Evolution of the TV Remote

Cord Connected Remotes

1950

Early remotes were wired to the TV set with a 20 foot wire cable.

First Wireless Remote

1955

Used a beam of light aimed at one of the sensors on the four corners of the picture tube.

"Clicker"

1956

When the user pushed a button on the remote, it clicked and struck a bar.

Space Commander 600

1972

Introduced in 1965. This design was in use until the end of the
1972 model year.

Infrared

1981

Using a low frequency light beam, so that the human eye cannot see it. It can be detected by a receiver in the TV.

Multiple Remotes

1990

Multiple remote controls were introduced into homes with one or more televisions.

Z-Trak

2001

Zenith developed the worlds first wireless trackball TV remote control.

Bluetooth Remote Control

2011

This allows users to connect with devices such as the IPhone to control the TV, Blu Ray Players, and more.