UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL

Remote Control

What would life be like without the remote control? Can you even recall the last time you purchased a TV, or stereo that did not include a remote? Regrettably, it's ironic to think that a device designed specifically to add convenience and simplicity to our lives could become a source of frustration and confusion. As remote controls became more sophisticated, electronics manufactures found that they could cut costs by eliminating buttons and features from the front panels of their devices. Their reasoning is that since all the function buttons are present on the remote control, they would be redundant by including the same buttons on the units themselves. They also take for granted that most people would prefer to use their remote controls, rather than walk over to the equipment rack to make adjustments.
The Germans first began using remote during World War I, to control motorboats and airplanes that would damage ships by crashing into them. The Second World War saw bombs that were controlled by remote devices. In fact, the first use of remotes in our homes began after the war, when remote controlled garage doors started being manufactured. The T.V. remote followed suit. It was aptly called ‘Lazy Bones,’ and was made by Zenith Corporation, an American company.
Early remote controls were not wireless, and were in fact attached to cables connecting it to the T.V. Subsequent developments saw the making of Flashmatic, the wireless remote that had to be pointed at the television set. The next generation of remote controls used high-frequency sound to transmit signals, and only in the 80s did the prototype of the modern remote control come into existence. These remotes used infrared (IR) radiation to send and receive signals. Today the majority of the remotes manufactured are based on this technology, although some manufacturers use radio-based remotes or those that work with Bluetooth technology.
In present times almost every gadget we own needs a remote control, from TVs, music systems, VCRs and DVD players to home theater systems, some of which require as many as six separate remotes. The day is not far away, when every single gadget we use will need a remote. That is the main reason behind the development of universal remotes, which can control multiple gadgets and be used for almost all the prominent brands. With the addition of these additional features, the appearance of the remote control too has evolved. Gone are the simple remotes that had circular or rectangular buttons on a slim black console. Now remotes have fliptops that open to reveal LCD screens and exhaustive menus.
A universal remote control is perfect for simplifying our lives. Anyone that is passionate about their entertainment system knows that there is a lot of time, effort, and money that goes into choosing specific pieces for your home use. You wouldn't own a million dollar home and then drive around in a used Volkswagen Bus. By the same standards, keeping up with technology means keeping up with the important accessories and tools as well. A universal remote control is going to accomplish all of this.


Remote Control