Universal silence control
p2pnet.net OT News Feature:- A functioning tv is like second-hand smoke. Why should you be exposed to it just because someone else is addicted to it?
Excellent question, and it’s one that’s started Mitch Altman on a new, interesting and potentially highly profitable path.
You’re trying to enjoy a peaceful beer in the local with the TV blaring some mind-destroying quiz show at full whack.
You surreptitiously click Altman’s TV-B-Gone and Lo! – INSTANT SILENCE!
“Electronics is a very powerful tool,” Altman writes in his web page.
“But it is actually only a model. It is based on Electrons. According to quantum mechanics, electrons only have some probability of existing. In other words, no one really knows what this stuff is about. Yet, throughout the last several decades people on our planet have used this model to actually create things that have drastically affected the world we live in – anything from nuclear weapons control systems to the ability to listen to ecstatically beautiful music anywhere, anytime, at the push of a button. We here at Cornfield Electronics, Inc. have noticed, however, that rarely is technology actually used for anything useful. We here at Cornfield Electronics, Inc. want to change that. Our mission: use technology for something useful!”
And TV-B-Gone is not only Cornfield’s first product, it’s, “one of the first truly useful uses of technology,” he says.
“We hope you will enjoy it, as well as the vast amount of energy that it opens up in your life.”
The TV-B-Gone FAQ is a valuable resource, quoted below in its entirety.
Now read on >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Q. What do you mean by “addicted”?
A. “Addicted” means habitually engaging in a behavior without conscious control.
Q. What about good programs?
A. Sure, there are programs on tv that may be OK. So, go ahead and watch it, if you so choose. But when the good show is over, can you turn off the tv? Or do you feel a strong urge to just see what’s on another channel? Think about it! Turning a tv off is a choice!
Q. Will TV-B-Gone universal remote control turn off any tv?
A. We have taken great pains to make sure that TV-B-Gone universal remote control can turn off as many tv’s as possible. There may be some tv’s that TV-B-Gone universal remote control will not work with, but TV-B-Gone universal remote control should be able to turn off virtually any remotely controlled tv in North America, Europe and Asia.
Q. Can TV-B-Gone universal remote control hurt my tv?
A. TV-B-Gone universal remote control is just a remote control. It works on the same principle as your tv’s remote control. It can not hurt your tv, or anyone else’s tv.
Q. Is TV-B-Gone universal remote control harmful to people or other animals?
A. TV-B-Gone universal remote control is just a remote control. It works on the same principle as your tv’s remote control. It is as safe as any tv remote control. In fact, not only is TV-B-Gone universal remote control safe, but it may be necessary for your healthy existence in our modern world.
Q. What about children?
A. Children should be encouraged to watch tv as little as possible. TV-B-Gone universal remote control may be a useful tool to turn off tv’s in an enjoyable way. Of course, TV-B-Gone universal remote control should not be used by children who may chew on or choke on small plastic items.
Q. Do you really think life is better with less tv in your life?
A. YES! Many people’s lives are changed instantly when they turn their tv off. Just a few of the benefits people may experience are: an increased sense of well being, less anxiety, more time for productive activity, and satisfying social interactions.
Q. What is the ettiquette of turning off a tv in a public place?
A. TV-B-Gone universal remote control is capable of turning off virtually any remotely controlled tv. Since a tv that is powered on fills the room with its sights and sounds, impinging on everyone in the room, it is similar to a smoker who fills a room with smoke. Some people may like breathing in someone else’s smoke, but that’s not for everyone. Similarly, not everyone wants to be disturbed with someone else’s media. If someone were smoking a cigar in a public place and you were disturbed by it, you would probably either leave, or you would ask them if they would mind putting it out. Similarly, if someone is filling your space with disturbing sights and sounds of a tv, you have the same choices. With TV-B-Gone universal remote control, you also have the power to turn the tv off with others’ approval.
Q. How long will it take for TV-B-Gone universal remote control to turn off my tv?
A. Most tv’s will turn off within a few seconds. But it may take up to 69 seconds for TV-B-Gone universal remote control to reach the POWER code for your tv in its extensive database.
