Sony to Release Combination TV Remote Control and Speaker Device in Japan

The Japanese market is one full of unique and original entertainment devices and concepts. Among the latest is a combination TV remote control and speaker device developed by Sony. Sony intends to release the new product in late September 2015 in Japan for a price of $166 U.S. dollars. The device combines a remote speaker with a TV remote on top, along with a speaker volume control knob.

While the device might seem a bit too far-fetched, consider the benefits of the device. Users will be able to bring the sound from the TVs, to them, just about anywhere in their home. Instead of having to blast the TV volume, the speaker can be placed in front of the user on an end table or night stand. The device is perfect for smaller homes with children. People get to enjoy their favorite programs and not worry about waking up their kids.

For those who like preparing meals while watching cooking shows, there is no reason to move the TV into the kitchen. If all you need are the step-by-step instructions, you can bring the device into the kitchen to listen, and follow along to prepare the dish. Additionally, the device is perfect for people who like listening to the news and weather while they get ready for work, and who do not have time to sit in front of the TV.

While Sony does not currently have plans to release the device in the United States, you can still obtain Sony remote controls for your Sony devices directly from Replacement Remotes. Call 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683) now for further assistance.

How to Clean a DVD or Blu-ray Player

While DVD and Blu-ray players are self-contained devices, dust can still get inside the unit and cause playback problems with your discs. One entry point for dust is if the player has a tray that opens and closes to insert and remove discs. Another entry point for dust is that of the vents on the sides or back of the player. To keep your player working correctly, it is important to dust and clean it on a regular basis. 

Before cleaning your DVD or Blu-ray player, make sure there is not a disc in the player. Next, unplug it from the electrical outlet, as this will prevent accidental electrical shocks. If the player is in an entertainment center or TV stand where it is more difficult to access, unplug the wires from the back of the player and pull it out.

Using a damp microfiber cloth, gently wipe the top, front, and sides of the player. Do not use a damp cloth on the back of the player as moisture could get into the unit. To remove dust from the back, use a dry cloth or a vacuum with a dusting attachment. After cleaning the outside of the player, reconnect the TV connections and plug it back in.

Lastly, open the tray or insert a lens cleaning disc into the player. Using your TV remote or universal remote, select play, and allow the disc to play through a cleaning cycle to remove dust from the playing mechanisms and laser lens. It is recommended to dust and clean your DVD or Blu-Ray player at least once a month.

For universal remote controls for your DVD and Blu-ray player, call Replacement Remotes today at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683).

How to Diagnose Problems with DVDs and Blu-Rays

Sometimes there are playback problems when you put a DVD or Blu-Ray disc into your player and press the play button on the remote control. The disc does not play correctly, skips, or does not play at all. The player may display an error message on the TV screen, such as “disc unplayable” or some other error. This is often a sign there is a problem with either the disc or the player. The following tip can help you diagnose the problem and determine the cause.

  1. Verify the disc is clean. Carefully inspect the bottom of the disc for fingerprints, scratches, and dust. All of these can cause playback problems.
  2. Clean the disc. Using a microfiber cloth and an approved cleaning product, spray the cleaning solution on the cloth and wipe from the center of the disc outwards. Avoid wiping in a circular pattern, as this can further damage the disc.
  3. Check for scratches and cracks. Hold the disc under a bright light and see if light passes through the disc in the location of the scratches. If it does, the disc is cracked and is not playable. If not, use an approved scratch removal product to help remove minor scratches.

After trying these tips, allow the disc to dry, and then try to play it again. If it still does not play, try a different DVD or Blu-ray disc to see if it is just that disc. If the other discs do not play in the player, then the problem is most likely the player.

If you need remote controls for your DVD or Blu-ray player, feel free to contact Replacement Remotes at 1-855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683) for further assistance.

The Sony KDL-48W600B Bravia — Bigger Screen, Lots of Features

Finding an affordable TV with a larger screen can be hard since there are so many TVs on the market. To make your choice a little easier, we will take a closer look at a Sony TV today. The Sony KDL-48W600B Bravia is another quality television from a trusted and reliable manufacturer. Sony has been in the business of electronics for many years, and this year is no different. This particular TV has a TV remote control that is easy to use and understand, and it also has several features that help set it apart from the crowd.

