SpinDance PlayLimit User manual
PlayLimit.com PlayLimit.com
PlayLimit
User Guide
The Smart Way
to Let Kids
Play
PLAY
LIMIT
PlayLimit.com PlayLimit.com
Contents
Safety Messages ........................................................................................................1
Overview .....................................................................................................................2
Setup............................................................................................................................4
Operation..................................................................................................................10
Troubles ooting........................................................................................................14
Service .......................................................................................................................16
Suggestions & Strategies ........................................................................................17
FAQs ..........................................................................................................................19
Safety Messages
Use only t e power supply included wit t e PlayLimit. Ot er power supplies
may damage t e PlayLimit.
Insert only PlayLimit tokens in t e token slot. Smaller coins will not work.
Larger coins will not fit. Wider coins could become jammed in t e token slot.
Never take t e PlayLimit console apart to access a jammed token slot. Only
t e front door and rear security panel are designed to be removed from t e
PlayLimit console. Furt er disassembly of t e PlayLimit console may cause
damage.
C oking Hazard: Small parts. PlayLimit tokens are not for c ildren under 3
years.
This symbol indicates a caution
or warning. Follow the
instructions carefully to avoid
damaging the equipment or
hurting yourself.
This symbol indicates a note
containing a tip or advice.
1
PlayLimit.com PlayLimit.com
Overview
PlayLimit is a simple device t at connects to televisions and game systems and allows
parents to set limits for t e amount of time t eir c ildren spend watc ing TV and playing
video games. T e PlayLimit as a slot for tokens, and eac token allows t e TV or game
system to operate for a certain time increment.
A PlayLimit System contains the
following items:
ÊPlayLimit onsole (1)
ËPlayLimit User Guide (1)
ÌPlayLimit Quick Setup Sheet (1)
Íomposite able (1, 6 foot)
Îoaxial able (1, 6 foot)
ÏPower Supply able (1, 6 foot)
Ðoin Box Keys (2)
ÑPlayLimit Tokens (30)
Ê
2 3
15
PLAY
LIMIT
15
PLAY
LIMIT
15
15
PLAY
LIMIT
15
15
PLAY
LIMIT
15
PLAY
LIMIT
15
15
PLAY
LIMIT
15
15
Ë
Ì
ÍÎÏ ÐÑ
ÀToken Slot. Where you insert tokens.
ÁPause Button. Pauses the PlayLimit timer.
ÂTime Display. Shows the play time
remaining.
ÃDoor Lock. For parents to access coin
box.
ÄMode Switch. Sets the PlayLimit
operation mode: TO EN/OFF/ON
ÅControl Switch. Sets the devices
controlled by PlayLimit: GAME/TV/BOTH
ÆCoin Box. Where inserted tokens are
stored.
ÇSecurity Panel Screw. Secures the back
PlayLimit panel.
ÊSecurity Panel. Ensures the cables from
games console and cable TV are locked.
ËCoax-In. From TV picture source.
ÌCoax- ut. To TV.
ÍAudio-Right In. From Game Console
ÎAudio-Left In. From Game Console
ÏVideo In. From Game Console
ÐAudio-Right ut. To TV.
ÑAudio-Left ut. To TV.
ÒVideo ut. To TV.
ÓDC Power Terminal. For Power Supply
cable.
Front iew
Rear iew
À
Á
Â
Ã
ÄÅ
Æ
Ç
ÊËÌÍÎÏ
ÐÑÒÓ
PlayLimit
Quick Setup
Sheet
The
Smart
Way
to Let Kids
Play
PLAY
LIMIT
Read This First!
PlayLimit
User Guide
The
Smart
Way
to Let Kids
Play
PLAY
LIMIT
PlayLimit.com PlayLimit.com 54
Setup
You can connect PlayLimit to your audio/visual equipment in many different combinations.
T is section contains setup instructions for t e t ree most typical setups: one game
console, one game console and VCR/DVD, and multiple game consoles.
