Philips, Samsung Electronics, Sony Corporation and Panasonic have joined forces to develop a standardized specification for radio
frequency-based remote controls for audio visual consumer
electronics devices.
Working with Freescale Semiconductors, OKI
and Texas Instruments, the seven companies have formed the
RF4CE (Radio Frequency for Consumer Electronics) Consortium to
create a new protocol that will enable the development of radio
frequency remote controls that deliver better communication,
increased reliability and more flexible use.
Most existing remote controls use infrared technology to
communicate commands to controlled devices. While no radio
frequency remote control standard currently exists for audio
visual consumer electronic devices, increased demand for
advanced functionality that cannot be supported by existing
infrared technology has led to the formation of the RF4CE
Consortium. Radio frequency remote controls enable non
line-of-sight operation and the technology also provides more
advanced features based on bi-directional communications such
as display feedback for an enhanced entertainment experience.
The new radio frequency remote control standard will be based
on IEEE 802.15.4. MAC/PHY radio technology in the 2.4GHz
unlicensed frequency band, which enables worldwide operation,
low power consumption and instantaneous response time. The
RF4CE Consortium aims to develop a radio frequency platform
that allows omni-directional and reliable two-way wireless
communication, frequency agility to co-exist with other 2.4GHz
wireless technologies, simple security set-up and
configuration.
"The initial applications of the radio frequency remote control
standard in new devices will be similar to the current infrared
technology, however this platform will open up the
possibilities for much richer remote control functionality in
the future," said Bas Driesen, Chairperson, RF4CE Consortium.
The RF4CE specification is due to be launched in the second
half of 2008.