I just set up my first system and I cannot figure out the best option using 1 remote instead of 3. I have the following equipment,

Panny 50" 800U
Denon 1908 AVR
Direct TV hd box
Monitor Audio Speakers hooked up to the 1908


I am hooked up as follows,
HDMI from the Direct TV box to the Denon
HDMI from the Denon to the TV

I am trying to avoid spending more money on a remote since I just spent quite a bit on all this, but if that is really the best option I guess I will have no choice.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Your best bet would be a good universal remote. That way you won't need to switch modes to turn on each component.

Look at the Harmony and URC remotes. I use the Harmony 670 because of button type and layout of the transport controls. With a Harmony you can push one button and turn on all of your equipment and set to the correct input for watching movies or TV or other activities.

I'm not personally familiar with the URC line, but I know they are also good remotes and a lot of users like them.

I would go to one of the big-box stores and look at the Harmony remotes and also the URC if they have them. You would most likely want to check on-line for the best prices if the big-box stores are not having a sale.

The radio shack 15-134 has a very similar layout to the directv remote , is very inexpensive ($30 and sometimes on sale for $20), and can easily do macros similar to harmony. It's my main remote for my directv system.

EDIT: If you get this remote, the codes are 01377 for DirecTV; 31360, 30121, 31142, 31434, or 32857 for Denon; 10054, 10000, 10156, 10250, 10051, 10236, 10030, 10052, 10024, 10055, 10018, 10650, 11310, 11410, 11480, 11924, or 11927 for Panasonic.

Thanks for the help, I will look into those.