My folks are in their mid-eighties, and love to watch TV. I got them a DVD player, and my mom loves watching movies and PBS-type stuff about American History.

Trouble is, they can't (or won't) learn to operate the DVD player. I guess when you're that age you just don't want to learn any new tech-stuff, or accept tutoring from your grown kids or any other young wippersnappers.

I guess I'll get that way too when I'm their age. So here's the problem: finding a remote that will suit their needs. I figure, it should probably have some or all of these features:

1) It should have oversized buttons that glow in the dark.
2) It must operate at least 3 components (TV, DVD player, Bose CD radio)
3) It must be SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE to operate, therefore...
4) It should probably have some kind of programmable macro function that would enable them to insert a DVD and then play it, with the Bose radio on AUX to enhance the sound, WITH THE TOUCH OF ONE BUTTON, and then operate it just like it's TV, (same controls, sexcept with a pause button.)
5) It should have a panic button that would unscrew any screwups, without having to call support (yours truly) for instructions.
6) It would also be nice (I know we may be talking more $ here) if it also did not rely on IR transmission, but could work without having to point it.
7) It should have a "Favorites" function so they would not have to channel surf or watch whatever crap is on, but only those stations that they enjoy most.

Any suggestions? I'd be much obliged. I can't be the only one with this problem. What would you get if it were your own aging parents, grandparents, whatever?
Thanks.

Sounds like a well-programmed Pronto is what you are looking for.

Did they ever use a VCR? There are a couple cheesy DVD players with an autoplay mode for people who don't want to deal with the DVD menus.

I think a Pronto is a good idea, an other might be to go with two remotes and get the weemote sr and dvd remotes

You might take a mx500 and dump most of the items it can do. Dumb it down as mush as possible.

Macro buttons at the bottom. Macro 1 for system on, off. Macro 2 for "watch DVD". Macro 3 for "return to TV mode". Select and play buttons active for DVD. Channelup/dn and numerical entry for TV. Volume "punch through" for audio. And nothing else does a thing......

Just have to plan out the macros so the remote is in the correct mode after each macro is sent.

I'd go with an RTI T1. Hard buttons tend to make the elderly far more comfortable than touchscreens (hell, they make ME more comfortable!). There are 8 customizable source buttons and 4 customizable function buttons. should be MORE than enough to adapt to your parents needs. Can also be paired with the RP-6 controller for RF capability. The best part is that the programming software is the best and easiest to use in the business. Just my humble opinion.