I am clueless as to which universal remote to buy. Please help me choose the best remote for my equipment preferably under $200.

Samsung DLP TV
Samsung theater system HT-DS1000
Motorola cable box
TIVO
Samsung DVD/VCR combo

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

For a start, check out these areas on this site: Clicker Picker and User Reviews

When in Clicker Picker, remember that you won't always pay MSRP for the remote, so choose a couple that are over $200.

Let us know what you find and we can help narrow it down for you.

Greg

Thanks for your help. I am considering a Logitech Harmony 880 or 890. Would these remotes be compatible with what I have? And are the Harmony remotes user friendly and worth the $$ in your opinion?

Very good choice. All Harmony remotes are very user friendly and easy to program. The only difference between the 880 and 890 is that the 890 is also RF, so if you don't need that stick with the 880. Another option is the 720, or if you want something cheaper look at the 550. It is just as powerful/functional as the 880 or 720, but without the color screen and rechargeable battery.

For that amount of money, you could also get a URC, such as the MX-850. However, if you don't need RF, you could get the MX-700, which is about $150.

A Harmony would be a good choice if you don't have too many programming skills. Basically you tell it what you have and what you want to do and it is almost "self programming." URC remotes offer a much higher level of customization though.

URC remotes are also of higher quality and will last longer. Just ask many of the custom installers on this site.

That being said, the Harmony is very user friendly. If they can get their quality up, they would be a far better buy.