TV-B-Gone is a small infrared remote that tries stored power codes until a compatible television responds. It does not pair with or identify a TV, and it is not a universal remote for channels or volume. Whether it works depends on the TV recognizing one of its codes and the infrared signal reaching the set’s receiver.
How TV-B-Gone works
When activated, TV-B-Gone sends a timed sequence of infrared (IR) power commands stored in its chip. It does not scan the room, identify the television, or negotiate a connection: it simply transmits codes in sequence. A television turns off if it recognizes a transmitted code and receives the signal.
The keychain remote sends power commands only. It cannot change channels or adjust volume. The maker’s explanation of the sequence and its operation is available on the TV-B-Gone site.
Will it work with your TV?
There is no guarantee. Compatibility depends on whether the television uses a power code in the device’s database, and whether the signal reaches its IR receiver. The manufacturer acknowledges that some televisions may not respond because their codes are unavailable.
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- WORKS WITH MANY TV BRANDS AND MODELS: TV-B-Gone is compatible with over 230 different types of TVs, so you can use it anywhere you encounter an unwanted TV.
- SIMPLE, CONVENIENT, AND EASY TO USE: Just point and click the button, then wait for TV-B-Gone to emit a strong infrared signal and cycle through the list of over 230 different TV types. The TV turns off within 1-69 seconds.
- SMALL AND UNDETECTABLE DESIGN: TV-B-Gone is so tiny that you can easily carry it in your pocket or purse, and it looks just like a normal car key fob. No one will ever know that you have the ability to turn off any TV in your hand.
- ENJOY THE PEACE AND QUIET: TV-B-Gone allows you to reclaim your silence and calmness from loud and annoying TVs. You can relax, or chat with your friends, without being disturbed by commercials or shows.
- MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY WITH A UNIQUE GIFT: TV-B-Gone is the perfect gift for anyone who values peace, quiet, and freedom from unwanted TVs. Whether it's for a birthday, a holiday, or just a surprise, TV-B-Gone will delight your friends and family with its fun and practical features. They will love being able to turn off any TV with a click of a button.
TV-B-Gone offers North American/Asian and European code versions because power codes can vary by region. The manufacturer’s regional guidance is broad rather than a guarantee based on a TV’s video format. Check the model intended for your region; the maker describes its PRO model as a worldwide version, but that does not remove the possibility of unsupported sets. See the manufacturer’s FAQ and usage and model information.
How long does it take to turn a TV off?
The remote cycles through codes, so a compatible TV may respond quickly or only after its code is reached. TV-B-Gone says the full sequence takes about 69 seconds for the North American/Asian keychain model and 62 seconds for the European model. The maker also claims that 90% of TVs respond within the first 17 seconds on the North American/Asian version and within 12 seconds on the European version. These are manufacturer figures, not independent test results.
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- WORKS WITH MANY TV BRANDS AND MODELS: TV-B-Gone is compatible with over 230 different types of TVs, so you can use it anywhere you encounter an unwanted TV.
- SIMPLE, CONVENIENT, AND EASY TO USE: Just point and click the button, then wait for TV-B-Gone to emit a strong infrared signal and cycle through the list of over 230 different TV types. The TV turns off within 1-69 seconds.
- SMALL AND UNDETECTABLE DESIGN: TV-B-Gone is so tiny that you can easily carry it in your pocket or purse, and it looks just like a normal car key fob. No one will ever know that you have the ability to turn off any TV in your hand.
- ENJOY THE PEACE AND QUIET: TV-B-Gone allows you to reclaim your silence and calmness from loud and annoying TVs. You can relax, or chat with your friends, without being disturbed by commercials or shows.
- MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY WITH A UNIQUE GIFT: TV-B-Gone is the perfect gift for anyone who values peace, quiet, and freedom from unwanted TVs. Whether it's for a birthday, a holiday, or just a surprise, TV-B-Gone will delight your friends and family with its fun and practical features. They will love being able to turn off any TV with a click of a button.
If nothing happens immediately, keep the remote aimed at the TV while the sequence continues. The manufacturer says the sequence can take up to 69 seconds.
Range, aiming, and obstacles
For the keychain model, TV-B-Gone lists a maximum response distance of 20–50 feet (6–15 meters), depending on the television and aim. For the PRO, it lists up to 300 feet (100 meters), also subject to model and aiming. These are the manufacturer’s stated distances, not independently verified performance guarantees.
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- This kit allows you to turn of any TV with the click of a button.
- Open source kit version of the popular TV-B-Gone is fun to make and even more fun to use.
- Tools and batteries not included.
- Assembly is required. (Medium Soldering Skill Needed)
- Warning: This product contains small components and requires assembly.
- Aim at the television’s IR receiver. The signal must reach that sensor for the TV to respond.
- Keep a clear path. IR does not pass through walls or ceilings, and some glass can block it.
- Adjust your position. The receiver’s location and angle can affect whether the signal gets through.
The manufacturer’s FAQ covers the keychain range and line-of-sight limits: TV-B-Gone FAQ.
Keychain remote or Adafruit DIY kit?
| Option | Best suited to | Codes and range stated by its maker |
|---|---|---|
| TV-B-Gone keychain remote | A compact, ready-to-use remote; regional versions are offered. | The manufacturer lists North American/Asian and European versions. It gives sequence times and model-dependent range figures above. |
| Adafruit TV-B-Gone Kit | A build-it-yourself electronics project. | Adafruit lists 230 codes total: 115 North American/Asian and 115 European. Its FAQ claims a range of more than 150 feet; this is a vendor claim, not an independent test. |
Adafruit describes the kit as including two narrow-beam and two wide-beam IR LEDs. See its TV-B-Gone kit overview and kit FAQ for its documentation.
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- Hidden Battery Compartment
Battery life and practical use
TV-B-Gone estimates that the keychain remote’s battery lasts about three months to a year under normal use. Actual life depends on how often it is used; the manufacturer does not define a single usage rate for that estimate. Its FAQ provides the estimate.
The manufacturer names bars, restaurants, laund laundromats, ballparks, and arenas as example settings for the product. That describes intended use, not blanket permission to operate someone else’s television. In shared or public spaces, consider the venue’s rules and the people using the screen. The maker’s stated use examples appear on its homepage.
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