Consortium extends IR A/V RF control
24 June 2008
Seven leading names have created the RF4CE (Radio Frequency for Consumer Electronics) Consortium.
Sony, Philips, Panasonic and Samsung have formed the RF4CE Consortium to develop a specification for RF-based remote controls for audio/visual consumer electronics. Freescale, OKI and Texas Instruments are also members of the group which aims to create a protocol for the development of RF remote controls with increased functionality that require more than can be supported by the existing infrared technology.
The RF remote control standard will be based on IEEE 802.15.4 MAC/PHY in the 2.4GHz unlicensed frequency. Advantages of this choice, are that the protocol can be used around the world, with low power consumption and instantaneous response times. The RF platform allows omni-directional two-way wireless comms, and can co-exist with other wireless technologies in the 2.4GHz band. It is also expected to be simple to set up security and configuration.
The aim is for consumer electronics devices to be controlled when the remote control is not in the line of sight and with bi-directional communications, for example display feedback.
The specification is expected to be launched before the end of the year.
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