Streaming Players Archives - Page 2 of 8

Goodbye VHS – World’s Last VHS Manufacturer Shuts Its Doors

August 18, 2016August 29, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

To most people, the VHS is a product of a bygone era, which is why it surprised so many people to learn that in 2016 there was still a company manufacturing VHS players. Like all outdated machinery, the VHS’s time on Earth eventually had to end, and in July 2016 Japan’s Funai Electric, which claims to be the world’s last VHS manufacturer, announced that it was making its last machine.

The King Is Dead – How VHS Ruled the Home Video Market

VHS may be a relic in the 21^st century, but just a few decades ago it was the king of the home video market. Introduced in 1977, the VHS was in direct competition with the Betamax format, which had debuted two years earlier. By 1987, however, the fight was effectively over: VHS controlled 90{8c8ae2a71b30a2d8c6f534038a85ab39be2a915945a2526b1de25039d71b9e11} of the VCR market, and the Betamax was reduced to an also-ran.

The reason for VHS’s dominance? VHS embraced the porn industry, releasing many X-rated films to the home video market, whereas Betamax’s parent company, Sony, specifically forbid the adult entertainment industry from releasing anything on its video format. Rather than buying two different machines, many consumers elected to buy VHS machines that let them play all the movies they wanted, even the dirty ones.

For three decades, VHS was the undisputed leader of the home video market. All that began to change with the introduction of DVDs, which featured crisp digital quality video, chapter selection, and loads of extra features. As DVDs were followed by Blu-Ray, HD-DVD, and eventually streaming video, the VHS format inevitably faded into history, but not without hanging on well into the 21^st century.

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How to Keep Your Remotes Away from Your Pets

August 8, 2016August 8, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

You go to reach for the TV remote and discover it has somehow disappeared from its normal spot on the end table or sofa. You quickly notice small pieces of plastic leading away from the living room and follow the trail, only to discover the remains of the remote sitting next to your pet’s bedding. This is a common scenario if you have dogs.

For cat owners, on the other hand, it can require having to move furniture to get to a remote control the cat batted up under the sofa or under an end table. Either way, you need to protect your remotes from being lost or destroyed by your pets, using these tips:

Place remotes where pets cannot reach them when they are not being used and whenever you leave the room.
If you catch your pet with the remote, take it away from them, but do not punish them. Rather, give them a toy to play with, instead, and reinforce positive behaviors with treats and praises whenever they play with the toy. Positive reinforcement is easier to learn and retain than negative reinforcement.
For dogs, give them chew toys that are hard, like the plastic on the remote control. If all your dog has are soft toys, their teeth are not being stimulated as they should be, and they will reach for your remote control.

In the event your pet has destroyed, broken, or lost your remote, you can get a new one from ReplacementRemotes.com. Call 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683) or browse our website today!

Five Iconic 60s Television Shows

July 25, 2016July 27, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

The 1960s were truly the golden age of television, as the medium found its feet and established many conventions still observed today. It was the heyday of the sitcom, and also the era when broadcast journalism hit its peak and great dramas like MASH became popular fare.

Today, television viewers can enjoy some nostalgia or be introduced to some of the era’s iconic shows by using their television remotes to tune in to the many classic television channels on the tube. Here’s a list of some shows you’ll definitely want to check out:

60 Minutes – The venerable news magazine had its start in the 1960s. “60 Minutes” is one of the most influential examples of broadcast journalism, shaping the medium for decades.
Bewitched – “Bewitched” is one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 1960s, telling the story of an ad man whose wife is a witch – literally. Samantha Stevens only uses her powers for good, but her mother Endora is a different story. The mismatch of the supernatural Samantha and vanilla Darren made for great laughs and television.
Night Gallery – A little less well-known than “The Twilight Zone,” “Night Gallery” was a suspense/horror anthology that helped shape the genre. The influence of “Night Gallery” can be felt today in shows like “Stranger Things” and “American Horror Story.”
Perry Mason – This show practically invented the courtroom procedural. “Perry Mason” starred Raymond Burr as the eponymous title character, a committed defender of his clients, who were invariably innocent of the crimes they were accused of committing.
The Ed Sullivan Show – “The Ed Sullivan Show” helped establish the conventions observed by variety shows such as “The Tonight Show” and “The Late Show” today. The show also introduced America to Elvis and The Beatles.

ReplacementRemotes.com sells new and refurbished TV remote controls for a wide variety of televisions and other electronic devices. The company also provides TV stands, accessories, replacement product manuals, lights, and other accessories. The company also operates a repair service for remotes and other devices. To learn more, contact 1-877-671-7173.

