What to look for

Whether you are buying a simple remote control or one to replace the three or four that operate all your digital TV kit, there are worthwhile checks you can make before you buy.

• Will it control the brands of products you have?

• Will it control your range of products – set top box, digital TV recorder, iDTV, hi-fi?

• Will it control the digital box and the digital TV features of your iDTV?

• Don’t be tempted by a control that covers more products than you need – it will probably make it more complicated to use.

• Do though consider buying a learning control rather than a code entering one – these should be able to ‘learn’ any command from any original brand of digital TV remote control, even ones not yet on the market.

• Check you can manage the programming process – or have somebody who can – and follow the instructions precisely. It can be tedious and tricky – repeating sequences of key strokes on code entry remotes or accurately lining up the old and new remotes so the new can learn functions from the old.

• Or, check for any helplines to get you out of trouble programming the new remote.

• So you were happy with your original remote but it’s got lost or broken? Check with a TV dealer the cost of a replacement for your model.

• Check for illuminated buttons if you plan to watch in a darkened room.

• Handle the control – does it feel comfortable and balanced, are the buttons well spaced and do they have a positive feel when you press them? Remote controls with membrane or LCD touch pads are unlikely to be as easy to use as ordinary buttons.