Home control Remote Controls

The Bottom Line: The Philips Prestigo SRU8015 universal remote offers relatively easy setup and good control flexibility, but it's sabotaged by a poorly implemented scroll-wheel control.

Specs: Infrared, TV, Amplifier, CD player, MD player, Projector, DVD/DVR/VCR, Audio system, Home control, Satellite or Cable, 33 ft, Learning, Programmable, LCD backlight, Battery level indicator

The Bottom Line: Designing its first universal remote, Logitech takes a nice step forward with the Harmony 880.

Specs: Infrared, TV, Audio system, Home control, Audio/video components, VCR, DVD, satellite receiver, Learning, LCD display, Glow buttons, LCD backlight, Multi-brand compatibility

The Bottom Line: The Web-programmable Logitech Harmony 688 universal remote is a must-have home-theater accessory.

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVR, Radio, Amplifier, Projector, CD recorder, Home control, Plasma panel, VCR, DVD, satellite receiver, 40 ft, Learning, LCD display, Glow buttons, Memory backup, Built-in speaker

The Bottom Line: The Home Theater Master MX-500 may not look very futuristic or cool, but it can control every function on every piece of gear you own.

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVR, VCR, DAT deck, Cable box, Camcorder, LD player, MD player, Projector, DVD player, AV Selector, AV receiver, Home control, Preamplifier, Cassette deck, Web TV system, CD player / changer, Satellite TV system, 60 ft, Learning, Programmable, Memory backup, Macro function, Back-lit buttons, Multi-brand compatibility

The Bottom Line: The RM-AV3000 can control just about everything, but it's hampered by overcomplex programming and a nonergonomic design.

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVR, VCR, Radio, DAT deck, Amplifier, CD player, Cable box, LD player, DVD player, MD recorder, Home control, Cassette deck, Satellite TV system, 33 ft, Learning, On/off timer, Programmable, LCD backlight, Macro function, Multi-brand compatibility

The Bottom Line: Programming this remote can be intimidating for beginners, but the SL-9000 is a solid performer.

Specs: Infrared, TV, VCR, Radio, CD player, Cable box, LD player, DVD player, AV Selector, Home control, Cassette deck, Satellite TV system, Memory backup, Macro function, Back-lit buttons, Multi-brand compatibility

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVR, Radio, Amplifier, Projector, CD recorder, Home control, Plasma panel, VCR, DVD, satellite receiver, 40 ft, Learning, LCD display, Glow buttons, Memory backup, Built-in speaker

Specs: Home control, 39 ft, Learning, Programmable, LCD backlight, Multi-brand compatibility

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVR, VCR, CD player, Cable box, MD player, Projector, DVD player, Audio system, Game console, Home control, PC multimedia, TV and VCR, DVD, 33 ft, Learning

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVR, VCR, AV System, Amplifier, CD player, Cable box, DVD player, AV receiver, Audio system, Home control, Satellite TV system, Learning, Upgradable, Sleep timer, PIP function, Multi-brand compatibility