The fact that all keys are now backlit (activated via a button on the left side of the remote) would be cause for small celebration except that the remote stopped just short of the first down and opted to include "sea foam" colored labels on many of the primary buttons - rendering them nearly invisible in the dark, even when backlit. One other thing to note is that the numeric keys (which are not arranged in the familiar 4 rows of 3 format) are also poorly and unevenly backlit. It's a crime. Perhaps all of the manufacturers are finally catching on to the fact that many remotes may be used in the dark, though apparently RX-V1500 owners will not be as fortunate to receive a fully backlit remote. I say light the remote hard , and light it up blue with low power, high-performance LEDs. If you're going to light it, make sure all the buttons are visible and that you can use the remote to summon for help in the event that you are lost at sea.

Programming the remote is simple. The only difficulty I had was that the programming buttons were somewhat good at eluding the tip of my ballpoint pen. Often times it would take me 4-5 tries to lock in a learned device. A paperclip may render this comment moot.

I also like the feel of the buttons themselves. The no-slip texture is easy on the hands and helps ensure you select the right buttons. Users of previous Yamaha remotes will need to get used to flipping the new AMP/SOURCE/TV switch which is a nice development that instantly directs remote control commands between the receiver, currently selected source, or television (as programmed into the DTV source.)

Separate power buttons for the receiver, source and television help ensure that you'll never mistakenly turn off the wrong device.

Certainly the Yamaha RX-V2500 is not the year's greatest achievement - I mean, it's not like they launched a commercial spaceship into orbit, right? It is, however, quite possibly the most amazing receiver you will find for just over $1000. With a fairly accurate YPAO system and room corrective EQ that doesn't sound half bad, this is a receiver to be reckoned with - and you can bet other manufacturers are watching. Yamaha has consistently provided improvements to its lineups over the years, but since 2003 they have been on a mission - and technological progress and excellence appears to be their goal. As we concern ourselves more and more with room acoustics and technology that makes it easy to setup and manage our home theater systems, products that incorporate technologies like Yamaha's GUI and YPAO systems are imperative. And what's more, they are going to be expected. We're happy that there are a few leading companies out there bringing these technologies home and daring the market as a whole to keep up.