I am a big URC fan for home universal remotes but with the new iPad Mini coming out being the perfect size for a Remote Control and theres so much more that you can do with an iPad.
And I know there are people out there that will say a universal remote should just be a universal remote but that’s ones preference and an argument for another topic.  There are also many people that already even have a iPhone, iPod or iPad and want integrate it into their Home A/V.

I would like to know what are the best options out there.

I have seen some that work with Bluetooth such as the Griffin Beacon.

And then there is touch-control and about 100 other different options so I would like to know what you have used and which is the best.

Also which would be best for a hidden component solution where all the components are hidden away in a closet somewhere and controlled by IR Sensors?

Then lastly its commercial application such as restaurants with multiple DirecTV Receivers in one location.

Thanks

http://www.universalremote.com/products/residential/mobile-apps/cc-control-app

It’s hard to go wrong with the major players, which are URC Complete Control or Total Control, Savant, Crestron, and RTI. We personally use Crestron and URC. They both have their strong points but URC will probably be a better match for most people. Not to mention you can use any of their handhelds with the Complete Control solution. The software is very well developed and a good balance of being powerful/flexible without being convoluted.