Category: Remote Controls

Reviews of remote controls.

Apple TV remora with selective focus on black

How to Find Your Apple TV Remote

ReplacementRemotes.com

Apple TV remora with selective focus on black

Your Apple TV remote is so slim, sleek, and small that it is easy to lose it frequently. Often, losing it happens at the worst possible time. You have just had a long stressful day, driven home through traffic jams, made a delicious-looking dinner, and now you are getting ready to sit down and binge watch a new series you have been waiting for half the year. You go to reach for the Apple TV remote—and it is nowhere to be found.

Now your night is ruined because you have to find your TV remote, and your dinner is sitting there getting cold. After 20 minutes of searching in between cushions, under furniture, the refrigerator, microwave, and kitchen, you eventually find it sitting next to bathroom sink—where you put it down when you used the bathroom earlier.

There’s got to be a better way to not have to go through this every single time you want to relax and watch TV. Of course, the best way of how to find your Apple TV remote is to not lose it in the first place.

To prevent losing it, there are small security cables you can attach to a piece of furniture and the remote to keep it in one location. The cables are discreet and can easily be hidden underneath furniture so you only have the cable part attached to your remote.

Another option, if you want to forgo the security cable solution, is to get a spare Apple TV remote. You can keep it in a drawer so, if you lose your current one, your night won’t be ruined since you have a backup remote to use. Then you can search for the missing remote later.

To find the best replacement remote for your Apple TV remote to have a spare or to order security cables to keep your remotes in one place, please feel free to shop online at Replacement Remotes or call us at 1-855-573-6683 today!

person watches TV at night in his bed

Is Watching TV in the Dark Bad?

ReplacementRemotes.com

If you’re like most people, chances are that watching TV is one of your top time-passing activities. According to California State University, the average American watches more than four hours of television each day. In our lifetimes, we’ll have spent nine years watching the tube!

However, there’s more to watching the TV than just turning it on and plopping on the couch. Getting the most out of watching requires the right environment, including darkness, no distractions, and nearby remotes.

However, did you ever consider if watching TV in the dark is bad for your eyes? There are risks to watching TV in the dark. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Potential Eye Strain

person watches TV at night in his bed

Watching television in the dark can cause higher levels of eye strain. This is mostly due to the contrast between the light from the bright TV with a pitch-black room. The contrast in light may cause discomfort and visual fatigue. Dark rooms and bright televisions can also contribute to sleepiness and difficulties focusing.

Also, the lighting emitted from the TV is always changing. The brightness changes with each scene or background that comes on, and from when the program shifts from a show to a commercial. This requires your eyes to constantly adjust to different lighting levels.

A study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lighting Research Center revealed participants experienced less eyestrain and visual fatigue after watching television against an illuminated wall. Visual discomfort, blink rates, and reaction time of brain waves to stimuli were used to assess participants’ responses.

Aside from eye strain, watching television in the dark makes it much harder to keep tabs on the remote controls. There’s nothing more stressful than misplacing the TV remote!

Other Health Effects

Watching TV at night can make it difficult to sleep, especially if it’s the only source of light. It can affect your circadian rhythm, which is, in part, controlled by bright light that’s interpreted by biological processes as sunlight. Blue light from televisions and smartphones can reduce or delay melatonin production. This is significant because the hormone is essential for getting a good night’s sleep.

Widely considered a form of light pollution, blue light has been linked to not only sleep disorders but also cancer, depression, diabetes, and other diseases and conditions.

The Good News

While watching television can strain the eyes and cause headaches, rarely is watching TV so bad for your eyes that it causes permanent damage. Dark rooms and bright screens also shouldn’t worsen any existing eyesight issues. If you’re wary about placing too much strain on your eyes, turn on a dim light within the room. This way, you’re not sitting in complete darkness, and the contrast in light isn’t as steep. When using a light while watching TV, be sure to position the light so that it doesn’t create a glare on the screen.

Other ways to lessen eyestrain include:

  • Lowering the TV’s brightness
  • Avoiding sitting too close to the screen
  • Taking breaks from looking at the screen

By using just a little bit of light, you not only lessen the strain on your eyes but also minimize the risk of misplacing your TV remote control. Without the remote, you can’t customize your TV-watching experience to meet your needs.

Need Remotes? We’ve Got You Covered

The convenience and importance of having a functional remote cannot be overstated. Whether you’re in the comfort of your own home or the owner of a hotel, having access to remotes to control the channel, volume, and input is a must. If you’re looking for new remotes or need to replace a missing one, we’re your go-to source for hospitality remotes. We can even help with remote control codes, including TV codes for a universal remote.

