OTHER TECH

For example, the handset can transmit RF signals with a range of about 66 feet. The optional RFR-5 ($150) can receive these RF commands and relay them to your A/V components via IR signals. I really like this option, because some of my gear is installed behind a louvered wooden door and can have trouble receiving IR commands. When I installed the RFR-5 behind the door and switched CHAD to its RF mode, the RFR-5 expertly received the radio signals and relay-controlled the components through their IR sensors. Slick.

Remote Roundup All three of these remote controls have admirable qualities. Not surprisingly, their levels of features and finesse are functions of their prices. Isn't it nice that in this one area of life you still get what you pay for?

The RCA RCU1000B is less polished than the two higher-price remotes, and the layout and labeling of its soft buttons made it a little more awkward to use. It's also less customizable, but the options it does provide should be sufficient for a great many users. And its price is very attractive for a touchscreen remote.

The Proton SRC-2010 is elegant, flexible, and intuitive to use. Its display is attractive and highly legible. Even relatively complicated chores, like setting up macros, are easy to do, and its optional PC interface is a plus. On the downside, it isn't preprogrammed with codes for popular brands and models, which increases setup time. In the end, though, this remote strikes a good balance between functionality and price.

The Onkyo CHAD is very impressive. Its extensive customizability and large memory capacity will let you spend hours fine-tuning every nuance of control over your home-entertainment empire. The powerful PC software can facilitate that process and give you even more choices to make. (If you really care what font your buttons are labeled in, this is the remote for you!) However, CHAD is complex and takes time to set up. It also costs as much as a full-featured DVD-Audio/Video player.

Whether you have a high-end home theater or a modest system with "only" a TV, cable box, DVD player, A/V receiver, VCR, and CD changer, a super remote might be the best "upgrade" you've made in a long time. Who needs the frustration of multiple remotes? Once you decide what features you need, let a remote like one of these three clear off your coffee table so you can enjoy the show.