person watches TV at night in his bed

Is Watching TV in the Dark Bad?

ReplacementRemotes.com

If you’re like most people, chances are that watching TV is one of your top time-passing activities. According to California State University, the average American watches more than four hours of television each day. In our lifetimes, we’ll have spent nine years watching the tube!

However, there’s more to watching the TV than just turning it on and plopping on the couch. Getting the most out of watching requires the right environment, including darkness, no distractions, and nearby remotes.

However, did you ever consider if watching TV in the dark is bad for your eyes? There are risks to watching TV in the dark. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Potential Eye Strain

person watches TV at night in his bed

Watching television in the dark can cause higher levels of eye strain. This is mostly due to the contrast between the light from the bright TV with a pitch-black room. The contrast in light may cause discomfort and visual fatigue. Dark rooms and bright televisions can also contribute to sleepiness and difficulties focusing.

Also, the lighting emitted from the TV is always changing. The brightness changes with each scene or background that comes on, and from when the program shifts from a show to a commercial. This requires your eyes to constantly adjust to different lighting levels.

A study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lighting Research Center revealed participants experienced less eyestrain and visual fatigue after watching television against an illuminated wall. Visual discomfort, blink rates, and reaction time of brain waves to stimuli were used to assess participants’ responses.

Aside from eye strain, watching television in the dark makes it much harder to keep tabs on the remote controls. There’s nothing more stressful than misplacing the TV remote!

Other Health Effects

Watching TV at night can make it difficult to sleep, especially if it’s the only source of light. It can affect your circadian rhythm, which is, in part, controlled by bright light that’s interpreted by biological processes as sunlight. Blue light from televisions and smartphones can reduce or delay melatonin production. This is significant because the hormone is essential for getting a good night’s sleep.

Widely considered a form of light pollution, blue light has been linked to not only sleep disorders but also cancer, depression, diabetes, and other diseases and conditions.

The Good News

While watching television can strain the eyes and cause headaches, rarely is watching TV so bad for your eyes that it causes permanent damage. Dark rooms and bright screens also shouldn’t worsen any existing eyesight issues. If you’re wary about placing too much strain on your eyes, turn on a dim light within the room. This way, you’re not sitting in complete darkness, and the contrast in light isn’t as steep. When using a light while watching TV, be sure to position the light so that it doesn’t create a glare on the screen.

Other ways to lessen eyestrain include:

  • Lowering the TV’s brightness
  • Avoiding sitting too close to the screen
  • Taking breaks from looking at the screen

By using just a little bit of light, you not only lessen the strain on your eyes but also minimize the risk of misplacing your TV remote control. Without the remote, you can’t customize your TV-watching experience to meet your needs.

Need Remotes? We’ve Got You Covered

The convenience and importance of having a functional remote cannot be overstated. Whether you’re in the comfort of your own home or the owner of a hotel, having access to remotes to control the channel, volume, and input is a must. If you’re looking for new remotes or need to replace a missing one, we’re your go-to source for hospitality remotes. We can even help with remote control codes, including TV codes for a universal remote.

There’s more. At Replacement Remotes, we also offer the best deals on TV stands, sound bar systems, tuners, security cables, and more. Even search for the best deals on TV wall mounts for the most flexible installation possible!

Get the most out of your TV time! If you’re looking for a remote control, the best rotating TV wall mount, or the best prices on TV stands and other products, our team at Replacement Remotes can help. Contact us today at 1-855-573-6683!

Sources:

  1. http://www.csun.edu/science/health/docs/tv&health.html
  2. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060425015643.htm
remote control play button

The RCA DTR08 EasyMote: Love TV Again with This Large Button Remote Control for the Elderly

ReplacementRemotes.com

remote control play button

Does your remote have too many buttons? Complicated remotes can make watching TV a stressful experience, but, with RCA’s brand new EasyMote, you can replace them all. For anyone struggling with seeing or operating a standard remote, a large button remote control for the elderly like the EasyMote can drastically improve their quality of life.

Condensing the normally confusing array of remote functions into six large, backlit buttons, the benefits of the EasyMote are immediately apparent. The EasyMote also features a sleek design that ensures ultimate comfort during use and, thanks to the strong and reliable wrist strap, you never have to worry about losing or misplacing your EasyMote. When you need it, it’s there.

There’s also no need for complicated reprogramming with the EasyMote: Just install new batteries, and you’re all set. If you want to set your new remote up to work like your old one, just follow the simple step-by-step instructions to activate “learning mode.”

Ready to Order?

