Well one remote to be precise. This Christmas I decided to remove the remote control clutter and simplify into one of those swanky one-for-all devices. But being a power user, I needed more than just a rubber button replacement unit. Thats where the Logitech Harmony 555 comes in.

This is more than just a point and shoot remote folks, it is built around the concept of 'activity', in other words 'what you doing now'. So if you want to watch a DVD, you set it up to switch on/and configure the appropriate devices. If you want to record a tv programme, same. And you get the picture.

Beyond that, you can actually control the devices in a 1:1 mode too, ie it can fully replace your tv remote if needed. But the benefit is really when you get the remote into 'activity' mode - so for example, if you have a surround system on when you play DVDs, its much easier to have the unit in 'Watch DVD' mode so one layout controls disc playback, surround functions, and tv contrast etc.

To achieve this you obviously need to use a computer to 'programme/configure' the remote - it comes with software for Windows and Mac. I used a Mac and had the remote configured for our set up in about 1 hour. Sounds a lot, but in truth it was OK to go in 20 minutes, but I spent the next 40 minutes getting the activities configured to suit my custom setup.

In summary, this is the next evolution in remote controls. So don't get an All-in-one from Argos, no grab yourself a Logitech Harmony to suit your needs and pocket - they have one of the largest online databases of units around.

Everything I have is now controlled by one ring, sorry remote :)

Merry Christmas!