We do 99% DirecTV so i like the hard buttons on a remote to closely match it. The best remote i have seen for hard button layout is the RTI T2-C. It would be perfect except for one annoyance. They put a POWER button where the PREVIOUS CHANNEL button should be. A properly programmed system will never need a POWER button because discrete commands will launch sources and OFF will shut the system OFF. These macro buttons can go on the touchscreen or LCD/hardbutton area for remotes like the URC MX-980.





Crestrons new TPMC-3X is a really slick remote. I didnt like it at first because there are no hard buttons for numbers but the minute you put one in your hand you realize how easy it is to use. It has a side button to toggle pages so you can click back and forth between fav channels and the number pad.