We just installed a new home theater (DIY) and are happy with our setup but less than thrilled with the remote situation. We can currently do 90% of what we want VIA the receiver remote, but the button functions are not intuitive (for the wife and kids) nor is it an elegant solution. We'd like to replace all our current remotes with a single easy to use remote - even if its not the simplest to setup. I'm new to this world but feel comfortable tackling this project so long as I can hand my family a remote and 'let them enjoy the system' instead of having to train everyone on how to just get the thing turned on, let alone use it...

Here's our setup:
TV: Samsung UN46B8000 (Native remote is RF)
Receiver: Pioneer VSX-23THX
Sat: DirecTV HR23 (Native remote is RF)
HTPC: Mac Mini (Late 2009) (Controlling via bluetooth on iPhone but would like Apple remote functionality on new universal remote)
DVD: LG BD-390

I'd like to get a color touchscreen remote (we currently use our iPhones to control the Mac Mini and its light years beyond anything else I've seen) with macro capability and above average DVR functionality for our DirecTV box. I was hoping the ARRX18G XSight would be a good fit but the lack of state saving takes it down a few notches... I think the functionality of the Universal (URC) brand remotes seems top notch but their design is awful IMO. The Pronto's seem like a nice choice as well - I just don't know enough to justify the increase in $$$ to go that way, yet. The UEI's seem nice as well but from what I've seen are nt the best for a DIY job (no software included).

Thanks in advance for your help with this!

Let's see, you want a color touch screen, the Pronto's are more than you want to spend, you don't like the design of the URC's, and the Nevo's are out b/c you are a DIYer, which will also cut out RTI. Looks like you'll be getting a Harmony for the holidays.

I'm okay with dropping the cash for a pronto, I just don't know enough to comfortably make that decision without some help. The 9400 looks appealing but are they worth the extra money over a harmony? Are there alternatives to logitech from less well known (harder to find) brands? Does the functionality of the Urc's or Novos out weigh the look/pro setup? Just looking for opinions.

Harmony wise, guess I'm looking at the 900 for rf, correct? Really like the look/feel of the arrx18g - too bad the software isn't there.

Okay doing more research - is the arrx18g the only remote that will control directv via RF directly? Most only seem to work rf to same branded base stations...

Also, seems the 'pro' line of Universals products are more attractive than the consumer line - the mx-980 seems like a possibility (even if we have to lose the touchscreen.

I knew I was a noob but didn't know how much of one - the more I learn the further I realize I have to go. On the plus side I do know JS programming so the prontos get a bump on that side of things.

I am in the same boat. Why does it seem that the only option for a DIY is the Harmony line? Also, checking many customer reviews, every single remote you mentioned has had some very bad reviews (along with great ones). Before putting down a lot of cash it is hard to decide which one is the best for your money. CNET says the Harmony 900 is the best remote they have ever tested. Pros don't seem to like it. ????

anyhomeneeds: are you being tongue in cheek with your comment about a Harmony for the holidays? Why don't you like the harmony line? In your comment are you suggesting he go with the Pronto?

There are two classes of remotes, DIYers and Pros.
Some companies only do Pros, like RTI, AMX, and Crestron. These are not designed for consumers to program, but they are the most flexible to program and can do almost anything we want them to do. However, that comes at a cost, both money and time to goto training classes. Classes usually last a day just to learn the basics.
Other companies offer remotes in both catagories, URC, Pronto, and Nevo are the main ones. They have models that are designed for pros and models designed for DIYers. The DIY remotes don't have as many features and are limited in the programming, but are easier to program than the Pro models. One of the reason is tech support, they all offer free tech support, at least for now.
Lastly, you have companies that only make remotes for the DIYers, Harmony, Sony, UEI, etc.. Of those companies, Harmony seems to be the most popular and offers the most bells and whistes on their remotes. That doesn't mena that they are better then the DIY versions of the Prontos or the URC remotes, they aren't.

For what the OP wanted, I would recomend a Pronto, but he was concerned of the price. I will never recomend a Harmony. I would caution on anyone to buy from a reputable source and make sure you know what you are getting. If you are a DIYer, make sure you get a remote that you can get the software for and that the mfg will support you when you need it. Just because you can buy something online doesn't mean that you will get any support from the manufacureer.