TV-B-Gone says goodbye to your TV, like it or not

It does nothing but turn TVs off. Seriously, that's all it does, is just universally, completely, truly attempt to shut down just about every TV around (and it's rarely unsuccessful). We've had nightmares about this sort of thing, but we imagine a significant other armed with one of these might be what we'd need to finally kick our bad Ali G habit. And while we imagine the TV-free are all having a blast irritating everyone else to no extent, maybe there's a lesson to be learned here. When we figure it out, we'll tell you. No doubt, respek.

[Via Wired News]

[TheZodiac @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Just ordered one, thanks Engadget :)

www.tvbgone.com

LMAO..... this device could start a TON of blogs based on pissing people off in public veiwing places :)

[Gordo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I've got to get me one of these. Just for the pleasure aspect.

[Michael @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

This would be fun to do in a bar during the red sock yankees game somewhere. A bar filled with TVs all off at the moment the pitch is thrown.

[Michael @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

This would be fun to do in a bar during the red sock yankees game somewhere. A bar filled with TVs all off at the moment the pitch is thrown.

[Roman R @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Just "turn off" is not possible, there is same IR code sequences for turning on and off the device.
So, click first time- turn off, click again- turn on. If it wasn't on, it will turn on. and as well as other devices with same IR commansd signature.
Chaos.

[bozinko @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

So how much fun would this be at Best Buy?

[MattFoleyJr @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

That's all I need is a bunch of idiots with these in bar. Somehow, I think these will be the next annoying thing, to replace laser pointers. "For only $14.95, you too can start bar-room brawls!" Wait a minute, only $14.95... well... ok, I'm going to buy one, too...

[Maikeru @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I did something like this as project for a class (though using a standard universal remote hidden in a bag). I know, I did a prank for a grade in a class. Oh and it was done in a campus sports bar with 5 different TVs during last spring's NBA playoffs (...and yes there were a lot of fans around since it was a Lakers game and a lot of people at this university are from the L.A. region). Oh and modern Sony TVs only have 2 remote control codes.

[jack @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Now we can leave Fox News dribble at the state it should be in:

Permanently Off.

[Trouble @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

First, Roman R, there usually is an IR code for just OFF, not just toggle power. Most TVs have them, it's just that they are not on the remotes.

Second, this would be great fun in a Circuit City, Best Buy, or Sears TV department. Unless they had a custom remote that did all the "on" signals, some poor employee would have to run around with each kind or remote turning them back on.

Fun fun!

[cafn8 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I recently had a similar idea which never really made it past the idea stage. Wouldn't it be great to have an array of IR transmitters mounted around the perimeter of your car that do the same thing for car stereos with IR remotes? That way, if somebody nearby at a stoplight has their music up really loud you might be able to turn it off. I know, not likely or practical, but I can dream.

[bozinko @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Can one of those KMart special $19.95 remotes do a mass shut down?

I doubt the sales guy would run around with all the remotes. Most TVs have a power sw on the front. But wouldn't it be fun to ride the escalator until he got them all back on?

[Henry @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

The website is no longer online. thanks guys.

[Henry @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

The website is no longer online. thanks guys.

[MountainAsh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I can see a lot pubs investing in a roll of opaque Electrical tape to cover the IR reciever thus foiling all you jokers.

[Simon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

the guy over at gizmodo got really bent out of shape about this. really funny. makes me want one even more now.

[unithraxer @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I wonder if this could be used on Security cameras?

[J @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Yeah, that guy over at Gizmodo made like it was for turning off people's kidney machines or something... jesus, it sounds like he needs to back away from his television and go outside a bit more. No wonder he didn't allow for comments on his post.

This thing will be great for places where a TV is just blaring away and people can't hear each other speak. There's a bus stop in downtown Bangkok with a TV on a tower that just drowns out everything. Be nice to turn it off. ...wonder if the Time Square's JumboTron has an remote sensor... :)

[Jean Lotus @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Mitch sent me some to give to reporters in Chicago, but before I can even get them out the door, the story is already showing up. It's in the Sun Times today!

My 9 year old son had a blast turning off a GIANT MEGASCREEN yesterday in a store in Wicker Park.

Jean Lotus
www.whitedot.org

[HuronBob @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I ordered one of these yesterday, it said shipping was three days (but I really think this guy was slammed and probably can't meet demand).. I would love to hear from someone who has actually received one..

[thewaz @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

ya i read that angsty article. i need one, theres gotta be someone else selling them..

this thing is gonna be fun!

[thewaz @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

1 on ebay for THIRTY BUX??!!

[RUDEF2 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

If you get an RCA Universal and do the code search procedure. The first thing it does it turn the tv off to let you know you got the right set of codes.

I like this product though. There seems to be quite a few denial-of-service hardware products on the market now. Cell-Phone & Cordless phone jammers, RF Code Scanners for keyless entry, Electro magnetic pulse devices, and now portable device with rapid infrared tv disabling abilites.

[sparkicks @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

hey im 13 and this is the sort of thing i have been dreaming about but this is got me puzzled in the argus catalouge there is a watch that can turn on and off tvs and can change the channel wouldnt that be the same sorta thing (it has a learn function) but i still want to try one of these out when will the site be online does anyone know i bet it will be overflowing with buyers =p

[RG @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

All you have to do is put a piece of tape over the IR receiver on the TV. I am sure bars and other restaurants will think of this quite soon, especially if they have only a few TVs at arms length so they can change the channel if needed. They rarely change the channel so the manual work is minimal when they do, click the ol button. So the only thing this inventor has done is push us backwards to manual TV channel changing in order to protect our TV from being changed. NICE JOB!

