Thanks for this forum..great info. I just put together new theater setup and now need to eliminate the 4 remotes so my family will use it. I have a Panasonic TH 50 PH9UK which rocks by the way, an Outlaw 990 pre/pro and Outlaw 7500 amp and an old Sony DVD and a cable box (Motorola DVR) and a Pioneer CD changer. I really need to be able to program macros so we have one button to turn everything on and select TV input, etc. Please recommend options. Up to $600-700 would be OK but I'd like to know what I'm getting for that price if cheaper units won't do. Thanks for the advice. BTW, I'd like to put in a "plug" for Visual Apex where I bought my TV and accessories. They were not the cheapest, but were close and VERY VERY good to deal with.

Are you going to program the remote yourself?

I'd like to if within my range. Pretty good with audio and computers. Not programmer however.

Hallooo! Is anyone out there?? Sorry, but no replies since the one from SDZD. I am questioning if I would be happy with the Phillips RC9800i or should I wait for the Logitech Harmony 1000? I really want a remote that my wife can look at, push a button and turn on everything she needs on and set to play TV, DVD, etc. Hopefully, someone is listening...

You should look into a Universal Remote. You Should look at the MX-850 or MX-900
The remotes retail around $400-$450 depending on where you buy it from. Also Is the equipment in a cabinet or behind a closed door? Do you want to use RF? If you want to use RF you would want to get the MRF-300. This is an RF Receiver unit with emitters and Antenna. This unit retails for around $200.00. I'm not quite sure how URC is controlling the programming these day's, but I think you have to register the remote to get the program.
With Programming Macros, you can have the one button operation. Take a look at pro-remotes http://www.proremotes.com they sell and program the remotes. you can also look at surf remotes [Link: surfremotecontrol.com] I'm not sure if they do the programming also, but I see there names on these post quite often.

Sounds like a Harmony will be perfect for you. You can get a 550 for under $100 which will do everything you need. Spending extra only gets you a rechargeable battery or colour screen.

I would stay away from the touchscreen unless you really want one for the "Wow" factor. They are actually harder to use by feel as you can't differentiate between the buttons, and most need 2 hands to operate.

The Harmonys are very easy to program and use, and can handle devices which don't have discrete commands for input or power. ie they can cycle through inputs and remember the power and input state of your devices. Harmony also has much better customer support than either URC or Philips in case you get stuck

thanks for the answer. I don't need RF for this system, eventually will because this is going to be basis of theater room later on. So it sounds like URC or Harmony would work..I'll research the ones mentioned. Thanks again.

Looking for either a code or a universal remote to Insignia TVHD30 flat screen TV. Purchased yesterday at Bestbuy open box no remote.. Have adelphia cable or all for all remote... Will buy an remote is will work on TV