There’s more. At Replacement Remotes, we also offer the best deals on TV stands, sound bar systems, tuners, security cables, and more. Even search for the best deals on TV wall mounts for the most flexible installation possible!

Get the most out of your TV time! If you’re looking for a remote control, the best rotating TV wall mount, or the best prices on TV stands and other products, our team at Replacement Remotes can help. Contact us today at 1-855-573-6683!

Sources:

  1. http://www.csun.edu/science/health/docs/tv&health.html
  2. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060425015643.htm
remote control play button

The RCA DTR08 EasyMote: Love TV Again with This Large Button Remote Control for the Elderly

ReplacementRemotes.com

remote control play button

Does your remote have too many buttons? Complicated remotes can make watching TV a stressful experience, but, with RCA’s brand new EasyMote, you can replace them all. For anyone struggling with seeing or operating a standard remote, a large button remote control for the elderly like the EasyMote can drastically improve their quality of life.

Condensing the normally confusing array of remote functions into six large, backlit buttons, the benefits of the EasyMote are immediately apparent. The EasyMote also features a sleek design that ensures ultimate comfort during use and, thanks to the strong and reliable wrist strap, you never have to worry about losing or misplacing your EasyMote. When you need it, it’s there.

There’s also no need for complicated reprogramming with the EasyMote: Just install new batteries, and you’re all set. If you want to set your new remote up to work like your old one, just follow the simple step-by-step instructions to activate “learning mode.”

Ready to Order?

Are you ready to have complete control of your remote and your home entertainment experience? The EasyMote large button remote control for the elderly is available right now at ReplacementRemotes. Looking for another easy TV remote replacement? Just browse our vast selection of quality, affordable remotes and let us help.

We have hundreds of brands, from Alpine to Panasonic and Philips to Zenith. Every remote we sell—including the EasyMote—comes with a 60-day warranty, as well as a guaranteed return policy. With over 30 years in the business, customer service is our top priority. Discover why ReplacementRemotes is a top destination for remote controls, DVD players, and much more; call 1-855-5-REMOTE today.

 

 

What Is a Samsung One Connect Box?

ReplacementRemotes.com

samsung_bn9117814a

A Samsung One Connect Box is a type of “Jackpack” that makes it easier to connect all of your favorite devices to a compatible Samsung TV. The One Connect Box functions at a multi-media receiver, along with a built-in TV tuner. It is one of the hottest devices on the market right now because it helps to simply connect multiple devices to your Samsung TV.

There are several different models of the Samsung One Connect Box available, depending on the year and model of your Samsung TV. Common ports found on the box include:

  • IR Out
  • Audio Out
  • Antennae (Ant) In
  • Component and & AV In
  • HDMI In
  • LAN In
  • Digital Audio Out
  • EX-LINK
  • One Connect
  • USB In

Please keep in mind, based on the year and model of your TV, the One Connect Box can have different port configurations.

What Benefits Does a One Connect Box Provide?

One of the best benefits of the Samsung One Connect Box is it helps address issues with wire clutter. Imagine you want to hang your Samsung TV on the wall. Do you really want wires for your gaming system, Blu-ray player, surround sound system, and cable or satellite TV all hanging down the wall?

No, because it would be unsightly. With the One Connect Box, you plug all your devices into the box. Then, using the included HDMI One Connect Cable, you connect the box to your TV. Now you only have the One Connect Cable and the power cord running to the TV.

For assistance in finding the right Samsung One Connect Box compatible with your Samsung TV, please feel free to call Replacement Remotes at 1-855-573-6683 for further help and to order yours today!

red room with home cinema

Home Theater Trends: What’s New in 2019

ReplacementRemotes.com

2019 is shaping up as a wonderful year to be on the couch. The explosion of streaming services and blockbuster television and movies has made the complete home theater system experience more essential than ever before, and manufacturers are responding with exciting new tech and enhancements.

Here’s what we’re looking forward to this coming year—and what’s set to make your entertainment experience out of this world.

Apps

The world reached saturation point with smartphones a few years ago, but it’s taken the big manufacturers a little while to catch up. Everyone is connected, and we predict that this year is the year that new model theater devices will take full advantage of it.

Using your phone to control your system and tweak every aspect will no longer be a fiddly and time-consuming rarity—2019 will see a number of apps streamline the process and let you be in control.

red room with home cinema

Streaming

Streaming videos, sound, and movies from around the internet has also become commonplace—not just from Netflix and other well-known streaming services, but also from sites like YouTube, SoundCloud, and Popcorn Time. The best home theater systems and TVs of 2019 are set to integrate these features and make them seamless, allowing for far greater convenience and a better user experience.

