The market for device-specific remote controls is worse than stagnant—it’s actually declining, according to statistics from market research firm Parks & Associates. The good news for companies like Logitech is that the need for programmable universal remotes is exploding. Advanced remotes will account for a major chunk of a $1.2 billion market by 2009, according to figures presented at a Logitech press here at the CEDIA Expo.

Already a dominant player in the advanced remote arena—Logitech makes four of the five most popular models—the company is about to make its “One� advertising campaign a big focus of its fall marketing efforts. The Harmony 880 and 890 are securely established as leaders, but the Logitech 1000 should eclipse both of them. Only ½� thick, the $499 elegant brushed-aluminum device has a bright colorful 3.5� soft-touch screen configured so that even the most ardent technophobes can figure out where they are and where they want to go with it. “Four-corner� functions such as transport play/pause, favorites, and numeric keypad are always on top of the display regardless of which device is being manipulated.

The Logitech Harmony 1000 is “auto-configuring, and customizable per activity,� according to a company spokesman. It should last a week on a single battery charge, and is compatible with at least two Z-Wave Technology extenders. Logitech is also bringing out an updated Harmony 890 called the 890 Pro that can control systems in six rooms and up to 20 lights.