Now that you have the coolest home entertainment system on your block, what are you going to do with all those instruction manuals and other documents? High technology is a fact of life. And so is the mountain of paper that seems to accompany every new acquisition. How to decide what to keep and where?

Why does it matter what you keep? It’s not like asking for directions. Most electronics systems today are very user friendly with intuitive controls that don’t need a lot of explanation for basic operation. But when you start adding components, especially from different manufacturers, things begin to get a little more complicated. Many times the competitive new features that we eagerly pay more for AREN’T intuitive. There’s no shame in looking up the answers. Manufacturers provide valuable information for troubleshooting common problems and answers to typical questions. When you can easily reference the manuals, you can get back to the game or the movie more quickly.

Complete documentation increases re-sale value. When it’s time to upgrade or replace equipment, a full set of user’s manuals in good condition, along with all the cords, adapters, and installation discs, may bring a better price on eBay or the neighborhood garage sale. Selling for more means you can buy more. Think about that!

Faster replacement and repair. Things happen. Sometimes products are shipped with defective or missing parts. Sometimes you get a little over-eager to listen to the new CD or you forget the controller isn’t really made of steel. The warranty that ships with all products details what is covered and for how long and what to do when you need a covered or un-covered repairs. If you purchase an extended warranty, be sure to keep the documentation for it, too. Most retailers keep that information on file, but if you move or change your contact information, you may need proof of purchase.

Rebates, returns and price guarantees. The entertainment industry is very competitive – onscreen and off. Manufacturers and retailers offer various price incentives that put the burden on the consumer. Rebates require specific documentation and may take up to 12 weeks to process. Keep copies of EVERYTHING you send out. Ask your retailer to print extra copies of your receipt at the time of purchase so that you have an “original” to send with the rebate form and another “original” for your own files. You can discard the rebate form copies after you receive the rebate check. Price guarantees are offered by some retailers for a specific period of time after the purchase. In order to take advantage of this, you need to provide your original receipt in addition to proof of a competitor’s price.

Where do you keep all this stuff? It’s important to keep any reference close to where you use it. Organization is the key to making it accessible without making it an eyesore.

UniKeep makes a wide range of products to keep your technology organized. Case binders, wallets and Safety-sleeves(R) allow you to safely store important documents and digital files, through a flexible and efficient organization system with
patented archival-safe protection that is guaranteed safer for your discs and documents. The fully enclosed binders keep everything enclosed and the full wrap overlays make it easy to create covers that match your own style. You can download templates like the ones shown from www.unikeep.com or use your own materials like sheets of gift wrap or wall paper that match your decor.

Keep everything together, organized by product or system. Individual binders can hold all components of a system. Even cords and connectors can go inside. Use UniKeep pockets to hold receipts or sheets that aren’t hole-punched. Creative additions like photo pages can hold cords and small items or create an index of receipts.

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Game System cover for 1.0 (PDF)

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Game System cover for 1.5 (Word)

Video System cover for 15 (Word)

Audio System cover for 15 (Word)

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Consider keeping a quick reference list for each system that lists products with serial numbers and model numbers. This is handy when you are shopping for additional products or have questions regarding compatibility or service coverage. You won’t have to unplug the piece to look up the numbers that are usually placed on the underside.

Another handy reference to include is a Quick Reset guide that you create yourself. If your entertainment system operates over your wireless network, for example, and either electrical or network service is disrupted, the devices may need to be re-started in sequence for optimum performance. These details are usually fairly simple, but very important and very easy to forget.

What if you DON’T keep the right information? Check with the manufacturer first. Most retailers offer too many products from too many vendors to be able to provide detailed information. Most manufacturers provide user’s guides and other product information for download on their web site. Check here, too, for late-breaking updates regarding your product.

If you MUST provide proof of purchase without the receipt, contact the retailer’s customer support desk at the store where you made the purchase. The phone number or address you gave the cashier may cross-reference the sale and allow them to print a duplicate receipt.

Checklist of product documentation to include for long term storage:

• User’s Guides
• Warranty cards
• Extended warranty cards and receipts
• Extra or unused cables, adapters, connectors, etc.
• Installation discs or demo discs
• Guides, receipts and information for peripheral products including furniture
• Network and service provider information such as service plans and access codes.
• Quick start guides