universal remote for hdtv home theater

I use a Home Theater Master MX-700 to control everything. It's very easy to use.

Try a Home Theater Master SL-9000. Many available on ebay - were originally 139.00, now ~65.00 new or ~20.00 used. No computer link necessary, simple to program, versitile and durable. Also, there is a helpful site "Remote Central" which reviews remotes.

http://www.remotecentral.com/index.html

I use a Marantz RC1400 retails for around 150.00 It is a hard button remote. Although not perfect, it does most of what ever a HT system would require. It can be programmed with either pre-set code or learn from existing remotes.
Also the function buttons on the LCD screen can be custom
named. Easy instruction book. Not a bad place to start and no computer required.

I reccommend the Oneforall urc-9910. For under $40 or so it can control 9 seperate units. It is also a learning remote and does not require any computer imput. Mine can control my tube amp and also runs my remote controled room fan as well. Easy and effective.

Well, a Harmony would probably work well (I own a Harmony 859), but they require a computer connection to the internet for configuration purposes. If your friend is a non computer user, he is going to be depending on you to configure it and download it if the batteries ever die completely or he add/changes components.

Enjoy,

TIC