The consumer electronics industry has used IR technology for more than 30 years. As plasma and LCD screens grow in size, IR technology is facing limitations in its ability to effectively control these larger devices from a distance. In addition, all communication from an IR-based remote control unit must be in line-of-sight of the device and within a short distance. To address these limitations, Freescale Semiconductor has developed an alternative RF solution.

At last month's Freescale Technology Forum in Orlando, Fla., the manufacturer unwrapped an RF platform to control home entertainment devices. According to Freescale, its RF entertainment control platform (ECP) addresses a growing concern among today's electronics manufacturers.

Based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, Freescale's ECP platform and network layer were developed with the consumer in mind, the manufacturer said. This comprehensive platform enables advanced control capabilities, such as two-way communication between entertainment devices. It eliminates the need for line-of-sight control and provides the foundation for a universal remote control for any consumer electronic component.

Working in collaboration with several leading consumer electronic manufacturers, Freescale is actively driving the RF entertainment control platform to make it a global standard. It is expected to be publicly available next year. Consumer electronics products featuring this platform are anticipated in retail stores later this year, according to the developer.

For more information, visit www.freescale.com.