Eugene Polley, RIP

[Corsair7]

Thanks Eugene. RIP.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18164200

[Blib]

Wow. I did not know that.

I'm old enough to well remember getting up to change the channel. Polley changed how television was watched and therefore, how it developed.

I true giant.

[Eric Mc]

Probably his invention ensured that television became largely rubbish and lowest common denominator oriented - especially in the US.

[greygoose]

He probably contributed to the obesity problems prevalent in modern life but gave extra life to the carpet between the sofa and tv so it's swings and roundabouts really.

[jmorgan]

If he had not invented it some one would have or the cable would be the norm. I remember the cable remotes. So not his fault for dire TV or obesity. That would have happened anyway.

[Eric Mc]

I remember cable remotes on video recorders - but not on TVs.

[Murph7355]

I'm reasonably sure a big factor in my parents having kids was as an alternative remote control

[Saddle bum]

It's a classic.

He saw the need.
Thought up the concept.
Made a model.
Developed it.
Produced it and, hopefully, made a fortune.

There are many more things like that, I can only think of the Battery Watch and the ratchet Screwdriver. I only thought of the screwdriver because I just used one!

[Corsair7]

Murph7355 said:

I'm reasonably sure a big factor in my parents having kids was as an alternative remote control

I was my dads remote control for the TV from the age of 4 to 9. Then they bought a new tele with a femote. Cheers Eugene, RIP

[Murph7355]

It's just a shame he also didn't cover:

- a tool to find a lost remote
- rules of engagement for who has control of the remote