Abstract: A remote control unit is disclosed having multiple active surfaces. In general, the side facing upward (with respect to the direction of gravity) will be active and illuminated, and the side facing downward will be inactive and blank. The present system further includes one or more orientation/motion sensors for sensing rotation about three axes and translation along three axes. The sensor detects initial movement of the remote control unit after a dormant period, and senses which side is facing upward relative to gravity so as to allow activation of the upper side. The sensor also detects when the RC unit is turned over or otherwise tilted in any plane relative to horizontal more than a threshold angle. Once turned over or tilted beyond the threshold angle, the previously active side is deactivated and the opposite side is activated.