Abstract: The invention is a method and remote control apparatus for controlling an electronic device that is capable of indicating a low battery state without the need for cooperation with the electronic device. In one aspect, the invention is a remote control apparatus for controlling an electronic device comprising: a power supply having a voltage; and means to activate an indicator, wherein the activation means activates the indicator in the first way when the voltage is at or above a predefined threshold and the activation means activates the indicator in the second way when the voltage is below a predefined threshold.

Abstract: A degaussing winding adapted to be coupled to a first source of varying amplitude alternating current potential develops a degaussing flux in the proximity of a television picture tube during a degaussing interval. A secondary winding coupled to the degaussing winding supplies current to a power supply network to develop a first direct current potential during the degaussing interval. A further aspect includes means coupling the first direct current potential to a horizontal oscillator to enable start-up of the horizontal oscillator which provides for the development of a second direct current potential by the horizontal deflection system. The second direct current potential is coupled to the horizontal oscillator and sustains operation of the horizontal oscillator after the start-up interval.