Are you ready to have complete control of your remote and your home entertainment experience? The EasyMote large button remote control for the elderly is available right now at ReplacementRemotes. Looking for another easy TV remote replacement? Just browse our vast selection of quality, affordable remotes and let us help.

We have hundreds of brands, from Alpine to Panasonic and Philips to Zenith. Every remote we sell—including the EasyMote—comes with a 60-day warranty, as well as a guaranteed return policy. With over 30 years in the business, customer service is our top priority. Discover why ReplacementRemotes is a top destination for remote controls, DVD players, and much more; call 1-855-5-REMOTE today.

 

 

What Is a Samsung One Connect Box?

ReplacementRemotes.com

samsung_bn9117814a

A Samsung One Connect Box is a type of “Jackpack” that makes it easier to connect all of your favorite devices to a compatible Samsung TV. The One Connect Box functions at a multi-media receiver, along with a built-in TV tuner. It is one of the hottest devices on the market right now because it helps to simply connect multiple devices to your Samsung TV.

There are several different models of the Samsung One Connect Box available, depending on the year and model of your Samsung TV. Common ports found on the box include:

  • IR Out
  • Audio Out
  • Antennae (Ant) In
  • Component and & AV In
  • HDMI In
  • LAN In
  • Digital Audio Out
  • EX-LINK
  • One Connect
  • USB In

Please keep in mind, based on the year and model of your TV, the One Connect Box can have different port configurations.

What Benefits Does a One Connect Box Provide?

One of the best benefits of the Samsung One Connect Box is it helps address issues with wire clutter. Imagine you want to hang your Samsung TV on the wall. Do you really want wires for your gaming system, Blu-ray player, surround sound system, and cable or satellite TV all hanging down the wall?

No, because it would be unsightly. With the One Connect Box, you plug all your devices into the box. Then, using the included HDMI One Connect Cable, you connect the box to your TV. Now you only have the One Connect Cable and the power cord running to the TV.

For assistance in finding the right Samsung One Connect Box compatible with your Samsung TV, please feel free to call Replacement Remotes at 1-855-573-6683 for further help and to order yours today!

red room with home cinema

Home Theater Trends: What’s New in 2019

ReplacementRemotes.com

2019 is shaping up as a wonderful year to be on the couch. The explosion of streaming services and blockbuster television and movies has made the complete home theater system experience more essential than ever before, and manufacturers are responding with exciting new tech and enhancements.

Here’s what we’re looking forward to this coming year—and what’s set to make your entertainment experience out of this world.

Apps

The world reached saturation point with smartphones a few years ago, but it’s taken the big manufacturers a little while to catch up. Everyone is connected, and we predict that this year is the year that new model theater devices will take full advantage of it.

Using your phone to control your system and tweak every aspect will no longer be a fiddly and time-consuming rarity—2019 will see a number of apps streamline the process and let you be in control.

red room with home cinema

Streaming

Streaming videos, sound, and movies from around the internet has also become commonplace—not just from Netflix and other well-known streaming services, but also from sites like YouTube, SoundCloud, and Popcorn Time. The best home theater systems and TVs of 2019 are set to integrate these features and make them seamless, allowing for far greater convenience and a better user experience.

Bigger Is Back

A lot of content we view these days is on the very small screen, making many viewers reluctant to commit to expensive and enormous home theater setups. Yet, with prices dropping and a resurgence of interest in an authentic home cinema experience, this is set to change once again. Projectors and massive screens are coming back, and we’re ready to watch our blockbusters the way Hollywood intended.

Home Theaters Like You Dreamed They Would Be

Every aspect of a home theater is set to benefit from technological advancements in 2019, making the reality much more in line with what you would get from the cinema. The future is here, and it’s bringing true immersion and a world of features you only dreamed of—like:

  • Sound bars – Avoiding the need for complicated 7.1 speaker arrangements, sound bars utilize several speakers in the one unit, directing positional, full-3D sound to viewers at a lower Your home theater sound system will never be the same.

home theater for special event

  • Wireless components – Finally, we won’t have to trip over or mess around with the dozens of cables required in an average audio system. More and more devices will be going wireless next year, making set-up a whole lot easier for the enthusiast.
  • Voice activation and centralized control – Smart home controllers like Amazon Echo and Google Home are here to stay, and home theaters are next in line for a makeover. Expect most—if not all—aspects of your home theater system to join the ranks of the “smart” devices.

