Universal Remote Control (URC) R6

Most basic universal remotes get poor user reviews, but the Universal Remote Control (URC) R6 impresses most experts and owners. Though it can control only six devices, many owners posting to user-review sites are surprised by how well such an inexpensive remote works. A quick setup operation is a big positive, and the R6 includes built-in codes for a wide variety of components from a broad range of manufacturers. While you can't update the built-in code database the way you can with more sophisticated -- and more expensive -- universal remote controls, the URC R6 is also a learning remote. That means you can use your existing remote to teach the R6 codes for commands and devices it lacks.

However, the limited memory for those additional commands is the biggest downside of the URC R6, because you can only teach it up to 40 additional commands for all of the devices in your system, and some owners say this simply isn't enough for intricate systems or devices with complicated remotes. Still, most are pleased with how the remote works -- especially for the price. If your budget is a little bigger, the Universal Remote Control Digital R50 (*Est. $75) can control up to 18 components and has an updatable database of codes, making it a better choice for large or complicated home theaters.

Basic universal remote controls attract fewer professional reviews than the pricier models, but the Universal Remote Control R6 was included in a test of 12 universal remotes conducted by Good Housekeeping. The review is very brief. Other than this source, owner-written reviews at Buzzillions.com and Amazon.com provide the best coverage of the URC R6 universal remote.