O/T: Gotta Love It TV-B-Gone and similar devices

[Lew Hodgett]

Found an off the wall TV program that showed various projects built from discards headed to the dump.

One was the universal "Off", TV remote.

Starting with an old TV remote, stripped out everything but the "Off" switch then re-programmed the remote to issue a continuous string "Off" commands for every TV made.

Next, hide the unit in a hat so that you could walk down the street wearing the hat and push the "Off" button turning off any TV with in about 50 ft.

Impressive use of technology by someone with a lot of spare time or a diabolical sense of humor.

Lew

[Doug Miller]

It's been done:

Bought one of these a couple years ago. It's loads of fun.

[salty]

No one is able to use a cell phone near me in restaurants and other places where it would be inappropriate.

[Limey Lurker]

I would very much like to know how you achieve this. Would it work between vehicles; could I use it to prevent the driver of a passing car using his cell phone.(using a cell phone, whilst driving, is illegal in the UK)

[Morris Dovey]

That depends - how loud can you sing?

[krw]

Or how many years you want to bunk with Bubba.

[EXT]

Something does not make sense. A TV remote needs to send an Infra-Red code to turn the TV off, this will not work through a hat, and the remote needs to be aimed at the TV for it to receive the IR beam. Secondly most cheap TVs do not have discrete off codes, it is the same code that turns the TV on -- it works as a toggle -- so if the TV is off it will turn it on, if it is on it will turn it off.

[upscale]

On Sat, 26 Dec 2009 11:37:39 -0800, "Lew Hodgett"

I've done the same thing before, but my preferred target is a bar when the Leaf's are playing and I get to watch everybody freak out. It's truly amazing to see the fans support such an inept hockey team when they've given so little back all these past years.

[Lew Hodgett]

-------------------------------------------- I'm just the messenger, not the designer/builder.

BTW, there seems to be a commercially available unit which was posted in a previous response.

Lew

[Larry Jaques]

On Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:07:18 -0500, the infamous "EXT" scrawled the following:

All of the new DVRs use an RF signal, so this is more plausible than you think.

-- "I believe that sex is one of the most beautiful, natural, wholesome things that money can buy." --Tom Clancy

[Neil Brooks]

Jammers are available.

In fact, for the States, the UK is our primary source.

But ... think about it: if you think the cell-phone-using driver is distracted while they're mindlessly chatting away, then just imagine their reaction when their call suddenly drops.

I think you make a horrid situation worse.

Movies? Restaurants? Elevators? For environments like that, I'd LOVE to have one ;-)

[Leon]

In fact, for the States, the UK is our primary source.

But ... think about it: if you think the cell-phone-using driver is distracted while they're mindlessly chatting away, then just imagine their reaction when their call suddenly drops.

I think you make a horrid situation worse.

I am thinking the person using the jammer will be as big of a problem as the cell phone user. On the road he is certainly going to be watching the cell phone user to see if his jammer is working.

[Swingman]

Plus, if he uses it around me and I catch him, he's going to need a jammerectomy from the vicinity of his anal area.

[Lew Hodgett]

Naw, use the f*ck'em approach.

Turn the jammer on the minute you start the car.

Jam everything around you and let God sort'em out.

Lew

[CW]

Jammers are available.

In fact, for the States, the UK is our primary source.

But ... think about it: if you think the cell-phone-using driver is distracted while they're mindlessly chatting away, then just imagine their reaction when their call suddenly drops.

I think you make a horrid situation worse.

Movies? Restaurants? Elevators? For environments like that, I'd LOVE to have one ;-)

The operation of a jamming device in the US can get you a $20000 fine and five years in jail. The operation of such a device in the UK can put you in violation of two laws. One carrying a maximum fine of 5000, the other a maximum of two years in jail and an unlimited fine. In the US, many things are available for purchase but are not legal to use. In the UK, devices that are illegal to use are generally illegal to manufacture or purchase.

[EXT]

Some do, some don't. At the present time they all accept an IR signal as RF signals cannot be learned by Universal Remotes. Most better Universal Remotes can send RF signals to a Black Box next to the equipment which then in turn forwards an IR signal directly to each piece of equipment's IR receiver.

[Neil Brooks]

LOL!

Thanks to Swingman, for reminding me/us of the ubiquity of irrationally violent people :-) Somebody interrupts your cell phone call -- scientifically, the equivalent of a DUI -- and you're going to do physical harm to them.

Lovely.

[Doug Winterburn]

The DirecTV DVR remote is programmable to use either RF or IR to the DVR. It is also programmable in IR for your TV, DVD, HT audio, etc. It's a fairly decent universal remote.

[Swingman]

Just keep firmly on mind that your self-appointed vigilantism extends no further than the end of your nose ...

Now, just what is it that you contribute to this forum besides warm, fuzzy bullshit like the above?

[Lee Michaels]

"Neil Brooks" wrote

Thanks to Swingman, for reminding me/us of the ubiquity of irrationally violent people :-) Somebody interrupts your cell phone call -- scientifically, the equivalent of a DUI -- and you're going to do physical harm to them. ===========================

In a world where road rage exists, it is not a good idea to engage in any kind of activity that could set somebody off. It is unbelievable to me all these stories where some minor slight, comment or gesture quickly esculates to serious injury or a death. I make a counscious effort to be as courteous as possible out there in the world.

It is like my old martial arts instructor said. You never pick a fight with anybody because you have no idea how skilled they are. In other words, they could kick your ass. So you behave yourself.