I'm pretty sure if Austin Powers were to ask Basil to design a remote control he could use to set the mood for some serious shagging, the result would be close to Monster Cable's Home Theater and Lighting Controller 300.

Let's say you're looking to set a mood of your own. You have a date over for dinner and a movie. You're on the couch finishing the last of the wine. You suggest starting the movie. She moves in closer.

At this point you can, A: Get up, run around dimming lights, turning on components, putting in the DVD, getting the sound system adjusted, fumbling with multiple remotes. Or, B: Grab the HTLC 300 and do it all from the couch. With her head on your shoulder.

If you answered A, you can stop reading right now. You're hopeless. Those of you that chose B, read on.

The HTLC 300 is part of the Z-Wave Alliance, a group of more than 125 companies that use Z-Wave as the standard for wireless control. What does that mean? This baby can control everything from your TV, DVD, VCR, CD player, Tivo, iPod, thermostat, appliances, game systems, satellite radio... the list goes on. All from the comfort of your couch. Or bed. (Note: To control, for example, your lighting or thermostat, additional plug-in modules are needed. Like the Intermatic HomeSettings Starter Kit pictured).

You can even save lighting presets for different moods, like "Party" or "Romance". And the OmniLink IR Blaster makes pointing pointless. This remote works through walls, floors, cabinets. Control the whole house from one spot.

The set up is incredibly easy, thanks to the Set-up Wizard that walks you through everything. Even Austin couldn't screw it up.

HTLC 300 $599 www.monstercable.com
HomeSettings Starter Kit $175 www.intermatic.com