Bluetooth technology has made leaps and bounds since its inception. Now it is finally getting the recognition it deserves and making a powerful impact in various markets. Could the remote control market be next?
According to Mike Foley, President of the Bluetooth SIG, the TV remote control could benefit from Bluetooth technology due to the significant advantages it offers over standard infrared remotes. First off, IR (infrared light, used in most remotes) is directional. We all know how annoying it can be when a remote doesn't work when you are not pointing it exactly at the TV. Bluetooth uses Radio Frequency Spectrum which alleviates this problem.
Another huge advantage is that Bluetooth has two-way communication which gives you the ability to create intelligent remote controls. Foley paints the picture of a future remote control that incorporates Bluetooth technology:
Imagine having picture-in-picture on your remote in a little preview window. Instead of taking up the whole screen while flipping through channels to find out what's on, you can preview it on a little video screen on the Bluetooth remote without annoying the other people in the room.
This is all possible today with Bluetooth technology. Compared to the quality of video that you can stream over the Internet, Bluetooth can handle that many times over. To make this happen, Bluetooth needs to work with set-top box manufacturers and/or TV manufacturers. According to Foley, he doesn't think the Bluetooth remote would be too expensive. Foley goes on to state that he just bought an all-in-one remote from Logitech that costs $250 and that a Bluetooth remote could be done for the same price or less.
All in all, it looks like the remote control we know today could be in for some great changes. Look out for the Bluetooth remote control in the near future. I certainly hope this happens.
Posted March 18, 2006 by BlueTomorrow.com Editorial Staff
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