Getting the most from your remote control

This article is the archived version of a report that appeared in July 2009 Consumer Reports magazine.

Clicker, changer, zapper—call it what you will, the remote control is one of the least-appreciated parts of a home entertainment system. But remotes do get their fair share of attention in our TV labs, where our engineers test them to determine how easy, or how awkward, they are to use.

Here's something you might not know: Many TV remote controls have programming features that let you control several other devices. You can pick the best one and make it the master of all gizmos. Here's what to look for to simplify your life:

Intuitive design

We compared two recently tested remotes, one that comes with Samsung LCD sets and one for Philips LCD sets. You should be able to power a TV on and off, change the channel, and adjust the volume without fumbling. The Samsung gets most of those things right.

The Philips remote, on the other hand, falls short in a number of ways. The lettering isn't as easy to read as the Samsung's, and the keys are closer together, increasing the chance of pressing the wrong button. The layout puts the little-used "sleep" and "demo" buttons in too prominent a spot.

Big keys

The Samsung's numeric keys are big enough, with enough space separating them, to minimize errors, and the important function keys (power, channel, and volume) are extra large and well placed with a color scheme that helps you find them quickly.

Backlighting

Keys can be illuminated on the Samsung, improving usability in the dimmer lighting often used for TV rooms. The Philips does not have this feature.

Programmability

The Philips is designed for use only with your TV, so you'll have to dig out your other controls to play attached devices.

Like many new TV remotes, the Samsung can function as a universal remote to control a DVD player, VCR, or cable box as well, so you won't have to juggle several remotes. It's relatively simple to program the device codes.

Now sit back and enjoy the show.