Yes, this unit does work remotely - provided you have good coordination and a long stick!  It would only "learn" one of my A/V device remotes (all happen to be Sony).  To Amazon's credit, they are selling at a price $... less than the competition, which makes it competitive with other non-remote (get up off your behind - walk over - push the button) type switches.  If you're just looking for a good switch with lots of connections, this could be a good choice at Amazon's price.  Just don't count on getting it to work from across the room.