Helping to Preserve Family Values

Compare Our Time Managers

We offer several different Time Management solutions to fit your needs. Each has its own advantages and strengths. We have evaluated each of them and have compiled the following chart to help you.

Use This Chart To Compare Time Managers

TV Timer – BOB
#1 Recommended

Token Timer
Discontinued

PlayLimit

TV Allowance

TimeMachine
Discontinued

Easy Installation
The mechanism for controlling the device.

Power

Power

Signal

Power

Signal

The number of individual users the device can manage with separate allowances.

6

No Limit

No Limit

6

No Limit

The mechanism for initiating the use of the device.

User Enters 4-digit PIN

User Inserts Tokens

User Inserts Token

User Enters 4-digit PIN

User Inserts Token

The number of TV and Video Game Controllers the system can manage.

One Device

One Device

Two Devices
(Coax and RCA)

One Device

Two Devices
(Coax and RCA)

Security

Power cord locks into the unit.

Tamper evident seal.

Power cord and cables lock in the unit.

Power cord locks into the unit.

Power cord and cables lock in the unit.

User Setup Required
Time Resets Automatically

Daily or Weekly

Weekly

Allows for setting blackout times for homework or bedtime.

Yes, can be different for each user and can be set by the day of the week.

No

No

Yes, all users the same.

No

Automatic Allowance Reset Interval.

A daily or weekly allowance will reset automatically.

Tokens must be distributed by the parent. No automatic renewal.

Tokens must be distributed by the parent. No automatic renewal.

A weekly allowance will reset automatically. Unused minutes can be saved up for future weeks (optional).

Tokens must be distributed by the parent. No automatic renewal.

Allowance Time Increment

Any Hour and Minute Number Combination

35-minute increments

15-minute increments

Any Hour and Minute Number Combination

30-minute increments

Manual override ON and override OFF available at any time.
Manual additions and subtractions at any time.

Yes, you can add time on the fly in 15-min increments.

Requires batteries to operate or keep settings. (Locked into the device for security.)

No Batteries Required. Settings are protected during a power outage.

No Batteries Required

No Batteries Required

No Batteries Required

Can be used to control your computer monitor.
30-day Satisfaction Guarantee when purchased from Family Safe Media.
Warranty

1 Year

90-Day

90-Day

1 Year

90-Day

Order Now

Discontinued

Order Now

Order Now

Parts and Instructions only

TV Timer – BOB

Token Timer
Discontinued

PlayLimit

TV Allowance

TimeMachine
Discontinued

Our Review:

Pro:
#1 recommended TV or Video Game Timer.

It has a daily or weekly allowance and a very easy to use display.

It automatically resets the allowance. 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.

Only requirement is a North American style power cord.

Use a plug style adapter for use with 220V devices Internationally.

Con:
It is the least secure of the choices.
Use the included tamper evident tape and additional electrical tape to prevent tampering.

Children can tape a string on the tokens and add unlimited time.

Pro:
Another token device.

Works with any device that uses the red, white yellow or Coax cable. (It will not work with HDMI cables.)

A great system for rewarding good behavior — vs. entitlement.

Con:
The PlayLimit only works with analog signals (no Digital Cable or Satellite) and has difficulty blocking channels on the upper end of the channel range. The sound may leak through depending on how it is hooked up. It will not work with devices that use HDMI connections.

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:
May not easily work with flat-panel TVs that don’t draw enough power. See the workaround instructions.

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.

The TimeMachine is discontinued.

Con:
The Time Machine only works with analog signals and has difficulty blocking channels on the upper end of the channel range. The sound may leak through depending on how it is hooked up.

Will not work with HDMI cables. It can work with older gaming consoles.