One Game Console Setup
For information on non-typical
PlayLimit setups, go to
http://www.playlimit.com/setup
Minimum TV Requirements:
The TV you connect PlayLimit to
must have one set of composite
jacks (colored red, white, and
yellow).
You cannot connect PlayLimit
to an S-video jack or component
video jacks (colored green, blue,
and red).
Use only the power supply
included with the PlayLimit.
Other power supplies may
damage the PlayLimit.
Setup the PlayLimit on a flat,
level surface so that tokens can
drop through properly.
If the TV has only one jack for
audio, connect the right (red)
component cable plug.
1Remove t e Security Panel.
Use a oin Box key to open the front door. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver (not supplied) to remove the
Security Panel screw. Pull down on the Security Panel to detach it.
2 Connect t e Game Consoles component cable to t e PlayLimit.
3Connect t e coaxial cable from a TV source (suc as cable or satellite TV) to t e PlayLimit, and
connect t e coaxial cable (supplied) from t e PlayLimit to t e TV.
4Reattac t e Security Panel.
Align the tabs and slide the panel into place, making sure cables fit through the slots without pinching.
5Insert and tig ten t e Security Panel screw.
6Connect t e composite cable (supplied) from t e PlayLimit to t e TV.
7Connect t e power supply cable (supplied) and plug t e power supply into an AC outlet.
8Put t e Mode Switc to TOKEN.
9Set t e Control Switc :
If you only connected a game console, put t e switc to GAME.
If you only connected a TV source, put t e switc to T .
If you connected bot a game console and a TV source, put t e switc to BOTH.
10 Close and lock t e Coin Box door.
11 Test t e system:
For a TV source, start t e TV. T e TV s ows a blank screen. Insert tokens to begin viewing.
For a game console, start t e game console and TV. On t e TV, select t e video input for
t e game console. T e TV s ows a blue screen wit OUT OF TIME on it. Insert tokens to
begin play.
PlayLimit
Game Console
TV
Source
110 AC
Outlet
TV
Coaxial Ca le
Composite Ca le
Game Console
Composite Ca le
Power
Supply
PlayLimit.com PlayLimit.com 76
One Game Console and VCR Setup
1Remove t e Security Panel.
Use a oin Box key to open the front door. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver (not supplied) to remove the
Security Panel screw. Pull down on the Security Panel to detach it.
This manual uses V R to refer
to V Rs, DVD players, or a
V R/DVD combination units.
For setups that include multiple
V Rs or DVRs (Digital Video
Recorders), go to
http://www.playlimit.com/setup
Use only the power supply
included with the PlayLimit.
Other power supplies may
damage the PlayLimit.
Setup the PlayLimit on a flat,
level surface so that tokens can
drop through properly.
If the TV has only one jack for
audio, connect the right (red)
component cable plug.
If you control V R viewing with
game viewing, the game console
cable is not secured within the
PlayLimit and can be easily
plugged directly into the TV,
bypassing the PlayLimit.
If you control V R viewing with
TV viewing, you must put the TV
to either hannel 3 or 4 to view.
2Pick a setup strategy:
Control CR viewing with T viewing: Connect t e coaxial cable from a TV source (suc
as cable or satellite TV) to t e VCR. Connect t e VCR to t e PlayLimit wit a coaxial cable
(not supplied). Connect a coaxial cable (supplied) from t e PlayLimit to t e TV. Connect t e
Game Console composite cable to t e PlayLimit and t en connect t e PlayLimit composite
cable (supplied) to t e TV.
Control CR viewing with game viewing: Connect t e game console cable to t e VCR
inputs. Connect t e VCR composite cable (not supplied) to t e PlayLimit and t en connect
t e PlayLimit composite cable (supplied) to t e TV. Connect t e coaxial cable from a TV
source (suc as cable or satellite TV) to t e PlayLimit, and connect t e coaxial cable (supplied)
from t e PlayLimit to t e TV.
