Universal Remote Control (URC) R6

Most basic universal remotes get poor user reviews, but the Universal Remote Control R6 impresses most experts and owners. In fact, many owners posting to user-review sites are frankly surprised at how well such an inexpensive remote works. A quick setup operation is a big positive, and the URC R6 can also learn components for which it doesn't have the code. The downside is that the R6 can only control six devices, so it's best for small home theaters. If the remote doesn't include the code for one of your component, it can "learn" the other remote. However, the remote can only learn up to 40 buttons for any one device, and some owners say this simply isn't enough for devices with complicated remotes. However, most reviewers 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. $90) can control up to 18 components and is a better choice for large or complicated home theaters.

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