The TV Hat – Greatest Thing Ever?

By Emmet Purcell

Do you love TV? Do you envy the long, elegant bill of a Platypus? Then you’re in luck, as the recently-launched TV Hat might just be the ‘revolutionary’ new product for you.

Debuting at the US Consumer Electronics Show in January (and selling 1,000 hats, according to TV Hat inventor, George Korper of SKM Industries), the kooky hat has became a huge viral hit, with many online posters wondering whether the peculiar headwear was just an elaborate hoax – however it now looks like the joke is on the online posters, as the TV Hat is finally here.

Providing a ‘movie theatre experience’ for a long commute, the crazy device resembles a Middle Eastern baseball cap, with an extended brim and veil to encompass the user’s viewing area.

As you can see above, you slot your iPod or other digital device into the end of the hat’s bill, a custom lens then magnifies the user's picture to provide a glare-free “virtual reality experience” – and one which cuts you off from the cruel taunts and laughter of strangers and passers-by.

Like the much-mocked but hugely successful Slanket, the TV Hat looks ridiculous but is still extremely intriguing – just how good is that magnifying screen exactly? Why does the website show people on bicycles using the hat - is that safe? And why is it called the TV Hat when it doesn’t show live TV?

Sadly, Irish TV-Hat proponents (ourselves included) may have to wait a little longer before donning the hat, as the device is currently only shipping in the US, for the princely sum of just $29.95. The offer also includes your choice of Cap or Visor and from a number of colours: blue, white, red khaki or camouflage. Thank god, as we’d be pretty embarrassed wearing a TV Hat with a rubbish colour.

If you demand a closer look at the TV Hat, or you're looking to weigh-up exactly which colour is right for you, take a visit to the official website of this most ingenious invention. We think you'll agree with JOE - the only thing more unthinkable than the TV Hat, is how we ever lived without it.