So you’ve got that new TV. You’ve imagined how cool it’s going to look in your home, picked out just the right spot for it, arranged the furniture to make the most of it, and all in time for the Super Bowl.

So what about the dorky looking cable box sitting on it? Was that part of your vision?

Technology to the rescue once again!  The Next Generation Remote Control Extender lets you put everything where it looks and works the best, and use your remote wherever you happen to be.

I have two of these at my place, and my TVs look gorgeous without any wires or IR repeaters in view.

The Remote Control Extender takes your infrared remote and converts it to radio frequency instead. It works through cabinet doors and walls, so you can stow all the gear invisibly, and use the remote from wherever you happen to be.

Set up and use are easy. Slide one of the rechargeable batteries into the transceiver and use it to replace one of the batteries in your remote. Position the UFO-shaped base unit (I keep it in a closet). Now just use your remote when and where you please.

Two rechargeable batteries come with the unit. One goes in your remote, as described. The other stays in the base, charging. Do yourself a favor and program Outlook to remind you to swap the batteries once a month. Otherwise you’ll pick the remote up one day and find that it doesn’t work. Then you’ll be cursing at your TV until you remember.

Don’t ask me how I know this.

If you don’t use a universal remote, pick up some extra batteries and transceivers for the extras. They’ll all work.

Check out this video (kicky techno soundtrack and all) to get a mental image of how elegant it is.

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