Do not control CR viewing: Connect t e VCR directly to t e TV and t en follow t e
instructions for One Game Console Setup on Page 4.
3Reattac t e Security Panel.
Align the tabs and slide the panel into place, making sure cables fit through the slots without pinching.
4Insert and tig ten t e Security Panel screw.
5Connect t e power supply cable (supplied) and plug t e power supply into an AC outlet.
6Put t e Mode Switc to TOKEN.
7Put t e Control Switc to BOTH.
8Close and lock t e Coin Box door.
9Test t e system:
a) Start t e VCR and TV and turn t e TV c annel to t e video input for t e VCR. Insert a tape
or disc in t e VCR and press PLAY. T e TV s ows a blank screen. Insert tokens to begin viewing.
b) Start t e game console. On t e TV, select t e video input for t e game console. T e TV s ows
a blue screen wit OUT OF TIME on it. Insert tokens to begin play.
PlayLimit
Game Console
TV
Source
110 AC
Outlet
TV
Coaxial Ca le
Composite Ca le
Game Console
Composite Ca le
Power
Supply
VCR
PlayLimit.com PlayLimit.com 98
Multiple Game Consoles Setup
1Remove t e Security Panel.
Use a oin Box key to open the front door. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver (not supplied) to remove the
Security Panel screw. Pull down on the Security Panel to detach it.
Use only the power supply
included with the PlayLimit.
Other power supplies may
damage the PlayLimit.
Setup the PlayLimit on a flat,
level surface so that tokens can
drop through properly.
If the TV has only one jack for
audio, connect the right (red)
component cable plug.
If you control V R viewing with
game viewing, the game console
cable is not secured within the
PlayLimit and can be easily
plugged directly into the TV,
bypassing the PlayLimit.
If you control V R viewing with
TV viewing, you must put the TV
to either hannel 3 or 4 to view.
2Pick a setup strategy:
Have one PlayLimit for each game console (if your T has multiple composite jacks).
Connect eac Game Console composite cable to a PlayLimit and t en connect eac PlayLimit
composite cable (supplied) to a set of composite jacks on t e TV.
Combine the game consoles into a single PlayLimit. Connect eac Game Console composite
cable to a 3-way audio/video selector (not supplied) and t en connect t e PlayLimit composite
cable (supplied) to t e TV.
3If needed, connect t e coaxial cable from a TV source (suc as cable or satellite TV) to a PlayLimit,
and connect t e coaxial cable (supplied) from t e PlayLimit to t e TV.
4Reattac t e Security Panel.
Align the tabs and slide the panel into place, making sure cables fit through the slots without pinching.
5Insert and tig ten t e Security Panel screw.
6Connect t e power supply cable (supplied) and plug t e power supply into an AC outlet.
7Put t e Mode Switc to TOKEN.
8Set t e Control Switc :
If you only connected game consoles, put t e switc to GAME.
If you connected bot a game console and a TV source, put t e switc to BOTH.
9Close and lock t e Coin Box door.
10 Test t e system:
For a TV source, start t e TV. T e TV s ows a blank screen. Insert tokens to begin viewing.
For a game console, start a game console and t e TV. On t e TV, select t e video input for
t e game console. T e TV s ows a blue screen wit OUT OF TIME on it. Insert tokens to
begin play.
PlayLimit 1Game Console 1 110 AC
Outlet
TV
Composite
Ca le
Game Console
Composite Ca le
Power
Supply
PlayLimit 2Game Console 2
Composite Ca le
Game Console
Composite Ca le
Power Supply
PlayLimit.com PlayLimit.com 1110
Operation
PlayLimit as t ree operation modes (Token, On, and Off) and are described in t is section.
Token (Typical)
In t is mode, PlayLimit allows content to appear on t e TV only by inserting tokens into
t e token slot.
1 Set the Mode switch.
Use a oin Box key to open the front door, put the Mode switch to T KEN, and close and lock the front
door.
