re: Universal remote suggestions

Depends on how many pieces of equipment you have and how many things you want to operate with one button press. I have two 4' high racks side by side in my theater loaded with gear. Obviously I need some type of control system (I have Crestron) to avoid having to use many remotes (or apps). Someone with a much simpler system can do as you suggested.

There is no one size fits all. It's all dependent on need.