The 48-inch screen size provides viewers with plenty of space for watching their favorite shows and movies. The lights and darks of the display are crisp and defined. There is no noticeable controller lag when gaming, which is an important feature if you happen to be an avid gamer. There are 4 HDMI inputs on the TV, allowing you ease of access when hooking up other devices and gaming systems. There is even a built-in subwoofer that provides that extra “oomph” you need for audio.

There are only a few drawbacks for this TV, including the degradation of viewing pleasure when viewed from the side or at an angle. The physical style of the TV also leaves a bit to be desired. However, these minor flaws are nothing that can’t be overlooked when compared to the advantages of the TV.

To learn more about this Sony TV, as well as to learn about other TV models and their corresponding remotes, contact us today at Replacement Remotes.

An LG Television to Die For

As we talk about new television models coming out in 2015, we simply cannot overlook one TV in particular — LG’s 98-inch 8K model. That’s right — we said 98 inches, and we said 8K, not 4K. This TV is certainly not for the faint-of-heart, and its TV remote control does a great job of accessing its features. This is a television for die-hard viewers who want a true theater experience in the comfort of their home.

  • One of the best features of this TV is its amazing display. This is thanks to the 8K technology, which has 4 times the resolution of today’s 4K TVs — and an astonishing 16 times the resolution of popular 1080p TVs. All of this resolution means you will experience an eye-popping, lifelike display.
  • Another fabulous feature of this TV is its sheer size. With 98 inches of viewing pleasure, you can watch all of your favorite movies, and feel as if you are in a theater. This is the kind of TV that needs a dedicated room, the kind of TV that practically demands a large audience simply to gush over its beauty.
  • The only downfall to this TV is that broadcasting isn’t ready for 8K resolution yet. Heck, broadcasting is still trying to catch up to 4K technology. However, technology is always improving, and it is probably safe to say that 8K resolution as a common feature is in our future. We just have to give broadcasters a chance to catch up with TV manufacturers.

To learn more about all of the latest TV models and their remotes, contact us today at Replacement Remotes.

The Vizio E480i-B2 — Smaller Price Tag with Great Quality

If your new TV budget isn’t quite as large as you hoped, 2014 still offered some great TVs for less than $500, including the Vizio E480i-B2. This 48-inch TV and its corresponding TV remote control offer plenty of bang for the buck, even with its lower price tag. No, you won’t find all of the features of the pricier televisions, but you will find a great picture display and plenty of the most essential features to make this TV fit your needs.

  • This is an LED television that features local dimming. The improved LED technology allows this TV to give you a vibrant picture with distinct blacks, whites, and colors, and clear definition. Yet, you don’t have to pay an outrageous price to enjoy picture quality that rivals many higher-priced models.
  • While this television doesn’t boast the prettiest design, its remote features a useful layout and smaller design, making it easier to grip.
  • This TV also has some of the most essential features, including HDMI and USB ports, as well as a good assortment of applications, such as Hulu Plus, YouTube, EBay, and Twitter.
  • Advanced picture settings allow you the freedom to adjust the already-great display even further, creating a magnificent picture that will give you viewing pleasure for years.

With the great picture and the lower price tag, this Vizio television is a must-have for anyone looking for an affordable TV without having to sacrifice quality.

Contact us at Replacement Remotes to learn more about different TV models and their included remotes.

Introducing the JVC DM85UXR

JVC’s new offering for 2015 is the DM85UXR. This HDTV is massive, at 85 inches, and it has an equally massive price tag at an estimated $7999.00. There’s no word of what its TV remote control is like, yet, but it’s likely pretty decent, considering the price tag alone of this TV. This TV offers 4K resolution and more dimming zones than its previous models. The dimming zones total 64, with the 65-inch option having a mere 32. In theory, this means this JVC model should offer much more contrast.

Aside from the 4K resolution, this TV offers a lot of extras. JVC claims that it offers a topped-out 240HZ refresh rate, all thanks to their CrystalMotion Pro motion compensation engine. In addition to the excellent refresh rate, JVC includes a 4K upscaling engine with this build. As far as other features go, the DM85UXR comes with 5 HDMI ports. Four of the ports are compatible with the next advance in HDMI technology, HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2. This means this HDTV will work with the new 4K Blu-rays and players that should eventually enter the market in the coming years.

Packaged with the DM85UXR is the Roku Streaming Stick, which offers 1,500 plus channels. The other two extras are a QWERTY remote and Wi-Fi, both of which are generally common in higher-end TVs. The available images of this TV show it with a barely-there bezel and a two-piece chrome stand. Once the TV is released, we’ll be able to provide more details on whether or not you should take the plunge.

