Infrared blaster

An infrared blaster (IR blaster) is a device that emulates an infrared remote control to autonomously control a device that is normally controlled only by controlled key presses. The most common use of an IR blaster is to allow a recording device such, as a DVR or VCR, to change the channel on an external tuner, such as a cable box or satellite receiver. This way, the receiving device can automatically select the correct channel to record before starting the recording process. Two other common uses are to extend infrared signals in order to place remote controlled products behind closed doors and to allow mobile devices to control infrared devices.

IR blaster with standard 3.5 mm plug
IR blaster stuck to a cable TV tuner

In the mid-2010s, many smartphones included IR blasters, most but not all manufacturers have stopped including this feature by 2018. some smartphones include the IR blaster and released after 2018 for example Xiaomi MI 9.[1]

Description

In an IR blaster device, there is one digital signal produce light which generates signal to control the other device. This signal of IR blaster is invisible to the human eye, because its wavelength is beyond the range of visible light. The signal does not affect the human body and has no side-effects for long exposure.[2]

The IR blaster can control TVs, air conditioner, DVD players, and many other devices, and replaces the functionality of remote controls.

Applications

The main use of the IR blaster is to control other secondary devices through a primary device configured with the IR blaster. IR blaster can be used to control devices, such as television sets, DVD, VCD, air conditioner, and entertainment systems. IR blasters can sometimes be found integrated in some Android smartphones such as the Xiaomi Mi 9.[3] Recently bluetooth devices have started replacing IR blasters. Dedicated IR blaster devices are also available that connect with mobile phones via the 3.5 audio jack.[4]

References
  1. "Xiaomi Mi 9 - Full phone specifications". gsmarena. gsmarena.com. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
  2. "Infrared (IR) Blaster, basics, working, applications,advantages". circuitstoday.com. April 6, 2011.
  3. "Xiaomi Mi 9 - Full phone specifications". gsmarena. gsmarena.com. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
  4. "How to Use Mobile as a TV Remote". technewsns.com. May 19, 2020.


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