10 BEST REMOTE CONTROLS - The Independent, 2 September 2003

Mark Harris beams down the latest gadgets to help you master all your hi-tech hardware at the touch of a button

Cambridge Audio M1+ £50 -- BEST BUDGET BUY
The M1+ learns the infrared signals of up to eight remotes, then fires them back at a press of the backlit, touch-sensitive LCD. This recently updated model now features a full range of DVD and surround sound functions, plus macros to simplify often-used strings of commands.
Richer Sounds (0870 900 1000; www.cambridgeaudio.com)


Casio CMD-40 £50
Ever feel as though you spend more time searching for lost remotes than you do channel hopping? With Casio’s latest super-watch safely strapped to your wrist, you’ll be in command of the telly while everyone else is still hunting under the sofa. You can even tot up the time you’ve saved on its built-in calculator.
Casio (020 8450 9131; www.casio.co.uk)


Harmony SST-768 £225
Figure out which way up to hold the Harmony and you’re halfway there. This webbed-up remote links to your PC for effortless programming, although the US database is somewhat patchy on European hardware. Themed controls make complex activities a one-click affair, and a choice with silver, red or blue finishes should keep the Harmony in tune with any living room.

One For All 6 Kameleon £70
Far from fading into the background, the Kameleon’s electro-luminescent display glows with an eerie blue light whenever you move it. Controlling up to six devices, the Kameleon is future-proofed by a built-in modem that can gather codes for new products as they’re released. Be warned that its squidgy touch-screen takes some getting used to.
One For All (no phone; www.oneforall.co.uk)


NAD HTR-5 £225
The versatile HTR-5 comes pre-programmed with commands for all NAD products, plus most other home entertainment brands. If your kit isn’t listed, using its learning function to add up to 780 functions across 12 devices is reassuringly simple. A limited number of keys and an intuitive interface keeps the HTR-5 utterly straightforward to use.
NAD (01908 319360; www.nadelectronics.com)


One For All Primeline URC7740 £20
You can only chuck your TV remote at Kilroy so many times before it breaks, so this budget replacement controller is a useful buy. It comes ready to operate the essential functions of up to four audio-visual devices, including TV, VCR, DVD and satellite/cable set-top boxes.
One For All (no phone; www.oneforall.co.uk)


Palm Tungsten C £340 & Radio Times £14.95/year --- BEST LUXURY BUY
The problem with PDAs like the Tungsten C is that you can be so busy wirelessly surfing the web that you keep missing EastEnders. This new Radio Times application not only provides comprehensive, up-to-date TV listings but also turns your Palm into an infrared remote control that flips channels and even programs your VCR.
Palm (0118 974 2700; http://radiotimes.tvcompass.com)


Philips PronoPro £750
If you’ve ever been frustrated by an over-complicated remote (or ‘thrown an Ozzy’ as it’s become known), you’ll quake at the thought of the ProntoPro’s 8Mb of memory, 500 pre-programmed signals and 256-colour customisable LCD touchscreen. But this powerful controller is actually quite simple to use, making it an essential (if startlingly expensive) addition to high-end home cinema systems.
Philips (0870 900 9070; www.pronto.philips.com)


Sony RM-VZ950T £85
This universal remote has a classy circular LCD screen and a jog-shuttle dial to zip through the controls of up to eight different bits of kit. But don’t kid yourself; ditching your dull, plastic remotes in favour of the sleek, aluminium VZ950T will be as much a design decision as a space-saving move.
Sony (0870 511 1999; www.sony.co.uk)


X10 Active Home Gold £170
Invest in the X10 and you can turn the kettle on, dim lights or power up the microwave from the comfort of your favourite armchair. Add a PC and the system can be pre-programmed to activate anything from washing machines to breadmakers: a couch potato’s dream and a physiotherapist’s nightmare.
Simply Automate (0845 666 3330; www.simplyautomate.com)




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