[Seems like this remote might be useful to anyone with impaired
vision, not just geezers.]
Looking
For a TV Remote For Older Viewers?
By Phillip Swann
TVPredictions.com
http://www.tvpredictions.com/answer100060613.htm
Washington, D.C. (June 6, 2013) - Editor's
Note: TV's Answer Man, aka Swanni, takes your questions
regarding how to best use the latest products and services
in TV technology. If you have a question about TV
technology, ask TV's Answer Man by sending an e-mail to
[email protected]
Q. My Dad is going to be 80 years old next month and he has lots
of trouble with the new sophisticated TV remotes from the cable
and satellite companies. There are just too many buttons. Is
there any remote that could make it simpler for him? -- Wendy,
Houston, Texas.
Wendy, your Dad's problem is shared by many senior citizens
who are getting up in years and struggling with their eyesight
and hand-eye coordination. The average TV remote today
features more than three dozen buttons and many of the buttons
are too small for someone with poor vision to discern.
But there is hope. Several companies have introduce new,
universal remotes that feature a minimum of buttons -- and
they can be used on most cable and satellite systems.
For example, check out the Flipper
Two Device Universal Low Vision Remote, available
today at Amazon for just $24.80.
The remote is designed to operate with your TV and your
set-top box, including cable, satellite and Digital TV
receivers and there are only six, oversize buttons exposed
on the remote: On/Off, Channel Up/Down, Volume Up/Down and
Mute.
The rest of the buttons are accessed by sliding the top
panel down so they don't get in the way of your daily
viewing. You can also program the remote to tune to 30
favorite channels so you don't get confused trying to
navigate a 200-channel lineup.
Here is a picture of the Flipper Two Device; note the
especially large buttons:
The Flipper Two gets an Amazon customer rating of 3.9 stars
out of five, with most owners saying it's ideal for their
older parents and relatives. For example:
"This has been a
blessing for an 90 year old man with macular degeneration.
Now he can turn the channels and volume without help. And it
works with the cable box. So simple and easy to program!!!
Thanks so much....This has been a major blessing for us."
There are other remotes on the market designed for older
viewers. Check out this
Tek Pal remote as well.
