I want to purchase an activity based remote control for my home theater (HT)system within the next couple days. I would really appreciate some advice from the audience.

First, I would like to try to program the unit myself to save cost and to be able to make changes as I need or want to without the reliance of an outside source. I must admit I am no audio-videophile so the procedures associated with the unit can not be too complicated.

Second, my equipment will be in a cabinent. The majority of the door face will have speaker cloth so I am unsure if a RF capability is required. I will only be using the remote for this one HT system.

My HT system is quite simple: Yamaha AV receiver, HD/DVR receiver (HR 10 DirectTV satelite), Sony DVP NS3100ES DVD player, Pioneer Elite 50 inch and possibly a VCR.

I would like to be able to program some macro's (i.e., 30 sec jump, audio settings for certain selections (radio, CD, etc) so the unit must have that capability.

It appears to me that a PC programmable unit would be the right choice from a simplicity and user friendly point of view judging from my past experiences with other remotes.

If the remote could use rechargeable batteries that would be good that but that is not one of my hard requirements.

I would like a hand held unit model.

Lastly, I have made a tidy investment in this system so when my family goes to enjoy it, turning it on to the desired feature M ST be simple and straight forward or else I will be watching the TV with the pooch in her house. Thanks for your help.