It can be very challenging to manage all of the various devices in your home theater. Older technology required you to buy and Universal Remote control and enter codes that would control all of your devices. That has changed.

Wifi remote control allows you to use an iPhone, android, or ipad to control your device with a app. I have an lg tv that I can control with an lg app, an Xbox that I can control with the Xbox glass app, an Apple TV that I can control with the apple remote app, a directv box thati can control with the directv app, and a pioneer av receiver that I can control with a pioneer app.

However, this is not always ideal. I love using the directv app while i watch tv because it gives me quick access to favorites and i can find lots of info on upcoming shows. I love using the apple remote app because I can use the onscreen keyboard to type while searching for shows. However, I don't always want to close one app and open another to turn down the volume.

I don't think there is a universal remote that does everything well. Smartphone remote apps do amazing things that you could never do on a traditional universal remote. But a traditional remote can control multiple devices using a single interface. Change channels and volume on the same keypad layout. Logitech harmony remotes do this quite well.

You may also consider a universal remote add on device for the iPhone. Satechi is developing a device that blends smartphones and a traditional universal remote. It plugs into your iPhone and blasts an ir signal to the device you want to control. The app contains a huge database or remote codes so that you shouldn't have to learn codes for each device.

There is no perfect solution. The ideal scenario is most likely a blend of traditional and universal remote. However, you do have more options for device control than ever and you should be able to find a solution that works for you.