RF Remote controls
ZigBee RF4CE promises to revolutionize the consumer electronics industry.

By replacing IR with RF, this new technology will deliver products and systems with new features, empowering the new GREEN connected home that requires a lot less batteries and easier installation and maintenance.

ZigBee RF4CE provides exciting new features for consumer electronics

Most current home remote controls use decades-old IR (infrared) beam technologies. Aside from a short range and limited bandwidth, this requires the user to aim the IR remote control device at the unit that needs to be controlled. Because RF4CE devices do not have to be aimed, this means that the central control devices for home entertainment and automation can be hidden away in closets and cabinets.

The GreenPeak reference design for RF4CE remote controls enables CE manufacturers to develop remotes that can run for over ten years on a single battery with a BOM of under $2 each.

The GreenPeak 802.15.4 ultra low power transceiver chip on the remote control board communicates with a matching transceiver in the TV, set top box, home server or other home electronics entertainment or automation system.

RF also provides a much greater range than IR. This enables someone with a single remote controller to manage entertainment, environment, security and other applications located throughout the home. They no longer have to adjust the air conditioning thermostat in one room, go downstairs to check the security system, go into the den to adjust the sound system, and then climb back upstairs to change the channel on their TV set or DVR. By using a RF4CE device it is possible to control all the devices from a single remote.

Because ZigBee RFCE supports interactivity, it is no longer necessary to stand in front of your TV set to adjust the volume. You will no longer need to watch the TV screen to set up your DVR recording times. By using the view screen on the RF4CE remote device, users will be able to interact with your TV or internet eCommerce services, buying products and reading/responding to emails from anywhere in the home, all on your remote control. It is even possible that video captures and still images could be relayed from the building's security system to the remote's view screen.

Another fun aspect of RF4CE interactivity is a "Find Me" capability. Manufacturers can build in a button on a TV set or set top box that when pressed, will enable a "lost" remote to start blinking, beeping or playing music.