● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact
Infrared technology remains standard in TV remotes despite Bluetooth options
Key points
- Infrared has been standard in remotes since the 1980s.
- Bluetooth remotes are increasingly common but still use IR.
- IR technology is cheaper and maintains wide compatibility.
History of TV Remotes
The first remote control, the Lazy Bones, was wired and introduced in 1950 by Zenith Radio Corporation. The first wireless remote, the Flash-Matic, was launched in 1955, employing visible light to command TVs. By the 1980s, infrared remotes became the industry standard, a status they maintain today.
How Infrared Works
Infrared remotes operate by emitting quick pulses of invisible light via an LED. The TV's infrared receiver decodes these signals to process commands. Observing the remote through a phone camera can reveal the LED flashing, demonstrating its functionality.
Bluetooth vs Infrared in Modern Remotes
Though modern televisions include Bluetooth-enabled remotes offering features like voice control, they continue to ship with an infrared transmitter. This dual-functionality allows users to control the TV even when the Bluetooth connection is inactive, particularly in standby mode.
Cost and Compatibility
Implementing infrared technology is extremely cost-effective, thanks to extensive mass production. Existing entertainment equipment has been designed around IR compatibility for decades, making a complete transition to Bluetooth impractical.
Takeaways
The co-existence of Bluetooth and infrared in remotes provides convenience and reliability. This dual approach allows manufacturers to leverage the benefits of both technologies while ensuring compatibility with older devices.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Infrared technology has persisted in TV remotes due to its low cost and compatibility. While many remotes include Bluetooth for added features, they still utilize IR for basic functions like powering the TV.