The process of converting infrared signals into TV operations is actually a process of wireless communication, involving the transmission of information between the infrared remote control (hereinafter referred to as the remote control) and the TV. The following is a detailed explanation of this process, and we will use a common scenario as an example to illustrate how this process works.
- Remote control launching process: When we want to use the remote control to control the TV, we will first press a button on the remote control, such as the “switch” button. This action triggers the microcontroller (MCU) inside the remote control. Depending on the button, the MCU generates a specific coded signal, which is then modulated onto an infrared carrier, usually using a frequency of 38kHz. This modulated signal is transmitted through an infrared LED at the front of the remote control.
- The receiving process of the TV: The TV is equipped with an infrared receiver, usually a photodiode or phototransistor. When the infrared signal emitted by the remote control reaches the TV, this receiver picks up the signal and converts it into an electrical signal. These electrical signals then go through a series of processing and decoding, and are finally delivered to the TV’s motherboard.
- Signal decoding: The microprocessor inside the TV will decode the received encoded signal and identify the user’s operation intention. For example, if the remote control emits a signal for the “on/off” button, the TV’s microprocessor recognizes this signal and performs an action, such a
- Execute commands: Once the microprocessor decodes the signal and determines the user’s intention to operate, it sends instructions to the rest of the TV to perform the corresponding function. For example, if the user selects Volume + from the remote control, the TV will increase the volume. If it is “Channel +”, the TV will switch to the next channel.
- Special features of infrared remote controls: Modern infrared remote controls are usually not limited to controlling the TV, they can also control other devices, such as DVD players or sound systems. Some remote controls even provide the ability to program commands to control multiple devices, becoming universal controls.
In summary, the process of converting infrared signals into television operations is a complex process involving transmission, reception, decoding and execution. The infrared remote plays a crucial role in this process, by transmitting specific infrared light signals to control the TV, and the TV receives and interprets these signals through the built-in infrared receiver, and ultimately carries out the user’s instructions. This process is not only convenient and fast, but also technologically mature and is an integral part of our daily lives.