Universal Remote Controls - Suggestions Needed

[mmblz]

I had a Harmony - I think the 890. Basically I chose this model for the wireless functionality. The remote sent RF to a base which then used IR flashers to redirect the signal to the boxes - so basically I could keep everything behind a solid wood cabinet door.
The one thing that was infuriating was that every time you made a change to the way the remote was programmed, you had to sync not only the remote itself to your computer, but also the base station. So each time you had to unplug the base station from power, and also unplug all the IR flashers. Now, the whole reason for having this remote was to hide things in a cabinet - which meant by definition that the base was not exactly easy to get to / pull out.
A somewhat less annoying problem was that it would randomly stop working, and require the batteries to be removed, and the remote to be re-connected with the base.
Overall I liked it but I'm not sure I would get another one because of the base station sync issue.
I guess this would not be a problem with a plain IR remote...

[MTB996]

Wow, lotsa love for the Harmony.

Just to throw out another option: Universal Remote Control (URC). IMO they are more professional quality products, but more $ and somewhat more difficult to set-up.

I also recommend the Harmony, although I do not have one. If they made an RF version of the Harmony One, I would get it. My new LCD plays games with the IR cable box for the first couple minutes after turning the TV on, so an RF option would make it perfect.

I also own an older Pronto touch screen. These are good remotes, but best left for professional set-up. If set up properly, they are awesome, but complex and pricey.