Remotes ✮

By the 1980s, infrared (IR) technology became the standard, using invisible light pulses to transmit binary codes to devices. How Today’s Remotes Work Most modern systems rely on one of three main technologies: TV Remote Control—Extraordinary Ordinary Things

The remote control—that "extraordinary ordinary thing"—has evolved from a luxury tethered by a literal wire into a sophisticated hub of modern home automation. Whether you call it a "clicker," "zapper," or "the buttons", the remote remains an essential bridge between us and our technology. Remotes

Developed by Eugene Polley, this used visible light to trigger sensors in the corners of the TV. However, stray sunlight often caused the TV to change channels on its own. By the 1980s, infrared (IR) technology became the

Robert Adler pioneered ultrasonic technology, using mechanical hammers that "pinged" tuned rods at frequencies only the TV could hear. Developed by Eugene Polley, this used visible light

The journey of the remote began in with the Zenith Lazy Bones , which was connected to the TV via a long cable. True wireless freedom arrived shortly after: