New ZigBee Remote Control Profile: Delivering Next Generation Remote Control

New public application profile defines radio frequency (RF) standard for advanced remote controls, replacing infrared (IR) technology 

San Ramon, CA — December 16, 2009 — The ZigBee Alliance, a global ecosystem of companies creating wireless solutions for use in energy management, commercial and consumer applications, today announced the availability of ZigBee Remote Control, the new global standard for advanced remote controls. ZigBee Remote Control is the first public application profile designed specifically for use with the ZigBee RF4CE specification announced earlier this year.

ZigBee Remote Control frees consumers from pointing remotes at devices, offers flexible control from nearby rooms, enables unique two-way communications between the remote and device, plus delivers improved remote battery life for a variety of consumer electronic (CE) devices like HDTV, home theater equipment, set-top boxes and other audio equipment.

ZigBee Remote Control replaces 30 year-old infrared (IR) technology with radio frequency (RF) control and eliminates the pointing confusion and other performance problems associated with IR remotes and large screen LCD and plasma televisions. It also delivers new functionality to conventional remotes, including:

• Ability to locate misplaced remote controls
  
• Common command set for true interoperability eliminating the need for multiple remote controls
  
• Control of equipment stored almost anywhere, including behind wood and glass doors or in other rooms
  
• Enhanced user interfaces and advanced display capabilities
  
• New interactive capabilities and the ability to navigate content on the remote’s LCD
  
• Over-the-air upgrades and programmability
  

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• Read the full ZigBee Alliance press release 
• Visit the ZigBee Alliance website