JFiSC, The remote is required by some of the systems that contain a receiver built into the subwoofer to run them. Kind of like glorified computer speakers with inputs but no controls except the remote.
As stated in an earlier post (588), i have no sympathy for the buyers of these things either.
Simon.
I guarantee I'll tell you the truth and I guarantee I'll tell you what you need to know but I can't guarantee that I'll be telling you anything you want to hear.