The Samsung Class LED 8000 Series Reviewed

The Samsung Class LED 8000 series is a LED LCD TV with a high price tag and a lot to offer. The series is offered in multiple sizes, from 46 inches all the way to 75 inches. The picture quality on this TV is rated excellent compared to similar models, and it comes equipped with a unique TV remote.

The colors are deep and very accurate. This is especially true for the blacks, something which many TVs fall short on. It is a 3D model, coming with the 3D setup and 4 pairs of glasses. It also offers voice and motion command, something that many TVs cannot top.

The design is extremely minimalistic and ultrathin. The frame is almost hairline, making it look like a huge screen. It is truly one of the nicest looking TVs on the market in its price point. The TV does not swivel on its curved stand, but the stand itself is practically a masterpiece.

The optional Samsung smart remote is tiny, close to the size of an iPhone. It only has a few buttons located above and below the silver pad. The pad is a touchpad that works extremely well using Bluetooth technology. The responsiveness is so good that you will rarely find yourself missing the different menus.

The remote that is provided with the Samsung TV is a standard remote with many buttons. The model of the Class LED 8000 series remote is AA59-00784C.

The remotes are as follows:
UN46ES8000FXZA – Standard remote AA59-00637A & Smart remote AA59-00626A
UN60ES8000FXZA – Standard remote AA59-00637A & Smart remote AA59-00626A
UN55ES8000FXZA – Standard remote AA59-00637A & Smart remote AA59-00626A
UN65ES8000FXZA – Standard remote AA59-00637A & Smart remote AA59-00626A

UN55F8000BFXZA – Standard remote AA59-00784C & Smart Remote AA59-00758A
UN60F8000BFXZA – Standard remote AA59-00784C & Smart Remote AA59-00758A
UN46F8000BFXZA – Standard remote AA59-00784C & Smart Remote AA59-00758A

In many circles, Samsung is known for top quality TVs, but many reviewers do not feel the same way. Many prior series offered subpar picture quality for the price. In the past, the main issue for reviewers was the picture quality. However, this model offers one of the best pictures in a non-4K TV, but you will pay for it.

The Panasonic Class ST60 Series Reviewed

The Panasonic  Class ST60 series is a mid-level plasma TV equipped with a better-than-average TV remote control. It is one of the last plasma models that Panasonic released prior to the announcement that they would not be manufacturing any more of this type of TV. Many people feel that purchasing a plasma TV is not a good investment, but technology has come a long way from the plasmas of the past. Burn-in is rarely an issue for most plasma TVs.

The picture is really good, especially for watching TV or a good movie. However, gaming on this television is not recommended. It does have some input lag, but, if you are not a gamer, this simply does not apply. It is the least expensive of the Panasonic TVs to boast picture quality this good.

This series of TVs comes in 50 (TC-P50ST60), 55 (TC-P55ST60), 60 (TC-P60ST60), and 65 (TC-P65ST60) inch models. The external appearance of the TV was given careful attention by Panasonic. They called the design “glass and metal,” which is quite fitting. The chrome edging and black, glossy frame give it a minimalistic approach. The external features rival that of a high end LCD/LED style TV.

The Panasonic N2QAYB000837 remote control shipped with the Class ST60 series has a logical layout, and the buttons are clear and easy to read. The labeling on the remote allows you to effortlessly control the TV without searching for buttons. It even has a dedicated Netflix button for use with its Smart TV suite.

All in all, this is a solid TV. Panasonic is known for quality, even at a time when the company is perceived to be having problems.

How the Blumoo App Turns Phones into Remotes

How the Blumoo App Turns Phones into Remotes

Unlike most universal remotes, the Blumoo is supposed to function just as if it was the original remote. This is great in the world of dime-a-dozen remote controls. Blumoo is technically not even a remote, but more a Bluetooth dongle.

This means that it needs a smart phone to operate. Once you download the app to your Android or iOS device, you can start using it. Once the dongle is plugged in, the fun happens. The device data is downloaded to the phone over the cellular network or Wi-Fi. Then the infrared signals are sent via the dongle.

According the manufacturer, Flyover Innovations, the device can summon any and all specific controls from almost any device on the market. You can open several windows on the app, allowing you to use several different control functions at once. From its performance at CES, this device is pretty impressive.

