The dog ate my remote. No, really.

Can't find the remote? Try looking under the cushions. No success? You might want to check the doghouse.

Charlie Waters, founder of MrRemoteControls.com, an online retailer of remote controls, says canine chewing is the second most-cited reason people need to replace remotes. (No. 1: misplaced units.) Average cost: $9 to $200 depending on the gadget's functions.

Another reason to replace remotes: too many of them. The average household needs separate remotes to operate the DVD player, TV, CD player, and VCR. Amy Hill of the Consumer Electronics Association says more people are replacing these with one "universal remote" able to control a number of different appliances.

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