[thunderbrick]

I have a B&K Pre, Sony 34" CRT HDTV, a Rotel 955AX CDP, a Sony DA555SE AVR, and have a Marantz DV-7001 SACD player on the way.  I eventually will get a Musical Fidelity. Odyssey or Rogue Audio preamp.  I'd like something that:

Doesn't cost a fortune or have a gazillion buttons (hidden panels a plus!)
Can handle all the junk above
Can be programmed or operated by an idiot
Lights up when I call it,
and I'll pay an extra $20 or so if it operates my TT.

Now that can't be all that complicated, can it?

Bob

[jtwrace]

That's the only reason my parents had me...my brother and sister needed someone to change the channel when they got older.   

[thunderbrick]

I was the oldest, so it became MY responsibility!

When I was in college I hard-wired a mute switch into the speaker line of our house's console TV.  Might do the same with the wife's TV. She falls asleep clutching the damned remote while watching fashion or cooking shows.  Ugh.   

[mcgsxr]

Not sure what constitutes a "fortune", but I am over the moon about my Logitech Harmony 880.

One button for "Activities" that turn on all associated gear, flip them to the relevant inputs etc.  One button off.  Recharges on the base too.

Honestly, my 4 and 6 girls year old can use it.  Replaces 4 remotes in my HT system.  Programs via usb cable and PC.

Based on my experience with this model, I would heartily recommend any of the Harmony line, really good remotes.

[K Shep]

Smart remote.  And just large enough not to loose in the seat cushions and just small enough not to block the view of the TV.

[jtwrace]

 

[HAL]

If you already have an iPod Touch or iPhone, L5 makes an IR universal remote head and app for $50.

You build the remote the way you want on the screen, and can have selectable pages for different remotes.

I did remotes for my Wolfson DAC, Dodd preamp and Onix A-120 MKII and all work just fine.   

[Nuance]

Harmony One.

http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/remotes/universal_remotes/devices/3898