- Advantages of Buying Separate Components
- Planning Your System
- Audio/Video Receiver: The Brains and the Engine
- Speakers: For Movies and Music
- DVD Player: The Entertainment Source
- Universal Remote Control: Commanding Your Entire System
- Don't Forget the Picture!
- How Much Will It Cost?
- Tip Sheet
Universal Remote Control: Commanding Your Entire System
The final essential component (for me, anyway) is a universal remote controlunless you like juggling multiple remotes, that is. Look for a unit that can learnor that you can program withthe codes from all your various remote controls. I particularly like touchscreen units that can display different screens for different components.
Unquestionably, the best touchscreen universal remotes today are the Philips Pronto models. Philips makes a variety of models, from relatively low-priced monochrome units to units with fancy color screens to one high-end unit that resembles a tablet PC and has its own built-in speakers. All the Prontos can be customized via computer, using Philip's proprietary programming software. These units take a little time to program and master, but the result is worthwhile.
If you want something a little simpler, check out similar universal remotes from Harmony, One-for-All (Kameleon), and Sony. Some of these units sell for as little as $100which is a lot more affordable than the ultra-high-end $1,700 Philips iPronto!