A remote control unit for a television or video tape recorder has a minimal number of keys to simplify use of the control unit. The unit is shaped having a rounded bottom and is weighted toward that bottom, so that the remote control unit will stand upright even if momentarily tipped over. The remote control unit includes a programmable read-only memory, so that it can control various units such as a television, video tape recorder, compact audio disc player, and the like. The rounded bottom is attached to the main body of the remote control unit in a rotary fashion so that the bottom may be rotated to select different functions, such as the television or video tape recorder to be controlled.