Hi. I'm considering a new remote. I've done a lot of research here and elsewhere, and I'm overwhelmed. I hope the panel might be able to help clear things up.

Upon reflection, it appears the crux of my dilemma is my LG 50PG60, specifically the remote's lack of direct input commands. As I'm sure the gathered cognoscenti are aware, this makes creating macros a bit of a challenge. I know the IR codes exist, as they're listed in the manual.

I currently own an MX-500 and an MX-650. The issue is, how do I get the codes onto my remote(s). My options, as I see them, are: get a PC-programmable remote, get a new remote that might already contain the codes, or use my iPod touch with a hardware attachment and some magical app. For my main issue, the programmable remote seems like pounding in a nail with a jackhammer. I don't know if either a new remote (I'm thinking URC R50) or an iPod would actually help me solve my problem.

I would be most grateful for any clarification regarding which solution makes the most sense. I'd like to keep the cost of all this under $100 if at all possible.

Nearly any remote made by UEI can be manually programmed to shoot the individual signals to teach the URC remotes.

Comcast and some other cable company remotes, OneForAll, some Radio Shack etc remotes can do this.

You could buy a RCA RCRP05B at Best Buy/Walgreens/Sears for $20, or a OneForAll URC-8820N at Sears for even less, if you don't have one of the above remotes.

Read post #4 in this thread to see how to do it. If the list of functions there doesn't cover everything in your TV, post which functions you need, and the function number. I'll convert the function numbers into EFC form. Some UEI remotes take 5 digit setup codes, in which case prepend a 1 to the setup code: for example, instead of 0178 or 1265, use 10178 or 11265.

I have done precisely as you instructed, and it worked like, well, something that works really well (a charm, perhaps).

Thank you very much for your time and expertise--a salve for my bewilderment.