Why Do They Make Infrared Remotes (TV, universal, wi-fi, router)

[windowtreatments]

I install motorized blinds/shades that come with remotes that have two modes of operation either radio frequency or infrared. I do not understand why the option of infrared. With the infrared you have to aim the remote directly at the motor end of the shade to operate. Whereas the radio frequency it doesn't matter what direction you have the remote aimed at. So whats the advantage of having an infrared option?

[Quert]

Doesn't infrared have less chance or no interference?

[thecoalman]

My first guess would be infrared is cheaper to implement. My second guess would be no interference or operation from other devices, e.g. your neighbor isn't going to be able to open and close your shades, turn your TV on or off etc. Additionally if they have a device on the same wavelength it can cause interference. Unless the remotes and the shades are paired that's a distinct possibility.

This is actually issue with garage door openers at least ones made years ago, same thing with the cheap remote doorbells. The garage doors now use a unique identifier that pair the remote with the garage door.

[arabus]

I would speculate it is for legacy reasons. Lot's of people have home systems that use only infrared "universal" controllers. Thus the blinds can be sold to customers with infrared only universal remotes and don't want the hassle of multiple controllers.

[PacoMartin]

Originally Posted by windowtreatments

So whats the advantage of having an infrared option?

The security and interference issues of RF vs IR shouldn't be an issue in a well designed system. I think that it comes down to the bottom line that IR is incredibly inexpensive to implement, so why not have the option to pacify the paranoid consumer?

You have customers who are not only afraid of health risks, but that there are home thieves who will open their shades to see if anyone is home as they are casing the place.


Forbes article, Why Scientists Say Wi-Fi Signals Won't Give Your Kids Cancer.