1. Functionality – basic or advanced?
Decide for yourself first whether you want a universal remote that can do only the basic functions such as power on and off, play, stop, pause, etc; or one that can perform all the advanced functions included in the original remote controls.

If you rarely even use the advanced function buttons on the original remotes, then you might as well get a basic universal remote control that is cheaper.

2. Control range
Don’t feel like getting up and going into the next room to switch off that air-cond? Get a universal remote with radio frequency that can navigate through partitions! A good model is the Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote.

These are more advanced universal remotes and cost more, of course. If you’re getting this type of universal remote, make sure it can control a good number of devices, or you might as well invest in two standard universal remotes and keep one in each room.

3. Users
Who will be using the universal remote more? Different people like different kinds of universal remotes.

Seniors would prefer larger and maybe back-lit or illuminated buttons that are easier to see. People who’re not so good at devices would like simple and basic buttons just to let them control many devices with one remote control.

Techies like advanced technologies that allow them more flexibility in functions. For instance, an Xbox junkie like me would love this Logitech Harmony Xbox 360 Remote.

4. Rechargeable battery and dock?
I strongly advise you to buy a universal remote that doesn’t need you to configure devices all over again when you change the battery. What a waste of time! If the universal remote cannot keep the configurations when the battery is taken out, then you’d better check if it has a rechargeable battery and dock.

Some people would like a dock because it keeps the universal remote in place and you don’t have to look around for it. Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control comes with one.

5. Number of devices
Count the number of devices you want to control with the universal remote, add a rough number of devices you may add to your home in the future, then get the universal remote that can control so many devices.

This will make sure you’re really getting that ONE remote control for all devices. If you’re frequently updating your home devices, get a learning universal remote like this Sony RM-VL600 8-Device Universal Learning Remote.

6. Types of devices
Are you using common brands of devices at home? Universal remotes come with a listing of codes for many brands and models of devices in its manual, but if you’re using some unknown or rare brand of device, you may have to search for the code on your own.

You can avoid some trouble by checking what types and brands of devices the universal remote can control. A good universal remote for home theater system is the Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control, while the Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control is compatible with most systems.

Go to my Best Universal Remote main page or blog for more tips and universal remote reviews.

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If you take a look at the 3.5” touch screen on the Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote, you’ll find that it takes us to another level of ease with the color icons and backlit buttons.

Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote

Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote

If you’re the energy saving or time saving type, don’t you worry because this device ensures customer satisfaction with the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. With the recharging stand, you won’t even feel its battery dying.

This universal remote controls a wide assortment of systems, from HDTVs to PVR/DVRs, and even so, Logitech’s online database still continues growing every day. This is particularly convenient since it wouldn’t be a hassle if I were to buy a new device any need to have it configured.

The Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote has a Help Button to serve you and your problems, this would bring much ease and convenient to users. Aside from that, with the One-touch activity controls, I can simply touch one icon and expect all the necessary components lay out before me.

I could also customize additional pages to my liking and fulfill the updates I need. Well, I do this on and off just to make sure that I am constantly updated.

Sadly, what’s not at all amusing is the inconsistent sensitivity of the touch screen, some of the virtual buttons don’t respond properly even if you put pressure on it. Some would wish that a stylus was provided, but unfortunately, even if it was, that wouldn’t solve the fact that the sensitivity hasn’t got the quality we all expect. Only after countless tries will you only be able to succeed in doing so.

It is needless to say that the Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote is handy and packed with convenient, user-friendly functions. However, an improvement on the touch screen’s sensitivity would sweeten the experience.

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Yet another new member has been added to the Harmony family, Logitech presents us with Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote. It’s another great deal as this one is compatible with almost 3000 electronic manufacturers.

Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote

Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote

It can proudly boast that it is capable to replace up to fifteen remote control devices, which I find very convenient. Other than that, the universal remote has a comfy grip to it, making my system navigation much easier and comfortable as the remote fits snugly in my palm. The outer contour of the remote was stylish enough. Plus, the buttons felt good, not the rubbery kind which often annoys me.