Be Ready with the Right Accessories

There’s a lot to look forward to in 2019—and a lot to prepare for. Make sure every part of your home theater system setup is ready for the future with parts and accessories from ReplacementRemotes. Check in with the experts and stock up on our website today!

desktop gaming computer setup

TVs Versus Monitors: Which Are Better for Gaming?

ReplacementRemotes.com

Gamers face a dizzying array of options these days, with technology improving, morphing, and maturing all the time. Even when it comes to the humble screen, there’s a difficult choice to make: Do you stick with a monitor, or try using a TV?

The answer, as it turns out, depends on you. TVs are perfectly viable as a PC gaming option— it just depends on how you use it. Read on to find out why!

desktop gaming computer setup

The Basic Differences

First, we’ll need to explain the fundamental differences between computer monitors and TVs and how these will affect your gaming experience. These are:

  • Size – Although monitors are getting bigger, they are usually dwarfed by even the most basic of today’s televisions. This means you’ll have to sit farther away.
  • Input response – Due to pre-processing of the video component, many TVs have a delay between keys and mouse clicks and what appears onscreen.
  • Pixel response – This is the measure of how long it takes a pixel in the panel to turn off or on. It is usually higher on TVs, which can lead to blurring for fast-moving scenes.
  • Pixel density – Both monitors and TVs support 1080p and 4K resolutions, but, since TVs are usually much bigger, each pixel will be bigger for the same resolution.
  • Price – A highly competitive market and lower technology requirements mean TVs are normally cheaper than their similarly sized monitor equivalents unless you wait for a gaming monitor sale.

How Do You Game?

On the face of it, it seems that monitors are the obvious choice over TVs for gaming, but that’s not entirely correct. The fact of the matter is that monitors are better for some people and some games, and TVs are better for others. What it comes down to is one question: What kind of gamer are you?

The Competitor

You’re the one who dominates CS:GO and Dota 2 with your lightning-fast reflexes. You’re going to need a screen that can keep pace with you and your mouse, making a monitor the better choice.

The Omnivore

Some days it’s the computer, other days it’s the PS4, and some days you just settle back for eight hours of Netflix. If you’re a gamer who will play anything and everything, a TV will make it simpler to switch—and take up less room than multiple monitors.

The Strategist

Find yourself often hunched over a war game, CRPG, or roguelike? Then you probably need to be able to read the tiny stats and tooltips, making the pixel density and proximity of a monitor a no-brainer.

group of friends play video games together at home

The Party Animal

Why play alone when you can play with friends? Those of you with a fondness for split-screen gaming and a few controllers already in the drawer will find that TVs have much more room for fun than a monitor.

The Spectacle Lover

The only reason you game is for the jaw-dropping scenery, the epic battles, and all the things that loudly go boom. You want to sit back and be blown away, and a huge TV is perfect for that.

Whatever the Decision, You’re in Control

With different advantages and disadvantages to each, there’s no clear winner in the TV vs. gaming monitor fight. Whatever your ultimate choice, you’re in control with ReplacementRemotes. With remote controls and accessories for every screen, we’re your number-one store for making your gaming experience perfect. Take a look through replacementremotes.com today to find out why!

tv display on old brick wall background

Four Major Benefits of Using a TV Wall Mount

ReplacementRemotes.com

tv display on old brick wall background

For many households, the television is the number-one focal point for entertainment. When placing a TV in a room, one question usually comes first: Is it better to set the television on an entertainment center or mount it on the wall? Before you answer this question for yourself, take a look at four big benefits of using a TV wall mount.

1. More Available Space

Non-mounted TVs require furniture to stand on, which takes up horizontal floor space. A wall mount eliminates the need for such pieces, opening up small rooms and allowing homeowners to use that space for other things.

2. Better Viewing Experience

A wall mount lets you place your TV at the right height for your viewing distance, preventing unnecessary neck strain. It can also reduce glare and provide a clearer path for remote signals.

3. No More Tip-Overs

Wall mounting keeps the television firmly in place, eliminating the risk of tipping over and being damaged. For households with young children and/or pets, this is a major safety benefit.

4. Flexible Movement

A TV on a stand can be awkward to re-position. With an articulating wall mount, you’ll be able to pull out, rotate, and angle the screen as needed with minimal effort.

What Is the Best TV Mount?

The answer depends on your needs. Start exploring your options by browsing our selection of some of the best TV wall mounts on the market.

Flat Screen TV on White Wooden TV Rack in Living Room

Top 5 Reasons to Buy the Amazon Firestick as a Holiday Gift

ReplacementRemotes.com

The Amazon Firestick is one of the newest remote controls on the market. It offers many functions and conveniences, making it a great gift this holiday season.

