Category: Uncategorized

Bulk Remote Control Buying Advice for Hotels

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Lost, damaged, or stolen items can run up huge costs for hotels, cutting into profits in an already challenging industry. Purchasing bulk supplies of items likely to go missing or experience damage, such as TV remotes, can help the hospitality industry mitigate these costs.

According to the NY Post, theft costs hotels more than $100 million per year. That doesn’t include the cost of replacing items that simply get lost or are broken. While it won’t solve all the hospitality industry’s problems, purchasing a large quantity of bulk universal remote controls will help hotels reduce replacement costs and ensure they always have a remote for guests.

Universal remotes sold by replacementremotes.com work with just about any TV, making it easy for staff to replace a lost or broken remote. In just a few minutes, hotel staffers can set up the remote to work with the television in the hotel room. Some models come with security cords hotel staff can use to fasten remotes to a wall or surface, reducing theft risk. By placing a large order for remotes, hotel staff can realize substantial savings on the cost of replacing lost or stolen remotes. The company even accepts trade-in remotes, lessening the cost of buying new remotes.

Replacementremotes.com sells new and refurbished TV remote control devices for a wide variety of electronic devices. In addition to remotes, the company also provides TV stands, accessories, replacement product manuals, lights, and much more. The company also operates a repair service for certain devices. To learn more, contact 1-877-671-7173.

How to Reduce Noise Inside Your Apartment

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Let’s say you’ve been saving up for months for the perfect entertainment center, complete with widescreen TV and surround sound speakers. It’s everything you dreamed of for watching your favorite action movies and music videos. The only problem? Your neighbor is close enough to hear every last sound effect. Avoid strained relationships with your neighbors by following these tips to reduce the noise that emanates from your apartment:

Use Textiles

Fabric is surprisingly effective when it comes to muffling the sound inside your apartment:

  • Invest in a few wall hangings and tapestries to cover any bare walls in your apartment. This will help reduce the way sound travels.
  • Don’t forget about windows, either. Glass is an excellent conductor for noise, so block out loud sounds using heavy curtains or drapes. You can also keep a thick quilt on-hand as a temporary solution when you plan to pump up the volume.
  • Hardwood floors are another nuisance for apartment dwellers. Use carpet to prevent sound from traveling directly to your downstairs neighbors. If your landlord won’t allow apartment modifications, you can get creative with area rugs for a similar effect.

Try Sound Panels

For heavy-duty noise, try foam or fabric sound panels. These can be placed over the loudest part of a room to help block noise. Though they’re typically used in industrial settings, you can try disguising the panels using tapestries, or hiding them behind objects to make them less noticeable.

With your apartment properly soundproofed, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows without worry. For everything else needed to complete your home entertainment needs, shop the products offered by ReplacementRemotes.com. We carry universal remotes for household appliances, operating manuals, and more. View our selection online, or call 1-855-5-REMOTE to place an order.

Which Classic TV Theme Song Are You?

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Take the personality quiz below to determine the classic TV theme song that suits you best:

  1. When you’re at a bar with friends, what’s your preferred drink?
    1. Can’t go wrong with an ice-cold beer! (1 point)
    2. Something tropical-inspired, like a Mai Tai. (4 points)
    3. I’m not a big fan of alcohol, so I’ll usually order a Mr. Pibb cola. (3 points)
    4. A classic Manhattan cocktail, to remind me of my favorite city. (2 points)
  1. How would you describe your approach to fashion?
    1. I love simple and comfortable clothes that can hold up against a little dirt. (2 points)
    2. Vintage-inspired clothing is my favorite, especially the groovy styles of the 70s. (3 points)
    3. I love Hawaiian shirts with floral motifs. (4 points)
    4. Most days, you can find me in a blazer, or a Member’s Only jacket if I’m feeling fancy.  (1 point)
  1. What’s your dream car?
    1. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass  (1 point)
    2. 1971 Plymouth Satellite Station Wagon (3 points)
    3. If given the option, I’d prefer a boat. (4 points)
    4. 1967 Lincoln Continental (2 points)
  1. Which phrase best describes you?
    1. Hard working and not afraid to get your hands dirty (2 points)
    2. Resourceful and ready for anything (4 points)
    3. Sociable and love being the center of attention (1 point)
    4. Traditional and family-oriented (3 points)
  1. What is your ideal weekend adventure?
    1. An off-the-grid getaway to a lush island paradise. (4 points)
    2. A trip to the beach with family. (3 points)
    3. Hiking in the mountains of New England. (1 point)
    4. A luxurious stay in the New York Hamptons. (2 points)

Results:

  • Under 6 points: You’re the “Cheers” theme! You are a social butterfly who loves meeting new people. You’re also a great listener, and your peers look to you for advice and guidance.
  • 7 to 14 points: You are the “Green Acres” theme song! Though you consider yourself a city dweller at heart, you’ve proved that you feel at home in the country, too. You always look fashionable, whether you’re wearing yard work scrubs or a designer dress.
  • 15 to 19 points: You’re the “Brady Bunch” theme song! You’re dependable and reliable, and have a huge heart. Your family means everything to you.
  • 20 points or more: You’re the “Gilligan’s Island” theme! You’re lively, quick-witted, and ready for any challenge that comes your way.

