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A remote control for all your devices that takes some cues from smartphones. But does it succeed?
Logitech has firmly ensconced itself in the world of AV through its Harmony universal remote series.
We can’t imagine any Wotsat reader needs a universal remote for more than 12 devices but we’ve all got stacks of gear (probably) but only tolerate using only a couple of remotes at the most to control them.
Most universal remote controls are based on the simple notion of replacing your existing remotes with one handset, and advanced users can set up macros – sequences of commands for several devices.
Meliconi may not be that well-known a brand here, but it claims to have produced Europe's first universal remote control in 1992. This 6-in-1 controller sits at the lower end of its current range and has a build quality to suit its budget intentions.
This universal remote is the only zapper on the market that will operate Sky, Sky+ and SkyHD set-top boxes, as well as those from Virgin Media, Freeview and integrated receivers, says its maker, Meliconi. It enables you to operate up to six devices of any brand.
The main selling point for the Jumbo Universal Remote from Innovage is its distinctive over-sized design. At nearly a foot long, you're unlikely to lose it down the back of the sofa, and the 1in buttons make it ideal for those with impaired vision or dexterity.
Whether you have Windows Media Center or a range of media you'd like to access without having to touch your laptop, this gadget is perfect. Comprising a tiny USB link connector and a 2.4GHz RF remote, you can access your media from up to 15m away
Universal remotes are a great way to take control of your entire AV system - especially when that system becomes rather extensive. Logitech's latest model in its Harmony line has the power to command up to 15 separate items
There are so many iPod-styled peripherals out there that you'd be forgiven for overlooking this chunky little fella. Operating as a remote for your audio app, it allows you to play any music without having to sit at your PC
Traditionally, there are two types of universal remote control: those that come with an in-built library of remote commands and those, mainly at the top end of the market in price and design, which can be customised through connection to a computer
If you have Media Center on your laptop but haven't got a remote, you may wish to add one. This ExpressCard/54 adapter does just that. It uses the port to charge the internal battery but it's also a tidy way to store the card away when not required...
With Apple's iTunes software synonymous with MP3 music files, the Hercules Tunes Explorer Wireless (£41 inc. VAT) is a hand-sized remote control for navigating and controlling your music collection without sitting in front of your laptop
The Hercules Tunes Explorer Wireless creates its own wireless connection to your Mac using a USB receiver and acts as a remote control for iTunes. It differs from other remotes by having a small (but useful) screen...
The Harmony H885 has a killer feature in its PC and Mac-compatible USB link. You can hook the remote directly up to your computer and then - using a surprisingly fat online database - download info to the remote for a smooth setup
As a collection of home cinema equipment grows, keeping control of it using the stock remotes can become a headache. Your equipment might include a DVD player, a DAB radio, plasma screen, processor and amplifier
More immediately impressive than Logitech's effort, the Kameleon 6-in-1 is the latest remote from stalwart One For All. The company has made a real effort to improve the aesthetics of its products over the last two generations...
Logitech is a PC peripheral company that acquired Harmony - a reasonably successful remote control specialist. The H655, therefore, still bears the hallmarks of a PC-related product.
Where would we be without the humble remote control? Well, we'd be getting up off our lazy arses every five seconds to change the channel, tweak the volume or pause the Sky , that's where
The downside to home cinema is you need an octopus to handle all the remotes. Enter One For All's Kameleon controller, complete with funky glow-in-the-dark display (handy when recreating cinema lighting in the home)
Remote Solution's Battery Free Universal Remote is fully charged for seven-days after turning its dial 50 times clockwise the first time around, and 30 times thereafter.
This £100 remote enables you to control all your equipment from one zapper. The 655 links up to your computer (Windows 98 and later, and MAC OSX) and the internet in order to set up the remote as quickly as possible