subject: Zigbee Rf4ce Remote Control [print this page] Zigbee RF4CE (Radio Frequency for Consumer Electronics) is the standard communication protocol dedicated for remote controls and other consumer electronics. It is a true wireless local-area network and provides the same home coverage as Wi-Fi, offers a secured communication and resists interference from other wireless communications. This protocol is based on IEEE 802.15.4, enables low power consumption, worldwide operation and spontaneous response time and it eliminates all of the traditional obstacles such as the line-of-sight barrier, lack of feedback to the remote control and distance limitations. It allows two-way communication which is reliable and provides specifications for robust data transmission, security, easy and intuitive pairing.
As compared to traditional infrared remote controls, RF remotes are more reliable, faster and provide a very good range. RF also helps to remove the line-of-sight of today's Infrared remotes. It provides richer communication and increase the reliability between two vendors.
The embedded IEEE 802.15.4 MAC layer allows a simple, stable and reliable software application. And the reference designs are based on a single layer low cost PCB with integrated antennas and a very low component count. RF4CE protocol has Pc based tools for development and testing. It has complete set of applications for target and controller nodes. It also has gesture control and motion control functionality and has two way wireless communications. It was designed to support a narrow bandwidth, so it doesnt require a lot of power to transmit data from one end of the home to the other.
Bluetooth is always for short range, whereas Wi-Fi is for medium range networks like for a department or for a company. Bluetooth can control your TV or STB to a limited range like 10 feet away from TV or STB. Remote controls can be used throughout a home which includes multiple floors and rooms of a house. Next generation remote controls are important component of the whole house network. Most of the companies have decided for ZigBee RF4CE as standard technology for remote controls. This includes companies like Sony, Samsung, Comcast etc.
ZigBee is the low power spin-off of Wi-Fi. And it has the same range as Wi-Fi, But it allows longer distances up to 100 feet away from the TV or STB. These wireless controlled devices can now be located out of sight and outside the room. The superior range and performance also allows for operators to offer additional multi-room services as security and energy management etc.
ZigBee RF4CE offers a variety of built-in standardized applications to support remote controls, keyboards and mice for Internet TV. Zigbee RC means no more worrying about running out of batteries and no need of rubber bands or duct tape to keep your cracked remote control together. It includes the capability of long battery life provided by ZigBee and need of changing batteries is very rare.
Bluetooth is good for short-range networks like around the PC or around the smart phone. It is not for the networks that involve multiple devices throughout the home. On the other hand, ZigBee RF4CE is designed to link multiple devices, controllers and sensors throughout a home.
