Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Have you ever wondered how a TV remote works? The TV remote uses infrared LEDs that blink on and off in specific patterns to encode each button's TV instructions. The TV has a sensor for converting these IR light pulses into electrical signals to interpret and complete the specific command.
The IR LEDs emit light over a wide angle to make it easier for the TV to receive the remote's signal, but this reduces the remote's range. Once the remote is too far away, there isn't enough light reaching the TV for it to be picked up as a signal.
When collimated with a lens, lasers can maintain a narrow beam of light over a much longer distance. By using an optical detector, the TV remote's signal is converted into an electrical signal which can be used control a laser with a copy of the remote's signal. While the narrow laser beam can now control the TV from across a football field, it needs to be pointed directly at the TV's optical sensor for it to be seen.
Have you ever wondered how a TV remote works? The TV remote uses infrared LEDs that blink on and off in specific patterns to encode each button's TV instructions. The TV has a sensor for converting these IR light pulses into electrical signals to interpret and complete the specific command.
The IR LEDs emit light over a wide angle to make it easier for the TV to receive the remote's signal, but this reduces the remote's range. Once the remote is too far away, there isn't enough light reaching the TV for it to be picked up as a signal.
When collimated with a lens, lasers can maintain a narrow beam of light over a much longer distance. By using an optical detector, the TV remote's signal is converted into an electrical signal which can be used control a laser with a copy of the remote's signal. While the narrow laser beam can now control the TV from across a football field, it needs to be pointed directly at the TV's optical sensor for it to be seen.
