Shutting off the TV on schedule
Kim Komando Show Tip of the Day - Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008
 [kimstipreply@lyris.komando.com]

I want to program my TV. I want it to turn on and off at times I schedule. Ideally, it would be locked with a password. Is there a device that can do this?

I'm not sure exactly why you want to do this. And that makes it difficult to give the best solution. So, I'll just cover several situations!
You want your schedule locked down with a password. That makes me think you want to limit screen time for kids. And that is fairly easy to do. There are several devices that can help.

You won't find devices to turn the TV on at scheduled times. I don't know of any way to do this. But you can turn it off after an allotted amount of time. And you can block times when you don't want it turned on.
TV allowance ($99)
This device sits between the TV and the wall socket. It controls the flow of electricity to the TV.
You can set up to six accounts on the device. And you'll set a weekly allowance for each. The TV will only stay on for that amount of time each week.
Each account gets a 4-digit pass code. Kids enter their code to turn on the TV. Their account is debited with the time they use. When the allowance is up, the TV is shut off. That account can't turn the TV on until next week.
You can also set blackout times. At these times no one can access the TV. So, you can restrict access to certain times of the day.
There is also an admin code you can keep to yourself. It will override any restrictions on the TV. So, you can watch whenever you want.
Time-scout ($90)
This is a similar device. It can also shut off the electricity to your TV. You can also set time limits for children. And each child can have a separate account.
Time limits can be set on a weekly basis. But they must be manually reset every time they run out. Rather than a pass code, each account gets a key card. Children will swipe the card to get access. 
You'll have a parental override card and a lock/unlock card. Watch TV whenever you want with the override card. Or lock everyone out using the lock/unlock card. So, you can control access. But you have to do it manually.

Recording TV shows
Maybe you don't have children in mind. Maybe you want to record TV on a schedule. But you don't want to leave the TV on 24/7. There is an easy solution for this, as well.
Get a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). You can set your DVR to record any show on TV. Some DVRs can record multiple shows simultaneously. And you don't need to have your TV on to do it.
If you need help choosing a DVR, check out my buying guide <http://www.komando.com/buyguide/index.aspx?id=3128>.
More TV tips:
• You can watch your TV from anywhere <http://www.komando.com/buyguide/index.aspx?id=3186> 
• Catch your favorite shows online <http://www.komando.com/columns/index.aspx?id=5328> 
• Looking for a new TV? Is LCD or plasma better? <http://www.komando.com/tips/index.aspx?id=5451>
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