I didn't even realize they made remotes that cost hundreds of dollars until I setup a HT and started researching getting a remote to control it all. I've looked on this site, and pretty much all the remotes are at least $50. After looking online and on this site especially, I figured I definitely needed at least a $50-$60 remote. Then I go to Wal Mart, walked by the remotes. My girlfriend asked why the heck would you need to spend that much on a remote when there are $10-15 remotes that are universal, even control receivers, which I obviously need. I think most of the ones at that price were the One for All's. So I guess my question is why should I spend $50 or 60 bucks instead of just spending $10 or 15?

Shady,

It all depends on what you want your remote to do! For many people, the One for All (OFA) or Radio Shack equivalent models are all they need.

The more expensive remotes offer more features, as you might expect. Macros, learning ability, extensive customizing ability, capable of controlling more devices, etc. Depending on the complexity of your system, these features may be "essential," or completely uneeded, or somewhere in between.

I would suggest that you first decide what you want your remote to do. Then read the box description or post a question to the OFA experts here about whether the inexpensive remote will do what you want. If "yes", you have your answer... come to think of it, if "no," you have your answer too!

Hope this helps. -Bruce

also even OFA has different remotes. Most of us want a remote that
a) can be updated
b) can learn codes

some OFA have those features, but if you get the 10$ remote you are stuck possibly needing to buy a new remote when you change your equipment or not being able to control all the features you want.

If you are looking at OFA or Radioshack remotes I recommend you visit www.hifi-remote.com before you decide on a model

If you are willing to get into JP1, you can make a $30 remote do just about anything you want. If you don't mind soldering, you can make a $15 remote do anything to ie, the URC-6012w from Walmart that needs a few small parts soldered in to be JP1 compatible).

I recommend you check out the One For All URC-8811 (called URC-8810w at Walmart) or the Radio Shack 15-2116, both are 8 device learning remotes and the RS remote has an LCD screen. Both are JP1 compatible right out of the box.

Rob
http://www.hifi-remote.com