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June 13, 2007 9:31 AM PDT

Philips SRU8010 remote delivers customized his-and-hers channel lineups

by John P. Falcone

Philips SRU8010

The Philips SRU8010 can display customized channel lineups for up to six users.

(Credit: Philips)

The household battle for dominance of the remote control is a launching pad for a thousand bad stand-up comedy routines--and even some more scholarly examinations. But the new Philips SRU8010 may be the first universal remote control that acknowledges gender viewing differences with prominently placed HIS and HERS buttons to access customized channel lineups. In fact, the SRU8010 can be programmed for up to six different users, each of whom can add more than 100 favorite channels to the remote's brilliant color screen--and the channels are all icon-based with the familiar network logos. The SRU8010 uses built-in wizards to guide users through the process of programming up to 10 separate devices--no PC hookup is required. Best of all, the SRU8010 is available now for around $80. While I have some qualms about the button layout--the video transport controls should be toward the center, between the directional pad and the numeric keypad--it's great to see a full-service Philips remote that includes a built-in color screen at such an affordable price point. We'll have a full hands-on review in the coming weeks.

The following product mentioned is available.

On Sale Now: $74.00
View the latest prices for Philips Prestigo SRU8010

John P. Falcone covers home theater and network entertainment products. He's been writing for CNET since 2002.
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umm.....its not Philips
by DigitalAce7 June 13, 2007 11:27 AM PDT
Hi, I just wanted to say that this remote is definitely not Philips. I just checked Philips web site and it has no mention of it. It can be order on x10.com and is exactly the same as the one pictured! You guys should correct that.
Reply to this comment
X10's is the OEM version
by jpfalcone June 13, 2007 3:29 PM PDT
The X10 is a rebadged version of the Philips. But yeah, it's essentially the same remote.
Ugly......
by wzone June 14, 2007 12:23 PM PDT
Novel idea, but the remote just looks plain ugly compared to other good remotes like Logitech Harmony.
Reply to this comment
We just took a poll at work
by rcavaretti June 14, 2007 12:49 PM PDT
I don't know if it's just the guys I work with, not necessarily the Neatherthal types, but this is the concensus after a quick vote: The remote is a man's domain. Women should not have access to 'the god'.
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