Considering how much I use the remote on my HR20-700, I thought we should at least pay our respects:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070216/ap_on_re_us/obit_remote_control

I think we all thank him and curse him. None of us could live without the remote anymore. Sounds like a truly amazing person.

The first TV remote that I recall used sounds to change the channel. My grandparents had the set and also had a bunch of metal nail puzzles (See here (http://www.puzzlethis.co.uk/products_metal_puzzles.htm)). When we would rattle the puzzles we would change the channel or turn up/down the sound. We got banned from using the puzzles in the living room pretty quick. :D

Happy trails, Robert...I'll hit the mute button for ya...