Cable TV interrupt
- Thread starter SamSpade
- Start date
Good idea - is there a way to put that switch on a timer?
Basically - yes. From watching when they are supposed to be getting ready for school or going to sleep. Power timers aren't working, and I'm getting tired of meting out punishments.
If there's a quick way to just turn it off, I'm good with that.
GWguy
*
Look into home automation. You can get a 'switch' that is actually controlled by a remote device and can be set to turn on/off at pre-programmed times. You can use an in-line switch between the TV and the wall outlet. If they kids are 'creative' and remove it, you can replace the outlet itself with a controlled outlet.
I have a bunch of controllers using the X-10 protocol, but there are newer devices now. Most of my house has automated lighting.
I have a bunch of controllers using the X-10 protocol, but there are newer devices now. Most of my house has automated lighting.
H
Hodr
Guest
Also, most TVs and cable boxes have parental controls that can be used to limit viewing times.
I'd like to find one - none that I can find do anything but filter *content* or block channels. Nothing that I can find blocks time.
My daughter's TABLET does - and it also controls how many hours she can access each day. I wish TVs had that.
H
Hodr
Guest
Maybe most was an overstatement. I thought it was a standard feature along with the v-chip (which apparently you do have). And I think you said timer/electronic controls of the power switch for the TV are a no-go because the kids will just bypass them.
Could try placing an electronically controlled RF switch in-line before the main house splitter. If it's difficult to access (under the house, in a wiring closet / basement) that should alleviate the issue of the kids messing with it.
Could also be a nifty arduino project.
Those look really good. I might look at something similar or build it. These work IF the child can't get to the timer, which is locked with a key. I could probably Jerry-rig something myself.
I can get to the splitter for their room. That's why an off-switch will work. I just don't want to have to monitor them several times a day by switching it on and off - I might as well just yank the plug.
If I could find a way to set up a timer for such, that would work too.
It is not on a timer, but you can use the remote to switch between video inputs.
Just don't hook up the second video input and use the remote to use the un-connected input to shut the RF off.
Hide it at the splitter so they do not see it.
http://www.amazon.com/Radio-Shack-Remote-Control-Switch/dp/B000H50L9S
Ken gave me a good idea - that main thing is, make the timer completely inaccessible, and the way one of those products works is - it's in a LOCKED box with a key.
Well, hell, I can just MAKE a metal box with a key. My boy may be clever, but he still can't pick locks yet.
Well, hell, I can just MAKE a metal box with a key. My boy may be clever, but he still can't pick locks yet.
preselector
Member
A cheap TV/Cable distribution amp plugged into a standard wall outlet timer will likely work. I still have an old Radio Shack distribution amp feeding my TVs. I verified no power, no signal.
I'd use the cheapest electronic timer I could find, gorilla glue the amp's power cable to it, set the on/off times, and epoxy the set button. If the child was really clever, I'd glue or solder the RF connectors also.
I'd use the cheapest electronic timer I could find, gorilla glue the amp's power cable to it, set the on/off times, and epoxy the set button. If the child was really clever, I'd glue or solder the RF connectors also.
