Great remote - only one that worked with Dish Network

I decided to try a universal remote since several important buttons on our satellite remote were no longer working (down and last channel - very annoying) and our TV remote died long ago. I was pretty skeptical about buying a universal remote, especially since many of the packages that I looked at in the store had been opened and returned.

I chose the Philips Magnavox 4 Device Universal Remote ($8.93 at Wal-Mart) because it was the only one that listed the Dish Network satellite. I was able to quickly and easily program the remote with the correct codes. You do need to follow the instructions exactly for it to work properly.

The various functions are nice, such as being able to operate the TV volume/mute without changing out of the satellite mode. It's very lightweight and streamlined and the buttons are self-explanatory and easy to find. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that it even works for programming my VCR and performing other complex functions on my satellite menu.

My only complaint is that the OK/Select button for the satellite/cable function is a small circle one surrounded by larger buttons - it is difficult to get my thumb into the small space to press it.

Although my husband told me not to waste our money on a universal remote, I chose not to listen to his advice - he's now admitted it was a good purchase.