GeekSugar

31 Days of Spring Cleaning: Buy (and Use) a Universal Remote

Kristy Korcz — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 05:16:15 PDT

There may be some stylish ways to wrangle your remote controls, but the question that begs to be asked is - "Do you really need all those remotes in the first place?" If you've been keeping those remotes around because you didn't think you had an alternative, may I introduce you to the universal remote. Buying and programming a universal remote can rid your coffee table of clutter and help you streamline your viewing experience. The Logitech Harmony One ($160) has been invaluable in my house since it controls all of my components - from my TV to sound system, DVD player, even my PS3 - and comes with an easy-to-use touchscreen. If you already have a universal remote, let this serve as a reminder to program it already. It'll make your life so much easier.

Source: Flickr user William Hook

Funny Family Tech Stories: It's Not a Remote, Mom!

Geek Community — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:00:00 PDT

GeekSugar reader suziryder posted this funny story and super cute pic in the Funny Tech Stories group:

I received a package from my mom yesterday, and she wrote a note saying that she included a "TV remote" that I'd left behind when I moved out. Thanks, Mom! But the thing is, that's definitely a telephone!

Are your parents, grandparents, sisters, or friends as tech-savvy as you? Do you have a funny story to share? Then tell us about it by posting to our Funny Tech Stories group! You (and your fam) could end up on GeekSugar.

I Spy: Remote Control Toy Gives Game New Meaning

babysugar — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:15:46 PDT

There's a new weapon in sibling warfare - a spying device! It was only a matter of time before toy companies capitalized on the app craze and now Wild Planet is one of the first. In the Fall, the company will introduce the Spy Video TRAKR ($120) - an app-enabled remote-controlled vehicle.

The robot-like ATV is equipped with a video camera and color screen, as well as audio and voice functions so a child can "send it in" and gather information on their brother or sister. It is preloaded with Cyborg vision, night vision, and path mapper applications. After tots create a path for the vehicle to travel via the remote control, the toy remembers the path and converts it into an application that can be uploaded onto the Spy Video site. Once there, other kids can download it onto their TRAKRs for free, allowing them to customize their vehicles for future use. We suspect that this toy will cause a few family squabbles!

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

GeekSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:06:35 PDT

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 PDT

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 PDT

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.

Philips Announces a New Universal Remote: The Prestigo

GeekSugar — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:28:11 PST

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 PST

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 PST

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 PST

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?