A portable communication device (200) can serve as a multimedia controller and can include a transceiver having wireless access to a client computer (510) coupled to a multimedia device (515, 520, and 525). The multimedia controller can also include a display (205) coupled to the transceiver (201), and a processor (202) coupled to the display and the transceiver. The processor can be programmed to send instructions to the client computer to perform at least one function among retrieving status information regarding the multimedia device, retrieving a program channel guide, controlling a recording function, selecting a program channel for display at the multimedia controller or selecting content from the client computer or a server coupled thereto for display at the multimedia controller. The processor can also be programmed to receive status information or content in response to sending instructions and to display the status information or content.