as to those who ask why use build a cable? there are many advantages. First, you can easily upgrade the remote to operate equipment that were not around when you bought the remote. Second, if you like macros, it is easier to program them via the computer, rather than through the remotes buttons. Third, you can easily change the buttons to wor with whatever device you want as opposed to the preassigned device selections like cable/sat vcr/dvd or whatever. Fourth, the memory for "learning" from remotes or macros is limited. Upgrading the remote using your computer allows you to do so using less of the remotes memory. Fifth, there is the techno geek factor of using your computer to upgrade the remote.