How come remote controls that "replace four others" don't have enough buttons?

I have tried a couple of these, even ones that say you can “program a few extra buttons”, but they all fail the basic test.

Usually, you can’t get simple, common things to work, like “display the current station number” (called something like Display or Recall).

And as for the SloMo or Commercial Skip keys, those never program.

So, even with the “composite” remote, I’m still reaching for the regular ones every night.

What’s so hard about adding the extra buttons?

Nothing…just money. The ROm in most pre-programmed remotes is to small to hold all the possible combo’s of special feature buttons for all devices.

If you are really serious take out your wallet and throw between 70 to 400 in the general direction of your desire and all your needs will magically be met. There are PC and/or key programmable remote controls with LCD touch panels etc etc etc (and more etc) that will give you “master of the universe” power over virtually an entertainment IR device existing.

I made my decision with a $ 25. “One for All” Cinema Seven unit from Circuit City. It has 7 device channels and a good selection of general purpose controls AND 4 IR learning button presets you can use for your non-pre-programmed special feature buttons. No other deal I found has the price/utility feature set this little devil does… and it glows in the dark!