The remote control changed the way the world watches television. TV remote control facts can help you learn about this device, which is now standard equipment offered with every television set manufacturers sell.

1

Lazy Bones

Lazy Bones is the name of the first remote control, developed in 1950 by Zenith Electronics Corp.. The Lazy Bones remote control connected to the television set via a long cable that you could stretch across the room to your seat.

  • The remote control changed the way the world watches television.
  • Lazy Bones is the name of the first remote control, developed in 1950 by Zenith Electronics Corp..
  • The Lazy Bones remote control connected to the television set via a long cable that you could stretch across the room to your seat.
2

Flashmatic

Eugene Polley, an engineer for Zenith, invented Flashmatic, the first wireless remote control. It worked via four photo cells, with one cell in each corner of the TV cabinet.

3

Space Command

The next generation of remote controls, called Space Command, operated using ultrasonic technology. In 1956, Space Command went into production.

4

Infrared Remote Controls

The television industry moved to infrared technology in the 1980s. Infrared technology uses a low-frequency light beam to send signals from the remote control to the television set.

5

Universal Remotes

The universal remote control can operate multiple devices at one time. You can control your television, DVD player, VCR, satellite or cable box and audio system with one universal remote control.