They added a shift indicator by addressing one of the LED's at the top when it is "shifted". You should see the looks on customer's faces when you try to explain it to them! I believe the "channel up" and "channel down" are the most logical to assign the functions, but I think you can assign any pair of buttons to act as the shift buttons. Yes, it technically solves the problem with the DVD players, TIVO's, ect. Here's to hoping they're working on a new hand held.