With the right remote, you can program your DVR to catch all your favorite classic television shows. ReplacementRemotes.com offers easy to program TV remotes that work with other home entertainment devices, including VCRs, stereos, and more. Shop our selection online, or call 1-855-5-REMOTE to place an order.

Overcoming Tech Stress

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It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by today’s high tech world. Emails, text messages, and a barrage of entertaining smartphone apps keep us distracted 24/7. For some, it’s practically a form of addiction: many of us find that placing our smartphones out of reach for a few hours can actually lead to more stress. Remember that technology was developed to improve our lives, not overtake them. Here are a few tips for scaling back your dependence on technology:

  • Test Yourself: Start slow by keeping your phone in another room while you handle a few chores, or leaving it silent in your pocket for an afternoon of meetings. The longer you can go without your phone, the easier it will be to give it up for longer periods of time, helping to break your reliance.
  • Block Social Distractions: Settled down at the computer to finish a big assignment, but keep getting sidetracked by Twitter? You can download apps and extensions that block specific websites for a set period of time. Or you can do it the old-fashioned way, by unplugging the Internet for a few hours.
  • Download a Meditation App: Sometimes jittery feelings of unrest can linger long after we’ve used our phones. For this reason, many studies have established that using a smartphone or computer right before bed can lead to insomnia. Be sure to unplug several hours before bedtime, and, if you still have problems, let your smartphone help you: download a meditation app to calm your mind and stimulate relaxed thoughts.
  • Buy a Universal Remote: After a long day of dividing your attention among a smartphone, tablet, and laptop, the last thing you want to do at home is wrestle with ten different remotes to get your TV, Roku, and stereo synced up. Invest in a one-for-all remote for home audio and video needs.

If a universal remote is exactly what you need to avoid tech stress, shop ReplacementRemotes.com. We offer new remotes for any room of the home. Our products are easy to program and even easier to use for a variety of devices including televisions, home entertainment centers, ceiling fans, and more. Shop our selection online, or call 1-855-5-REMOTE to place an order.

Understanding TV Parental Guidelines

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The TV Parental Guidelines system went into effect in 1997 as a tool to control children’s exposure to unsuitable programming. It’s based on the Motion Picture Association of America’s grading system for movies, with a total of six common scores rated by age group:

  • TV-Y: Means that a television show bearing this symbol is suitable for all children, including ages 6 and under. It signifies that there are no inappropriate elements present, and the program is not expected to frighten or trouble young minds.
  • TV-Y7: Rating given to children’s programming that is best suited for youth with increased developmental skills (roughly ages 7 and above). Shows with this rating may include themes of fantasy or light violence that are known to scare or confuse younger children.
  • TV-G: This rating does not apply to children’s shows only, but is the score given to programs that are suitable for all ages. It is used for content that has little to no language, violence, or sexual situations.
  • TV-PG: Contains content that parents may find inappropriate for children and preteens, such as suggestive language, violence, or sexual material.
  • TV-14: Labels shows that are best suited for children 14 years of age or older due to content including strong language, intense violence, or sexual acts.
  • TV-MA: Mature audiences only; not intended for children under 17. This rating is given to shows that include graphic scenes of violence or sexual activity.

The only way to control which programming your kids watch is to join them in front of the television. For the times you’re not around, check with your cable company to see if they allow channels to be blocked, so you can decide which are always off-limits. Another option is to purchase a remote that can be password protected. ReplacementRemotes.com offers universal TV remotes for purchase, including devices that are fully programmable for parental settings. Shop our selection online, or call 1-855-5-REMOTE to place an order.

Save Money by Building Your Own Custom Entertainment Center

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The entertainment center is a focal point in most homes, as it houses all of our favorite electronic devices, like the TV, Blu-ray player, home theater system, and video game consoles. Finding the perfect entertainment center for your devices is sometimes challenging. Many prefab entertainment centers offer basic designs or lack the features and storage you require. Rather than invest money into a prefab design, why not consider building your own entertainment center?

Building an entertainment center requires plywood, wood glue, wood screws, and stain or paint in your favorite color. The costs for these materials are a fraction of the cost of a prefab entertainment center. In addition, you are free to choose from a variety of different woods if you want something besides plywood—such as bamboo.

You will also need a circular saw, tape measure, drill, various drill bits, screwdrivers, and paint brushes to apply the stain or paint. Before you visit your local home improvement center, you need to create a rough drawing of how you want your finished entertainment center to appear. Consider the following questions:

  • How large will the overall entertainment center be?
  • How many shelves do you need?
  • Do you want to add storage drawers for TV remotes, game controllers, and other items?
  • What size do individual spaces on the shelves need to be?
  • Do you want an open back or an enclosed back?
  • Do you only need to store devices, or also have space for your TV?

Answering these questions will assist you in making out your shopping list of what you need to purchase. If you need design ideas, there are several great sources of inspiration online from DIY sites. If you want to mount your TV to the wall and free up space on your custom built entertainment center, call Replacement Remotes at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683) for wall mounts, as well as universal and individual replacement remote controls.

