Macro function Remote Controls

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 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

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

The Bottom Line: The URC-300 combines the best attributes of hard buttons and an LCD touch screen into a superior universal remote.

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

The Bottom Line: RCA's RCU900 learning remote offers a touch-screen LCD on the cheap--if you can live with its numerous design and control compromises.

Specs: Infrared, TV, VCR, CD player, Cable box, DVD player, Satellite TV system, Learning, Sleep timer, PIP function, Programmable, LCD backlight, Macro function

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 Kameleon has an innovative design but is hampered by a lack of customization options.

Specs: Infrared, TV, VCR, AV System, CD player, Cable box, DVD player, AV receiver, Satellite TV system, Learning, Upgradable, PIP function, Programmable, Macro function, Home theater mode, Electro-luminescent touch display

The Bottom Line: This attractive remote enables nearly infinite customization, but casual users will want something simpler.

Specs: Infrared, AV System, 33 ft, Learning, LCD backlight, Memory backup, Built-in clock, Macro function, Back-lit buttons, Multi-brand compatibility, Programmable multi button

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