Remote Control Overload
For a while now, I have been thinking to myself about how many remote controls are in my house and how absurd it is that we have so many. So last night I found an empty bin and walked around the house to collect every remote I could find (minus the Comcast remote, which I could not pry from my wife’s hand as she was in the middle of American Idol – I Photoshoped that one in) and took a few photos.
I figure we’re an average family, 3 TVs, 2 DVD players, a surround sound system and other typical electronic gear. I can’t help but thinking that this many remotes is outrageous for just us. We’ve tried to consolidate the remotes by programming the DVD player and TV into the Comcast DVR box remote, the there is limited functionality and vital controls like volume and power don’t behave like they should. For example, turning up the volume on the TV with the Comcast remote only moves one notch at a time, if you hold it down it doesn’t continue to go up (like it does on the TV remote). Small things like this require that we have all 3 remotes in the family room.
The photo shows 17 remotes, 3 of these are no longer used but I added them for effect.
I’m not sure there is any really great solution to this problem other than paying for a high-priced universal remote, but I’ve heard bad things about those too. I also would be weary about spending over $100 on a remote when I have two young boys that love to push buttons and take things apart. And throw things…
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7 Comments, Comment or Ping
gb
I was thinking about that the other day… I had 5 remotes to control items all in a 12×15 room. Granted, my TV remote can also control my DVD player by default (both are from the same manufacturer) but as you mentioned, you lose some functionality.
At least I’ve cleaned up some garbage: I took that Comcast remote (and it’s buddy, the ass-tastic HD DVR) back to the Comcast offices on monday. I also chopped $70+ off of my monthly bill (gotta keep the internet, though).
Feb 21st, 2007
pat munns
I got one of those $250 Logitech Harmony remotes a year ago, and I feel it barely became worth it 4 months later once I grew skilled enough to exploit all the little tricks and loopholes in the prorgamming interface.
Feb 23rd, 2007
Paul
Those Logitech Harmony remotes look awesome, especially the 880, which I assume you have if you paid $250. I’d definily want to try one out before I was going to lay down that kinda cash for a remote.
Feb 23rd, 2007
Chas
Wow man that’s a lot of remotes. Pretty dang impressive I must admit. I dont even come close to that but Kaden’s broken 2 of our directv remotes and 2 VCR remotes. Fun stuff.
Mar 7th, 2007
Andrew
Second from top-right. I haven’t seen that remote in years…trip down memory lane…that thing is old school!
Mar 7th, 2007
James
I will bet you I have you beat. i will have to find all my old remote’s. I don’t think that i have ever thrown one away. I will let you know if I can beat 17. But we do have 2 recievers, 3 tv’s, two DVD players, a surround sound system, VCR, Soundblaster X-Fi Platinum. . . those are just off the top of my head. . .
Mar 9th, 2007
Jennifer
It is funny. I only have 3 remotes, but all 3 of them are in your picture.
Mar 25th, 2007