How to Eliminate Home Theater Clutter

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Setting up your home theater system involves running a variety of different wires and connections from one component to the next. This leads to wire clutter running from every device to the television and/or receiver. Wiring can create an eyesore and distract from the entertainment devices you have assembled into your home theater system. In addition, every device comes with its own remote controls, increasing clutter on your end table.
Getting your home theater clutter under control is not difficult by following these useful tips:

  1. Hide surge protectors behind the entertainment center. You can keep them off the floor by attaching a small shelf to the wall behind the entertainment center.
  2. Use wire ties to bunch wires from each device together. Wire ties also help wires from getting tangled with each other.
  3. Use an HDMI switch to eliminate multiple HDMI cables running to the TV. With a switch, you only need to run one HDMI cable to the TV.
  4. For wall mounted TVs, hide wires by running them through the wall from the baseboard to behind the TV. This gives the appearance of a “wireless” setup. If you cannot drill holes in the wall, bunch them together with wire ties and hide them under a wall mountable wire cover.
  5. Purchase a universal TV remote and program it to control all of your devices. Store the original remotes, with the batteries removed, in a drawer to keep them out of sight.

By taking the time to reorganize your home theater devices, and clean up wire and remote control clutter, you will have an elegant home theater setup. For TV stands, accessories, and universal remote controls, feel free to contact Replacement Remotes at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683) today.

How to Clean a DVD or Blu-ray Player

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While DVD and Blu-ray players are self-contained devices, dust can still get inside the unit and cause playback problems with your discs. One entry point for dust is if the player has a tray that opens and closes to insert and remove discs. Another entry point for dust is that of the vents on the sides or back of the player. To keep your player working correctly, it is important to dust and clean it on a regular basis. 

Before cleaning your DVD or Blu-ray player, make sure there is not a disc in the player. Next, unplug it from the electrical outlet, as this will prevent accidental electrical shocks. If the player is in an entertainment center or TV stand where it is more difficult to access, unplug the wires from the back of the player and pull it out.

Using a damp microfiber cloth, gently wipe the top, front, and sides of the player. Do not use a damp cloth on the back of the player as moisture could get into the unit. To remove dust from the back, use a dry cloth or a vacuum with a dusting attachment. After cleaning the outside of the player, reconnect the TV connections and plug it back in.

Lastly, open the tray or insert a lens cleaning disc into the player. Using your TV remote or universal remote, select play, and allow the disc to play through a cleaning cycle to remove dust from the playing mechanisms and laser lens. It is recommended to dust and clean your DVD or Blu-Ray player at least once a month.

For universal remote controls for your DVD and Blu-ray player, call Replacement Remotes today at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683).

How to Diagnose Problems with DVDs and Blu-Rays

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Sometimes there are playback problems when you put a DVD or Blu-Ray disc into your player and press the play button on the remote control. The disc does not play correctly, skips, or does not play at all. The player may display an error message on the TV screen, such as “disc unplayable” or some other error. This is often a sign there is a problem with either the disc or the player. The following tip can help you diagnose the problem and determine the cause.

  1. Verify the disc is clean. Carefully inspect the bottom of the disc for fingerprints, scratches, and dust. All of these can cause playback problems.
  2. Clean the disc. Using a microfiber cloth and an approved cleaning product, spray the cleaning solution on the cloth and wipe from the center of the disc outwards. Avoid wiping in a circular pattern, as this can further damage the disc.
  3. Check for scratches and cracks. Hold the disc under a bright light and see if light passes through the disc in the location of the scratches. If it does, the disc is cracked and is not playable. If not, use an approved scratch removal product to help remove minor scratches.

After trying these tips, allow the disc to dry, and then try to play it again. If it still does not play, try a different DVD or Blu-ray disc to see if it is just that disc. If the other discs do not play in the player, then the problem is most likely the player.

If you need remote controls for your DVD or Blu-ray player, feel free to contact Replacement Remotes at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683) for further assistance.

Sideclick Makes Remote Wrangling Easy

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Go in any living room, and you’re likely to see a hodge-podge of television, audio, cable and streaming device remote controls. If you don’t, it’s likely because they’re under the couch, in another room, or otherwise AWOL, which will set off a mad dash to find them when someone wants to watch TV.

The problem is that many of the remotes for streaming devices and other devices don’t also allow users to control the volume and other functions of the television they are connected to. The Sideclick remote solves this problem, offering a simple, yet incredibly effective solution that will allow you to watch your favorite content without having to weed through a dozen remotes to find the controller you need.

There are several versions of the Sideclick remote control available, each compatible with a different streaming remote. Compatible remotes include those for the Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku.

The Sideclick clips onto the underbelly of your favorite remote for other devices, creating a single remote you can use to control that device and your television. The Sideclick is programmable and compatible with just about every television. The Sideclick’s six programmable buttons will give you control of the basic functions of the television you most commonly use.

Replacementremotes.com sells new and refurbished remote control devices for a wide variety of electronic devices. In addition to remotes, the company also provides TV stands, accessories, replacement product manuals, lights, and much more. The company also operates a repair service for certain devices. To learn more, contact 1-877-671-7173.