The traditional infra-red (IR) remote control device used to command consumer electronics equipment, including TVs and STBs, is good at what it does, but in today’s terms is somewhat limited, says industry analyst ABI Research. Even “universal” remotes that control multiple devices are quite one-dimensional.

A new forecast for the penetration of RF technology in the remote control market has indicated that if some major CE manufacturers have their way, the next generation of remotes will be based on RF technology. The growth curve for these products is just beginning, but is forecast to show a 55% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2014.

According to ABI Research senior analyst Jason Blackwell, the first such products are already appearing in Japan.

“RF remote controls are starting to ship with a few high-end Japanese TVs such as Sony’s premium Bravia models. Companies like Sony hope to start with early-adopters, then ramp up volumes, drive down costs, and move these remotes into more mainstream products.”

IR remotes work fine, so why move to RF?

The reason is interactivity, which is becoming prevalent in today’s digital home. As more devices add Internet connectivity and the ability for two-way communication and greater interactivity, RF remotes offer the prospect of better communication with devices: they can sense the status of the devices they control, for example, and report that back to the user. Users can also input information through more evolved interfaces. There’s no need for the line-of-site required by IR, so an RF remote could control a set-top box or audio receiver in another room.

The move to RF remotes is being driven by major OEMs, not by consumer demand. But, Jason adds, “If vendors can make consumers aware of the benefits, that will drive consumer adoption. And, if manufacturers can offer a remote that works with a wide range of devices, RF adoption becomes that much easier.”

To that end, a number of manufacturers are currently hammering out standards.