Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Eugene Polley, co-creator of the wireless TV remote, passes away aged 96

Eugene Polley, co-creator of the wireless TV remote, passes away aged 96

Eugene Polley, inventor of the wireless remote control has passed away aged 96. Working for Zenith Electronics, he developed the FlashMatic control in 1955, using beams of light directed at photo-sensors in a television to change channel or volume. Like all pioneering technology it had some quirks - it couldn't distinguish between the light from the remote and direct sunlight, causing inadvertent channel changes during summer days. Dr. Robert Adler (1913 - 2007) superseded the technology with his ultrasonic "clicker," but Polley's system would be reborn with the advent of infra-red remotes.

Engadget, Eugene Polley, co-creator of the wireless TV remote, passes away aged 96

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