Hot wired: Universal remote controls

One For All Kameleon.

The One For All Kameleon 6 is an example of a master or universal remote control which can do the job of as many as six dedicated audio/video remotes. Budget-end universal remotes handle a TV, VCR and DVD player, while the more complex units can also make your home theatre audio system and satellite/cable box sing and dance.

They replace the clutter and confusion of multiple remotes but need concentration (and usually a light) when using them.

The same buttons control different aspects of various devices and this makes it tricky to label all the buttons on such remotes legibly. It also makes button-less touch-screen units like the Kameleon 6 ($200) less daunting.

The Kameleon is a stylish chrome and plastic device. Only the four coloured buttons near its base indicate it may have a home-entertainment role. But tap any part of the black screen and it comes to life with a teal-coloured display that can be adjusted for brightness and duration.

Lightly touch one of the little images of a TV, satellite dish, CD or VCR and the Kameleon is dedicated to that piece of equipment once the "buttons" are labelled accordingly.

Most of the programming is done with the Magic key, a top hat that when pressed and held produces a rabbit. Smart functions include a device-activation timer, programming in missing functions, infra-red learning from the original remotes, and volume punch-through - which means you can directly control the TV or hi-fi volume even when in, say, VCR mode. It's possible to change the mode of any device key, which is useful if, for instance, you have two TV sets to control but no CD player.

Basic volume and channel controls are highlighted by a central raised section on either side of a circular dial providing the four-way directional keys needed for things like surround-sound control. Below that is a well-spaced numeric keypad, teletext keys and just above the coloured press buttons are three custom keys that let you customise the Kameleon 6 to match your original remotes or for frequently used functions. They can also be used to issue a sequence of commands at the press of the one button. For example, you could turn off the amplifier, TV, VCR and Sky unit with just one key press. Controlling six devices will mean there is a lot to set up, but it is reasonably simple if you follow the 25 pages of instructions.

When new devices are launched you can download the operating codes on the internet or by phone.

Touch screens are fiddly and not for everyone, but this is a clever device that will please minimalists.