I thought the X-10 system was long gone. But it's very much alive!

With X-10 modules and an X-10 control center you could control up to 8 gadgets using the electric wiring in your home. I still use them! Radio Shack dropped them a long time ago, but it turns out that X-10 equipment not only lives on, but keeps getting updated. I recently bought the new X-10 Universal 5-in-1 Learning Remote. It can replace up to five remotes by controlling your TV, VCR, DVD, Stereo, and cable. But wait! There’s more. It can also control lights and  appliances that are plugged into X10 modules. It’s easy to setup - just look up the code for the TV, VCR etc. and enter it into the remote using a simple key sequence. The booklet of codes is quite extensive and includes codes for most TVs, VCRs, Satellite, and cable boxes. If the code can’t be found you can use the Learn function – to add codes from obscure or older audio/video remotes. But this remote also has a X10 Super Key! To turn on a lamp simply plug any lamp into a lamp module, push the X10 "Super Key," then push "Button 1" and "Channel UP." The light associated with A1 turns on! Now push Volume down or up to dim and brighten the lamp, or push channel up or down to turn it on or off! Push the TV button and instantly switch from controlling your lights to controlling the TV! You can use an Appliance Module to turn on the coffee machine, air conditioner, etc. If you don’t have X-10 components already you can buy everything you need at: www.x10.com. Then have incredible sales there! The remote control I bought “retails” for $49.99, but I got it on one of their weekly sales in a really money-saving package! I got two 2 Lamp Module (LM465) which would be $25.98; the 5-in-1 X10 Universal Remote (UR73A-2) $49.99, and something you must have to convert impulses from the remote to the house wiring – a Wireless Transceiver (TM751) $12.99. That was $88.96 worth of goodies for which I paid $19.99 + $5.90 a total of $25.89. If you’re into inexpensive home automation, check them out. You can add video cameras, security modules, and even control X-10 components via a computer program they sell. You can sign up for sales, but they often send out two different email offers a day. It’s a pain sometimes, but they do have incredible sales!

 Universal 5-in-1 Learning Remote (UR74A)

www.x10.com (Wear sunglasses! Everything on the screen is flashing!)

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