The set up is carefully guided, however there was a part where I got stuck. Fear not though, a call to their customer service hotline and things were set back in order. This trusted brand, Logitech doesn’t fail to convince us it provides great care for its customers, something which I find appealing.

Once you got your hands on the Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote, you will most probably be way excited to use it, but I’ll warn you, don’t get your hopes too high that you’ll be able to complete installation in a jiffy. I spent more than an hour trying to get the installation right.

Still, the system is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Macintosh OS. Unfortunately, the product is only powered up with 4AAA batteries. It’s a shame that it doesn’t come with a rechargeable battery and dock. It would have been so much better if the feature were to be included.

Aside from it being rather slow, compared to many others, Logitech Harmony 500 Universal Remote would be ideal for people who have loads of controllers to handle lying around your couch.

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With the multiple systems you can control with the MONSTER MCC AVL300-S Home Theater & Lighting Controller 300 With Omnilink, you’ll find loads of convenient and functionality.

MONSTER MCC AVL300-S Home Theater & Lighting Controller 300 With Omnilink

MONSTER MCC AVL300-S Home Theater & Lighting Controller 300 With Omnilink

What’s greater is that it operates up to a wide range, up to 130 feet, providing me great convenience and as well as allowing me to switch off and on my systems from almost any part of the house.

It offers an easy to use all-in-one controller because there seems to be not at all any complex and obstacles when it comes to programming the remote. The simplicity of the controller lets every member of my family to be able to meddle around the controller easily.

MONSTER MCC AVL300-S – User Friendly

It has something called the Monster Central Control fixed in it; it’s a web-based advanced information source. Instead of the usual google and search for ways to connect the controller with my home theater, I was amazed with the remote setup provided. It walked me through and provided me step-by-step guidance on how to connect my system to the remote.

The remote can be used to control several A/V components, including a Blu ray player, AV receiver, video projector and more. It controls up to 64 A/V Components!

Finally, if you need an easy to program, easy to customize remote controller, MONSTER MCC AVL300-S Home Theater & Lighting Controller 300 With Omnilink is the one for you. It overall works well except for the quirky “joystick” controller. As long as you get the settings and programming right, this should just work fine.

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Philips SRU8015/37 Prestigo 15 Device Universal Remote offers a control up to fifteen to twenty-five different devices. That is actually more than enough to control all the devices in my house. The remote is beautifully designed; it looks stylish and sleek on the outside.

Philips SRU8015/37 Prestigo 15 Device Universal Remote

Philips SRU8015/37 Prestigo 15 Device Universal Remote

Some people, especially I myself, would definitely welcome backlit keys, they are easy to use and easy to see too. Aside from it being fully backlit, programming is easier than usual, hassle-free. However, programming requires a whole lot of patience, as it’ll eat up much of your time. After programming and figuring everything out, things should work out fine after you connect it with your devices.

Though, for our simplicity there’s an “All Off” button available on this remote, unfortunately, there’s a catch. In order to make good use of it, you’ll need to manually add each device and tell the controller what command to send. Those aside, if you somehow do set the “All Off” feature up, don’t try it when one of your devices is off, your universal remote will automatically switch it on. When it comes to that, believe me, it is a nuisance.

The Philips SRU8015/37 Prestigo 15 Device Universal Remote does not have a wide database, it is limited, and so what’s really annoying here is that you’ll need to slowly manually program other devices which have been not included in their database. Like I said, you are required to manually program a few devices, but what really puts me off is that there are even Philips devices which are needed to be manually programmed!

There’s still much room of improvement in the Philips SRU8015/37 Prestigo 15 Device Universal Remote. Still, all the same, with its cheap price compared to others, it might still have some potential in satisfying certain customers’ needs.

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Universal remotes have proved to be useful and it had brought the meaning of convenient navigation of devices to a whole new level. Though it makes things incredibly easier when you combine all your remotes into a single one, it might just be a major problem when you encounter a glitch or when your universal remote seems to cease functioning properly.

Here are a few handy tips in aiding you to troubleshoot what might be causing your universal remote to not function normally:

Is your device joint to a working power socket?
Check to make sure that the device you were having problem with, is actually connected to a running power supply. It might sound silly now, but you’d be amazed at how often this first step proves to be a charm.