Bigger Is Back

A lot of content we view these days is on the very small screen, making many viewers reluctant to commit to expensive and enormous home theater setups. Yet, with prices dropping and a resurgence of interest in an authentic home cinema experience, this is set to change once again. Projectors and massive screens are coming back, and we’re ready to watch our blockbusters the way Hollywood intended.

Home Theaters Like You Dreamed They Would Be

Every aspect of a home theater is set to benefit from technological advancements in 2019, making the reality much more in line with what you would get from the cinema. The future is here, and it’s bringing true immersion and a world of features you only dreamed of—like:

  • Sound bars – Avoiding the need for complicated 7.1 speaker arrangements, sound bars utilize several speakers in the one unit, directing positional, full-3D sound to viewers at a lower Your home theater sound system will never be the same.

home theater for special event

  • Wireless components – Finally, we won’t have to trip over or mess around with the dozens of cables required in an average audio system. More and more devices will be going wireless next year, making set-up a whole lot easier for the enthusiast.
  • Voice activation and centralized control – Smart home controllers like Amazon Echo and Google Home are here to stay, and home theaters are next in line for a makeover. Expect most—if not all—aspects of your home theater system to join the ranks of the “smart” devices.

Be Ready with the Right Accessories

There’s a lot to look forward to in 2019—and a lot to prepare for. Make sure every part of your home theater system setup is ready for the future with parts and accessories from ReplacementRemotes. Check in with the experts and stock up on our website today!

desktop gaming computer setup

TVs Versus Monitors: Which Are Better for Gaming?

ReplacementRemotes.com

Gamers face a dizzying array of options these days, with technology improving, morphing, and maturing all the time. Even when it comes to the humble screen, there’s a difficult choice to make: Do you stick with a monitor, or try using a TV?

The answer, as it turns out, depends on you. TVs are perfectly viable as a PC gaming option— it just depends on how you use it. Read on to find out why!

desktop gaming computer setup

The Basic Differences

First, we’ll need to explain the fundamental differences between computer monitors and TVs and how these will affect your gaming experience. These are:

  • Size – Although monitors are getting bigger, they are usually dwarfed by even the most basic of today’s televisions. This means you’ll have to sit farther away.
  • Input response – Due to pre-processing of the video component, many TVs have a delay between keys and mouse clicks and what appears onscreen.
  • Pixel response – This is the measure of how long it takes a pixel in the panel to turn off or on. It is usually higher on TVs, which can lead to blurring for fast-moving scenes.
  • Pixel density – Both monitors and TVs support 1080p and 4K resolutions, but, since TVs are usually much bigger, each pixel will be bigger for the same resolution.
  • Price – A highly competitive market and lower technology requirements mean TVs are normally cheaper than their similarly sized monitor equivalents unless you wait for a gaming monitor sale.

How Do You Game?

On the face of it, it seems that monitors are the obvious choice over TVs for gaming, but that’s not entirely correct. The fact of the matter is that monitors are better for some people and some games, and TVs are better for others. What it comes down to is one question: What kind of gamer are you?

The Competitor

You’re the one who dominates CS:GO and Dota 2 with your lightning-fast reflexes. You’re going to need a screen that can keep pace with you and your mouse, making a monitor the better choice.

The Omnivore

Some days it’s the computer, other days it’s the PS4, and some days you just settle back for eight hours of Netflix. If you’re a gamer who will play anything and everything, a TV will make it simpler to switch—and take up less room than multiple monitors.

The Strategist

Find yourself often hunched over a war game, CRPG, or roguelike? Then you probably need to be able to read the tiny stats and tooltips, making the pixel density and proximity of a monitor a no-brainer.

group of friends play video games together at home

The Party Animal

Why play alone when you can play with friends? Those of you with a fondness for split-screen gaming and a few controllers already in the drawer will find that TVs have much more room for fun than a monitor.

The Spectacle Lover

The only reason you game is for the jaw-dropping scenery, the epic battles, and all the things that loudly go boom. You want to sit back and be blown away, and a huge TV is perfect for that.

Whatever the Decision, You’re in Control

With different advantages and disadvantages to each, there’s no clear winner in the TV vs. gaming monitor fight. Whatever your ultimate choice, you’re in control with ReplacementRemotes. With remote controls and accessories for every screen, we’re your number-one store for making your gaming experience perfect. Take a look through replacementremotes.com today to find out why!

person using a remote to streaming netflix

How Does Your TV Remote Work?

ReplacementRemotes.com

Your TV remote stops working. It’s not an uncommon problem; you can order a new one from ReplacementRemotes.com—but how do remote controls work, anyway?

