I came up with this concept a while back.

There would be a low powered coded UHF beacon installed at the venue. The phone would have a receiver to listen for that beacon and adjust its settings as required.

I think this is headed in a good direction, but I don't think it goes quite far enough. Under this system, an individual can still pull out their cell phone and initiate calls and/or text messages (especially annoying at a movie). Why not just use currently available tools/technologies to block cell signals completely? Or better yet, hold all funerals, movies and conferences in a giant elevator...sure to lose the signal then.

They should create a policy that the person who uses their cell phone is asked to leave the room. They should also be shunned by everyone and/or society. Perhaps people will start bringing rotten tomatoes to the theatres again just for the cell phone people.

wow.. a good idea.. it's irritating when you watch at a moviehouse and somebody's cell just rings on the dead silent moment of the film.. it's pretty annoying.. it would be so beneficial... but I guess it would be much better if the transmitter would automatically switch the phone to its normal state once you get out of zone.. it would be pretty much a hassle otherwise.. you're expecting a call from somebody, a boss or a client maybe, and you forgot to turn the ringer on coming from the moviehouse or a conference room... anywawy.. I also think this technology would take a while......