Price Paid:  $38.00 from Ubid

Summary:
I had been using a Radio Shack 6 in 1 unit. I did not like the fact you could not see the buttons in a dark room, and they are not designed in different sizes to be readable by feel, so I decided to risk a little money and try the One for All AV Producer 8. I have mixed reaction to this unit. On the one hand, it is versatile. It includes functions that the Radio Shack does not have, such as PIP controls. It is also similar in its Home Theater mode. The keys are organized in such a way that you can access them in a darkened room without having to hit the backligting first. However...I do not like the calbe/sat mode at all. I have a General Instruments cable box. I am used to the cable control buttons operating menus and selecting programs in a particular manner that is not at all like the default settings for this unit. For instance, there is no "info" button in the default position (the button that brings up information about the program, such as plot summary, actors, etc.). YOu have to program one of the other buttons to do this. No biggie, but it requires reconfiguring all of the buttons (which, fortunately, can be done). Also the center of the menu grid is preset to cycle throught favorites, rather than as the "select" button. I also found that the learning function is a bit iffy. On several occasions the remote indicated that it had successfully learned a function, but it would not do what it was supposed to do. I am going to continue to work with this unit, but I would have to recommend the Radio Shack successor to the 1994 as easier to program and easier to use, even if the buttons are annoyingly monochromatic and all the same size.

Strengths:
Many options and progammable to the max.

Weaknesses:
Preset defaults are not always similar to existing device remotes. Learning function does not always operate properly.

Similar Products Used:
Radio Shack and Sony Universal Remotes

Price Paid:  $80.00 from smarthome.com

Summary:
Not bad for it''s price. Last for ever. not to may learning keys.

Strengths:
Cheap, Strong IR singnal

Weaknesses:
BIG and heavy, learning keys cant be used with micros.

Price Paid:  $100.00 from Audio Warehouse

Summary:
I have had this remote control since February of 2001. For the most part, this is an excellent product. The biggest selling point is the IR/RF receiver transmitter that allows control from other rooms. For the couch potato, it is excellent because you don''t have to even remotely (pun intended) aim it at your components. Because the control unit was stolen in July of this year, I now have the luxury of 2 IR/RF receivers. Cool! Setting up the unit is a little trying, but worth the effort. I''m glad I have this unit because the original remote control for my Onkyo Integra 6.2 receiver didn''t make it back when the unit was sent for repairs. Unlike other reviewers, I like the LCD. The back light is very nice in the dark. The unit is a little big and bulky, but does have a nice quality feel to it. Given the size of the unit, it really should use AA batteries not the AAA. It''s very versatile and well worth the money. Also worth the effort it takes to program it, and learn how to set up the learning buttons and macros. This would make an excellent gift for the "person who has everything", including 5-6 remotes that they''re tripping over all the time!

Strengths:
Versatile Solid Build Quality

Weaknesses:
Should use AA batteries A little power hungry

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $90.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
I've had it about 2 years. In spite of its limitations, I find I use this remote about 90% of the time for the A/V devices it supports (not including my main Mits. VCR). But my wife avoids it.
I had to use a lot of learned/programmed functions for Onkyo receiver. Finally I came up with a way to use the cryptic 6-button x 8-device combos that I can *usually* remember (e.g. button 1 for a selected device (Tuner/TV/DVD/...) changes Onkyo to that input for main speakers, button 2 for remote speakers, etc.). Battery life is fine (9-12 months), but I don't use the backlight often. I wish it had: longer RF range, additional IR emitter(s), able to re-program "standard" buttons.

Strengths:
RF (don't have to point at device, can be 30-40 feet away), fairly programmable, reasonable layout for fixed-function buttons.

Weaknesses:
Learned functions only on special keys: hard to remember! Arcane programming. Could not set up regular keys for alternate IR channel 'B' on Mitsubishi VCR, or for Onkyo receiver's 2nd-room controls. Barely works from next room, not from farther. Only one IR emitter, so receiver box must be in line-of-sight to all 8 controlled boxes.

Similar Products Used:
Semi-programmable remotes from many devices, Radio Shack IR relay (via TV cable, room-to-room)

Summary:
I have to say that I really do love this remote control, I have it controlling my disco ball along with my disco lights in my living room. I show people and they think that is amazing. I have put just about all of my other remotes in a box for safe keeping because I don't need them. I have taught this remote to control every audio/video option I use on a regular basis and it works fine. The only problem I have is sometimes I'll push one of the learning keys and it doesn't repond. Also when I am in another room I have to point it a certain angle to work. When it does work, people think that I have a ghost in my house. I'm sorry to say, but to those people who had trouble reading the manual, you guys must not be able to read, also, if you can't find a code you just call their number that is on the back of the remote or go to www.oneforall.com. It is that simple. Besides that, for the money that you are paying for this, you can't beat it.

Strengths:
Learning Capabilities, Multi-room control, Very nice Blue and green light when lit, Hardly, hardly, ever have to use any of my other remotes.

Weaknesses:
Clock only accurate when a macro is set, learning buttons don't respond sometimes. Multi-room functionality a little touchy.

Similar Products Used:
Home producer 8(earlier model)