I bumped into this topic because the remote that came with my Model 1050 was damaged today and I did a search on the forum...

I can order a remote from Outlaw for $45 plus $11 shipping. My question: is there an advantage to buying one of the recommended remotes, particularly if I would prefer to spend closer to $50 than $100?

The stock remote has worked okay; it either cannot control all functions on all my gear or I don't know enough to make it do so. Besides the 1050 I have a Denon CD player, Sony DVD player, Sony TV, Sony VCR and a cable box. With all my Sony stuff maybe a Sony universal would be a good choice...

I probably don't have the same needs as many of the people on the forum, but a relatively Idiot Proof remote i.e. one that both my wife and I can easily use, is the first consideration.