STTOS Phaser replica/universal remote review

[bkraus]

If never really thought about it, but that makes perfect sense!! It's still and awesome prop replica though, even if it does totally suck as a remote!

Now I wonder when QMx will bring theirs to market.... I can imagine they are pretty backed up with projects right now.


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[mrdbios]

You guys do realize there's a REASON it's a universal remote - and it's the same reason the communicator is bluetooth?

It's all about licensing. I believe QMX has the license for high-end Trek props (and DST, of course, has the "toy" versions, and Roddenberry has their prop "kits") . In fact, IIRC, QMX showed off some prototypes last year at SDCC 2015, but nothing this year. So I think it's a pretty safe bet that these are made with these extra bits so that they can license them and not run up against some legal hurdle.

FWIW, I've had one of these for a long time, and I love it. It does suck as a remote, but it's a great prop replica, and it fits well with my other Trek props. I'm not as impressed with the communicator - the lid doesn't look anything like the polished brass of the originals. The inside looks good, but that lid needs a replacement.

That does make perfect sense, and I'm glad it allowed them to make the phaser.

So now we just need to wait for them to come up with a reason to do a tricorder. Portable garage door opener?

 

[bkraus]

MP3 / media player with a very small screen.


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[screamingmetal]

You guys do realize there's a REASON it's a universal remote - and it's the same reason the communicator is bluetooth?

It's all about licensing. I believe QMX has the license for high-end Trek props (and DST, of course, has the "toy" versions, and Roddenberry has their prop "kits") . In fact, IIRC, QMX showed off some prototypes last year at SDCC 2015, but nothing this year. So I think it's a pretty safe bet that these are made with these extra bits so that they can license them and not run up against some legal hurdle.

FWIW, I've had one of these for a long time, and I love it. It does suck as a remote, but it's a great prop replica, and it fits well with my other Trek props. I'm not as impressed with the communicator - the lid doesn't look anything like the polished brass of the originals. The inside looks good, but that lid needs a replacement.

That's a strong possibility. They still could've designed it to have a laser beam and less remote features since it's useless. I would've spent $200 if it fired a laser and didn't compromise the selector wheel.

In fact, IIRC, QMX showed off some prototypes last year at SDCC 2015, but nothing this year.

That's because Anovos has the replica license now. The Anovos stuff are expensive kits you have to put together and paint, but they could look incredible if done right. Love the servo activated stun/kill feature on the Beyond Phaser!
https://www.thetrekcollective.com/2016/06/new-star-trek-beyond-phaser-and-other.html

They'll also be making DS9 and Next Gen movie phaser replicas:
https://www.thetrekcollective.com/2015/07/new-images-of-anovos-phasers.html
https://www.startrek.com/article/trek-battle-replicas-from-anovos

None of these are from TOS though.

 

[mrdbios]

Well mine shipped and should be here on by Thursday. I'm very excited to check it out!

 

[Kamandi]

You guys do realize there's a REASON it's a universal remote - and it's the same reason the communicator is bluetooth?

It's all about licensing. I believe QMX has the license for high-end Trek props...

That's a great loophole. It reminds me of how there was a line of Space Ghost Coast to Coast figures years ago. Legally they skirted the older Space Ghost licensing fees by including the desk.

 

[thecapn]

That's a strong possibility. They still could've designed it to have a laser beam and less remote features since it's useless. I would've spent $200 if it fired a laser and didn't compromise the selector wheel.



That's because Anovos has the replica license now. The Anovos stuff are expensive kits you have to put together and paint, but they could look incredible if done right. Love the servo activated stun/kill feature on the Beyond Phaser!
https://www.thetrekcollective.com/2016/06/new-star-trek-beyond-phaser-and-other.html

They'll also be making DS9 and Next Gen movie phaser replicas:
https://www.thetrekcollective.com/2015/07/new-images-of-anovos-phasers.html
https://www.startrek.com/article/trek-battle-replicas-from-anovos

None of these are from TOS though.

Ah YES! You're right! It's Anovos, not QMX, that I was thinking of that showed off their prototypes last year. My mistake, guys! I knew I had seen photos from somewhere.

I think the remote was a cool idea. Hadn't been done in a while. Just...didn't work so well in execution.

Could it be possible Anovos doesn't have the prop license for TOS? I never considered that the TOS license would be separate from TNG and the later series (not including the new movies, of course). For some reason I thought it was a one and done TOS-ENT license...that's what it seems to be in most cases. But it is a bit telling that Anovos didn't reveal any TOS stuff.

I am very interested in getting one of those First Contact rifles!

 

[mrdbios]

Come on end-of-the-day! My phaser is waiting for me at home!

 

[screamingmetal]

Heads up guys-

Think Geek has finally put this on sale for a good discount, it's $90.99 there with free shipping (You'll still have to pay taxes though, mine was $96.99):
https://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1db4/?srp=1