The Blumoo also allows you to pull up channel guides from your cable provider. Just enter your zip code and the provider’s name into the app for access to the channel guide. With it, you can look up specific programming and watch it with a click of the “Watch Now” button within the app.

The best feature is saved for last. The dongle includes a 3.5mm audio output jack. This means that you can plug it into your home theater system and stream the music from your phone, iPhone, iPod or other device to your stereo. Devices like this one are going to revolutionize the way universal remotes work.

Cell Phones and Remotes — Who Knew?

It is no surprise that smart phones offer more abilities each year beyond just being a phone. Each year more and more apps come out that push the boundaries between being a phone and being something more. Recently, apps have been released that offer the ability to turn a cell phone into a TV remote control. This phone universal remote is similar to the ones purchased in store, but they are also different in some ways.

The newer Galaxy S4 phones from Samsung offer this ability. They have an app called WatchON that allows the phone to be used as a universal remote. According to Peel Technologies, the app maker, this app works on all televisions. The app comes preinstalled, so all you have to do is set it up. The app programs itself using your TV’s brand and your cable company information, and by using infrared.

This is really no different than purchasing a universal remote from the local electronics store. However, it will not offer the same usability as the manufacturer remote, or offer what the more advanced universal remotes can. All in all, this is a basic remote that you can use when in a pinch.

Though the above example is only available on the Galaxy S4 phones, there are other apps that are available for most other brands of smart phones. These apps work similarly to the WatchON app. They are usually touch screen and have a limited amount of buttons for use. For a better option, a universal remote will offer much more programmability that a cell phone just cannot match at the moment.

How Do Codes Work on a Universal Remote?

Universal remotes have been commonplace ever since their introduction in 1985. They allow the control of a television or other media when the original remote is not available. There are many different kinds of universal remotes available today, with very high tech remotes available that can control a whole house.

A majority of the older universal remotes require codes to work on the TV and other devices. These remote control codes are listed by brand in the literature included with the remote and online. The codes have to be typed in on the number pad, resulting in multiple codes being tried at times before the correct one is found. This can be tedious.

Many of the newer universal remotes offer a solution to this problem. They will have multiple codes for different brands already programmed in. To use these remotes, a sequence of buttons would be pressed on the keypad. This would cause the remote to search for the right code. If the code cannot be found, there is a chance that a manual code would need to be used.

The high end universal remotes do not use the codes at all. Most of these can clone the controls of an existing remote by scanning it. This is highly effective and very quick to do. If the original remote was lost, the universal remote can be programmed online. This makes setting up the remotes very easy to do. They also offer the most features copied over from the original remote that came with the device.

Hospitality Remotes: Why Choose One?

Hospitality Remotes: Why Choose One?

Televisions in hotel rooms and hospital rooms are commonplace, as are their corresponding remote controls. Consumers use these remotes often during their stay. However, it is also common for these remotes to come up missing or damaged. Companies have several options when this happens, but the easiest solution is to have extra hospitality remotes on hand.

These hospitality remotes are simply universal remotes. They are the no-frills type of remote, and they are very basic in appearances and features. Company logos and custom colors are available on the remotes to represent the company brand. Codes are already programmed into these remotes for many different brands of TV, making setup a breeze. Usually, just pressing a short sequence of numbers will have the remote working fast.

This type of universal remote can be purchased in a clean variety. This means that they are hygienic, making them hospital safe. They will reduce nosocomial infections by at least 99{8c8ae2a71b30a2d8c6f534038a85ab39be2a915945a2526b1de25039d71b9e11}. This is important to protect patients from harmful infections and cross-contamination. The buttons on these remotes do not offer crevasses for germs to get into, also keeping them from being damaged from liquids. Cleaning is easy, too, with just a swipe or two of a cleaning wipe or washcloth.

Companies can order these remotes in bulk. This makes keeping extra remotes on hand very easy. Many universal remote companies sell remotes designated for the hospitality industry. These benefits make it clear why those in the industry would prefer these remotes over the traditional universal remote control. Plus, with these remotes, the original remote control is not needed.

Why Choose a Universal Remote Over a Factory Replacement?

Why Choose a Universal Remote Over a Factory Replacement?

If you are considering a universal remote to replace a factory remote, you have two options. You can order a new factory remote, if available, or you could buy a universal remote. Neither of these choices is wrong. What kind of remote you choose comes down to personal preference.

