Sony RM-VL600

The Sony RM-VL600 can control up to eight components -- twice as many as similarly priced remotes. It doesn't include a lot of frills: There's no LCD screen to help you with commands, no backlit keypad, no rechargeable battery and no web-guided setup like you'll find on more expensive universal remote controls, such as the top-rated Logitech Harmony One (*Est. $140). While you can't update the remote with codes for new devices, you can teach the Sony RM-VL600 the codes from a component's original remote. That gives the Sony RM-VL600 remote control a leg up in reviews over other budget remotes, although another well-reviewed remote, the Universal Remote Control R6 (*Est. $15) also earns includes learning functionality. The Sony RM-VL600 is still available on Sony's site, but its availability is limited or out of stock at most online retailers. The Universal Remote Control R6 has a similar price but it's more widely available online.

RemoteCentral.com has the most comprehensive review of the Sony RM-VL600 remote control. The New York Times' and Wired's reviews devote only a few paragraphs to the Sony remote, but both have some useful analysis. While expert review sources largely ignore budget remotes, the value-priced Sony is a consumer favorite at Amazon.com. The user reviews at Epinions.com are a good place to find out how the Sony RM-VL600 performs in real life.