Why You Want a Programmable Remote?

A well-chosen programmable remote can put an end to every home theater enthusiast's worst nightmare: the remote-control glut. Almost everyone can relate to the frustration of searching for the proper remote among many; as the saying goes, the one you need is always the last to turn up. A programmable remote eliminates this all-too-common scenario, placing universal control of all your equipment in the palm of your hand.

A programmable remote can also integrate the functions of your home entertainment equipment in very powerful ways. Say you want to watch a DVD movie on your plasma TV with surround sound from your 5.1-channel system. You could use a pile of dedicated remotes to:

turn on the DVD player,
turn on the plasma TV,
turn on the receiver (or amplifiers, preamps and outboard processors),
select the proper input/output configuration to deliver video and audio to their assigned destinations, and
start playback.
Or, with the right programmable remote, you could simply touch a virtual button (plainly labeled "Watch DVD") and settle in for the show. Beginning to see the possibilities?