The factory replacement remote will work all of the features of the device for which you purchased it. However, so will the universal remote. The difference is the number of devices for which each remote can be used. The universal remote will be able to control at least three or four devices, with higher-end remotes being able to do much more.

If you want more features, or a remote that will reduce in number how many remotes upon which you now rely, the universal remote is the best choice. You have the option of a no-frills, multi-brand remote, or a learning remote. With the multi-brand remote, you may not be able to use all the features of your programmed devices. This could lead to problems, later, when you try to use the features. That is why the learning remote is the overall best choice, because of its ability to copy all features from the original remote.

If you have to choose between a universal remote and a factory remote, the universal remote really has more to offer. It can control all of your devices and use all of the advanced features of each one. Then you can finally reduce remote clutter on your table and still operate your devices with ease.

How to Choose the Best Universal Remote

At one point in time, purchasing a universal remote meant that you lost the remote that came with your TV. Many average folks didn’t have other kinds of fancy equipment hooked to their TV. Boy, how times have changed! The average household has at least three different devices hooked to a TV at all times. This means that, including the TV remote, you have 4 remotes hogging space on your couch or coffee table.

The universal remote will solve all of your space issues. With it, you will have one remote that will control everything in your entertainment center. You may already have one of these and not know it. Many cable companies offer multi-brand remotes with their cable boxes. At best, you will have basic control over your devices. However, they do not offer full control over all types of equipment. This means that you still will need to retain those other remotes close at hand for when you need them.

A learning remote is the type of universal remote that you will need to have full control over your TV, Blu-ray player, sound system, and anything else you have hooked up. They can clone any function of the old remote, and this is what makes them the best type of remote. Many types of remotes like this also have special features.

Learning remote special features:

  • Rechargeable batteries
  • PC programming for easy setup
  • Macros
  • Flash memory
  • LCD screens
  • Touch screens

Purchasing a universal remote is worthwhile. The learning type will allow you to fully use all features that only the factory remotes allowed. This means that you can put away the factory remotes for good.

Extend the Life of Your Remote

When your television remote fails, buying a replacement is easy enough. There are numerous websites available that may be able to replace your remote. There are also plenty of universal remotes available at both online and physical stores – and the prices are normally quite affordable. However, who wants to deal with the hassle of having a broken remote? Here are some tips that can help you extend the life of your remote, so you can avoid having to buy a replacement any time soon.

  • Keep your remote away from potential spills. Avoid placing drinks near the remote. Liquid damage is the fastest way to ruin a remote control. If you have small children who are prone to spills, try to use cups with lids to protect your remote, as well as your other electronic devices.
  • Avoid smacking your remote when it fails to respond to the push of a button. The batteries may be dying, and hitting the remote against your hand may give them a jolt – but you also run the risk of damaging the delicate components of the remote. Instead, take the time to replace the batteries.
  • Remember to use fresh, new batteries when needed. You may be tempted to install used batteries from another device – don’t do this. Fresh batteries will provide the right amount of power needed to use your remote. With older batteries, there is always a risk of damage from leakage. 

Keeping these tips in mind will help you ensure that your remote has a long and healthy life in your home. When you do need a replacement, contact us, and we will hook you up with a factory-direct replacement at an affordable price.

Take Time to Understand a New TV and Remote

Take Time to Understand a New TV and Remote

There are new models of televisions hitting the market every day. With these new TVs come new remotes. As technology improves, you can expect your TV remote to keep up with the times and become a bit more complicated. The more features that your TV has, the more buttons there are going to be on your remote. That is why it is important to take some time and get to know your new TV and remote when you buy it.

  • Read the instruction manual. Here, you will find the answers to many of your questions, which can save you from having to contact customer support. Pay special attention the pages that explain how to use the remote.
  • After reading the manual and gaining a thorough understanding of your new TV and its remote, take some time to examine your remote. Learn where the main function keys are located, such as the power button and the buttons for changing channels and adjusting the volume.
  • Make sure your remote has new batteries installed before the first use. Then, turn on your TV and get started with some hands-on experience using the new remote. If you are not sure of how to access a function, refer to your user manual. 

Taking a little bit of extra time to learn about your new TV and remote can save you valuable time in the future. It will also help make your TV-viewing experience more enjoyable, because you will not be scratching your head trying to figure out which button accesses a particular function.