The Z-Base systems can be programmed to respond to most remote controls, so a TV remote...or cable box remote...or satellite receiver remote...can control volume, mute, power and input functions.
All three perform the same basic function -- they let you stream TV from your cable box (digital or analog), satellite receiver, or DVR to a computer or mobile device -- it's just that each is aimed at different segments of the market.
U-verse is built on the mission of bringing customers an innovative and better experience than cable, and the industry's first fully-integrated Wireless Receiver is the latest example in a long line of enhancements.