GeekSugar

Grid Wall Pockets: A Chic Remote and Wii-Mote Organizer

GeekSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:06:35 -0700

The brand spankin' new Grid Wall Pocket is currently on display at the ICFF '09 in NYC.

To you, the Grid might just look like a wall-hanging with pockets, but I look at it and think: Ding! A remote organizer. Not only that, but any other small peripherals that go with my home tech, like Wiimotes, nunchucks, and the teeny tiny Apple TV remote.

I'm always looking for chic ways to store remotes, so this is definitely a worthy contender. My flat surfaces may be covered, but my walls still have some valuable real estate on them.

Pillow With Remote Pocket: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

GeekSugar — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:05:15 -0700

The other day I showed you a few remote control solutions, and I spotted another one today that doubles as decor - the Remote Control Pillow.

It's a totally different twist on remote storage, and of course, you can only store one remote in its pocket (but maybe you've found your dream universal remote control).

Sadly this throw pillow is pricey - $116 - but that doesn't stop me from thinking that it's pretty sweet.

What do you think?

Control Over Remotes: 5 Decor Solutions For Multiple Remotes

GeekSugar — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:02:42 -0700

Getting a new gadget gives me the same feeling as when I was a kid tearing into new boxes of toys. But like most adult thrills, there are drawbacks. High prices. Cord mess. And, of course, another remote. Until I commit to that one universal remote to rule them all (hello, Prestigo), I'm all about organizing what I've got. Check out my slideshow of tips and products to help you corral your many controllers.

View Slideshow ›

Philips Announces a New Universal Remote: The Prestigo

GeekSugar — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:28:11 -0800

As a guest of Philips at their digital media event in Portugal this week, I was fortunate to feast my eyes on so many great new products - one of which includes an impressive new universal remote control. Stay tuned for the full review when I take it for a test drive, but for now I wanted to be sure to pass along some of its awesome features. Named the Prestigo STR9320, this glossy black remote puts other all-in-one remotes to shame.

The 2.8-inch touch-sensitive color screen is impressive in and of itself, but what I was really swooning over was its ability to program 20 devices. At first I thought, yeah, like it's going to be compatible with my stereo and DVR player, but the Prestigo is compatible with over 300,000 devices (with 10,000 more available online that can be downloaded via USB). I was also told that setup is fairly simple (unlike the headache other universal remotes usually are), and you can even create a "favorite channel list" so you don't have to remember that MTV is on channel 302, or that your movie channel is 707 (that is, if you use a cable box like me that has upwards of 500 channels), and of course, that makes this feature great for kids.

And you know how you're usually fumbling for batteries when your remote dies? The SRT9320 comes with rechargeable batteries and a main charger adapter, so you can kiss your battery woes good-bye! The Prestigo will be hitting stores by the end of March.

Geek Tip: Corral Remotes in a Clear Vase

GeekSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:00:54 -0800

Do your many, many remotes need a home? I spotted this idea for gathering multiple remotes in one convenient place, without adding something that may not go with your decor.

Just use a clear glass vase the appropriate size for all your remotes (Ikea always has a great selection).

Not only does it look neat and organized, you can see which remote you're going for through the glass.

How Many Remotes Do You Have?

GeekSugar — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:03:37 -0800

The bane of my existence is the amount of remotes in my house now. We have so many different home electronics - each new, fun purchase bringing a new plastic rectangle with it - that they've just added up.

I have a place for all of them, but they still end up all over the living room and you can never seem to find the exact one you need. At last count (but not checking behind the couch cushions), I had about six, but oh wait - I have a Remote App on my iPhone for iTunes, so that counts too - that makes seven!

How many do you have?

Source

Recycled Book Remote Storage: Love It or Leave It?

GeekSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:00:20 -0800

Remember how I was whining about having a million remotes on my coffee table yesterday? Well, I found another solution, and this time, it's green, hides your remotes, and makes you look smart!

Secret Storage Books are real books that have been given a second life by having their insides carved out, so you can put them on your coffee or side table with your remote inside (bonus - you'll always know where it is). Prices range from $17 to $75, depending on the kind and size of book you want.

What do you think? Am I making too big of a deal of needing to hide my remotes, or are you into this recycled book idea?

Are You a Remote Hog?

GeekSugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:02:45 -0700

I know I've reached a certain amount of stability in my relationship completely based on one gadget: the remote. Though there was a day when I selfishly hoarded the remote like it was the ring and I was Gollum - and totally called out on it by my boyfriend - I am happy to report that today, our remote habits are healthy and egalitarian.

We agree on most TV shows, or we give up the remote when we've just watched something we know the other person doesn't love (I'm not into UFC or Scare Tactics, he can't suffer through reruns of 90210 or Sex and the City). All in all, it works out, but I still remember the days when I was so greedy for the remote (especially pre-TiVo when you had to click around to find something good).

So I've been honest, now it's your turn: Are you a remote hog? And if not - is there a remote hog in your life?
Source

Happy Remote Control Day!

GeekSugar — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 07:05:17 -0700

I love a good geek holiday, especially when it has to do with honoring one of the greatest inventions of all time - the remote control! I can't even imagine LBTRC (life before the remote control), a time when you'd actually have to get up to change the channel - eeek! Oh grandma and grandpa, if only you got to experience the awesomeness that is remote controls. Did you know that it was Apple's Steve Wozniak who started the company that created the CORE (Controller Of Remote Equipment) remote control?! In my house, we have a whopping six remote controls lying around, so this Remote Buddy vertical remote holder may be exactly what my living room needs. For $60, this color-coded caddy will send a signal to the remote if it gets lost, oh and the cup holder, it's included too!

Millennium Falcon Remote Control: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

GeekSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 06:30:42 -0800

While making my way through the crowds at CES, I couldn't help but examine this table-top Star Wars gizmo from Nikko. At first glance, I assumed it was just a plain Millennium Falcon replica. But with the press of the after burner button, the entire backside slid out into a full remote control. Buttons on the remote can be used to control the R2-D2 projector, the DVD player, a CD player, and an iPod. You can also snap the Falcon onto the display stand and push the sound button to see the cockpit and afterburner light-up with real sound effects. Probably the perfect device for die-hard Star Wars fans. What are your thoughts on it?