This isn't a wind-up - someone really has created a remote control that you charge by cranking. There's not a great deal to say except that it's called the Clone RC 601, it's a universal remote - i.e. it can learn and replace your existing remote controls - and it apparently only needs a crank once a week. This battery-free wonder's available for £20 from AV It All.
Bought one of these and it's a nice idea, but it didn't remember codes programmed in for long, and winding it up made it forget codes also. Shame.
Also avitall.co.uk are impossible to contact and took 2 weeks to deliver the goods. One to avoid at all costs.