RF remote control

(Radio Frequency remote control) A handheld, wireless device used to operate audio, video and other electronic equipment using radio frequency transmission. Unlike infrared (IR) remotes, which are the most common, RF remotes are easier to use because they do not require line of sight and do not have to be aimed at the equipment. The RF remote can also be operated from another room. Held in the hand like a cellphone, the buttons are pressed in the same straightforward manner.

Base Stations Are Required
Most devices operated by handheld remotes are based on infrared and have an IR sensor in the front of the unit. Signals from an RF remote have to be converted to infrared by a base station with a small antenna. For use inside equipment cabinets, base stations typically have a front "blaster" that showers IR signals to all the components by reflecting off the closed cabinet door. The base station also has sockets for several IR emitters that are wired to, and pasted directly over, the IR sensors in the equipment. See IR remote control and RF.

RF and IR

The Aurora from Universal Remote Control (www.universalremote.com) can operate every piece of audio and video equipment in a home as well as a Media Center PC. Connected to the PC by cable and programmed on screen, this versatile unit transmits RF and IR signals simultaneously, and the user can even be in the next room.

An IR Emitter

An IR emitter (left) is pasted onto the IR sensor on this DVD/VHS player. The wire traces back to a Home Theater Master RF base station that picks up the RF and converts it to infrared. No matter whether a remote control is RF or IR, the signal generally winds up as IR at the equipment.