I'm looking for a cheap remote I can use for teaching macros to the Harmony remote I actually use.

I have a few options:

1) A learning remote that can successfully learn extended macros from another remote. With that, I could just use a fake activity on the Harmony to create a macro, record it with the other remote, and then play it back to record raw on the Harmony. Problem is, most cheap learning remotes just grab the first code in the stream.

2) A macro-capable remote that can accept discrete codes in some way. It'd be nice to be sure I could program it exactly as I want. Then I'd set up a macro and record it in raw mode on the Harmony.

3) A macro-capable remote that can learn even just single codes for its buttons, as long as those buttons can then be added to macros. Not as good as direct discrete code input, but probably good enough for setting up a macro to record on the Harmony.

It'd be nice if I could put at least a dozen actions in a macro, but nicer still if I could get closer to 20 or more, since my TV's menus are pretty deep. Programmable delays would be nice, too, though they might need a lot of extra slots if they count as actions.

It's also be nice if it cost $50 or less, but that's just a ballpark and I'm flexible if that's not realistic. Really, I love my Harmony and with macros being the one feature it lacks (for me), I'd pay a happily pay a few bucks to make them possible.

Oh, and I've already tried using my PDA, but its emitter is too weak. Likewise my laptop. Otherwise, I'd already be set.

I'd recommend the One For All URC-8910 (about $20). While it won't learn macros, as such, it can send macros, so you can program the macro that you need in it and then use it to teach the Harmony.

Also, you can use it to generate discrete codes when the original remote doesn't have a button for them itself.