What's new in the wild and wonderful world of home theatre control
If you take your home theatre seriously, why isn't your remote situation under control?
You know what we're getting at - it's time to clear the clutter off the coffee table. Seriously, look down from your favourite couch and take a gander at what's there.
Chances are you have a remote for the television, another one for your satellite or cable box and a third for your DVD player. What's that? You also have an audio-video receiver? VCR? Personal video recorder (PVR)? All of these components also include a remote.
It's time to toss all of these "clickers" -- as they're referred to in the U.K. -- into a drawer and replace them all with one smart universal remote to handle all your audio and video needs. And hey, think of all the batteries you'll save.
Not all universal remotes are created equally, though, so you need to know a bit about them in order to pick up the right one. Don't worry, this is where we come in.
Your number is up
The first thing to note is how many devices they can control. Many of the entry-level products will be called something like "4-in-1" or "6-in-1" universal remotes, which refers to how many components they'll work with. Keep this in mind as you count your home theatre components before heading to the store. This usually isn't an issue with pricier universal remotes ($100 or more) as they'll work with multiple products.
Do it with macros
Some remotes can perform multiple functions by you pressing just one button. On the Canadian-invented Logitech Harmony remotes, for example, you can press a button that says "Play a DVD" or and it will turn on all relevant components for you. Neat! This is often called "macro" commands. Remotes with this feature cost a bit more but they're well worth it.
Get with the program
Back in the old days you had a "code book" that shipped with a universal remote, and you had to painstakingly program each component with a number (such as an RCA-based VCR being "555"). Today, however, you can either point the old remote to the new one (called "learning remotes") or plug them into your PC's USB port to download the codes (such as the Harmony products).
Bells & whistles
Some remotes offer illuminated keys -- to better see in the dark -- when you pick it up off the coffee table. Higher-end models (usually $300 and up) might offer touch-screen displays instead (or in addition to) buttons, and in some cases can control other wireless products including drapes, a thermostat, alarm system and more.