Generation Gap Persists, Even in Media Viewing Habits

July 18, 2016July 19, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

New studies show that differences between Millennials and Baby Boomers extend even to how they consume media. The older generation is more likely to spend time flipping through TV channels with a remote control, while younger media consumers are more interested in social media and online content.

Baby Boomers, even those who are online, spend far more time viewing traditional media sources than their younger counterparts. People aged 46 to 65 who go online regularly still spend about 4.3 hours per day watching television, listening to the radio, and reading newspapers. Millennials spend about 2.9 hours per day, on average, consuming traditional media sources.

Millennials spend more time on social media than their older counterparts. About 71 percent of Millennials use social media each day, and 76 percent watch online videos daily. Millennials are also spending quite a bit of time on their mobile devices. The average Millennial with Internet access spends more than 21 hours a week on their mobile devices.

While Millennials are of growing importance to content creators and marketers, older generations should not be left out by these organizations’ marketing efforts, as they control significantly larger disposable incomes than the younger generation.

Three of the Most Expensive Television Shows Ever Made

June 25, 2016July 5, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

Good home entertainment doesn’t come cheap. Television shows can often have production budgets as high as some Hollywood movies, and many a solid performing show in the ratings has gotten the cancellation ax because its costs were too high.

Here are some of the most expensive television shows ever made:

ER – The long-running NBC medical drama didn’t have a ridiculous budget to begin with, but as its lead George Clooney ascended to stardom and the show got record-breaking ratings, producer Warner Bros. was able to command $13 million per episode from the Big Peacock. After Clooney departed the show, the budget dropped somewhat, and the show continued to be a strong performer for the network. In total, ER ran for 15 seasons.
Rome – The much beloved period drama from HBO spared no expense in recreating an authentic portrait of ancient Rome. Shooting on site in Italy, and the elaborate costumes and props required by the show ran the budget up to $9 million per episode. The high cost of the show contributed to its early demise, although it had a very loyal, but small, fan base.
Friends – Situation comedies typically aren’t expensive, unless they’re big hits and the cast members become mega-stars. That’s exactly what happened with Friends, as the show became a ratings juggernaut for NBC, and propelled Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox to mega-stardom, and also made stars of the rest of the ensemble cast. Over time, salary demands bumped the show’s budget up to $10 million per episode. But what’s a few million dollars among friends, right?

Replacementremotes.com is a provider of new and refurbished TV remote controls for a wide variety of televisions and other electronics. In addition to remotes, the company also provides TV stands, accessories, replacement product manuals, lights, and other accessories. The company also operates a repair service for remotes and other devices. To learn more, contact 1-877-671-7173.

Source:

http://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/most-expensive-tv-shows-ever.html/?a=viewall

A Cord Cutter’s Guide to the Olympics

June 8, 2016June 23, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

Cable cutting is growing ever more popular as the Internet has provided consumers with better and cheaper options than traditional cable. While people who have abandoned traditional cable have lots of great television viewing options, they may find themselves in a bind to watch wall-to-wall coverage of big events like the Olympics.

Cable companies and broadcasters are conspiring to keep the best coverage of big events like the Olympics behind paywalls to push consumers into signing up for their services. NBC has the broadcast rights to the Rio Olympics, which begin on August 5th. While you can pick up some of the games for free via antenna, for the best coverage the network will want you to sign up for a subscription service.

For folks in the U.S. who want to watch the Olympics, but who don’t want to subscribe to a pay service, there is another option. The BBC is broadcasting the event for free in Britain, and by finding ways to get around the company’s geo-blocking mechanisms, you can, too. Getting around geo-blockers can be a challenge, but if you have a tech-savvy friend, it can be done.

Some of the Best Shows for Binge Watching

May 2, 2016May 4, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

There are many types of shows you can binge through Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and your local cable or satellite “on-demand” service. Binge watching is a great way to enjoy all of the episodes of an entire season or multiple seasons, all at once, often without any commercial interruptions. Grab your TV remote and search your favorite streaming apps for these top shows when you are in the mood to curl up on the sofa with some popcorn, soda, and other snacks:

“How to Get Away with Murder” – This suspenseful crime/murder drama series is fast-paced and addicting.
“Grace and Frankie” – This comedic drama features Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, who move in together when their husbands ask them for a divorce after hiding a secret affair for 20 years.
“House of Cards” – A Netflix original series based upon a UK series of the same name, this follows the life of House Whip Frank Underwood and his plan to become President. The show offers suspense, drama, and humor.
“Parks and Recreation” – This is a great sitcom to binge watch, largely in part to Amy Poehler’s hilarious character Leslie Knope.
“Sherlock” – This UK series is one of the best Sherlock Holmes series to air on TV.
“The Walking Dead” – This FX series follows the lives of people after the zombie apocalypse.

