I personally use something called SmartStrips. Basically they are similar to surge protectors/extension cords except they prevent the electricity that runs from unused devices from being used-just like unplugging them. The main difference is that the strip is set up so that when you have an item plugged into it-like the tv-when you turn the tv on it also turns on all the other specific devices you want to turn on with it-like the vcr/dvd player and such. We have dvrs so we don't want them to be devices that shut down completely, but everything else is connected so that when we shut the tv off, everything else goes off too. And, we don't have to run another cord, because the SmartStrips allow for "Hot" items-items that you don't want the power cut off to-like our dvrs, or your cable box. The nicest thing is, I don't have to stuggle behind things to plug/unplug things when we need them, it's all as simple as a switch. Even the computers are plugged into ones, so that when we turn the computer off-out goes the printer(s), speakers, external harddrive, desk lamp, etc. I really love them, but they are pricer than I would like and I waited until I had a 50% coupon.
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