I am totally overwhelmed by the complexity involved in choosing a remote control. There are too many things to consider, so let me ask for a recommendation...

I need to control the following devices:

1. Panasonic G25 plasma TV
2. Scientific Atlanta 8300HD PVR
3. Nakamichi AV-10 receiver
4. Nakamichi MB-10 CD player
5. Sony BDP-S570 Blu-ray player
6. possibly a Sony PS3 Slim (I haven't yet decided to buy this, so don't let it be a major determinant)

I need a device that's robust, ie, doesn't malfunction when it falls off the sofa (this seems to be a recurring theme with the Harmony One, for example). I'm rather clumsy.

It should be usable without having to look at the remote, for example, when I'm fast-forwarding or pausing.

It should be easy to program, even though I'm a techie.

I think that's all for now.

Budget?

I guess my budget is under $400, though less is always better ;-)

With that budget I would probably consider a URC remote. Well built, hard button design, customizable screens. And as long as you avoid the high-end models, should be fairly easy to program.

In the cheaper range of advanced remote, you're practically limited to a Harmony or the Xsight. For those on a lower budget, the R50.

I agree with Mr Tonks.

The MX-350 is robust and has good programming instructions.
The MX-450 has a color screen and is programmed without a computer.
Both of these can RF remotes with the addition of the MRF-260 or MRF-350 (my favorite)

My favorite URC remote is the MX-880 and is the one I alway specify if I am programming but may be beyond the scope of most consumers.

Oh God i never thought that choosing a remote can be so complicated.