Automatic Allowance Reset Interval. | A daily or weekly allowance will reset automatically. | Tokens must be distributed by the parent. No automatic renewal. | Different time limits are set for each day of the week and renewed
automatically. | Any time must be entered by the parent. No automatic renewal. | A weekly allowance will reset automatically. Unused minutes can be saved up for future weeks (optional). | A daily or weekly allowance can be set and renewed automatically. | Tokens must be distributed by the parent. No automatic renewal. |
A word about the TV's power requirements. Some TVs need power all the time, especially during cool-down. Some need power to 'remember' their settings. This section is designed to discuss each known issue. |
TV Timer Bob has the ability to detect and pass small amounts of power to keep the TV's memory and help with the flat-panel cool-down mode. | The TimeMachine doesn't manage the device's power. | The PowerCop will activate if the TV draws any power it will begin the allowance period at 12:00 AM | The TimeScout will block all power when the allowance is up. | The TVAllowance
will turn off the TV if the TV doesn't draw enough power (it thinks you are finished watching). The manufacturer suggests plugging a small lamp with the TV to draw enough power, but then you loose the locking case feature. | The EyeTimer will block all power when the allowance is up. | The TokenTV doesn't manage the device's power. |
Our Review: | Pro:
We finally have a TV timer that is easy to setup and will work properly with modern TVs. It has a daily allowance and a very easy to use display. It automatically resets the allowance every day or week. Of course the parents can override it any time. Also allows for individual or group blackout times for
homework, bedtime, etc. Con:
If power goes out the parent has to set the time of day and day of week before it can be used. At least if the child pulls the cord, no TV until the parent can rest the time. All other settings protected from power failure. | Pro:
Children of any age can use this device. They can understand the concept of paying for time or earning time at a very young age. Having them remember a PIN number or holding on to a card is not practical. Works with any TV, regardless of their power requirements. A great system for rewarding good behavior -- vs. entitlement. Only solution that will work Internationally. Power conversion for the AC adapter and a coaxial cable or RCA connection. Con:
This product is new to us. Send us your feedback. | Pro:
Perfect for families with only one child
or for controlling a video game console. Very economically priced. Individual day-of-the-
week limit control. Con:
No user level allowance control. If one
child comes home from school before the others, they can use up the entire allowance by themselves. If your TV draws power in the OFF position, the PowerCop won't work for you. It will use the allotted time at 12:00 AM and will prevent the TV from being turned on for the rest of the day. The lock could be improved. Also, if the device is set to the manual ON position and then back to the Allowance Mode, it starts the day's allowance over again. For example, if little Johnny uses the TV for his entire allowance and then Dad manually turns on the TV, then sets the unit back to the allowance mode, the device 'forgets' that little Johnny already used his allowance that day and gives him a new day. | Pro:
This unit has two parts... the main part can be Velcroed to the front of the TV while the plug can be tucked away. It doesn't require batteries. It keeps settings during power failure or tampering.
Any sized power cord can be locked into this device. The power cord can be locked in to the device without a key. You can add a luggage lock to set another layer of security. Con:
The parent must swipe the parent
card 16 times to give one child 8 hours of TV time per week. Look out if you have more than one child. The TimeScout cannot support big-screen TVs that draw more than 300 Watts of power. | Pro:
It automatically resets the weekly allowance every week. Of course, the parents can override it any time. Also allows for blackout times for homework, bedtime, etc. Con:
The display is not good enough to make programming easy. May not easily work with flat-panel TVs that don't draw enough power. You can only set weekly allowances. They could blow their entire allowance in one day. (The positive -- helps teach children to manage their time.) You need the manual. We made copies
available online in case you misplaced your copy. Too expensive. Manufacturer's support sometimes unresponsive. | The
EyeTimer is currently discontinued. Current software version not compatible with Windows Vista. Pro:
The only solution on the market that you can set a total Screen Time allowance. Set a screen time limit and let your child choose which TV, computer or video game they want to
use. This one system can control your child's complete screen time. Con:
The Tamper Evident Tape does not make the system truly tamperproof: children can cut the tape with scissors and override the system. Tape needs to be inspected by parents regularly. You need a computer to use
the EyeTimer system. The software controls each device and the computer time. | We currently don't carry the TokenTV. There have been reliability problems. Pro:
Children of any age can use this device. They can understand the concept of paying for time
or earning time at a very young age. Having them remember a PIN number or holding on to a card is not practical. Only solution that will work Internationally. Only requirement is a coaxial cable connection. Con:
It is the least secure of the choices. Use additional electrical tape to
prevent tampering. |
