It would add cost and complexity, for the little amount of power they draw.

Some higher end universal remotes offer that option though.

Of course, you can just use rechargable batteries in any remote. Periodically changing the batteries is no more inconvenient than having to take the remote over to the TV on a regular basis. I like to leave my remote on the coffee table where it is easily accessible. I wouldn't want to have to go get it from the TV all the time.

See also "batteryless remotes"

Why not use a big capacitor instead of rechargeables? Saves cost. Having to dock the remote each night may also encourage the user to turn off the device properly rather than just standby. The remote being charged instantly the device is switched back on.

What is charged is part of it. There is still the matter of the charging electronics and mechanics in the remote and set.

I kinda figured that since I periodically charge other devices (Cell phone, Ipod, razor) without too much trouble that a rechargable remote would work out kinda nice too. Seems that the batteries always run down when there aren't replacements in the house. Add to that that I can't buy just enough batteries (takes 3)to reload the damn thing and being rechargable becomes even more attactive (to me, anyway).

I like the idea. I hate dead remotes. The port doesn't even have to be part of the TV. It could be an independent unit, kinda like a cordless phone charger, that you could put next to your couch or anywhere you want.

Problem is, then you wouldn't be able to steal the batteries from the TV remote for the flashlight...

I think I'd take one of these. Every time someone drops our universal remote, the back pops off and the batteries fall out and I have to re-enter all of the codes for our TV, DVD, VCR, etc.

Rechargeable batteries plug in with a connector, so they can't fall out.

I'd prefer them to be inductively charged, or charged in a cradle, however, because I don't want to have to plug the remote in every week or so.