Finding the perfect universal remote for your home theater is no easy task. Logitech's Harmony line is the natural choice although admittedly, it's not for everyone. If you're looking for something that feels a bit more modern, then have a look at the Ray Super Remote.
With only a few physical buttons, you'd be forgiven for mistaking the Ray for a smartphone. It features a 4.8-inch touchscreen display that handles most tasks. For example, the remote can display a channel guide with DVR style controls. It's also possible to search for shows by name or filter results by genre.
While it's true that some cable providers offer apps that turn your phone into a remote, keep in mind that this is a dedicated solution that'll always be on hand (assuming you don't misplace it). Best yet, just like other universal remotes, it can control a myriad of home theater gear as well as streaming boxes like Roku and even an Xbox.
Traditional universal remotes have been around for years but often times, they can be difficult to program - especially if they don't have a display. The Ray remote utilizes a form factor and UI that feels comfortable and familiar to most.
The Ray Super Remote shares something else with other high-end remote: a high price tag. Expect to shell out $199 for the experience. It's available for pre-order as of writing.