Hotwired: Remotely interested

It's a fairly safe bet that somewhere near the TV is a hi-fi system, VCR, DVD player, Sky controller or other pieces of home entertainment hardware. And that for each device there is a matching remote control.

What if you could replace all those remotes with just one - a universally effective remote?

You can, and there is a selection of such combo remotes to choose from, priced from $25. Universal remotes are user-friendly, and they also make cost-effective replacements for any lost or broken remotes.

They inevitably look busy, a blend of television and DVD-style controllers. Choose one that looks and feels easy to use, otherwise it will become just another remote cluttering the lounge.

They work by locking on to a four-digit code which each home entertainment device responds to. Brands may have several optional codes each for their range of TVs, VCRs, audio systems etc, and universal remotes come armed with a selection of the known variables programmed into their memory.

Accompanying manuals include lists of the pre-programmed code options in each device category and instructions on how to go about locking the new remote to the pieces of your system. This is usually just a matter of a dozen keystrokes, not too challenging.

Basic universal remotes will work up to three devices, most typically a TV, DVD and VCR. Philips' SRU 530 model (rrp $60) is ideal for owners of any European home entertainment equipment. It nails the look and feel tests, is dead easy to set up and has big, clearly labelled buttons.

The One For All brand provides a wide range of options from three- to six-device controllers, including some which can also operate your Sky decoder. The SKY 400 model (rrp $70) looks like a My Sky remote but can also control your TV, VCR and DVD. It is nicely tactile and sets up easily, though a little of the My Sky convenience does seem to get lost in translation. If you need another Sky remote, it will do fine.

The One For All 5 (URC-7555 rrp $80) also handles Sky plus four other functions, the fourth being a home theatre amplifier. Not surprisingly it has almost 50 buttons on its long body and you do need to focus to use it.

Both of these are also "learning" remotes, which means that by pointing the original and the universal remote at each other you can copy functions to specific buttons. Handy in more ways than one.