2 Turn on the game console and the T .
These operation instructions
are for parents. See
Suggestions & Strategies on
Page 17 for examples of how
to approach teaching PlayLimit
operation to your children.
PlayLimit does not have a
power switch. After the
PlayLimit is setup, it is ready
for operation.
Insert only PlayLimit tokens.
Smaller coins will not register
time. Larger coins will not fit in
the slot. Thicker coins could jam
the slot.
The oin Box holds
approximately 100 tokens at a
time. There is no warning device
to let you know when its full,
so you must periodically remove
used tokens.
The Time Display shows the
remaining time in minutes. (For
example, 100 is 100 minutes,
not one hour.) However, when
the time is less than one minute,
it shows time in seconds.
3 Put tokens in the token slot.
Each token adds 15 minutes of play time. The Time Display shows the amount of play time remaining.
The timer starts immediately after you put in the first token.
4 If you need to stop playing temporarily, press the Pause button at any time.
PlayLimit puts a PAUSE screen on the TV and the timer stops. The Time Display flashes the remaining
time. Press the Pause button again to begin play.
5 When PlayLimit warns you that your time is running out, you can either add more tokens
or save and quit your game before the time runs out.
PlayLimit causes the TV to beep when game time remaining is at three minutes and again at one minute.
When less than one minute remains, the Time Display counts down in seconds.
TOKEN ON OFF
15
3 minutes Less t an a minute
PlayLimit.com PlayLimit.com 1312
On (Bypass)
In t is mode, PlayLimit allows unlimited play and TV viewing.
1 Set the Mode switch.
Use a Coin Box key to open t e front door, put t e Mode switc to ON, and close and lock t e
front door.
2 Start the game console and the T .
3 The video signal is unblocked the Timer Display shows - - -.
Here are a couple of examples
of when you would want to use
On (Bypass) mode:
Your children are not using
the game console, and you
want to use it without having
to put tokens in.
Your children have friends
over, and you dont want
them to have to supply
everybody with tokens.
Here are a couple of examples
of when you would want to use
Off (Lock) mode:
Your children has a school
project due, and you want to
make sure they are not
tempted to waste time
playing games.
You are going to be out of
the house, and you want to
make sure nobody will use
the game console.
PlayLimit blocks the video
signal only. The audio signals
are not blocked.
Off (Lock)
In t is mode, PlayLimit does not allow any play or TV viewing.
1 Set the Mode switch.
Use a Coin Box key to open t e front door and put t e Mode switc to OFF.
2 Set the Control switch.
If you want t e to allow TV viewing but not game playing, set t e switc to GAME.
If you want t e to allow game playing but not TV viewing, set t e switc to T .
If you do not want t e to allow TV viewing and game playing, set t e switc to BOTH.
3 Close and lock the front door and, if needed, start the game console or the T .
4 The video signal is blocked the T and the Timer Display show OFF.
TOKEN ON OFF
TOKEN ON OFF GAME TV BOTH
PlayLimit.com PlayLimit.com 1514
Troubleshooting
The Time Display is blank (no numbers or letters).
T e PlayLimit console does not ave power. C eck t e AC/DC
Adapter at t e connector and at t e outlet.
The Time Display shows - - - and inserting tokens
does not add time.
T e PlayLimits Mode switc is in t e ON position. If you want to
use tokens, use a Coin Box key to open t e front door, put t e
Mode switc to TOKEN, and close and lock t e front door.
The Time Display shows OFF and inserting tokens
does not add time.
T e PlayLimits Mode switc is in t e OFF position. If you want
to use tokens, use a Coin Box key to open t e front door, put t e
Mode switc to TOKEN, and close and lock t e front door.
The Time Display shows 000 but does not block
the video on the T .
T e PlayLimits Control switc is in t e wrong position. Use a
Coin Box key to open t e front door, put t e Mode switc t e
needed position, and close and lock t e front door.
If you ave only a TV connected to t e PlayLimit, put t e
switc to TV.
