There are several types of universal remotes out there and I'm pretty sure they don't cost $400. DH has one that he paid around $300 for and he loves it but I only use it to turn the tv on/off and to control the volume. Every now and then I do use the DVD button when GD wants to watch her Hi-5 DVD's.
Programming the thing was not an easy feat, so decide who will be in charge of programming before you buy it!

If you're going to have Dish, DirectTV, or Tivo, you'll still need to use their remote control.......so keep that in mind.

We also have the 'eye' and it's definitely worth getting. You'll have to let the supplier know how many devices will need to be hooked up to it and it needs to be compatible with your remote.

And, to add to your confusion, whenever someone (usually the dog or GD) hits the wrong button at the wrong time, we have to find the original TV remote to get things back on track.

I'm sure others here have experience with some universals that are easy to use. I know DS has one that she claims is simple to use, but she doesn't use an eye with it.

My husband is a tech geek so we have a universal remote in our bedroom. Ours is the Logitech Harmony that retails for about $279. We have a ton of equipment in our bedroom - tv, dvd player, wii, xbox, dvr, receiver, cable box so it actually does come in handy.

It is one of those things that I would never think of buying and if I never had one, I wouldn't miss it. However, after having this handy gadget around for a couple of years, I now think its the most convenient thing ever - no more dealing with multiple remotes and where to put them, one set of batteries, touch screen etc. Is it NECESSARY? Probably not. Is it CONVENIENT? Heck yes.

My only issue is that it can be tempermental. Sometimes, I go to turn on the tv and there is no sound or I try to turn off the tv and the screen shuts off but the receiver is still on. It's a bit annoying because I either have to keep hitting the "Help" button or I have to see if it will work by shutting off the tv and turning it back on, but that's a minor complaint and wouldn't deter me from buying a universal remote.

It works for us because we have so much STUFF hooked to our Tv but it may not make sense for someone who only has 1-2 items. Hope this helps.

I bought DH a Universal remote from Santa. One of the best things I ever bought. LOL

What exactly are the electronic devises that you want to operate ?? Most $29.00 universals can run your TV, DVR's and cable box...

My new TV can with a remote that I could program the DVR and cable box into..

But if you want to go through closed doors you may need the extender mentioned here..

Here is a link that might be useful: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/decor/msg040028217960.html?6

Phyl - We installed a home entertainment system in our FR 2 years ago complete with Plasma, DVD, VCR, Stereo and a bunch of speakers (all mostly hidden thank heavens). Prior to the intsall, we had 4 remotes, now we have only 1 (which came with the system for $400) and I love it. I can control the entire system with the push of a button from the kitchen while I'm cooking dinner! I can watch TV, switch to a movie, then listen to a soothing CD, all without moving from my seat - it's great.

The remote that comes from the cable company we use controls the dvr/cable box, tv, dvd, and wii. They come with each box we have and if they stop working we just trade it in for a new one.

Most TVs and DVRs and set-top boxes come with remotes that can be programed to operate the other equipment that gets attached to it. It is not difficult to program them--the equipment comes with a list of codes for the various manufacturers and you just need to press a few buttons and input the code.

I got a new TV last month. I programed the TV remote to run the DVR and the DVR remote to run the TV. The set-top box remote now controls the TV and the DVR as well. That's the one I use the most.

However, you can get a decent universal remote for about $25-$50. The part you want that costs a bit more is the remote signal extender that lets you put all the components, except the TV!, behind closed doors. But even there, you can get a decent one for $50-$100.

What I suspect the salesman was trying to sell you was a home theater receiver, which would control all the electronic equipment that you can plug into it. A receiver would have a single remote control that would allow you to control the TV, the DVD player, etc.

Remember, the salesman was trying to make a sale. He offered you one option, but it is far from the only option out there. If you and your DH go back to the store and ask about lower-priced alternatives, you could probably get something that met your needs for around $100--universal remote and remote extender included.

wow, seven replies .. I didn't expect such a great response ...

I have read them all three times now; some of the terms are becoming more familiar to me ... tech-speak sounds very much like a foreign language ... see why I need a simple, good universal remote (grin)

the printout he gave us is for "MX-450:auxiliary remote - macro editing on screen - no PC required" .. huh?? ... just the title makes me dizzy ....

it's a gorgeous day in chicagoland & dh is out golfing (sure, now THAT'S an inexpensive little pleasure that I never object to) ... anyway, when he comes home, I will have him read each & every response & see if he has a change of heart ... oh, btw, he is a wonderful guy & won't stand in my way if I really, really want to spend $400 on something that he thinks isn't needed ... yeah, like he *needs* golf ..

I think he just can't wrap his brain around the idea of $400 for a "little stinkin' remote"

thanks again, I'll check back in later ... I have questions about what you all wrote; but I'll save those 'til I get his reactions to your responses ...

I went to Amazon and searched MX-450 and found this: Universal Remote Control MX-450 Custom Programmable Remote Control with On-Screen Macro Editing for $250. If you add this: Universal Remote Control MRF-260 Addressable Narrow Band RF Base Station ($150), you can get the "behind closed doors" capability. The price is what the salesman was quoting you, so I suspect it is the same thing.

I know nothing about the brand or the equipment--it would probably work just fine for you--the description says it will do what you need it to do. But do check out the reviews on Amazon--they seem to indicate that it is not terribly user friendly for the non-techy.

If you shop around you will find other equipment that will do what you want at a lower cost. A basic universal remote should run you $25-$50 dollars and a basic remote signal extender, that will allow you to put all the components in a cabinet behind closed doors, between $50-$100, depending on the brand name and the features you want.

For $400, I'd want something that did more than combine all my remotes into one and let me put the DVD player inside a cabinet. For that money, I'd want a home theater receiver or a better sound system or something else upgraded. If all you want is to use one remote and put the components behind closed doors, there are cheaper ways to go.

Here is a link that might be useful: Universal remote MX-450