Hi folks,

Gotta love forums like these, filled with experts I was previously unaware even existed on what I thought was an extremely niche topic. Many thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

I live in Eastern Canada and am seeking a universal remote to control the following 4 devices:

-- Samsung 42" LCD TV (ca 2007)
-- Samsung Blu-Ray DVD (ca 2010)
-- Samsung VCR (ca 2000)
-- Motorola DVR/HD Cable Box (ca 2007)

It would be great if I could get an RF device that goes through the wooden cabinet doors these devices are stored in, but my impression is that I can't get that level of functionality without breaching the $200 price point. To be honest, I'd really just appreciate a simple remote under $100 that my kids can use that truly controls all the options on each device -- even the VCR. I don't mind if it's not computer-programmable, and I do have the original remotes for all of these devices.

If it is computer-programmable, it must be Mac-compatible. We have no PCs in the house.

I've looked at the clicker picker page, and while comprehensively excellent, I find myself overwhelmed (and it's also not limiting the choices successfully to the price range I've input). Can any of you experts here give me some advice, please and thank you? And also let me know if you think the increased functionality and macros in the higher-end LCD/touchscreen models are worth the extra money?

With thanks,
Dustin LindenSmith
Nova Scotia, Canada

PS: If I were to get an RF unit, is there always some sort of hardware repeater box that my TV and other devices must be plugged into? And is there an IR (instead of RF) device that allows for transmitting signals through cabinet doors? (Is that what the various IR repeater sets I've seen on Amazon and eBay are for from Cables To Go and Logitech for $40-$60?) I'm also unclear on where the repeaters must be situated physically. Do they sit outside the cabinet, but run wires into the cabinet where the components are located?