"Warehouse 13" Farnsworth Device Press Kit - "Warehouse 13" became an instant hit in Syfy's history. The press kit was inspired by a vintage gadget from the show, the "Farnsworth Device", that predates today's mobile video chat technology. The outer shell is a textured bronze plastic case; every case was stained in black and hand-rubbed for an antique finish. When opened, an electric-eye sets off a audio recording of one of the show's characters, which is further supported by a lenticular image of the character "talking" to the viewer.