Q. What do you mean when you say that TV-B-Gone is a personal safety device?
A. The sounds and images from tv that we are constantly bombarded with everywhere we go have a powerful effect on us. Through repetition, the many messages about ourselves and the world we live in from this potent medium seep into our psyches. We may be safer if we have the ability to shield ourselves from these particular messages, allowing us to more easily create our own messages and ideas.
Q. Will my TV-B-Gone universal remote control turn off my tv if it is playing a video instead of a tv show?
A. Yes! Your TV-B-Gone universal remote control does not care what is playing on your tv — it simply turns it off.
Q. Why are there 2 models of TV-B-Gone universal remote control?
A. Since manufacturers of televisions often use different POWER codes for their North American, Asian and their European models, we offer 2 models of TV-B-Gone universal remote controls:
- a North American & Asian model
- a European model
As their names imply, the North American & Asian model can be used to turn off virtually any television in US, Canada, Mexico and Asian countries, and the European model can be used to turn off virtually any model of tv in Europe.
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See:-
addicted – TV-B-Gone
October 20th, 2004 at 7:59 pm
“..rarely is technology actually used for anything useful”
Does this “turn off only” remote builds or creates anything?
Then it is not effectively useful because it cannot provide anything new.
All it does is send normal infra-red codes to normally cause the tv to turn off.
Lame.
Might as well buy universal remotes that allow you to do more.
Like, say, change the channels, mute the audio, unmute, turn it on, etc.
If you really want to be protected from “…sounds and images from tv
that we are constantly bombarded with everywhere we go…”
you should not rely on gismos that allegedly want what’s good for you
while providing very little functionality at a ridiculously high price like $14.99.
You can get much more functional universal remotes at that price.
And if you do not want to watch TV then don’t.
It’s that simple.
Throw it out or unplug it and put it in the corner.
Choose public places without TVs.
THAT is a choice.
Who really listens to people peddling their dubious wares on TV anyway?
Why should we listen to them on the web?
Would that not be a form of addiction?
;-p
October 22nd, 2004 at 6:49 pm
May be humorous to think about but this is a fight starter if I ever saw one!
October 27th, 2004 at 5:30 pm
This could be more fun than a barrel of monkeys.
October 30th, 2004 at 2:50 am
This TV-BE-Gone device is exceedingly useful. It empowers people to take control of what they are otherwise forced to see and hear. Example: I was sitting in a deli one day, eating dinner. There was a television blaring overhead. At the program break, they started showing commercials. One of the commercials was for the television show “Fear Factor,” which was showing people ingesting then vomiting out disgusting things. How do you suppose my dinner went after viewing and hearing the urping sounds of such an atrocity? Not too well. It was an affront to any civilized person’s sensibilities.
I also don’t like to view the gory “news” when I eat out. I want to relax and enjoy the companionship of those around me, not hear about a little girl being hit by a Hummer and dragged for 50 feet before the driver speeds off laughing maniacally. These things happen all over, but when I come to a restaurant, I come to eat – not to be deluged with the sturm and drang of the day.
I believe in freedom. Part of that is freedom of silence, the freedom to be anonymous, and the freedom to shield my ears and eyes from verbal and visual garbage. Why, this is the most useful device to come along in a long time. I am buying one. And, I don’t intend to ask permission to use it. If something pops up on a television that is, in my opinion, detrimental to me or others (particularly young ones) around me, I am going to shut off the program before the psychic damage is done. Power to the people!!! Damn the machines!!!
– Richard S. Engle –
P.S. I am not an anonymous coward, I just don’t have a login. My name is above.
November 12th, 2004 at 12:13 am
what other products do you have? read about your gizmo in the Bakersfield paper. i need help, not financial, to perfect an idea I have. Sales will be in untouched market. DO NOT WANT MONEY!
you apparenyly have the ability to perfect it. If interested, contact me. flxijoe@sisna.com
November 30th, 2004 at 4:56 pm
would your tv b gone operate through a wall also who do i make cash out to and address ime interested in the european model.thanks.bob. email address.zirkon3@hotmail.com