[RG @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

All you have to do is put a piece of tape over the IR receiver on the TV. I am sure bars and other restaurants will think of this quite soon, especially if they have only a few TVs at arms length so they can change the channel if needed. They rarely change the channel so the manual work is minimal when they do, click the ol button. So the only thing this inventor has done is push us backwards to manual TV channel changing in order to protect our TV from being changed. NICE JOB!

[Ken @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Our local Resturant/Diner owner saw this story and he found a 100% effective way to foil the TV-B-Gone. Just put a 2" piece of black electrical tape on the TV set right over and covering the IR Sensor on the same. The sensor is usually located right next to the power switch button and can easily be found by shining a flashlight on the plastic panel. End of TV-B-Gone. :)

[thewaz @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

"Our local Resturant/Diner owner saw this story and he found a 100% effective way to foil the TV-B-Gone. Just put a 2" piece of black electrical tape on the TV set right over and covering the IR Sensor" oh great, because its so much fun to go out to eat and have to watch the tv.

this invention rules. where the hell can ui buy one if the site is down?

[RG @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I think the problem wont be with the restaurants as much as people who just think this thing is a joy to use at stores that sell electronics (Best Buy)or sports bars when that crucial play is about to occur.

Why will it sell? Because there will be 100,000 idiots out there that get their jollys from turning off TVs that people are watching to see them react and feel special for doing it. I cant wait to watch this one just for the entertainement value :-)

Then the black tape brigade will come it and TV will again be a manual endeavor or TV manufacturers will spend thousands of $$ (which they will pass the cost on to us) to make rolling codes with a matching remote that will break and make your TV manual AGAIN or some other high tech device that will make this toy useless but make our TVs more expensive...hee hee

That along with 100,000 people owning what will then be a useless toy and one very wealthy inventor giggling in his living room over it all :-)

[swede @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

The other day I was waiting 40 minutes for a connecting flight. The airport had big flat screen tvs mounted overhead playing the news but there was a loop with commercials. After the same blaring commercial for the 12th time I was begging for a way to turn them down/off.

[Disgusted @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

People that think this is a "great" or "fun" device suffer from the same mental defects as arsonists and other sickos who like imposing their will on other people but are afraid to get caught. Pussies. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. I could walk up and rip a page out of the book you were reading, but I won't, because I'm not a jerk. But if I did...bet you wouldn't be giggling then. Fools.

[Leo_J_Rednes @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I can't wait to get mine, but lets have some sympathy for the TV addicts. They don't know TV is a drug, bending their minds so they buy needless junk and phoney presidents.
Let's help them slowly, by letting them see the last inning or Frasier's punch-line. Lets only
tunr off TVs while commercials are playing ...

[Leo_J_Rednes @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I can't wait to get mine, but lets have some sympathy for the TV addicts. They don't know TV is a drug, bending their minds so they buy needless junk and phoney presidents.
Let's help them slowly, by letting them see the last inning or Frasier's punch-line. Lets only
tunr off TVs while commercials are playing ...

[I_Wish_I_thought of That @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I love the idea of turning off loud car stereos. Only I would turn them up, up, up.
Imagine little Hondas with their headlights dimming in the rhythm of the music. Imagine cracking windows. Ah, the possibilities...
Only trouble with technology like this is the inventor has to deal with some abuse from the TV-loving masses.

Of course, turning the TV's up at the local Best Buy would cause most folk to walk away from the wall of TVs.

[Lars @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Wish I had inventd it... I'd give it away to anyone who wanted one!

[Lars @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Wish I had inventd it... I'd give it away to anyone who wanted one!

[Froggotheman @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I would SOOOOOOO love to have a device like this for cellphones.

[Richard @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Anyone see that movie Ghostdog? http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0165798/ he had a gizmo that scrolled through the range to open up cars....this must be the next big thing?...oh and does anyone actually own one of these yet?..the site still aren't shipping yet?...the credit card ones on ebay look fake to me..breech of copyright and the sellers have no history so beware!!..oh yeah Sparkicks..the remote on ya watch is a learn only device for one unique remote...no fun!

[Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I ordered one of these after I saw the first article last month, I was one of the first 400 to order and it was still back-ordered on me because the demand for this thing was just way more than what they had anticipated. It came after about a 2 week wait and well, it does everything they claim.
I won't even bother listing all the different ways you can piss people off, I will however list my 2 complaints about the device:
1: The range, it only works from about 20 feet or less, decrease this amount if it's not pointed directly at the TV.
2: The refresh cycle, Once you press the button, it's a good 60+ seconds before you can press it again because it sits there and cycles through every code and won't start again from the beginning until it finishes.

[kinski @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Tv-b-gone
Is it really an useful idea? After turning off few TV�s which sometimes takes up to 65 seconds, how would you use this product again? Similar mini TV remotes (tv-b-off.com) had been on the market since a longer time, not only you can turn it off but you can use it to control you TV or cable box. It has like a regular remote the turn on and off function, channel changing and volume control. Even when you get bored of having the power to turn off someone�s tv. You will have an regular mini remote control which you can always use while you on travel or in hotels.

Evaluate before you buy.
www.tv-b-off.com

[kinski @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Tv-b-gone
Is it really an useful idea? After turning off few TV�s which sometimes takes up to 65 seconds, how would you use this product again? Similar mini TV remotes (tv-b-off.com) had been on the market since a longer time, not only you can turn it off but you can use it to control you TV or cable box. It has like a regular remote the turn on and off function, channel changing and volume control. Even when you get bored of having the power to turn off someone�s tv. You will have an regular mini remote control which you can always use while you on travel or in hotels.

Evaluate before you buy.
www.tv-b-off.com