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2010-11-12

Gadget Review: Micro Spy Remote

This little device is a key fob size infrared television universal remote. About the size of many car alarm arm/disarm remotes it is easily palmed surreptitiously. While it comes with little in the way of instructions, they really are not needed anyway as the device is very simple. Installing the battery can be a challenge but rudimentary puzzle solving and observation skills will point the way. The battery tray is removed by sliding the spring loaded latch towards the center of the remote while simultaneously pulling the tray out with a thumbnail. There is a lip in the bottom of the tray and remember button batteries have a rim, it will only sit flush one way. There are no +/- markings. There are no LEDs to tell you it's working.

Now I purchased this little gadget to turn off those televisions that were not mine which I found particularly annoying. So off to WalMart I went to sow a little anarchy. Press and hold the mute button for five seconds and the remote starts sending mute codes out. Tap it once when the television mutes and then all the buttons have the needed codes to work the television. Big red power button on top and a Sony widescreen turned off. Repeat on a Pioneer and Samsung. Remember that many store display televisions have managerial settings that will not allow channel changes or otherwise severely limit the functionality of the unit, but they can always be turned off. This is all I want, mash the red button and flashing annoying brainwashing devices go silent so I can concentrate on other things.

To recap: It's a key chain size auto scanning television remote with basic functions which can be used for good or evil.

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