your gadgets...and prices that match or exceed those of many actual home-theater components. But when you're building the perfect home theater and nothing short of the best will do, these are the models you'll need to consider. Most, but not all, include RF (radio frequency) functionality, so they can interface with base-station units through walls and obstacles, eliminating the need for line of sight to the gear in question. Furthermore, some of these remotes can stream music from your PC
via Wi-Fi. This level of integration isn't very simple to attain, though. A number of the remotes are so intricate that they're intended to be configured by a
custom installer, though serious enthusiasts may want to try their luck.
The good: Logitech's first universal learning remote to incorporate both IR (infrared) and RF (radio frequency) wireless operation includes a rechargeable battery and docking station, an RF base station, a DVR-friendly button layout and backlit keys. As with other Harmony remotes, the Logitech 890 is Web-programmable and is compatible with Windows and Macintosh machines.
The bad: Compared to the IR-only 880, the Logitech Harmony 890 is pricey. Its Web interface may intimidate nontechie users, and it lacks the Wi-Fi connectivity that's beginning to appear on some rival high-end remotes.
The bottom line: While it isn't perfect, the Logitech Harmony 890 should be near the top of your list if you're in the market for a sub-
$400 RF remote that can operate equipment that's hidden behind cabinets or closet doors.
The good: The Philips RC9800i is a sleek universal remote with a sharp, easy-to-read, color touch screen. Its built-in Wi-Fi wireless networking can be used to stream music from any PC to your home stereo, as well as images to the remote itself. Another plus is that the remote's firmware is upgradable via a built-in USB port, and you can wirelessly download EPG data via the Internet.
The bad: Setup is mostly straightforward, but we ran into a few snafus. It's also a little irritating that the remote has to be docked in its cradle to stream music.
The bottom line: The attractive, feature-rich Philips RC9800i is one of the first universal remotes to incorporate Wi-Fi wireless networking--but we hope some of its more annoying shortcomings will be improved upon with future firmware upgrades.
The good: Controls as many as 50 components; color touch-screen buttons offer feedback; completely customizable LCD screen; online programming; extensive macro capabilities; hundreds of preprogrammed device codes; includes instructional DVD.
The bad: Requires professional programming; multiple screens required for most components; short battery life; no RF capability.
The bottom line: The LCD touch screen on Sony's Navitus provides tactile response, but it's a challenge for an amateur home A/V installer to program.
The good: Sleek universal remote with sharp color screen; solid mix of touch-screen and hard buttons; highly customizable interface; built-in Wi-Fi; allows you to wirelessly stream digital music around the house (with a PC or digital audio receiver).
The bad: Pricey; professional installation and maintenance a must; Wi-Fi drains the battery quickly.
The bottom line: Built-in Wi-Fi and extensive control options make the Universal Electronics NevoSL a strong competitor to Philips's high-end Pronto remotes.
