And you have plenty of choices when shopping for a suitable controller. You can opt for the highest-end product, likely featuring a touch-screen and the ability to control everything from your TV to your PC-based music library to your thermostat. Or you can go with the familiar look and feel of a button-based, bar-style remote. If you don't want to buy a new device, you can download an app or buy an appcessory that turns your smartphone or tablet into a universal remote.

No single option is right for everyone. You may prefer to use your smartphone as your remote, or you may scoff at the thought of terminating a call just to change the channel. Not sure which option is right for you? Read on to learn more about four of the coolest remote controls on the market today.

Option 1: Touchscreen Hub

Logitech's $350 looks more like a tablet computer than like a remote control. It features a 3.5-inch screen with a backlight, so you can view it in the dark; and it uses both IR and RF wireless technology, so it can control devices that aren't in its line of sight. This remote connects to Windows and Mac PCs, where you can use Logitech's Harmony software to program the device to work with up to 15 of your gadgets. You can also program it to control multiple devices for activities such as "Listen to Music" and "Watch a Movie."

Option 2: Bar-Style Remote--and Beyond