Battery’s condition
For universal remotes which require batteries, check if you have them installed correctly. Also, batteries which display corroded traces might just be the culprit. If your universal remote boasts a rechargeable battery, double check its battery status and see if there’s enough juice. A remote running low in battery life may not function efficiently.

Have a clear path between the universal remote and device
Move the universal remote closer to the targeted electronic device, preferably within 20 feet (about 6 metres) and be sure to aim squarely. Take away anything which might come in between the infrared ray. Be it a plastic covering the universal remote, or a cloth draped over the device, these may hinder the remote’s functions.

Disable remote’s locking feature
Try switching off the universal remote’s key lock of parental lock properties. More than often, they can be the contributing factors as to why the remote is not functioning.

Check if the remote’s infrared is working
You will need a camera phone or a digital camera for this. Aim the infrared source of the universal remote towards the camera lens. Observe via the digital viewer as you push all the buttons on the remote. You should be able to get a flicker of light from the infrared source while looking through the digital viewer, if the remote is functional. In the event that all buttons pass this test, either your device needs to be looked at or the remote requires a reprogram.

Manual and codes
The last resort would be to refer to the universal remote’s user manual. Ensure that the remote is configured correctly to the device. Also, make certain that the device code registered in the remote is the right one.

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I made a good choice when I first bought the Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control. It harbors the ability to contain 15 devices in its memory which ranges from household appliances to lighting. It comes with a one-year hardware warranty too if I may add.

Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control

Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control

Starting off with its wizard-based installation, the configuring of devices was simple enough. After installing the Harmony software and registering an ID, I connected my devices while stating the devices I have and categorizing them into various activities. I am delighted to say that it worked well for both Mac and Windows for me.

Besides, thanks to the RF wireless extender which came with the remote, I can roam around the house but still being able to navigate devices which are in other rooms. If the remote ever encounters a problem in picking up the devices’ signal, there is a handy prominent ‘Help’ button which is user-friendly, ready to assist me.

Yet another plus point, the Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control comes with a rechargeable battery and naturally, a charging cradle. The remote has a super sensitive motion sensor too. It comes to live with its backlights turned on each time I pick it up, how cool is that!

A few points which are less satisfying though, I had to update the RF receiver so very often even if I just made a very minor change on my remote configuration. In the end, I had the receiver placed near to a power source where I can easily disconnect and reconnect it from my system. Furthermore, the physical buttons on this remote needs getting accustomed to since I had some trouble reading the small labels.

As a whole, disregarding the minor flaws, the Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control is a pleasure to use. The design is plausible and if you are tired of your dozen or so remotes, this is the universal remote for you.

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Logitech never ceases to amaze us with its wonderful all-in-one designs for universal remote controllers. To prove that, Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control’s color LCD is both functional and classy, and is equipped with a battery level indicator that shows you your current charge status.

Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control

Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control

Other goodies that comes in a package is the docking station, not only does it help keep your controller fully charged, it too will help forgetful housemates of yours remember where to find it!

Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control definitely brought an end to long and tiring set ups, good for me, since I have never been the patient type. Logitech does a splendid job with customer support. If you ever find difficulties or find something faulty, with just one ring of a phone call, you’ll get professional help from technicians to help you puzzle out your problem.

Controlling your entire audio-video system has never been easier with a single button. It even features a comfort grip shape and a centered directional pad that fits perfectly in your hand. Though, some might whine and complain about the difficulties of pressing the awkwardly placed buttons, they’re tiny and placed so closed together that people with larger fingers would get fed up of controlling it. Kids won’t find it any bit annoying though.

However, there are times when I find the charging battery process somewhat irritating, as sometimes the unit doesn’t charge properly. To solve this, I have to clean up the contact points to make sure it doesn’t fail to connect properly to the unit. The rechargeable base is easy to operate if this problem doesn’t occur.

This stylish Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control has its pros and cons but it works well for those who have smaller fingers and a home theatre system. It’ll make life easier with the many systems compatible with it and the great customer care provided.

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A solid performance is what Sony RM-VL600 8-Device Universal Learning Remote has to offer. It is a Universal Learning Remote through and through. It can control up to eight devices, definitely not bad as function and price go.

