Why Infrared Remains the Standard for TV Remotes

Infrared (IR) technology remains the primary standard for television remotes because it is a low-cost, low-power solution that requires no complex pairing process between the device and the hardware, according to an analysis by Engadget published July 19, 2026. While Bluetooth offers bidirectional communication, IR provides a reliable, one-way signal that maintains hardware compatibility across different brands and generations.

Technical Advantages of Infrared over Bluetooth

Infrared technology operates by emitting pulses of light that are invisible to the human eye. These pulses carry specific codes that the television receiver interprets as commands. According to Engadget, the lack of a “handshake” or pairing protocol is a central reason for its persistence. Users can point a remote at a TV and change the channel instantly without configuring software settings.

Power consumption is another critical factor. IR LEDs require minimal energy to send a burst of light, which allows remotes to run for years on a single set of alkaline batteries. Bluetooth, by contrast, requires a constant radio connection to maintain a paired state, which drains batteries more quickly.

The Role of Bluetooth in Modern Remotes

Despite the dominance of IR, many high-end smart TVs now ship with hybrid remotes. These devices use IR for basic functions, such as power and volume, while employing Bluetooth for more complex inputs. Engadget notes that Bluetooth is necessary for voice-command features, as the remote must send a continuous stream of audio data back to the TV—a task IR cannot perform.

Bluetooth also solves the “line-of-sight” limitation of infrared. IR signals cannot pass through walls or furniture, meaning the remote must be pointed directly at the sensor. Bluetooth uses radio waves that penetrate obstacles, allowing users to control a TV from another room or from behind a soundbar.

Cost and Manufacturing Constraints

The cost of implementing IR is significantly lower than Bluetooth. An IR transmitter consists of a simple LED and a basic integrated circuit, making it an economical choice for budget-friendly television models. According to Engadget, the industry continues to rely on IR because the added cost of Bluetooth chips in every remote would either increase the retail price of the TV or reduce the manufacturer’s margins.

Universal remotes also rely on the standardized nature of IR codes. Because many manufacturers use shared or predictable IR libraries, a single third-party remote can control multiple brands of electronics without requiring a digital pairing process for each device.

Comparison of Remote Control Technologies

• Infrared (IR): Low power, requires line-of-sight, no pairing needed, low hardware cost.
• Bluetooth: Higher power draw, works through obstacles, requires initial pairing, supports voice data and bidirectional communication.

The persistence of IR is not a failure of innovation but a result of the technology meeting the specific requirements of the use case. For simple on/off and volume commands, the efficiency and simplicity of infrared outweigh the connectivity benefits of Bluetooth.