Last January I ordered a Universal Remote Control (URC) R7 from
SuperMediaStore (http://www.supermediastore.com/universal-remote-control-r7-7-in-1-remote-control.html). At the time I paid $25.99 with free shipping. As of today, the remote is on sale for $20.99 with free shipping.
I'm not going to go into a deep review with the item, but suffice it to say that I am very pleased with the overall design and functionality of the R7. While not perfect, it is far better than any other affordable remote control that I have tried. I'm not one of those who is willing to spend $100 or more on a remote... I'd rather walk to the TV.
Pros:
- Logical layout of keys
- Excellent back lighting (buttons are easy to see day or night)
- Good key spacing and feedback
- Keys have a rubber feel
- Punch through function (e.g. TV component can control DVD player; DVD component can control receiver volume, etc.)
- Fairly easy to program
- Excellent learning function - reprogram any key
- Feels solid, comfortable
- Good range
Cons:
- No dedicated sleep button
- No dedicated open/close button
- Can be difficult to determine which way is up in the dark
Other thoughts:
- 7 function keys
- Somewhat large, considerably heavier toward the bottom
- Plastic housing with a beautiful gray/silver metallic styling
- Uses 2 AA batteries
- Large "LIGHT" key easy to find
- Comes with DVD user guide (which I never used)
In all I am very happy with this purchase and I find that I can easily recommend it. As a matter of fact, I am taking advantage of the 4-day sale to purchase another URC R7. I've already ordered several items from SuperMediaStore and I am pleased with their service and fast shipping.