ok so ive fought the universal remote thing for a while now, I have a ps3 and was trying to hold out until one came out with some bluetooth capability, but the more I think about it when were watching movies on the ps3 we use the ps3 remote and all other time we use the others, there are also much better IR workarounds out there now then when I first got the ps3 so.

what we do now is use the receiver remote for on/off for the tv and the receiver and basically the cable remote for everything else, it controls volume on the receiver, it works, but the cable remote seems very directional, it has to be pointing directly at the cable box, exactly just right or it doesnt work, after a while its aggravating, so it would be nice to get a remote with a larger IR swath if you will. I have the remote for the receiver and the remote for the cable box, the standard comcast remote. there both universal, but both have their issues. the onkyo remote is very chunky with the cable guide and has no control for on demand or dvr that I know of, the cable remote wont turn the receiver on or off, it doesnt do discreet on/off codes i dont think or it would work fine for us.

heres the deal I would like a remote that can control:

my tv sony 60a2020
my receiver onkyo 605
my cable box whatever the standard comcast DVR is I cant remember the model
the ps3 Ill deal with later, either just continue using the ps3 remote, which I like, really just wish sony would just release a universal version with IR:confused::mad: or ill eventually get one of the ir bluetooth converters they have now, they all offer full functionality and on/off from what I hear.

the remote doesnt have to be fancy, id like to keep it under 200, id like it to be able to do everything all the other remotes do, full functionality for each component, including DVR and ondemand access for the cable. it has to have some macros, id like it to be able to turn on the receiver and the TV for instance, but also the remote im using has separate controls for the TV, so I can use the power button for the tv and the main for the receiver, I like that also. so whats out there?? thanks.

If you're willing to give your cable remote another chance, depending on the model, it's possible you can add all the discrete codes and macros ("activities") you want or even program it from your computer. If it turns out to have a computer interface, you can get an inexpensive nyko IR adapter for the PS3 (no on/off) and load those codes into your cable remote. Post the model if you want to give it a try. Otherwise pick out your favorite sub $200 harmony and tell santa.

FYI, possible discrete codes for your equipment:
Sony A2020 (depending on device code used)
discrete on 00113 or 43333
discrete off 00109 or 42309
video 1 00034 or 23109
video 2 00030 or 22085
video 3 00032 or 22597
video 4 00029 or 21829
video 5 00162 or 55877
video 6 00158 or 54853
video 7 00024 or 20524

Onkyo 605
power 00051
power-off 00170

nyko blu-wave (possibly audio device code 1389 or 1556)
Enter 00103
Up 00038
Down 00102
Right 00105
Left 00107
Play 00231
Rew 00235
Fwd 00233
Prev 00234
Next 00232
Stop 00230
Display 00165
Menu 00164
Options-Triangle 00042
Back-Circle 00040
View-Square 00106
X 00104
Select 00166
Start 00039
L 1 00171
L 2 00170
L 3 00043
R 1 00169
R 2 00168
R 3 00041

If your remote is compatible with these codes, just quickly press and release Setup followed by the 5 digit code to test it. If your remote takes 3 digit codes, drop the first 2 zeros. If it works, follow the instructions in the How to link in my sig to program Advanced Codes.

im willing, it would be much cheaper that way, although there still that pesky issue of pointing the thing, but its an aggravation ive dealt with up until now. dont know what the model is, it seems a bit basic, id probally be fine if I could get the thing to turn the reciever on and off, but I remember this being a problem with the remote when I got the reciever, but I will give it another shot, that and I would like it to switch inputs on the reciever. im not at home right now, im on vacation so I cant look at the remote, but when I get back ill take a look definitly.

Any Harmony remote can do the trick and you'll just address the different power options by setting up different activities. Watch TV may turn on just the TV and Cable Box while Watch Movie will turn on the TV, Cable Box and Receiver.

Another option which isn't really discussed a lot is the new ESPN Remote from TVCompass. It has the same capabilities as the Harmony but is set up using the Wifi in your home. The WiFi also allows you to pull up your channel guides right on the remote without going to the cable boxes on-screen menu which has been a feature I personally use a lot because the Cablevision On Screen Guide is so painfully slow.

Getting a little OT here, but that ESPN remote is very cool. Any idea what the battery life is like?

I don't know what numbers they actually quote for battery life but I can tell you that I still haven't run it down in a single day. I've sent text messages from it, pulled up guides and weather from my couch and even done some activities programming in a single day and it still didn't die. By habit I put it back in its cradle at night anyway.

FYI... just spoke to TVCompass... the official quote on battery life is 1 week of normal usage. Obviously "normal" may be debated but the fact is that it hasn't been an issue with my personal experience.