"By Chemistry" seems to be the keyword here. AFAIK Alkaline also have several chemistry differences, and batteries especially OEM would be matched to the use (low energy-long storage for remote). General purpose/OTS battery seem to optimize for power for ease-of-use. Avoid the scenario of "Oh this toy doesn't work with this battery brand so I'll avoid it". Have you tried specific long-use batteries? Non-alkaline or Alkaline branded as such?
> ...Have you tried specific long-use batteries? Non-alkaline or Alkaline branded as such?
What is "long-use" in this case?
Most of the batteries are advertized on the packaging as "long-lasting guaranteed!". Sure, there're lithium batteries, and LSD rechargeables, but alkaline kind are normally just touted as "Alkaline!" or highlighted to that effect.
Just fetched some of those old OEM batteries, Panasonic one is labeled Ultra Hyper (Costa Rica made) UM-3UHS/R6, Sony is Super Red (Japan made), R6P(SR) - this one is labeled 03/98, I kid you not, still measures 1.4V.
I sure haven't seen these on shelves here, well, not currently, at least.
The Sony one is advertised as `low-current` use battery, so I'm not surprised that it lasted long. Well 1.4 is no joke though.
Interestingly I can't find any listing for any low-current battery on Amazon. I swear I've seen them in my local stores a few years ago, advertised specifically for remotes. Maybe they're not profitable so people stop selling them. Bummer.
