I have the Harmony 1000, which is an upgrade from my Sony RM-AV3000(which I still have) and I find it to be an excellent remote, foolproof to setup using the computer and a breeze to operate. I know it's out of the price range that you mentioned, but it might be plausible down the road.

The web site remotecentral.com is an excellent resource with reviews etc.

Here's the link:

remote central

The only reasonable argument for owning a gun is to protect yourself from the police.