Abstract: A remote control device is adapted to control a plurality of appliances such as televisions, VCRs, stereos, etc. The remote controller includes a first connector for mating with a plurality of transducer modules, so that the remote control device can be used to emit infrared, radio, or other signals. (In another embodiment, the remote control device includes a plurality of different transducers for providing a plurality of different types of control signals.) The remote control device includes a second connector for mating with a cradle. The cradle can receive signals from external source such as a telephone line. Thus, one can access the remote control device from a remote location and cause the remote control device to control selected appliances. The remote control device also includes a programmable timer so that various appliances can be turned on and off at selected times.