Ever heard of Actimates? Unless you have young children, probably not. In a nutshell, Actimates are little RF-controlled robots that look like popular children's characters, i.e., Barney, Teletubbies, Arthur and D.W. We stumbled upon an Actimates Barney at a local yard sale and figured it was worth the 5 bucks because our daughter loves him. He was part of a "PC Pack" which includes a CD-ROM and an RF sender that hooks to your PC's game port. I popped in some batteries, installed the hardware and software on a Win2K box and when it didn't work I figured it was still a good toy for the money. He could talk and play games and sing. The child was happy.
My wife wanted more. Actimates also works with the "TV Pack" and specially formatted video tapes (of which we have lots) and broadcasts. I found one cheap on eBay and hooked it up to my VCR's video out jack. Not expecting much, I plopped the daughter in front of the tube, pushed in an Actimates tape and sat down to watch.
Amazing stuff! This little toy runs a commentary on the video reminiscent of MST3K. He knows all the characters, sings the songs, and quips about this and that while the whole time gesturing with his arms and head. It's pretty cool and I'm sure it's ultra cool if you're two. It was a rousing success with my little one and she loves watching videos with Barney now. In fact, she usually demands it.
Unfortunately, Microsoft no longer sells Actimates, no new Actimates tapes are being produced and the special broadcasts are no more. I have no clue why the venture failed, but it seems that Microsoft, like Sony, suffers from CADD (Corporate Attention Deficit Disorder). They are on to the next potential profit center. At least they left something in their huge wake that my little girl enjoys.
Sounds cool, Mitch! Any links that show videos of these little guys in action?
Not that I know of, but the next time you come over you can watch "Camp Wannarunaround" with Trinity and Barney. :-)
oh my god!!!! We just bought a actimates DW for my god daughter at a yard sale, Id never heard of them either,but turn the thing on and its so freaking cute she may not get it cause im gonna keep it!Now youre telling me that the tv shows dont interact and they dont make any more stuff!?! -Bill Gates is the devil.- (I still love the doll)
I gave one of these to my grandson for Christmas in 1999 and the driver disk, the CD that installs the interface to the RF device, has come up missing in action. We have all the games, etc., but for some reason the driver disk came up missing. Well, my grandson has moved on the Razor scooters now, but Barney lives on across the street with a 20 month old boy named Jace. The parents would like to get Barney up and running with the games. I would like to find a way to get a copy of the driver disk for Barney. If anyone would be willing to burn me a copy, or send me the original for me to burn and return I would appreciate it. I have tried to get Microsoft to help but they refuse.
I have recently purchased an interactive Barney from a Thrift store. I have the pc pack but would like to get the tv pack any ideas where I could find this? I tried Ebay but they want to sell the dolls too. I just what the pack. Thanks Toni
I would keep checking EBay. I think there's a TV pack on there now. I'm purchasing the doll and TV pack together after reading about this.
HI I RECENTLY PURCHASED ALL FOUR TELETUBBIES ACTIMATES AND NOW I REALIZE I NEED RADIO ACRTRIDGES FOR THREE OF THEM CAN ANYONE HELP? I HAVE LOOKED ON EBAY NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE JUST THE CARTRIDGES