Flat Screen TV on White Wooden TV Rack in Living Room

  1. It’s an Actual Remote

So many of today’s hi-tech remote controls are touchscreens. Perhaps you are tired of these or you are getting your screen dirty. The Fire TV stick has old-fashioned remote control buttons. There’s also no unlocking a touchscreen or your phone.

  1. It Works Fast

The older version of the Fire TV Stick and even other smart TVs have some degree of lag. If you want a remote that works instantly, the Amazon Firestick changes channels in an instant. Amazon’s user interface is quite simple as well.

  1. You Can Speak Your Mind

Well, at least about what you want to watch. Just press the microphone button on top of this TV remote control and speak into it. Search for shows, browse the internet, and even search Bollywood films, thanks to Amazon’s voice recognition algorithm that now supports Hindi.

  1. It Has Free Data

You can get not only Amazon Pay credits but also free data. Depending on your broadband plan, you can get up to 240 GB, as well as free streaming. There are no limits as to how much data you can use. With Fire TV, you can set your own caps.

  1. Upgrade an Old TV

You can update an old TV set by plugging in the Fire TV stick, so long as it has an HDMI port. The television will instantly have a Smart TV interface, along with streaming apps. That means access to Netflix, Sony Live, Prime Video, and many more.

Convinced the Amazon Firestick is the gift to give? Find one or replacement remotes today on our website.

man watching television and using tv remote application on mobile

The Best Remote Control Apps for Your Android or Apple Smartphone for 2018

ReplacementRemotes.com

You might think we could convert our smartphones into the perfect TV remote control since our smartphones offer a wide range of features and options. However, to do so can be a little tricky since each TV, DVR, DVD, Blu-ray player, and any other entertainment system device is different.

On top of that, getting your home entertainment devices to “talk” to each other through your smartphone does require some type of remote control app.  In addition, the type of setup you have in your home to watch TV—cable, satellite, or streaming services—can affect how well an app will or will not work.

man watching television and using tv remote application on mobile

Keeping these things in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best universal remote control apps you can download and use on your Android or Apple smartphone:

  • Roku: This app is for Roku owners and allows you to control just about everything you would want by using the Roku TV remote control. Plus, you can plug your headphones into your smartphone to listen to programs as you watch them on your TV.
  • AnyMote: This app allows you to set up macros to control multiple connected devices, including adjusting the light levels in your home. It is also compatible with Alexia.
  • Peel: This app works over wireless networks, as well as IR, with an IR blaster. It also includes a program viewing guide, as well as options to control other smart home devices.
  • Sure: Sure is another smart home app, and it focuses primarily on your home entertainment system. You can even send videos, pictures, or music through your smartphone to other connected devices.
  • Google Home: This app is for people who have Chromecast or Google Home devices. It is fairly easy to use and includes a variety of remote control features like changing the volume.

If you have an older home entertainment system setup and cannot find an app on your smartphone, you can still get a universal remote control from ReplacementRemotes. Shop online or call us at 1-855-573-6683 today!

person using a remote to streaming netflix

How Does Your TV Remote Work?

ReplacementRemotes.com

Your TV remote stops working. It’s not an uncommon problem; you can order a new one from ReplacementRemotes.com—but how do remote controls work, anyway?

In the old days, people would walk up to the TV and turn a knob. Now, you can change the channels and use other functions with the remote control. The technology actually isn’t that new; it’s been around since World War I.

person using a remote to streaming netflix

Basics of TV Remote Function

Television remote controllers use infrared (IR) light, which you can’t see. When you press a button, a light pulse is sent as binary code to a receiver. Both the light and the rate at which it flashes are invisible; the encoded light patterns repeat five times every second.

The signal corresponds to specific commands on the unit including power, volume, and channel changing. On the remote-controlled device, there is an IR receiver that decodes the light pulses, translating binary ones and zeros into commands read by the device’s microprocessor.

A TV controller has a few simple parts. On the outside, there are buttons and a casing. Its internal parts consist of button contacts, an integrated circuit, and a light-emitting diode. Some remotes use radio frequency (RF) signals, which travel over longer distances; they are more often used for car alarms and garage door openers. RF remotes operate on the same principle as their IR counterparts—transmitting binary codes to a device’s receiver.

Now that you know how a TV remote really works, it’s time to shop around for the best remotes out there. If you’re looking for a replacement to your remote, search our site, compare models, and place an order today!