Tag: Streaming

Mini Bluetooth Arcade Controller

Categories Electronics, Gadgets, Video Games1 Comment on Mini Bluetooth Arcade Controller

This is a small Bluetooth arcade controller that is based on TV plug-and-play systems from 10 or so years ago. I was shopping for this very thing and to my surprise, it doesn’t exist*, thought I’d draw it up. Sorry for another Arcade-related post!

I like the small form factor of those plug-and-play systems, they were slightly bigger than an Atari 2600 joystick. For the majority of older games that I like to play, only two buttons are needed.

One possible scenario is if such a controller doubled as a streaming remote. Maybe Amazon would bundle this with their Fire Stick? Or Apple could include this with their Apple TV as a handy way to enjoy their Arcade service? Some plug-and-plays had a joystick that rotated (to play racing games like Pole Position), so that feature could be used as a volume control here.

My original goal was to buy such a controller for my PS4, where I own several arcade classics. I also considered buying an old plug-and-play too, but sadly they all use RCA composite cables. I was hoping this controller would enable a more modern HDMI solution.

*This device was close, but is too tall and lacked a mechanical joystick. You can buy mini fighting sticks too, but they have 6 or 8 buttons and are too big to fit in your hand.

Drive-In Speaker Streaming Device

Categories Electronics, Films, GadgetsLeave a Comment on Drive-In Speaker Streaming Device

Drive-In Speaker straming device amazon fire cube 2020 dave delisle davesgeekyideas

Way back in the prehistoric era, people used to watch movies in their cars. They did this at a place called a Drive-In Theater. It was so long ago, that cars were propelled by feet, pet dinosaurs were a thing, and they ate Bronto ribs instead of popcorn.

I simply redesigned the Amazon Fire Cube to look like a Drive-In speaker. The Fire Cube streams movies and has a smart speaker built-in, so I thought it was a good match. The volume knob is at the bottom, just like the original Drive-In speakers. The device should be all shiny and chrome, but I felt that was a bit much.

Dr. Evil Streaming Remote

Categories Electronics, Films, Gadgets, TV1 Comment on Dr. Evil Streaming Remote

Dr. Evil Austin Powers Streaming Remote Design by Dave Delisle davesgeekyideas 2018

Do you like this quasi-futuristic remote I designed? It’s based on the device used by Dr. Evil to fire his employees. It’s intended to be a streaming remote, compatible with devices like the Roku or Chromecast. It enables users to fire up their preferred streaming service at the push of a button.

The one major change I made was the addition of a rotary joystick in the middle. It can be moved for navigating menus, pressed like a button, and rotated for volume control. This sort of input is common in cars with infotainment displays.

This remote sits on a coffee table, though it shouldn’t be too cumbersome to hold or place on your lap. It may need to be plugged into a PC or programmed from a smartphone app, much like a Logitech Harmony remote. It would come with numerous labels for all the streaming services, and it shouldn’t be too difficult to print your own if needed.

HDMI Gaming Switch

Categories Electronics, Environment, Gadgets, TV, Video Games6 Comments on HDMI Gaming Switch

HDMI USB Switch for video game consoles 2018 Dave Delisle davesgeekyideas

This is an HDMI switch mixed with a power bar, inspired by the recent trend of mini consoles, single board computers, and clone consoles using USB as a power source.

I was shopping for just such a device today, because my TV doesn’t have enough HDMI ports. I also wanted something that would power my devices too, making it easier to deal with cable management.

Continue reading ➞ HDMI Gaming Switch