If you wear out your remote control binge watching your favorite shows, you can order a new one by calling ReplacementRemotes.com at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683) today.

Three Must-Watch Podcasts for TV Lovers

April 25, 2016April 27, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

For fans of shows like “Jessica Jones,” “Better Call Saul,” and “Game of Thrones,” just watching them isn’t enough. To truly peel back the layers of these multi-faceted works of art, you have to check out podcasts by devotees of the shows. Podcasts help add context and depth, and have become just as essential to TV enjoyment as the remote control.

Some of the best podcasts include:

The Vulture Podcast – Hosted by Matt Zoller Seitz, one of the hottest TV critics working today, along with Margaret Lyons and Gazelle Emami, The Vulture Podcast provides a funny, irreverent look at television shows that waxes philosophical at times. The co-hosts have great chemistry and riff off of one another in a way that’s engaging.
Very Good TV Podcast – The name says it all. Co-hosts Liz Shannon Miller and Ben Travers know their material, and host their show in a great conversational manner that’s accessible and fun. The show has some of the old Siskel and Ebert magic from years past.
Holler Back – For Justified devotees, this podcast is a must. “Justified” is over and done, but if you’d like a little context when you go back and binge watch your favorite episodes, Ryan McGee and Joanna Robinson’s Holler Back provides a great way to explore all the nooks and crannies of Harlan County. Holler Back is a great example of a single-show focused podcast.

ReplacementRemotes.com is a provider of new and refurbished TV remote controls for a wide variety of televisions and other electronics. In addition to remotes, the company also provides TV stands, accessories, replacement product manuals, lights, and other accessories. The company also operates a repair service for remotes and other devices. To learn more, contact 1-877-671-7173.

Ranking the Five Hottest Superhero Shows on TV

April 18, 2016April 22, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

Comic books had their golden age in the 1930s and 1940s, but now may be the golden age for television comic book heroes. Hit any channel on your TV remote and you’re likely to find a guy or gal in tights fighting evil.

There are now more television shows based on comic books on the air or in development than at any time in history. The smashing success of comic-based films such as “The Avengers,” the “Batman” movies, and the “Iron Man” franchise has spawned many small screen adaptations.

While some of the television superhero series have been misses, many have captured the public’s imagination by offering imaginative, innovative stories and surprisingly good acting. If you’re looking for a few binge-worthy series, consider the following:

Jessica Jones – A critical darling that’s also gathering popular support, “Jessica Jones” is one of the grittier, more realistic series. The show follows Jessica Jones, a super-powered human, who runs a detective agency. Jones is a highly conflicted character with a less than savory past, and audiences and critics alike have connected with her story.
Legends of Tomorrow – It’s a little goofy, but this story about a collection of comic also-rans who team up to travel time to put down a would-be conqueror makes great late-night popcorn fare.
Arrow – One of the flagship superhero series, “Arrow” follows the adventures of DC superhero Oliver Queen, who survives being shipwrecked on an island to return to Star City to become Green Arrow. An element of corporate intrigue gives Arrow a soap opera element that’s broadened its appeal.
Agent Carter – This series follows the adventures of Peggy Carter, Captain America’s lost love, as she works for the nascent SHIELD in post WWII America. A great period piece that does a great job of fleshing out a previously minor character in the Marvel Universe.
Gotham – Set during Bruce Wayne’s childhood, “Gotham” explores the Batman mythos, giving the origin of many of the allies and villains Wayne eventually encounters as Batman. The show also depicts Wayne’s gradual evolution into Batman, and his upbringing by the Wayne family butler, Alfred Pennyworth.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Decluttering Your Entertainment Center

April 1, 2016March 31, 2016 ReplacementRemotes.com

Spring is a great time to do a thorough cleaning of the entire home, including the living room. Your home entertainment center is probably looking a bit cluttered after the winter, and things could stand to be spruced up. Before you start cleaning, make sure to unplug power strips from electrical outlets just to be safe.

Remove all clutter from around devices. Pick up and put away CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, as well as remote controls and other items. TIP: You can secure remotes to the wall next to or on the side of entertainment centers with remote control wall mount clips.
Use a top-down cleaning approach. Start on the top shelf and work your way down as you dust.
Move entertainment centers for easier cleaning. If you want to clean behind and under the entertainment center, carefully move it out of the way.
Dust off electronic devices using an approved cleaning cloth and cleaning products.
Declutter cords by using cord ties. Bunch cords for similar devices together using different colored cord ties.
Give remotes a good wipe down with antibacterial wipes.
Replace batteries in all of your remote controls, and remember to recycle the old ones.

For more information on remote controls for your devices, call ReplacementRemotes.com now at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683).