Sony "Remote Commander"

    Remote controls have been evolving over previous years from simply a way to make changing channels more convenient to controlling every electronic item in your house and every function on those devices.  For people who would rather skip all the bells and whistles and get a remote control that is easy to use and works well, the Sony Remote Commander is a great choice.

    The remote itself has six available devices it can control, TV, DVD, SAT, CBL, VCR, CD, TAPE, and AMP.  "Teaching" a device to the remote is fairly easy and explained in the manual.  Once you get the remote working you have a decent variety of commands for each device.  The regular number pad is there, channel + and - as well and volume + and -.  Twin view, sleep, muting, recall, directional pads, etc.  All the buttons you'd expect to find can be found on this remote.

    The actual buttons are very responsive and have a sturdy feel to them.  Barely pressing a button will get you a response, but it's not to the point where you'll be changing the channel on accident very often.  The look is nice for a lower end remote as well.  A nice silver is used on the front of the body with a metallic strip at the top and the bottom is black.

    Overall, this is a great remote for average, everyday use that pretty much anybody can learn to master.  The quality is noticeable and it feels like it will last for many years.