Remotely useful
Of for the simpler times, when changing the channel required a twist of the wrist, rather than sequenced act of remote control manipulations. I’m protesting the proliferation of blippers needed to control our main TV. Further, I’m protesting our dependence; when the TV reverted to a single-channel one-eyed monster last evening, none were impressed.
I didn’t witness the beginning, but it will help if I lay the groundwork with a short explanation. Our TV is old, and along the way it lost the innate ability to change stations. So, we improvised, by feeding the signal through a VCR which had a remote control. The volume could still be changed with the remote for the TV, so we had a two-fisted solution. Until we added a DVD player. Three hands aren’t included in my original configuration. Thus began the manipulation game.
About two years ago, we received a universal remote, that simplifed the number of controls in return for a steep learning curve. I’m referring to the programmable aspect of the remote. Push enough buttons and you can emulate the variable of manufactured difference. I mean, the variety of remote controllers. None like its brother. None liking its brother. The universal solution works until the batteries fail, or someone shuts off power on a device without demanding permission from central control. Don’t touch that dial takes on a whole new meaning.
So, while I was out waiting for the bus from Boston, son #3 sat on the remote, which sent out a random sequence that sent the VCR into tamper-proof mode. He then unplugged the VCR which destroyed any learned behavior; wo could no longer eject a tape that had wrapped itself in knots inside, nor change the channel, nor anything else. Our TV degenerated to a one-channel machine, just in time for Saturday Night Live, whether we wanted to watch Scarlet and Bjork or not. I’m stubborn; I found the original remote, and batteries, and managed to remove the tamper proofing, but nothing else worked as before. Bedtime.
This morning, with a few hours of repose for all involved, I did further tests and declared our VCR as “beyond hope”. Time to invest in a replacement. The machine then decided to start working again. But, I would not be duped, and with the help of the web found a local store that had stock in stock. At a reasonable price. In fact, they had one model in stock. As did their neighbour.
How time has changed the video market. This will probably be our final VCR purchase, as the beasts are now as rare as stuffed dodo birds. I did buy a new plastic machine, and I did convince the universal remote to accept the new family member (since when did power off and on twenty-two times become a valid entry code?) We are back to one remote and thirty-odd channels. There is still nothing on…
