ADVICE ON UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROLS: I tried several about five years ago and they all sucked like bilge pumps. I wouldn’t be surprised to find they’ve improved a lot, but I haven’t been motivated to try again.

UPDATE: Stephen Green emails:

We tried a middle-of-the-line model from Harmony, because their whole line gets good reviews. And it still sucked. Bad ergonomics, lousy software, and keeping it synced with what units were on or off was impossible. Even for people paying close attention. We took out the batteries and gave it to the baby.

I’d rather use four remotes that work than one that doesn’t.

Yeah, that’s pretty much how I feel.

ANOTHER UPDATE: Green’s Vodkapundit co-blogger Will Collier emails:

Might as well offer my $0.02 on this one since Martini Boy has weighed in… I picked up a Logitech Harmony 880 when I revamped (read: bought lots and lots of gear) my system two years ago, and it’s been excellent. The web-based setup software was not great when the 880 was new (it’s better now, although still not exactly as easy as iTunes), but once you do get the thing tweaked–which takes about an hour–it’s bulletproof, and more-or-less wife-friendly. I’ve been very happy with mine, much moreso than a brother-in-law who got the newer, more expensive Harmony 1000 touchscreen version that apparently isn’t ready for prime time (he returned it). I’d say 99% of the time the 880 is the only remote I need–but I still keep all the others in a convenient drawer.

Sooner or later I’ll buy another one of these, but I think it’ll be later.