Las Vegas (NV) - A blogger who interfered with flat-screen displays at last week's CES garnered a lot of reader interest, but the Consumer Electronics Association got the last laugh.

During the enormous trade show last week, Gizmodo employee Richard Blakeley walked around the show floor to disable dozens of flat-panel TVs, creating headaches for numerous companies.

This was possible with a device called "TV-B-Gone", an infared clicker that can disable displays with the push of a button.  Blakeley is also blamed for interrupting at least one company's press conference.

"The Gizmodo staffer interfered with the exhibitor booth operations of numerous companies, including disrupting at least one press event. The Gizmodo staffer violated the terms of CES media credentials and caused harm to CES exhibitors. This Gizmodo staffer has been identified and will be barred from attending any future CES events. Additional sanctions against Gizmodo and Gawker Media are under discussion," said the Consumer Electronics Association in a prepared statement.

Gizmodo's remorse came in a post that reads, "It was too much fun, but ... we realize it probably made some people's jobs harder, and I don't agree with that (Especially Motorola). We're sorry."

Considering its a trade show that some only have on...

Jan 14, 2008 11:48     

Considering its a trade show that some only have one chance at coming to and show their stuff off at, yes it was a harsh joke. Im wouldnt be supriced if CES took further actions against this joker, as it was very serious and could have costed some companies serious money. Messing with a TV-B-Gone in a tv store? Sure but its your problem if security catches you. But hell not in a trade show where companies promotes their products for potential partner or production officials. Imagine HD-DVD team sabotaging for Blu-ray by using a TV-B-Gone.. Not a joke and will probably go to court as it should. CES have all rights to set an example of what not to do on their trade show, and if they go further they do so on behalf of the companies that were sabotaged.

12345 report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Uh

Jan 14, 2008 14:10     

I own a TV b Gone (got it at ThinkGeek over a year ago) and all it does it turn the T.V. off. That's it. Unless he had some special modified version that somehow destroyed the T.V., I can't see someone having to turn the T.V. back on as that much of a headache. Annoying, sure... I use my TV b Gone on kids playing Guitar Hero at retail stores all the time. It's incredibly funny to see their reactions.

p report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Wasn't this a trade show?

Jan 14, 2008 14:22     

I was under the impression that trade shows were set up to showcase a collected group of products that were available to purchase, or market. This sounds like:"I am the Decider","Impeachment is off the table". It appears to me that Mr. Richard Blakeley was demonstrating the effectiveness of his product, and in the process; letting manufacturers of flat screens know, that they need to 'upgrade' to be able to block Mr. Blakeley's product. Russ Wilson, for Webintel: & Just for the record Webintel is an International Business Conglomerate. Our business interests span the Universe of goods, and services; we will Exceed your expectations...

Webintel report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

not funny at all

Jan 14, 2008 14:49     

At the beginning of the video they merely turn off displays through out the show, at the end the turn off a tv at the motorola's presentation on the main stage, that was messed up..
Andrew report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Cause Harm to others?

Jan 14, 2008 18:39     

How does turning off a few televisions cause harm to others? Don't say by ruining the reputation of a few PR guys
loujob report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Yar? NAR!

Jan 16, 2008 09:25     

I applaud them for exposing a blatant security hole. If your going to demo displays, maybe they should tape the sensors off? Because you know next year they will do the same thing, and that brings up my point, SECURITY at CES seems to be lacking in the forethought department. I enjoyed watching the presenters work a little harder, it makes for more entertainment.
Roadrun777 report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Lighten up guys, IT was funny

Jan 21, 2008 10:00     

I know somepeople looked real stressed out on the video, having to get on their walky talkies and then trying to push the power buttons so many times that could cause harm Im sure........also how is it his is falt, maybe its the ces's fault for not being better prepared.
Cdub report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0