Touch screens look impressive, and are if you don't mind using both hands and focusing your attention on it yo use it, they work good. I'll take a hard button,well laid out,super programible,user friendly remote (MX-700 or equivelant) any day. So would 99 percent of my clients. Sometimes the wiz-bang,looks cool,costs allot so must be cool thinking can cloud your perspective on realworld, day to day use. Sometimes, looks don't win races. Ergonomics do.

If you use the same marketing campain as above I understand why they do :-)

You guys sound like you know what you're talking about, reguarding remotes - I don't. I have a fairly nice HD A/V system, with (6) principle a/v components, and after a year have not yet found a remote that will work all my stuff.

The product brand names I own are *all* popular -(no Juboba brands)- Panasonic-Sony-Philips-Hughes-Magnavox. Appearently Brand Names don't matter though.

What would you guys recommend in a hard button 6 to 8 component remote, and one that is *REALLY* programable - (as opposed to that bumble-button programming nonsense left over from the 1980's). Thanks

look at Harmony and HTM

The MX-700 is as flexible as it gets. The Harmony is as flexible as a chunk of concrete, and it looks like it was made by Fisher-Price. I don't want to sound biased, but , the MX series can perform miracles (with proper programing), has actually saved marriages, and makes my life easier.
Hmm, maybe I am alittle biased! When things work like I think they should, I do tend to lean towards them. You won't be disapointed. 'Bumble button programing' is for the uninformed! Step up to the plate and see how good it can be!

"what are you looking for in a universal remote"? instant voice recognition would be nice.

no, bad idea, do you want talking during a movie? will it know to listen to you or the other people in the room and not people in the move (imagine if the guy says "freeze or I shoot") will it be smart enough to know you are talking to it (one of the kids says "stop hitting me")...... no, voice sounds good until you think about it

HEY! How about "thought recognition" !!!
Lets see; would you need an engineer or a phsychic to design this?

I don`t think the tech is there yet. But can you imagine what will happen if you and someone else can`t decide on what to watch

I know the Xantech URC2 is getting a bit dated now but for a hard button remote that is easily programmable (pc) and generally allows full functionality, they are great. Anyone know if there is an update coming?
My dream remote;
Rf definitely (that is reliable over distance)
Combination hard button (std transport commands, vol, power etc) and large touchscreen (that my installer fingers wont activate five commands at once)
Pc programmable
Remote locator device!! (though might lose some of my replacement sales)
something of decent weight and feel (check out the remotes on Plinius equipment)
Ahhhh Nirvana when can I get one.

That sounds great. The next time I stop for dinner at UNO'S Pizzaria and the TV'S are blasting so you can't even hear youself think I could just get out my keychain and zap it off right?