Five Tips to Avoid Losing Your Remote

Losing your TV remote is a real pain. Today’s television remote controls do a lot more than just flip between channels and, without your television remote, you may not be able to operate your TV.

For folks who’d like to avoid losing their remotes, these tips can help:

  • Designate a spot for the remote – Keep up with your remote by always leaving it in the same place. By returning the remote to an end table or coffee table after each use, you can avoid losing it.
  • Make it more visible – Paint your remote or tie a brightly colored ribbon around it to make it easier to find if it gets lost.
  • Get the kids involved – Establish a rewards system that gives prizes to your kids if they remember to put the remote in the right place or help in finding it.
  • Get a sofa caddy – Sofa caddies store remotes and connect to your sofa. They allow easy and convenient storage of your remotes.
  • Get a tethered remote – Tethered remotes are used in hotels to avoid theft of remotes by guests. The remote is connected by a cable to a device bolted on to a table or the wall. At home, these remotes will keep your device from being lost.

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.

Reduce TV Energy Usage When Watching Television

Televisions have changed quite a bit over the years. For instance, you almost have to have a TV remote in order to operate your television at all. Thankfully, that same remote can help you reduce the amount of energy your television consumes.

When Not in Use

The best way to reduce the amount of energy your TV consumes is to not allow it to consume energy when you aren’t using it. Turn it off or set it to switch into standby mode when possible, like when your show is over but you’re cooking dinner so can’t turn off the TV right away.

Manage Lighting

Your television is probably set to a brighter setting than it needs to be. Today’s televisions are made to look like a movie screen when the lights are off, so you don’t really need it to be all that bright to begin with. You can also turn on the ambient light setting so the TV can adjust itself when other lights are on. Don’t forget about radio screen blanking, either. Stream all the music you want, but since you aren’t likely to sit and stare at a picture of the album cover while your music is playing, you don’t need the screen on.

When shopping for a television, consider LCD over plasma, and be sure to look for the Energy Star label that tells you some effort went into making your television as energy efficient as possible. Just don’t forget that your TV remote has the power to reduce the energy consumed by your TV as well.

Watching-Television

Binge Watching

Some of the Best Shows for Binge Watching

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.

Binge Watching

What Is the Difference Between HBO Go and HBO Now?

Streaming services have become rather popular with consumers in recent years. Two such services available from HBO are HBO Go and HBO Now. There are subtle differences between the two services consumers should be aware of to ensure they are selecting the right streaming service to suit their needs and devices.

HBO Go

HBO Go is included with a paid subscription to HBO premium channel service through your cable or satellite TV provider. It allows you to stream you favorite episodes of HBO content through a variety of devices, including your smartphone and tablet devices. In addition, multiple users can stream content simultaneously. With HBO Go you do have to activate each device you want to use with this streaming service.

Remote-Control-Codes

HBO Now

HBO Now is a stand-alone streaming service for people who do not subscribe to HBO premium channels, or do not have cable or satellite TV. It allows people direct access to the same content and features found on HBO Go.

This streaming service is now available on a variety of devices, including Android, Roku, Amazon Fire, and others. Unlike HBO Go, you are not required to register devices before being able to use the service, and only have to sign in with your email address and password to access content.

For replacement remote controls for your home entertainment streaming devices, contact ReplacementRemotes.com today by calling 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683).

HDTV remote

Try These HDTV Hacks for Best Picture Quality

HDTVs are the Holy Grail of picture quality, offering clearer, sharper pictures than ever seen before on television, but what if there were a way to further enhance picture quality?

HDTV remote

The good news for technophiles is that there are several things you can do with your TV remote to program your high tech television to provide even better quality pictures. Checking your components and cables also helps. When setting up your new HDTV, keep these hacks in mind:

  • Check your source settings – Even if you’re using a Blu-Ray player or HD cable box, you may not be getting HD quality picture from the source. Make sure your media player or cable box is set to output HD; usually, 1080i.
  • Adjust brightness and contrast – Your HDTV will have a wide variety of settings, brightness and contrast among them. By using your HDTV remote to tinker with the brightness and contrast of your television, you can get the settings just right, to provide the type of picture you like best.
  • Use quality components and cables – Your HDTV’s picture will only be as good as the picture provided to it by its source. Upgrade to a Blu-Ray player and also be sure that the cables connecting devices to your television are of good quality.
  • If your attempts to hack your HDTV go awry and leave you with a picture that looks like a Picasso, no worries. Just hit the factory reset option. This will restore your HDTV to its original settings, and you can try again to boost picture quality.

