Remote Control Terms

A glossary for control freaks

Active Matrix: a kind of color display found on sophisticated, programmable remote controls. Active matrix screens control each pixel individually for maximum sharpness, color and crispness.

Activity Control: Controlling a home theater by using common jobs, such as "Watch a Film" or "Listen to Music". Each grouped activity includes the necessary instructions for each pieces of the theater or home entertainment system to do its part automatically.

Backlight: An LED or electroluminescent (EL) light that illuminates the screen of a remote control.  They may be activated automatically, with a light sensor, or manually

Codes: The short, brand-specific codes that enable a remote control of one brand to operate a device of another, or the actual infrared signals transmitted.

Component: See device.

Component Button: See device button.

Device: Any components a remote control operates, such as a television, digital video recorder, room dimmer, or ceiling fan

Device Button: switches the remote to the operation of a given device.

Device Control: The most common type of remote control.  A set number of devices can be controlled from a remote where a button corresponds to each element in the system and pressing the button causes the remote to work on that item.

Docking station: A cradle used to recharge a remote control or connect it to a computer.

Infrared: AKA "IR". The invisible portion of the light spectrum used by many modern remote controls to transmit signals.

Infrared emitter: The covered light emitting diode at the top of a remoter control used to transmit infrared signals.

Infrared receiver: The mechanism of a device that receives infrared commands from a remote control.

Learning:  An easily programmable remote control that can perform even the most complicated functions of a component.  Learning remote controls copy codes from the individual remotes from each unit in the system, conveniently aggregating control of all the devices.

Macro:  A sequence of infrared commands played back in order, by a remote control at the push of a single button to automate a complicated task.

Operating distance: The distance from which a remote control signal can still reach its target, usually around thirty feet.

Page: generally refers to a single screen of buttons or information displayed on an LCD panel.

Passive Matrix: LCD screens that operate in a grid-like manner and suffer from ghosting, muted colors and lower brightness levels.

PC interface: The capability of a remote control to hook up to a computer for programming, upgrading, or configuration.

Preprogrammed: A vast collection of built in infrared codes, allowing for simple set up of a remote control.

Rechargeable: Batteries or a battery pack included with a remote that can be refueled by connection to an outlet or dock.
Remote Control Extender: A separate device that receives RF transmissions from compatible remote controls and rebroadcasts them as infrared.

RF: AKA Radio Frequency. Controls components beyond the direct line-of-sight, such as through walls or other obstacles.

Soft buttons: Buttons on an LCD screen that can perform more than one function.

More information on remote controls