How Do Infrared Devices Work?
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What is Infrared
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Infrared is light comprised of electromagnetic energy. Infrared waves are shorter than a microwave but longer than visible light rays. Infrared is invisible to the human eye. The human body naturally receives and gives off infrared light. Objects that aren't hot enough to produce visible light release infrared energy. This explains why many household devices like your TV remote control, thermometers and cameras use infrared.
Infrared Light and Your TV
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The "brain" or processor in your remote control detects that you have pressed a button. The processor knows which button you've pressed. Now that the remote knows what you want it to do, it sends a string of messages in binary code to the processing unit. These messages are sent via your Infrared light emitting diode in your remote control. The signal is transmitted to a receiver in your TV. Your TV performs the command you gave it.
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Heat and Infrared
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Infrared energy is used in manufacturing during the heating process. Some people have infrared heat systems in their house. The jury is still out as to whether infrared heat is a good form of energy conservation. In theory, it seems to be. Since infrared can detect energy, an infrared heating system can apply heat where it is most needed. For example, If you aren't in the living room, there's no need for a great deal of heat to be used there.
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