Replacementremotes.com is a provider of new and refurbished remote control devices 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.

Bulk Remote Control Buying Advice for Hotels

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.

Modern HDTV

Three Steps to Connect Your Computer to Your HDTV

Modern HDTVs are compatible with your desktop or laptop computer, allowing you to access your favorite Internet streaming services or content saved on your computer and watch it in beautiful big-screen high definition. Connecting your HDTV to your computer also allows you to use it as a giant monitor, which can be useful for some work projects or gaming.

Modern HDTV

Connecting your HDTV to your computer is as easy as setting up your TV remote. Just follow these steps:

  • Find out what kind of cables you’ll need. HDTVs offer a variety of connections to accommodate the many types of devices they may be connected with by users. In most cases, laptops and desktop computers will connect to your HDTV with HDMI or DVI cables, which provide the best picture quality. Some older devices may use VGA cable or S-video cable to connect. If your HDTV doesn’t have a port that fits the type of cable you need to connect to your computer, you can find adapters to allow connection.
  • Once you’ve got the appropriate cables and adapters, turn off your computer and television, and connect the device to the HDTV.
  • When the cable is connected, turn on the computer, then use your remote control to turn on the TV and select the appropriate input for the TV, just like you would do when using your gaming console or a DVD player. If the picture looks distorted, use your display settings on your computer to change the screen aspect ratio and resolution.

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.

Remote control

Remote Control Clean-Up

It’s especially important to keep your remote control clean during times like the flu and cold season. The TV remote might even see more action than the bathroom door handle, which means that all those germs are just sitting around, waiting to be picked up by the next person who just wants to watch their favorite shows. Below are some quick tips to help you clean and disinfect your remote so that you and your family can safely enjoy your daily down time.

Avoid Water

There are those who suggest putting your remote in the dishwasher. Don’t do it. Since there are multiple internal contact points, this is really the fastest way to motivate yourself to start playing with all those remote control codes you’ll have to learn when you buy a new Universal remote to replace your existing water-damaged remote. It’s really best to avoid water altogether, just to be safe.

Apply Rubbing Alcohol and Cotton Swabs

Rubbing alcohol is safe to use on the outside and the inside of your device. Simply dip the swab in rubbing alcohol and wring out the excess liquid. Now use it to clean the small areas around the buttons after you remove the batteries. It’s always a good idea to remove the batteries, not just to prevent damage to the internal workings, but to avoid accidentally flipping your television off and on or changing codes or settings. When you clean around the buttons, push down on them so that you can clean the little crevice around them, as well.

Use these tips to ensure that your remote is always free from germs, especially after all those holiday festivities where your home is filled to the brim with friends and family.

How the Internet Changed Television

Thanks to on-demand streaming, gone are the days of waiting weeks for explanations to our favorite TV show cliffhangers. With the advent of the Internet and the instantaneous technology it brought, all it takes is the click of a TV remote to fast forward through lengthy commercials, rent a new Hollywood blockbuster, or watch an entire season of your favorite show in one sitting.

Movie Subscriptions

Before Netflix began its movie subscription service in 1999, film lovers relied on local DVD rental stores like Blockbuster to fuel a weekend of marathon viewing. Most stores carried new movie releases, plus a small section of popular titles from years past. Not only were selections limited, but smaller stores also ran the risk of running out of copies of high-demand releases, resulting in disappointed customers.   

With Netflix, consumers can rent DVDs and stream movies from a seemingly unlimited list, with diverse offerings ranging from new comedies to political foreign films. In addition to stocking nearly any title a movie lover could ask for, Netflix also lists full seasons of countless television shows.

Streaming Services

For years, cable TV has forced consumers to wait patiently for new episodes of their favorite shows. Thanks to the Internet, web-based services like Hulu, Roku, and AppleTV provide 24/7 access to top content. For a small fee, you can watch live broadcasts, full TV series, select movies, and more. It’s no wonder that so many are ditching their cable providers in favor of online streaming.

With Netflix, AppleTV, and more as part of your home entertainment system, you can watch top movies and TV at any time. For accessories to complete your viewing experience, shop 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?

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.