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Remote Controls Buyer's Guide
Remote controls allow you to operate your audio visual system's electronic devices from a convenient distance. Most common for your television sets, they can also be used for other components, including stereos, DVD players and more. These small, wireless handheld objects have an array of buttons each attributed to a different setting on your device, including channels, volume, power, etc.
Types of Remote Controls
These are the most common types of remote controls you'll encounter:
- Presentation
- Universal
- Standard
Presentation remotes
Using a remote control during your speech or demonstration will free you from your keyboard and allow you to offer a more engaging presentation. An ideal tool for presenters and lecturers, presentation remotes often contain laser, mouse and audio controls in one sleek, handheld device. They generally come with a wireless receiver that hooks up to your computer via USB cord.
Universal remotes
Universal remotes allow you to replace all of your controls with a single device. This is an easy way to control all of the components in your home entertainment system. Those on the lower end of the market will allow you to control only a set amount of electronic equipment. Those that are more expensive can control a significantly higher number of AV equipment by allowing you to program new control codes. They also will work with a variety of brands and models.
Standard remotes
Most audio visual components you purchase, such as your television or CD player, come with a standard remote control. Some higher end electronic devices come with a remote that has basic universal capabilities and can control several components attached to the original device.
Remote Control Specs
Here are a few specs you should look for when shopping for a remote control:
- Operating range
- IR operating range
- Compatibility
- Power requirements
Operating range
The operating range refers to the operable distance between the remote and the components it controls. The range will vary from remote to remote. On the low end, you might find a remote that only works within 20 feet of your electronic component. Higher end models can have a range of a few hundred feet or even more than a thousand feet. Some remotes utilize Bluetooth so they can work from another room.
Infrared remote operating range
Infrared (IR) remotes use light to control your AV equipment. These remotes must be in the line of sight of the electronic device they control in order to work. Generally, infrared remotes have a lower operating range.
Compatibility
The standard remote that comes with the television, stereo or other component you purchase typically will only work with that specific brand and model. Universal remotes are great because not only can they control several components at once, they can also operate across brands and models with ease.
Power requirements
Remote controls used for your home entertainment systems are battery-powered, usually utilizing AA or AAA batteries. Presentation remotes are battery-powered as well. They are charged via your computer's USB port.