If you want to control your PS3 movies playback and other content in TV/DVD-like manner, you have quite a few options to choose from:
1) PS3 original remote by Sony
Pros: operates on bluetooth technology: you don't need to point it directly to PS3, you don't need any additional receiver for it, it's able to turn on the PS3 (see more about it below), plenty of control buttons to suit any needs, good design
Cons: prices around 20$ (cheaper when bundled with PS3), adds one more remote to those 4 you already have
2) Universal remotes and third-party IR remotes
As PS3 uses bluetooth for remote connections, it cannot be controlled directly by any of the existing universal remotes that operate on the Infra Red (IR) technology (which is common for your TV and other appliances). That is why you need an adapter - a device that you would insert into your PS3 USB slot and it would translate those IR signals to PS3 commands.
You can go for some adapter stand-alone like PS3IR-X1 Infra-red Adapter for PlayStation 3 by Schmartz (prices around 20$). Or you can buy an adapter together with a PS3 IR remote from several manufacturers (Blu Wave by Nyko, or any other one). This option is even cheaper (around 10$). If you have a universal remote, you would use only the adapter from that bundle, and keep that PS3 remote as a backup (in case your universal remote dies suddenly).
by Schmartz (prices around 20$). Or you can buy an adapter together with a PS3 IR remote from several manufacturers (Blu Wave by Nyko, or any other one). This option is even cheaper (around 10$). If you have a universal remote, you would use only the adapter from that bundle, and keep that PS3 remote as a backup (in case your universal remote dies suddenly).Pros: if you have universal remote - control your PS3 and everything else with it, those third-party remotes are cheaper than the original Sony one .
Cons: those IR adapters cannot power on your playstation (as they are powered by it), so you'll have to power it on by other means (game controller, using power button on PS3, keeping it on), quality and design of those third-party IR remotes is questionable, they lack many buttons the original Sony one has.
There is however another adapter PS3IR-PRO by Schmartz that have the ability to power on PS3, but you should check if it's worth its price for you
3) You can also go for some more sophisticated controllers that allow you to navigate your movies among other features,
like PlayStation 3 Logitech Cordless Mediaboard Pro, which retails on Amazon for 60$.
, which retails on Amazon for 60$.Read more about it in our PS3 accessories section.
