Part 6Hide

Hide

Hiding features behind a hatch or sliding panel is a popular solution to the problem of simplifying a TV remote. I have owned several remote controls that take this approach.

Another way to hide buttons is to use a touch-screen remote control. In those designs, the most frequently used features are on display, and the rarely used features are hidden in menus deeper within the device.

You can buy those kinds of programmable touch-screen remote controls—they’re sold on ease of use, and they cost several hundred dollars. That shows just how far some people are prepared to go for simplicity.

Whether you go down the expensive high-tech route or add a couple of cents to the cost of your remote control by hiding features behind a plastic ...

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