Review for One For All URC7960 6 Function Universal Smartcontrol Remote

'Where's the remote?'

We're all been there. We sit down on the couch and we suddenly realise that the remote control has vanished. This leads to hours of searching cupboards, couches, rooms all in search for the elusive remote. Years ago it wasn't that much of a problem, but with TVs coming with fewer and fewer buttons on their base that control the actual TV you may find that without that remote you cannot do anything. If you lost that remote it could be the end of the world… or the end of channel hopping at least.

The other thing of course is that with TVs, DVDs, Satellite, Sound Systems, Blu-Ray Players and now your computer consoles all having remote controls, you can sometimes find that you need a cupboard or a draw just to house them all. You find yourself using several remotes, swapping from one to the other or mixing them up and trying to fastforward the DVD with the CD remote and so on. Wouldn't it be better if you could get one for all?

Well, thankfully someone thinks that too 'One For All' have been around for a number of years creating remotes that work as replacements for most systems and also able to control more than one machine. The One For All URC-7960 is possibly the greatest piece of kit I have ever gotten hold of. The simple reason is that it does exactly what it says on the box with the added bonus that as well as being able to control your TV, DVD, Satellite, Music, you can also use it to control your Playstation 3 with the aid of a handy Bluetooth gizmo.

For those who don't have the official PS3 remote you may find that this is a wonderful investment and even for those who don't even own that system it is still a wonderful thing. I was a little sceptical about it. I always am a little sceptical about 'unofficial' hardware, but I was pleasantly surprised that it worked well with the PS3 and had all the functions that the official one did. What surprised and delighted me more was the fact that it was compatible with my Sky box too and not just a few buttons, but a arrange of functions that was wonderful. Now, instead of having three remotes on my table for the TV, Sky and PS3, I can have just the one.

The controller is compatible with hundreds of different varieties and I have to admit that the only quibble is that if you have an older system you may find yourself going through hundreds of codes to find one that works. However, the official site is very helpful in at least narrowing it down or at least being honest with you that it simply will not work. The controller does come with a booklet with most of the popular codes and some easy to use instructions and that is always a plus in my book.

So if you have lost your remote or are looking to get yourself an all in one, then you would foolish to look anywhere but this handy wonderful controller and for owners of a PS3 it is a must!