Learning 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: While it's missing an RF option, Logitech's Harmony One is one of the best--if not the best--universal remote we've ever tested.

Specs: Infrared, Learning, Back-lit buttons

The Bottom Line: Philips' superb Prestigo SRU8010 will appeal to TV-centric users looking for a universal remote that's both affordable and easy to set up.

Specs: Infrared, TV, Amplifier, CD player, MD player, DVD player, DVD/DVR/VCR, Satellite or Cable, 23 ft, Learning

The Bottom Line: Though it lacks real multiroom capabilities and may not offer quite the flexibility of competing high-end tablet-style remotes, the swanky Logitech Harmony 1000 can be programmed by the average consumer, which saves the cost of hiring a home installer to program it.

Specs: Infrared/radio, TV, DVD player, DVR, VCR, Learning

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: With Microsoft's better-designed Xbox 360 remote available for just a few dollars more, there's no reason to own the Nyko Intelligent Remote 360.

Specs: Infrared, TV, Game console, Learning, Back-lit buttons

The Bottom Line: The PC-programmable Logitech Harmony 550 universal remote control offers a sleek design, an impressive feature set, and a manageable price tag.

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVR, VCR, DVD player, Audio system, Learning, LCD display, Back-lit buttons

The Bottom Line: At less than $100, the sleekly designed Logitech Harmony 520 is a relative bargain among PC-programmable remotes--if you don't count the two other nearly identical Harmony models.

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVR, VCR, DVD player, Audio system, Learning, LCD display, Back-lit buttons

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.

Specs: Infrared/radio, 150 ft, Learning, Back-lit buttons