The Beer Test
Even I, a self-professed gadget nut, could scarcely imagine spending $700 on a remote control; but I still looked forward to playing with Sony's Navitus RM-NX7000. I had heard that the remote included a huge, bright color display, but I didn't think seriously about the huge part until I tried to use it. Lisa could barely hold the device--using both hands. It's easily twice the size of my HP IPaq Pocket PC.
Connecting the Navitus to my PC for customization was painfully slow and unnecessarily complex. Working with the Navitus gave me two critical insights: First, if a remote control has to have an operating system (in this case, Linux) to run it, it's probably going to be too much of a hassle for me. And second, if I need to use both hands to operate a remote, how do I hold a beer?
Finally, a clear-cut winner emerged: Logitech's Harmony 676 ($230), a recent addition to the company's well-respected line of remote controls. Aside from being the easiest device to use, the Harmony 676 was far and away the least difficult to configure. I simply connected it to my PC and followed a wizard that took less than 10 minutes to complete.
Although several devices let me group home entertainment components together--for example, to change the volume on the receiver and the channels on the cable box, without switching back and forth--the Logitech did the job in the most intuitive way. Four brightly colored buttons toward the top are configured to handle your most commonly performed activities, like watching a DVD or a TV show (including programs recorded on your DVR) or listening to CDs or the radio.
The Harmony was the only remote that fully recognized my Onkyo receiver and gave me access to its Internet radio features. And the Harmony may be the first device I've ever used that features a truly helpful Help button. Clicking the Help button triggers a step-by-step troubleshooting process, consisting primarily of powering different components on and off until everything is in the proper state.
Logitech
$230
Photograph: Rick Rizner
A: The Help button is actually helpful.
B: Buttons offer easy access to the options you choose most often--watch TV, listen to music, and so on.
Pro: Easy to set up, simple to customize, and convenient to use. This was the best model overall of the four I test-drove.
Con: Some menu options for certain particular devices get cut off in midword. The small LCD screen can be difficult to read.
Sony
$700
Photograph: Rick Rizner
A: Most commands are accessible via the bright TFT display.
B: Memory Stick slot--have you ever seen a Sony product without one?
Pro: Virtually every aspect of the device is customizable, right down to the picture that serves as a backup screen to the bright color LCD.
Con: $700?!?! On top of that, the remote can be slow and challenging to set up, and its large size makes one-handed operation virtually impossible.
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