Modern Remotes: An Important Leap from Early Models

Few innovations have had as great an influence on home entertainment as the remote control. Remote controls have made managing multiple devices—televisions, media players, stereos, etc.—more convenient and accessible. The technology has come a long way from its earliest days, and there’s still more progress to be made as voice-recognition and internet innovations have opened new avenues for utility and convenience.

Modern-Remotes

Prior to remote controls, television owners had to control their sets manually, getting up and walking over to the set and manipulating dials or buttons. In the era of just three channels, this was doable, but today, with all the channels and functions available, it would be highly impractical.

The earliest television remotes were developed in the 1950s and consisted of a control connected by a cable to the set. This was helpful, but the cable often presented a trip hazard. The next development was a television with four photocells on each corner of the set. By shining a light on the corners, owners could change channels. Sunlight and ambient light interfered with this, however.

The next step was a remote control device that used ultrasound to communicate with the television. Infrared controls were developed in the 70s and provided a wider range of inputs for televisions, allowing the control of more features. During the 70s, 80s, and 90s, a range of other devices began to be integrated with televisions in home entertainment, including stereos, VCRs, and DVD players. This led to a proliferation of remotes in homes—a problem solved by universal remotes, which control more than one device.

Today, consumer electronics companies are working to incorporate new technologies into remotes, such as voice recognition technology, which will allow users to control remotes without touching them and command the device to search for desired media.

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Traditional TV & Streaming Service Converging

Television is in the process of a great transition, with traditional TV networks jumping on the streaming bandwagon, offering new ways to consume their content instead of broadcasting them and then letting a streaming service pick them up later.

A growing number of television networks are creating their own streaming applications that allow consumers to watch their fare without a cable subscription. Viewers can either watch the shows for free, or pay a fee for the service. The end result is that viewers have more choices than ever, as they can access just about anything from their TV remotes.

Many of the hottest shows on traditional broadcast and cable networks are available online the same day they are shown on traditional TV. Streaming services are also upending the old system of TV seasons by making entire seasons of their original content available at one time.

In recent years, the growth of streaming services has outpaced that of traditional cable. In 2015, revenues for streaming services grew 29 percent, while cable TV revenues grew by just 3 percent. Cable revenues still greatly outweigh streaming service revenues, but, in time, the opposite will very likely be the case.

ReplacementRemotes.com sells new and refurbished TV remote controls for a wide variety of televisions and other electronic devices. The company also provides TV stands, accessories, replacement product manuals, lights, and other accessories. The company also operates a repair service for remotes and other devices. To learn more, contact 1-877-671-7173.