If you ave only a game console connected to t e PlayLimit,
Never take the PlayLimit console
apart to access a jammed token
slot. Only the front door and
rear security panel are designed
to be removed from the
PlayLimit console. Further
disassembly of the PlayLimit
console may cause damage.
PlayLimit is part of an
entertainment system. If you
are experiencing problems, you
should also consult the
Troubleshooting sections of the
manuals for the other
components (such as game
consoles and TVs).
put t e switc to GAME.
If you ave a TV connected and a game console to t e
PlayLimit, put t e switc to BOTH.
The Time Display shows a number but adding tokens
does not add time.
T e Coin Box is full.
Use a Coin Box key to open t e front door, remove t e tokens,
and close and lock t e front door.
T e Token Slide is jammed.
Contact PlayLimit. See Service on page 16.
The Time Display shows a number, but it is blinking.
T e Pause button as been pressed.
Press t e Pause button (on top of t e PlayLimit) to resume play.
The Time Display was showing a number, but it reset
to 000.
Power was removed from PlayLimit console and t en it was again
applied. T e PlayLimit timer will always reset in t is case. T e
only way to get t e time back is to insert tokens.
PlayLimit.com PlayLimit.com 1716
Service
If you are aving any operating problems wit your PlayLimit, please use t e following
steps until you are able to resolve t e problem:
1 Use t is User Guide to identify t e problem. See Troubles ooting on Page 14.
2 C eck t e PlayLimit website for t e most recent service information. Go to:
ttp://www.playlimit.com/service
Please include t e following information:
Location and date you purc ased your PlayLimit
A description of your setup (w ats connected to your PlayLimit)
A detailed description of t e problem you are experiencing
Your name and email address
4 Contact t e PlayLimit Service Department by P one at 1-800-555-1234.
Service Department ours are between 9:00AM and 5:00PM EST, Monday t roug Friday.
__________________________
Ot er service notes:
To clean t e PlayLimit console, wipe it wit a clean, dry towel.
Lost your coin box keys? Need additional tokens? Order more at our website. Go to:
ttp://www.playlimit.com/service
Need additional cables? Go to your local electronics store.
If you purchased your PlayLimit
in a store, do not return
PlayLimit to the store. Follow
the procedure on this page. If
your PlayLimit is under
warranty and you need to send
it to us, we will issue you an
RMA.
When setting up your PlayLimit,
remember to keep the console
low enough so kids can easily
insert tokens, and high enough
so kids can easily see its Time
Display.
Suggestions & Strategies
Purpose of PlayLimit
PlayLimit allows busy parents a simple and convenient way of limiting t e time t eir
c ildren spend in front of a TV. Study after study as s own t at too muc TV is bad for
c ildren. Even educational video games and programs, if not restricted, can reduce a
c ildrens ability to t ink and learn for t emselves.
How can PlayLimit elp? Simple. By giving kids tokens for a certain time period, parents
set a definite limit on ow muc TV t ey can watc . W ats more, t e tokens empower
kids to manage t eir own time, so parents no longer ave to be t e times up! police.
Once c ildren understand t eir TV limits, parents can encourage ot er activities suc as
reading, drawing, and sports to fill t e void. And t ats t e ultimate purpose of PlayLimit
to be a positive experience for bot parents and c ildren.
Introducing PlayLimit to Your Kids
PlayLimit is quite flexible you can be as strict or as lenient as you want. But regardless
of your approac , you s ould talk wit your kids about PlayLimit before installing it.
Demostrate ow PlayLimit works and explain ow you intend for t em to use PlayLimit
to access video game and/or TV viewing time. T ere are two basic approac es:
Tokens as an Allowance. Give your c ildren a certain amount of tokens over a given
time period. For example, four tokens per day. In t is case, t e c ildren would know
t at t ey ave only one our per day for TV time. If t ey would like to play a video
game for two ours, t ey would ave to save tokens for two days.
PlayLimit.com PlayLimit.com 1918
Tokens as a Reward System. Give your c ildren a certain amount of tokens after
t ey complete tasks or reac goals. For example, 32 tokens for a good report card.
