Programmable 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: The URC Digital R50's successful combination of good ergonomics, solid design, and easy programmability makes it a good alternative to Logitech Harmony universal remotes.

Specs: Infrared, Audio/video components, TV, DVD player, VCR, Cable box, Satellite TV system, 49 ft, Learning, Programmable, Macro function

The Bottom Line: The Monster Home Theater Controller 100 universal remote arguably offers a superior design to competing models from Logitech and Harman Kardon, but it's comparatively pricey.

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVR, VCR, Amplifier, Cable box, LD player, Projector, DVD player, AV receiver, Plasma panel, PC multimedia, Satellite TV system, PIP function, Programmable, Back-lit buttons

The Bottom Line: Essentially a high-end Logitech Harmony remote sold under the Harman Kardon name, the excellent TC 30 delivers a larger color screen but maintains Harmony's same great features and ease-of-use.

Specs: Infrared, Learning, Programmable, LCD backlight

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.

Specs: Infrared/radio, 100 ft, Programmable, Back-lit buttons

The Bottom Line: The affordable Kameleon 6 Hybrid will handle light home-theater duties, but advanced users will want to spend more to get more.

Specs: Infrared, Satellite TV system, Cable box, TV, DVD player, DVR, Learning, Programmable, Multi-brand compatibility, Electro-luminescent touch display

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.

Specs: TV, DVR, VCR, AV System, CD player, CD changer, DVD player, AV receiver, Satellite TV system, 33 ft, Programmable, Macro function

Editors' Take: CNET did not review this product, but it is similar to another product that we did review.

Specs: Infrared, TV, VCR, DAT deck, Amplifier, CD player, Cable box, LD player, MD player, DVD player, Cassette deck, Satellite TV system, 33 ft, Learning, On/off timer, Programmable, LCD backlight, Memory backup, Built-in clock, Multi-brand compatibility

The Bottom Line: The Home Theater Master MX-700 is a great PC-programmable universal remote with plenty of high-end features--and a price tag to match.

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVD player, AV receiver, Satellite TV system, 60 ft, Learning, Programmable, LCD backlight, Memory backup, Macro function, Back-lit buttons, Multi-brand compatibility

The Bottom Line: Universal Remote's URC-200 Automator combines the best attributes of hard buttons and an LCD screen.

Specs: Infrared/radio, Audio/video components, 100 ft, Learning, Programmable, Macro function, Multi-brand compatibility