Don’t tell me you’re still using a basket full of remotes to operate the best room in the house? The top reason people don’t use all the great gear they’ve paid for is because operating it can be difficult, especially if the whole household hasn’t memorized the manuals. Don’t force your family into remote control study sessions. Upgrade to a control system that puts every device under one system and lets you work it with ease.

Last year Control4 launched an entry-level single-room system, the HC250 (pictured), that can do all that, and for less than you paid for the cabinet your big TV sits on. Other companies, such as URC, Key Digital and Gefen have introduced systems that can be professionally installed quickly and even allow you to operate your gear with an iPad or iPhone.