In t is case, t e c ildren would know t at t ey earn 8 ours of TV time by getting
good grades for a marking period
Using Other Operation Modes
You will no doubt ave instances w en t e standard token for time operation will not
be w at you want. Here are a few situations w en you mig t want to use ot er operation
modes:
W en you want to allow unlimited access, put t e Mode switc to ON.
W en you want to block all access, put t e Mode switc OFF.
W en you want to block game access but allow unblocked access to t e TV, put t e
Mode switc to TOKEN and t e Control switc to GAME.
W en you want to block TV access but allow unblocked access to t e game console,
put t e Mode switc to TOKEN and t e Control switc to T .
Avoiding Temptations to Cheat
Here are a few t ings you can do to reduce t e c ance of kids trying to bypass PlayLimit:
Make sure you put all coin box keys in places w ere c ildren wont be tempted to take
t em.
Encourage c ildren to take care of t eir tokens in t e same way t ey would take care
of t eir money.
Dont ave extra game console AV composite cables available.
FAQs
Does PlayLimit block Internet connections?
No. PlayLimit as no inputs for networks, so it does not ave special controls for games
played over t e Internet.
Can I order more tokens or coin box keys?
Sure! Go to ttp://www.playlimit.order. tm
If I have more than one PlayLimit, are the tokens or coin box keys different?
No. All PlayLimit tokens and locks are t e same, so you only need one key.
Is PlayLimit a content control system?
No. In fact, PlayLimit only blocks video content w en time is up. Audio content, inappropriate
or ot erwise, is not blocked.
What is the target age group for PlayLimit?
Ages 5 to 12, alt oug it is certainly possible to use PlayLimit wit teenagers.
Does PlayLimit have outputs for HDT (High Definition Television)?
No, not at t is time. Game consoles typically do not ave ig -resolution outputs and
very few games are written to take advantage of HDTV.
See the most up-to-date list of
frequently asked questions at
http://www.playlimit.com/faq.
htm
PlayLimit.com PlayLimit.com
20
FCC Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a lass B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the F Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed or used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
onnect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
onsult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for additional suggestions
Limited Warranty (or Disclaimer/Limitation on Lia ility)
SpinDance, Inc. warrants to the original consumer purchaser that the PlayLimit System and all component
parts shall be free from defects in material workmanship for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase.
If a defect covered by this limited warranty occurs during this 90-day warranty period, SpinDance will repair
or replace the defective system or component part, at its option, free of charge. This limited warranty does
not apply if the PlayLimit is used with products not distributed or licensed by SpinDance , or if the defects have
been caused by negligence, accident, unreasonable use, modification, tampering or any other causes not
related to defective materials or workmanship. Additionally, this warranty shall not be valid if the serial number
of the PlayLimit System unit has been altered, defaced or removed in any way. Please retain the original or a
photocopy of your dated sales receipt to easily establish the date of purchase for in-warranty repairs.
© 2004 SpinDance, Inc. All rights reserved. PlayLimit is a trademark of SpinDance, Inc.
Will PlayLimit work with other coins?
No. PlayLimit is designed to work only wit PlayLimit tokens. Ot er coins may slide t roug
wit out registering time or become jammed inside.
What stops somebody from plugging the game system directly into the T ?
Game systems ave special cables wit a unique connector on one end (w ic connects
to t e game console) and red, w ite, yellow composite connectors of t e ot er end. T e
composite connector is locked inside t e PlayLimit.
Is there a special price for ordering more than one PlayLimit?
???
Does PlayLimit come with a money-back guarantee?
???
Does PlayLimit come with a manufacturers warranty?
???
How do I return a PlayLimit?
See t e procedure under Service on Page 16.
PlayLimit.com PlayLimit.com
For more information, please visit our website:
www.playlimit.com 8/2004
The
Smart
Way
to Let Kids
Play
PLAY
LIMIT
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