There are dots on the remote control that many have surely noticed. But do you know what they are for? We will explain it in this article.
The development of the first remote controls for televisions is to be attributed to the American company Zenith Radio Corporation, in the 50s.
These early models were wired and connected to the TV via a cable. Later, around 1955, the company introduced the Flashmatic, a wireless remote control that worked by emitting a beam of light from the device that was then picked up by a photocell on the television.
Unfortunately, this model had a significant drawback: the photocell could be accidentally activated by direct sunlight.
Robert Adler, a colleague of Zenith, took a significant step in 1956 by inventing a remote control that used ultrasonic waves.
This device could adjust volume levels and change TV channels with ease, and it was dubbed Zenith Space Command.
The mechanism, although rudimentary, was still quite ingenious in its design. Each time a key was pressed, a hammer struck an aluminum bar.
This would create high-frequency noise that could then trigger a TV’s tube receivers.
Boom in purchases from 1958 onwards
The invention was so effective that it prompted consumers to buy 30,000 new televisions starting in 1958, when it was marketed on a large scale.
Although the remote control increased the price of television by a third, few cared.
Adler, along with the Zenith manager who collaborated with him, has received numerous awards for their innovative creation.
Initial versions of remote controls only came with a handful of buttons, typically 2-4, and offered basic features such as turning the TV on and off, changing channels, and adjusting the volume.
For a period of more than 25 years, ultrasonic remote controls have been the benchmark for controlling televisions.
However, they were eventually phased out in favor of infrared remote controls, which had the ability to transmit more complex commands to the television.
Nowadays, remote controls are a staple in most households, serving as a convenient and convenient method for managing electronic devices.
However, there are cases where they need to be operated without visual aid, such as in low light conditions or when glasses are out of place.
Have you ever considered that there might be some tricks to accomplish this task that have escaped your awareness?
Today we will be joined by a Tik Tok content creator, Marco Critelli, who will share some of these secrets with us.
Dots on the remote control as tactile references
To operate the remote control without visual guidance, it is essential to know the tactile signals. References are the tactile parts of the remote control that are required for its use.
These include directional buttons, a trigger, and shapes that differ based on their purpose.
The two most important buttons on a remote control are the on and off buttons. These buttons are usually located at the top of the remote control and can be identified by a tactile feature, such as a slight bump.
To turn your TV on or off, all you have to do is press the top part of the remote to feel the tactile presence of the off and on button.
Another tactile option for many remotes is located on the number 5. We are talking about a small relief positioned on this number because it is in the center. To find it, simply tap it without looking at the remote.
In other remote controls, there are bumps near the volume button and near the channel change button.
Finally, many remotes feature an activation button on the back. This button is used for advanced functions, such as settings, the TV menu and even streaming.
Almost all activation buttons have a tactile shape that stands out so that you are recognized immediately.
