Why TV Remotes Continue to Use Infrared Technology
Even after more than 40 years since its introduction, infrared remotes remain the standard for televisions. Here's a comparison with Bluetooth remotes to explain why.
According to a report by Adnan Ahmed from Engadget ([email protected]), a look back at the history of TV remotes reveals that infrared (IR) technology has remained the industry standard for approximately 45 years. Despite the growing popularity of Bluetooth remotes, IR has not been entirely replaced. This article examines the reasons behind its continued dominance from a technical perspective.
The History of Remotes and the Rise of Infrared
The first TV remote, called “Lazy Bones,” was introduced by Zenith Radio Corporation in 1950. This device used a wired connection, linking the remote to the television via a long cable.
In 1955, the “Flash-Matic” made its debut as the first wireless remote control that utilized visible light. Its method involved directing light to four photoelectric cells positioned on the front of the television.
By the 1980s, infrared remotes had become the industry standard. Over the subsequent 40 years, IR technology maintained its dominance in the market.
The Working Principle of Infrared Technology
IR remotes use LEDs to emit high-speed pulses of invisible light. These pulses are decoded by the infrared receiver on the television, which then processes the command. If you aim the front of the remote at a smartphone camera and press a button, you may be able to see the infrared LED blinking.
The Reality of Bluetooth Remotes and IR
Coexistence
Many modern TVs now come with Bluetooth remotes equipped with advanced features like voice control and air gesture functionality. However, even these remotes often include IR transmitters, primarily for basic operations like turning the TV on and off.
Engadget conducted tests using a TCL smart TV and found that the Bluetooth remote used IR signals only for power on and off functions. Commands for menu navigation and volume control were transmitted via Bluetooth. When the remote was unpaired from the TV, all operations automatically switched to IR.
Bluetooth remotes require pairing with the television. During initial setup, the TV must be operated before pairing is complete, a gap filled by IR technology. Additionally, when the TV is in standby mode, Bluetooth is not always active, making IR essential for turning the device on.
The Economic Reasons Behind IR’s Survival
The most significant advantage of IR technology lies in its low manufacturing cost. Decades of mass production and standardization have kept the cost of IR transmitting and receiving modules extremely low. Many existing devices like soundbars and AV receivers are IR-compatible, making it impractical to completely phase out IR in favor of newer technologies.
Bluetooth offers the major benefit of not requiring a direct line-of-sight. Users can operate the TV without pointing the remote at it, even while under a blanket. However, IR’s superior battery efficiency, though once a major advantage, has been somewhat mitigated by advancements in Bluetooth Low Energy technology.
Editorial Opinion
In the short term, it is likely that the hybrid model of IR and Bluetooth remotes will remain the standard. For Bluetooth remotes to fully replace IR, challenges such as standby power consumption and the complexity of pairing processes need to be addressed. Unless a universal standard for powering TVs on and off without IR emerges, IR transmitters are expected to remain a fixture in remote controls.
In the long term, advancements in voice control and gesture recognition may reduce reliance on physical remotes altogether. However, televisions, as essential home appliances, require guaranteed functionality when powered off and a minimum level of user interface. Simple IR transmitters are expected to continue fulfilling these roles. The evolution of remote control technology will likely proceed while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure, according to the editorial team.
The prolonged use of IR technology illustrates the home appliance industry’s emphasis on backward compatibility. As Bluetooth remotes become increasingly common, consumers may find themselves weighing the convenience of Bluetooth against the potential increase in operational complexity from eliminating IR.
References
- “Infrared tech is decades old – why does almost every TV remote use it?”, by [email protected] (Adnan Ahmed) — Engadget, 2026-07-19T15:30:00.000Z (ARR)
- Source URL: https://www.engadget.com/2213636/why-infrared-still-used-tvs/
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do Bluetooth remotes still include IR transmitters?
- Bluetooth remotes require pairing with the television. IR is used as a fallback for operations during initial setup or after pairing is disrupted. Additionally, when the TV is in standby mode, Bluetooth may not be active, making IR necessary for basic operations like turning the TV on or off.
- What is the biggest drawback of IR remotes?
- IR communication requires a direct line-of-sight between the transmitter and receiver. The remote must be pointed at the television, and obstacles like furniture can block the signal. In contrast, Bluetooth does not have this limitation and can even operate devices from another room.
- Will IR remotes be completely phased out in the future?
- There is currently no indication that IR remotes will be entirely eliminated. Their low manufacturing cost and compatibility with existing devices make them indispensable. The hybrid use of IR and Bluetooth in modern remotes suggests that IR will remain a part of remote control technology for the foreseeable future. ## References - [Infrared tech is decades old – why does almost every TV remote use it? - Engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2213636/why-infrared-still-used-tvs/) — Published on July 19, 2026
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