For more information on the latest and greatest HDTVs and remotes, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

4K TV Spotlight: Panasonic AX802

The Panasonic AX802 is a 4K TV that offers impressive features and a handy touchpad Bluetooth TV remote control. You’ve probably seen how little of a difference the 4K resolution makes on most TVs; however, this is not the case here. The 50 inch model offers up an impressive picture with deep blacks and a very wide color range. It even offers an info bar that stays on standby until someone enters the room and triggers its sensor. It should be noted that this TV is very heavy.

The TV sits atop a counterweight stand that is slightly behind the massive screen. It makes the screen appear to float above the stand, which is a nice touch. The metallic edge on the frame is also a nice element to the design of this attractive TV. The Smart TV suite is one of the best available and offers many streaming services. Unfortunately, the Netflix 4K service is not yet compatible with this TV. The remote is a small touchpad, which users will either love or hate.

Pros:

  • Excellent Smart TV suite
  • Great picture quality
  • Good looking design
  • Deep black levels
  • Excellent color range

Cons:

  • Netflix 4K is not compatible
  • Some users found remote awkward
  • Edge lighting is uneven

Bottom Line:

This TV is an excellent example of a 4K set that delivers. This is one of the better Panasonic TVs they have produced since they stopped making plasma TVs. It is an upgrade, and a much better 4K TV overall, compared to the previous year’s WT600 model.

For more TV and remote reviews and advice, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

The LG LA6200 Series: Budget Large HDTV with Performance Problems

Armed with the standard LG TV remote control, the LA6200 series is a large, budget-friendly TV with a few performance issues. The picture quality is the not greatest, and it makes this TV not such a great value, especially with its $1,000 price tag. The smart TV suite is one of the best qualities of this HDTV. Consumers can customize it, which is something that all TVs do not offer.

Aside of the picture issues, this TV looks smart and sophisticated. It comes with a thin, dark bezel and has a wide profile due to its direct-lit LED screen. The stand makes the TV look as if it is floating, and it swivels — an extra feature that many HDTVs do not offer. Many consumers prefer the motion control remote that LG offers, but this TV does not come with it. Instead, it comes with the standard LG remote, which is a good remote, but it has few features. Though the remote works well, it does not work well with the Smart TV menu, which takes many clicks to get to many apps and features.

Pros:

  • Great looking design
  • Smart TV suite
  • Accurate color
  • 3D compatible with 4 pairs of glasses

Cons:

  • Poor picture quality
  • Not as good video processing
  • Poor 3D image
  • Smart interface not easily navigable
  • Poor bright-room image

Bottom Line:

This HDTV is somewhat of a budget model, compared to many of the big-ticket TVs that are out in the market. Its features are okay, but there are many other TVs that are a much better value. Much of the competition has a better picture and better features for around the same price or less.

For more information about TVs and their remote controls, contact us at Replacement Remotes.

A Review of the Midrange Samsung UNF6400 Series

The Samsung UNF6400 series LED LCD TV is a step up from the UNF6300 series. It offers very similar features and picture quality. However, a huge difference from the two is the TV remote control. For almost $1,000 more, at $3,299, you get Samsung’s Smart Touch Remote Control. This handy little clicker has a touch pad and voice search. It does have very few buttons, which means that you have to use an on-screen remote for many features. This makes it difficult to do simple things such as play, pause, or fast forward through Netflix.

The picture quality of this HDTV is almost the same as the 6300, but it offers more features. It also has the same design as the previous model. This might lead you to wonder why a new remote costs $1,000, but you really do get some extra features, such as Micro Dimming and active 3D technology. It comes with three sets of 3D glasses, and the technology is compatible with many 3rd-party brands. The Smart TV suite is one of the best features of the HDTV, which looks nice and is easy to navigate.

Pros:

  • Good mix of value and features
  • Accurate color
  • Good video processing
  • Great sound quality
  • Touch pad remote works well
  • Excellent Smart TV suite
  • Active 3D technology and 3 sets of glasses

Cons:

  • Black levels too light
  • Problems with color desaturation
  • Color uniformity issues
  • Cheap stand

Bottom Line:

This LED LCD TV offers a decent value, but the UNF6300 offers the better value at almost $1,000 less. Some of the new features of this HDTV make the picture quality worse, which is not a good thing.

For more information about Samsung TVs and remotes, contact us at Replacement Remotes.