How a TV Remote Works

A TV remote control works by using a low frequency light beam to a receiver

A TV remote control sends an infrared light beam signal to your television set. Previously, a remote control unit could operate only one TV set, but eventually units were developed to operate multiple TVs as well as other devices.

History

Zenith Radio Corporation developed the first TV remote control in 1950 and called it "Lazy Bones." It was connected by cable to the TV. Zenith later developed a wireless remote called the "Flashmatic," which activated light-sensitive cells on the TV.

Ultrasonic Signals

In 1956, Zenith developed the "Space Command" remote control that sent sound signals, a technology that was imitated by other manufacturers. Infrared light technology, adopted for remote control in the 1980s, proved superior to previous remote control methods and became the industry standard.

Infrared Remote Control

Pressing a button on a TV remote control activates a diode or light-emitting device, which sends an infrared light signal to a receiver on the TV. Pressing the button repeats the infrared signal five times each second. Pushing a different button on the remote will send a different command to the TV.

References

• EarthSky Communications: How does a remote control work?
• The Great Idea Finder: Remote Control