In the old days, people would walk up to the TV and turn a knob. Now, you can change the channels and use other functions with the remote control. The technology actually isn’t that new; it’s been around since World War I.

person using a remote to streaming netflix

Basics of TV Remote Function

Television remote controllers use infrared (IR) light, which you can’t see. When you press a button, a light pulse is sent as binary code to a receiver. Both the light and the rate at which it flashes are invisible; the encoded light patterns repeat five times every second.

The signal corresponds to specific commands on the unit including power, volume, and channel changing. On the remote-controlled device, there is an IR receiver that decodes the light pulses, translating binary ones and zeros into commands read by the device’s microprocessor.

A TV controller has a few simple parts. On the outside, there are buttons and a casing. Its internal parts consist of button contacts, an integrated circuit, and a light-emitting diode. Some remotes use radio frequency (RF) signals, which travel over longer distances; they are more often used for car alarms and garage door openers. RF remotes operate on the same principle as their IR counterparts—transmitting binary codes to a device’s receiver.

Now that you know how a TV remote really works, it’s time to shop around for the best remotes out there. If you’re looking for a replacement to your remote, search our site, compare models, and place an order today!

simple living room decorating ideas

3 Amazing DIY Entertainment Center Hacks

ReplacementRemotes.com

Want to make your home entertainment center that much more amazing? It’s easy to do; just check out our list of 3 easy ways to get the most out of every TV stand.

Go Nuts on Your Scratches and Dings

Wood is ideal for TV stands and media shelves, but when a TV stand is well-loved, little scratches and dings appear, which can be really annoying to look at.

However, you don’t have to put up with them for long; instead of trying to find ways to cover them up, you can make them disappear. How? Just remove a walnut from its shell, and then slowly rub the nut into the scratch; the walnut oil darkens the exposed wood, making your TV stand look like new. Really! Not only that, but the oil from a walnut will also help to moisturize and protect the scratch, making it less vulnerable to damage in the future.

simple living room decorating ideas

Add More Storage Space with These Easy Fixes

Large collections of DVDs, Blu-rays, and other kinds of physical media can pile up fast. If you’re like most media lovers, you’re probably constantly looking for ways to store these items so that they don’t eat up too much real estate in your living room.

Here’s a great tip: Don’t use your home theater shelves for your media, as they can get cluttered fast and be messy to remove. Instead, buy some small plastic tubs to put your media in, and then place these tubs on your shelves. That way, you can keep your media items together easily, while keeping them confined to a limited space.

Any tub with room left over can be used for your remotes and game controllers. The great thing about clear plastic is its transparency; in being able to see what’s inside, you won’t have to go digging through each bin to find what you’re looking for.

Have a lot of media? You can also repurpose an old dresser, using its deeper and wider drawers for media storage. If you’re the crafty type, paint or stain the dresser to match the color of your TV stand, or cover it with a colorful piece of fabric.

Get Control of Your Cords and Controllers

Have you looked behind your TV stand lately? If so, you probably noticed a veritable jungle of cords back there. While no one really knows how cords seem to multiply or tangle on their own, we do have some advice on how to tackle this problem. You can control your cords easily and affordably with zip ties. Just bundle your cords together and wrap a zip tie around them.

Another way to control your cords is to gather and then wrap them with a binder clip. To get them off the floor, simply install a screw on the back of your stand, and then hook one of the clip’s handles over it. For game and remote controllers that always seem to go missing, Velcro can be a great solution. Just attach one side of the strip to the backs of controllers, and the other to any open space in your theater stand. When done with them, simply stick them up.

If your remote control is looking old, turn to ReplacementRemotes.com. Contact us today at 877-671-7173.

restless woman

Does Watching TV Before Going to Bed Keep You Up

ReplacementRemotes.com

For most people, keeping the TV on right until bedtime can affect how well we fall asleep and how much restful sleep we get. If you find you are having a difficult time putting down the TV remote control, you are not alone.

We tell ourselves we are going to watch just one more episode, and then stop for the night. Next thing we know, it is 4 a.m., and we just finished watching ten episodes back to back. Aside from binge-watching keeping us up at night, another reason we can have problems falling asleep is due to the type of blue light our TV and device screens emit.

This blue light slows down the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep. Rather, our bodies are tricked into believing it is still daytime. Have you ever been sleepy while watching TV, and then, the moment you shut it off, you are wide awake? This is caused by reduced melatonin levels.

restless woman

How to Get to Sleep Easier

One way to fall asleep easier is to shut off the TV and discontinue using ALL electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime. Doing so allows your mind and body to relax and melatonin levels to increase, which will make it easier to fall asleep.

To help you shut off the TV sooner, set the timer on your TV with your remote so it automatically turns off. During the hour or so before bed, read a paperback or hardcover book or engage your loved ones in conversation.

If you have misplaced your remote control and need a new one, please feel free to contact ReplacementRemotes at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683) today!