Sony RM-VL600 8-Device Universal Learning Remote

Sony RM-VL600 8-Device Universal Learning Remote

There are quite a number of default codes provided in the manual, making it handy and easy for me to program my devices. More significantly, I was able to manually make my Universal Learning Remote learn up functions which seem to be unavailable with its physical buttons.

All I had to do was to sync the original remote to the Sony RM-VL600 8-Device Universal Learning Remote and the learning remote swiftly learns the function required. I am also happy to say that the additional functions did not put a strain on the memory capacity of this remote at all.

This practical Universal Learning Remote is not over-crowded with fancy buttons, something I have taken a liking to, since I can familiarize myself without any fuss with the remote. Also, the remote provides me with the function whereby I can record and replay a set of keystrokes. The recorded sequence is replayed with a single button, very convenient.

The battery life is acceptable as this Universal Learning Remote has no LCD display, meaning no CDs are required or any particular drivers needed to be downloaded. Two AA batteries are needed for the remote and something I would like to mention, would be that the applicable range is quite plausible.

Nevertheless, the only dissatisfaction is that there are no backlights, not exactly pleasant when I am in a darkly lit room. It would also be a plus point if this learning remote had a sleeker and more classy design, appearance is not everything, but it still counts.

Other than the tiny flaws mentioned above, Sony RM-VL600 8-Device Universal Learning Remote is worth every penny invested in it. If I were to choose a learning remote again, this would still be my choice.

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At the beginning, I had my doubts whether or not did I spend too much on this pricey Philips Color Pronto Remote Control TSU9600. However, this Luxury Universal Remote proves to be a treat.

Philips Color Pronto Remote Control TSU9600- Luxury Universal Remote

Philips Color Pronto Remote Control TSU9600- Luxury Universal Remote

The software which comes with the remote, Pronto Edit Professional would have made more sense if you understood professional installation. I had to struggle to figure out the programming, particularly since I had many devices at home. It would have been an immense help if there was a wizard-based system to kick-start the installation.

Looking pass the tedious setup, Philips Color Pronto Remote Control TSU9600 can be configured to control everything from your usual television to lighting. But what makes it truly special is its support for Escient music managers and Lutron lighting control.

I was so thrilled to discover the Pronto could even control devices placed in other rooms, thanks to the Wi-Fi feature and the two extenders offered by Philips which made it possible for beyond sight infrared control. I was quite impressed with the Pronto’s controlling system as it can acquire Wi-Fi network at lightning speed.

Also, I have to say that Pronto is not merely a Luxury Universal Remote, but a design of art in itself. The utterly streamlined and flat design of the remote, without any indentation around the touch screen, is one of a kind. The transparent charger dock emits a gentle glow of white LEDs during charging, the effect is simply admirable, the battery life is reasonable too.

The Pronto, having a large touch screen, boasts gorgeous, bright-sharp images. At times, I wonder why couldn’t I just watch videos on it instead. However, this big universal remote simply requires both hands to navigate and it takes some getting used to.

In short, Philips Color Pronto Remote Control TSU9600 has everything you want from a universal remote due to its extensive customizable feature. Getting over with its complicated and troublesome setup programming and the need to navigate the remote using both hands, the Pronto is truly a remote which offers you control over your home devices at your fingertips.

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After getting my hands on my Xbox 360, I’ve been scouting for a remote control which will satisfy my needs to juggle navigation between the Xbox 360, my home theater set and other devices in my living room. It is as though Logitech Harmony Xbox 360 Remote has answered my call.

Logitech Harmony Xbox 360 Remote-Best Value Universal Remote

Logitech Harmony Xbox 360 Remote-Best Value Universal Remote

I must say that this is the Best Value Universal Remote, especially if you are a Xbox 360 junkie. It comes with full 360-enabled functions and boasts a couple of Xbox 360-flavored buttons which no doubt comes in handy when accessing the media functions of the game console.

As installation goes, it is easy to configure this remote to my desired devices using its web-based software, which is both Mac and Windows compatible, so no worries there. After registering a Logitech user ID, I just had to provide the device type, manufacturer and model number of my device. However, if there was the slightest chance that your device is not in the database, all you have to do is to sync the original remote with this Logitech beauty.

