Remote Control

Guide Note

A remote control is an electronic device used to operate a machine from short or long distances. A remote control is often referred to simply as a remote. The most common use of remote controls is to operate televisions, DVD players, and stereo systems. Most modern devices rely almost entirely on the remote control to function since the unit itself usually only has a few of the basic buttons.

Fast Facts

1. For short: "Remote"
2. Nickname: "Clicker"
3. 1st remote patent: Nikola Tesla (1893)
4. 1st radio control: "The Telekino," 1903
5. 1st radio remote: "The Philco Mystery Control" (1939)
6. 1st TV remote: Zenith's "Lazy Bones" (Early '50s)
7. 1st wireless TV remote: Zenith's "Flashmatic" (1956)

Unlike today where remotes come standard with television sets, remote controls were upgrade options on TVs in the 1950s. The remote was marketed to "lazy" people who did not want to get up to change the channel. However, the remote's cord caused people to trip over it. In responsem Zenith created a wireless "Flash-matic" remote, but it also came with its share of flaws.

Viewers now had the ability to easily switch from one channel to another. This brought changes from TV networks, such as split-screen credits. Commercials were also moved to the middle of the program so that one show could transition into the other without people changing the channel. Networks now had to think of clever ways to keep people tuned into their station.