Here are my devices:

Panasonic 50" Plasma (TH-50PX60U)
PS3
AppleTV
Moto STB

I want an all in one remote, that actually works well! :P

What's the winner??? Budget not an issue...

HERE (http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/16/worlds-most-expensive-remote/) you go.

:) nice... but I guess I should have stated "budget no issue.." under 1k.

1)In your price range I would consider a Universal Remote MX980 or MX3000 with RF.

2)If you are not a technical person get a Harmony 890/890 Pro.

3)If you want a dealer to do it. Take a look at the RTI as well.

I have used an RTI TheaterTouch T2+ with an RP-6 and RM-433 for about 3 years now, quite happy. And the size and weight is perfect for me. Go to the RTI web site (rticorp.com) and check it out. [Can't post the url cuz the site won't let me]

The RTI takes some programming, so you'll likely need an AV tech to show you the ropes. But if you're into that, they have an excellent product that works really well, with a huge library of remotes.

The whole setup will take most of your $1K budget.

My next one will likely be the T2-Cs. It will work with my existing hardware and software, so just reprogram and I'm good to go.

.gt

BTW, here are some ballpark RTI prices. Your mileage may vary, but it gives you some idea. I included prices for two remotes, but obviously you'd only need one.

T2+ Remote MSRP $599
T2-C Remote MSRP $899 (note this is predecessor to the T2-Cs)
RP-6 Processor MSRP $599
RM-433 Antenna MSRP $150 each (at least 1 required)
IR Emitters ~$15 each (one for each device controlled)

Here are my devices:

PS3


Don't forget that you will need a device such as the ir2bt (http://www.ir2bt.com) to fully control the PS3 with whatever remote you end up with.

Also, why do you want to spend so much money (compared to the cost of your setup) on a high end remote?

Also, why do you want to spend so much money (compared to the cost of your setup) on a high end remote?

Good point. My remote is about 1% the cost of the rest of my system, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'd rather spend my money on what I actually watch and listen to. A device to pull everything together and make life easier is great, but 25% seems like overkill for such a simple system, even more if you get something you have to pay a pro to set up.

+1 on the URC suggestions, the 980 with the mcs400 nice combo, and while the 3000 has some uber cool looks, the 980 has great feel, and waf.

I don't want to spend a lot of money, but I am willing to pay for a remote that is truly universal. It's a shame that the PS3 is bluetooth... has anyone seen a universal with BT and IR?

There currently isn't a universal remote that can directly control the PS3.

I'm also not clear as to what you mean by "truly universal". For your setup you could get buy with something as cheap as $50 and it would truly control everything (except for the PS3 which needs another device). To get more universal would be to have a requirement to control non-line-of-sight devices, but you didn't mention that you had a line-of-sight issue. Everyone seems to have assumed that you wanted an RF base station and recommended the Harmony 890 RF remote and URC remotes with RF base stations. Do you have line-of-sight issues? If so then maybe you could justify spending more on your remote solution.

If I were in your shoes I would come up with a realistic budget and then ask what a good remote would be and if you are willing to learn and program it yourself. If you are willing to spend a couple hundred then I would recommend the Harmony One or the URC 810. You should also get an IR to BT device for your PS3. It will allow any IR remote to fully control your PS3. Otherwise just get a sub $100 IR remote and it will do what you need.

You need to be clear on what's important to you before you buy. Otherwise you'll just get very confused. One big consideration here is RF or IR. No question, you can get great universal remotes that do IR on the cheap. But that means you must have line of sight to the devices, so you can't place your components behind the doors a nice neat cabinet without getting either an IR repeater (that goes inside the cabinet) or a remote RF capability. Usually the higher end remotes have RF capability, and you have to pay extra for it.

That said, I've found that with universal remotes, like most other things, you get what you pay for. Doesn't mean to overpay, just make sure you get what you want. I like the RTI but it ain't cheap. But every time I use it and it "just works", and every time I'm able to customize it to do exactly what I want, and every time I'm able to find libraries to support a new device, and every time my wife said 'this is the easiest remote I've ever used'... I've never regretted buying it. RTI is definitely not the only option out there, but I haven't found anything better for me. Hopefully my experience will help.

My $0.02. ;-)

.gt

+1 on the URC suggestions, the 980 with the mcs400 nice combo, and while the 3000 has some uber cool looks, the 980 has great feel, and waf.

+2

I'm waiting on the Unify4Life blackberry add on for 100 bucks. I know it's not a full solution, because when I'm at work or out of town the wife won't have my blackberry so I'll still probably either have to buy her a blackberry or get another Harmony for when I'm not at home. www.unify4life.com

I saw the demo at WES and they were able to use macros to turn on all the A/V equipment, Stereo, LCD, Apple TV. I think it got best of WES for non business use. It still is not available for pre-order but it's due out in October.

I've been in constant contact with them on when the PS3 functionalilty will be ready, and they said it will probably be a firmware update. They have not verified if it will be IR or Bluetooth. I'm sold if it can operate the PS3 with bluetooth instead of needing to put an IR dongle on the PS3. If not then I might wait to see if any other company can pull it off.