Logitech Harmony Xbox 360 Remote can contain 12 devices in its memory and I personally think it is more than enough. Furthermore, the remote is exceptionally useful in the dark as the buttons and Interactive Display are fortified with green back lights.

If I had something to find fault with this Universal Remote, it would be the fact that it does not come with a rechargeable battery. This remote uses up four AAA batteries and there is no other way to better this flaw other than a recharger cradle.

Another minor imperfection is the too closely spaced numeric keypads. I find it somehow annoying when it comes to flipping channels and getting them all wrong while trying to get accustomed to its closely grouped keypads.

All in short, Logitech Harmony Xbox 360 Remote is truly the Best Value Universal Remote, possessing the sleekest appearance, one which is compatible with the Xbox 360, while not disappointing when it comes to functions, and most importantly, along with a reasonable price.

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A month ago, almost half a dozen remote controllers are left cluttered messily across my coffee table top. I must say it is a blessing when I finally got my hands on Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote. Using this Universal Remote is like combining all my remotes into one without breaking a sweat.

Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote – Best Universal Remote

Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote – Best Universal Remote

Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote – User-friendly
The best thing I like about this Universal Remote is that the setup was swift and user-friendly. The remote was connected to my PC using the USB cable provided, then I visited Logitech’s website, downloaded the software needed, follow the on-screen instructions, the software then configures the remote accordingly. All these took up a mere thirty minutes.

So far, I have my television, DVD player, TiVos, VCR, cable boxes and air conditioner configured with this Universal Remote. The whole experience is pleasant and hassle-free. However, it seems that those who are using Mac encountered some problems.

Other Great Features
Also, I don’t need to go looking for extra batteries anymore since the remote comes with a rechargeable battery. The charger cradle is very handy as it serves as a convenient dock for my remote. Naturally, there is a battery indicator on the remote’s LCD touch screen and the battery life is remarkable.

The sleek body contours of this Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote fits snugly in my palm. The backlit buttons, useful in the dark, are solid and good to the touch, with frequently utilized buttons located right beneath my thumb.

The color LCD touch screen on the remote boasts virtual buttons to replace whichever non-present physical ones. I can even download my photographs to run as a screensaver, how cool is that!

An annoying fact though, the touch screen is so super sensitive that my devices will be switched on when I am wiping fingerprints off the screen. It is impossible to lock the LCD screen and the remote cannot be turned off unless the battery is taken out.

If you are not a big fan of thick instruction booklets but want your remotes to be combined under one, Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote is the Best Universal Remote for you.

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Hi welcome to my blog of best universal remote!

Why Universal Remote?

Do you have separate remotes for your TV, DVD player, home theater system, music system and satellite TV? If so, you probably find that having so many remotes control can easily become a major hassle. Too many remotes, too many things laying on the table and I get confuse with all this remote controls too!

Thanks to the better technology, all these problems can be solved with a universal remote control. Having just one remote control for everything is a blessing from heaven!
best universal remote

Universal Remote Control

A universal remote is a single controller which operates all your television entertainment units – TV, DVD player, home theater system and etc. It’s a great convention but it’s might take sometime to set up, personally I think it’s worth the effort.

You can feed and program the different command codes of all your devices into one universal remote control and use it to control all their functions.

There are many different varieties of universal remote controls ranging from the basic model that can be found at the local discount store that is only able to control a set number of devices to the more advanced models that can allow you to control virtually any number of devices in your home.
But basically, to make things easy to understand different type of remote contorl, there is manual remote control, touch screen remote control ( one touch and advance program ) and learning remote control.

Manual, Touch-Screen and Learning Universal Remote Control

Manuals accompanying universal remotes usually list the codes of different brands. And the most advance one is the touch screen universal remote control that can almost handle any devices.

Another wonderful invention is the learning remote, which automatically absorbs and stores the codes of all the remote control and uses them to control any devices.

Well, now you know better about universal remote, for the next following week, I hope I have time to post more review about universal remote and recommend the best universal remote for your home system.
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