For me, universal remote controls are like toilets.  Basically you deal with the hand you’re dealt, sure there are probably ways to improve them, cushions, maybe a built in monitor and keyboard with wi-fi access to the router so you can surf while your sitting on the can.  But basically, you use the same old standard that’s been around for decades and you’re just happy when everything works out.  It’s the same with universal remotes, it seems every component you buy these days packs a featured remote with universal aspirations.  The receiver seems to be the component that often elevates a universal remote to a higher level.  So, if the universal that comes with your receiver doesn’t suck you plug a few codes into it so you can use other functions.  If the PVR is too complicated for the receiver’s remote, there’s the PVR right over… here… somewhere, dig around the couch cushions and you’ll find it and a pen you thought you’d lost. 

Now Logitech makes the Harmony 880, a universal that’s a little different.  Personally I’m not afraid of complex menu systems, literally I used to program people’s VCRs back in the early 90s as a part time job so I’ve seen it get pretty bad.  Sharp made a VCR around ’93 that seriously, the only conclusion I can come up with is they engineered the thing to ensure the clock flashes 12:00 for eternity.  But back to the point:  What makes the Harmony 880 so cool is that you can program it online, any computer with an internet connection.  You hook it up to the PC with a supplied USB cable and with the software installed you just answer the programs questions about your system, it will include model numbers of equipment you own and configurations you wish to use.  Then you map these activity based commands to buttons on its color LCD display.  No system is idiot proof, granted some people will find installing the software and getting online a headache.  But it’s a lot easier than mapping most “learning” remotes IR to IR functions.  The best thing about a software based solution is it can never go out of style, in years to come they can simply update their online programmer to include new models etc.  This remote really is the one if you’re thinking about spending some money to take care of remote problem once and for all.  The remote also has a cradle that recharges the built in lith-io batteries.  Never worry about changing batteries again and never lose your remote if you’re good about putting back in the recharger.  The only bad news is this thing retails for $250.  As enthused as I am about it, I think I’ll wait and see if the price drops before I spring for one.