One For All URC 9960 Kameleon 8-Device Upgradeable Universal Remote Control

That said, while some things were improved in this 8-in-1 Kameleon (over the 6-in-1 and other All-for-One models), some things also got worse.

The good:

* You can send "raw"/advanced IR codes (000 - 255) to your devices, and thus be able to control features not enabled by default. In some cases, you may be able to control the device in ways the original remote could not! For instance, you can send a discrete ON (code 022) or OFF (code 026) signal to nearly all Panasonic devices; or switch the input channel directly to e.g. Video 3, or "AUX", rather than repeated "TV/Video" keypresses. This is very useful for macro programming. You can even assign such advanced codes to particular keys, if you don't use them for anything else. For a list of various advanced codes, check out "http://www.hifi-remote.com/".

* You can program 5 macros, on keys M1 - M4, and on the "Power" key. For instance, if you have a home theatre system, you can program M1 to switch your HDTV to your cable/satellite video input, your home theatre to the cable/satellite audio input, and leave your remote in the "Home Theatre" mode. Similarly, assign M2 to DVD video in on the TV, DVD mode on your home theatre, etc...

* The ability to download new codes over the telephone is really, really cool. As shipped, this remote did not support my HTiB (a Panasonic HT-SC810V), but after a call to RadioShack customer support I now have this supported as well.

The not-so-good:
* The Power macro only works while the remote is in "System" mode. Otherwise, it controls power only to the selected device, e.g. your TV or your DVD player. So to turn on/off your entire system, you need to press "System", then "Power" -- if you forget to do so, you will find that the various devices are "out of sync", and you need to toggle power for individual devices. (This is unlike the 6-in-1 Kameleon, where the "Power" macro worked regardless of what mode the remote was in. In fact, the 6-in-1 would allow you to program a macro on nearly any key, not just M1-M4 + powerd).

* I simply don't like the soft keys. I wish AfO had any models with similar functionality in a regular push-button remote. Models like the 8811 come close, but no cigar without the ability to program a macro on the power key.

* I had a very difficult time trying to "learn" functions from my original remote. It simply would not accept the code very easily. That's OK, I'd rather add the function by way of assigning the appropriate advanced code to the keys, as this eats less memory, and is more versatile. (For instance, "learned" funtions cannot be copied to other keys via the Keymover feature).

* The tilt switch does not work all that great. Sometimes it is too sensitive, turning on the remote after a nearby person breathes - othertimes you have to shake it to turn it on. You can also turn it on by pressing on the pad -- that means another keypress.

Someone else described a way to disable the tilt switch by opening up the remote and physically remove it. That's unneccessary. The manual (at least the RadioShack manual) describes very clearly how to do this programmatically:
- Hold down the "P" (i.e. "Setup") key for 3 seconds, until the IR indicator blinks twice.
- Press "Other"
- Enter the code 9-8-5. The IR indicator blinks four times (to indicate that the switch is off), or twice (to indicate that is on).

I like the look and feel. It's ergonomic to hold and light-weight. (5.6 ounces without batteries).

I love the bright backlighting. The buttons are easy to see.

It's laid out in a way that makes sense. Other people have been able to use it without help (except for what the macros do). It's easy to set up.

It doesn't lose the codes when you change the batteries.

The remote has lights that activate when it is working. That way I know if I'm pressing the button properly.

It's upgradeable by telephone.

There is excellent internet support (www.oneforall-int.com/comfiles/index2.html). The "oneforall" web page has a demo that is great. It shows the remote in fantastic detail.

I called tech support. Someone answered within a minute or two, had the needed information, and volunteered to email me more information related to my equipment. They were dedicated to ensuring that I could program any function to the Kameleon remote. I had found a code that would operate an old CD player, but I still didn't have all the functions that the original remote had, such as repeating a song or an entire CD. They had codes to program keys to perform the functions that had existed on the original (now lost!) remote. I was stunned.

I've used a number of different remotes and this one is my favorite. I think the short battery life is due to two things: the bright backlighting and my own tendency to keep the light activated all the time! The backlighting is too nice, much better than other remotes that I've used, and I don't want to give that up. I use rechargeable batteries. I don't think I've captured how really well that I like this remote. Highly recommended.

Anyway, when I saw the Kameleon, I decided to give it a try. While I knew it wasn't everything I thought a remote should be, it was one of the better options out there.

Overall, it's been pretty good. It looks cool, it's backlit, feels good in the hand, has a fairly complete set of buttons that aren't too tiny, and seems to kick out a decent signal.

Still, if it were up to me, there are four things I would change about this remote:

1) Physical volume and channel buttons (so you don't have to look at the remote to adjust these two things).

2) Adjustable backlight timing. The default 6-7 seconds is way too short--about the time you find the right button to push, the thing shuts off. 10-12 seconds would be more reasonable.

3) Adjustable backlight sensitivity. The idea of the backlight coming on when you pick up the remote is great; the implemention of that idea on this remote is not so good. If you leave it on the arm of the couch or on top of some magazines, it tends to switch on a lot. I find that putting it on a more solid surface, like an end table, works better. Maybe they should switch to a different kind of sensor (heat? capacitive?) that responds only to being touched rather than to movement.

4) Named input buttons. Right now, I have to hit number keys in order to select the input on my receiver, like 5 for DVD or 3 for Satellite TV. Not very elegant or user friendly.

Those gripes aside, I still think this is one of the better remotes out there for the price.