I'm in IT so the bosses hit us up here and there for advice. I don't know much when it comes to remotes.

He needs it for a projector, stereo, bluray, and direct tv

Any help or advice on models would be appreciated.

He needs something like the RTI T4 or Philips Pronto TSU9800. Although just about any $20 universal from walmart will do for his setup, those aren't very presidential. It's very difficult to recommend anything since we have no idea what his requirements are, besides the fact that he has 4 ordinary devices.

Harmony One. I'm guessing he's not very techy and it doesn't sound like he's got a very complex system. A logitech might be easier to program (although ultimately less flexible) than something like a Pronto. Fans of other remotes please correct me if I'm way off base here.

I agree something wizard based probably would be the best choice, seeing as we have no clue how "techy" he is. Harmony is likely the most main stream of them, but Pronto has the 9200, and URC has the MX-810, off the top of my head.

Idiot proof if possible. He will probably spend up to around 200. The cheaper the better though.

EDIT: I like the Logitech Harmony One, but I guess he needs IR.

Idiot proof if possible. He will probably spend up to around 200. The cheaper the better though.

EDIT: I like the Logitech Harmony One, but I guess he needs IR.

Huh? It is IR (as well as every single universal remote). Do you mean RF? If so then good luck with the $200 budget.

No offense, but my suggestion would be this:

Find a couple systems integrators in your area for your company president to check out, then go to him and say "I looked into this for you, and honestly without weeks of nonstop research I can not give you a suggestion that I am willing to put my name on. I have found a couple local companies that do this work for you."

If you know that you don't know enough to do this, don't be afraid to admit it. If he's a good owner he'll not only accept your reply but he'll think very highly of you for admitting you are not knowledgeable enough in this field, which is outside of your own, to find a good solution for him.

If you know he needs RF than you may want to check out the URC RFS200 PowerPack bundle. The combo is under $100 and will include the remote and the RF receiver. Excellent value for the dollar!

URC RFS200 ...eek.

Tell him he can spend less and get a Harmony 890 if RF is necessary or he can get a better product in the MX880 + MRF350 or he can go up from there.

His needs seem simple now, but frankly an accurate assessment cannot be made with so little information.

Get him to a dealer and let him run things by you afterwards. It seems you are trying to show how valuable you are as an employee in areas you don't have expertise in. Good Luck.

Normally I'd recommend a URC MX-line remote over a harmony any day, but don't get him the MX-810 if he is going to be programming it. It's a pain in the butt. The wizard-style programming tool sucks and gets it wrong every time. I always have to go into the more advanced mode to fix the macros, not that I mind doing that. I also have problems downloading it into the remote. I usually have to try it about 5 times before it actually programs.

I love the MX-line of remotes, but programming the MX-810 is its biggest downfall. They should have not tried to copy harmony's wizard style tool and stuck with the same style editor they use on the other remotes.

RF: If you're going to go RF, do it right. That means spending some money. For URC stuff, I wouldn't recommend anything less than an MRF-350 base-station.

No offense, but my suggestion would be this:

Find a couple systems integrators in your area for your company president to check out, then go to him and say "I looked into this for you, and honestly without weeks of nonstop research I can not give you a suggestion that I am willing to put my name on. I have found a couple local companies that do this work for you."

If you know that you don't know enough to do this, don't be afraid to admit it. If he's a good owner he'll not only accept your reply but he'll think very highly of you for admitting you are not knowledgeable enough in this field, which is outside of your own, to find a good solution for him.

I would have to agree with ATOH. I would also add that if he is not technically inclined, whatever you recommend, you may be asked to help set it up. You would need to be comfortable programming the remote properly for him. A good remote is only as good as the person programming it, especially if customizing for the lowest common denominator.

Depending on budget, preferences and scope of installation you will get a wide range of suggestions.

I'm using it in 3 areas of my house. Controlling about 15 devices. I can't find anything it can't do. I don't have any A/V background, but I am in IT - so I didn't find the programming difficult whatsoever - in fact, I really enjoy it.

sounds like not all of the hardware is in the same line of sight so you might just to look at rf solutions for quick and easy. cheapest probably being harmony 890 or 1000 with extender. easy to program for simple stuff including macros for activities.