If my sister asked me about a universal remote today I would probably tell her to get a harmony ultimate. That's because I know my sister has a very simple system and she doesn't have a ton of money. She can pick it up herself and programming takes minutes.

Is it the best solution? No.
Is it the only solution? No.
Is it the most elegant solution? No.
Will it work? Yes.

There isn't any other apples to apples products on the market. Harmony has no competition in this bit of the market. The bit where people want hand held remotes, a free iOS app, easy DIY configuration, under a grand.

Without the harmony my sister and others like her would just do without a universal remote. I think the harmony products ultimately make us more visible...like Bose.