I just got a digital cable setup for my home. So now unlike the analog cable signal, everything must be tuned in using the dedicated cable box. The worst problem with this setup is that there are no programming features on this box. It will not turn itself on/off, change its own channel etc. So if I want to record a show while I'm not home I must leave the box on tuned to the correct channel and program my VCR to record at the proper time. To complicate matters, I live with a roomate who has the tendency to turn things off, change channels, remove videotapes and so on.

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a cheap remote that can turn the cable box on and off and switch channels while I'm out. I think that's all I really need.

I'd also like to be able to watch one show and tape another, but that is beyond the scope of this forum I believe.

Thanks for any help,
Ryan.