The TV Remote Control: Past, Present, and Future


  1. Posts : 7,781
    Win 7 32 Home Premium, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1, Win 10
       #1

    The TV Remote Control: Past, Present, and Future


    Although the form, the number of buttons, and the interface may have changed since Eugene Polley's invention of the Flash-Matic TV remote in 1955, the purpose of the TV remote remains the same: Allow people to control devices and appliances wirelessly without having to get up off the couch.

    There's no denying the TV remote's impact on the way we change channels, navigate a DVR, or stream Netflix movies. In honor of Polley, who passed away on May 20 at age 96, here's a look at the past, present, and future of the device, and a collection of some of the most innovative remote controls.
    A Tribute to the TV Remote Control: Past, Present, and Future | PCWorld

    Encapsulating the space-age futurism of the 1950s, the first wireless remote was the Flash-Matic. Eugene Polley's remote emitted a visible light beam that the user had to meticulously aim at one of four sensors on a TV set to change channels, adjust the volume, and turn the TV on or off.
    (Gotta love it....looks like something straight out of Buck Rogers)
    Last edited by Borg 386; 24 Jul 2013 at 11:04.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 7,538
    Windows 10 64bit/Windows 10 64bit/Windows 10 64bit
       #2

    Reminds me of a hairdryer.
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  3. Posts : 6,618
    W7x64 Pro, SuSe 12.1/** W7 x64 Pro, XP MCE
       #3

    I don't see enough controls on it to perform routine remote functions.
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  4. Posts : 2,164
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit
       #4

    seekermeister said:
    I don't see enough controls on it to perform routine remote functions.
    It was a flashlight you pointed at the tv.
    Since there are only 4 sensors on the tv, it was probably channel up, vol up & down, and power.
    There were only 3 channels back then so it didn't take long to cycle through the channels.
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