Why do remote controls use infrared light instead of other wavelengths?

Question

Why do remote controls use infrared light instead of other wavelengths?

In: Technology

Answer 1

It’s cheaper and easier. For infrared you need an infrared diode on the transmitter, and an infrared receiver on the TV. Cheap and easily available parts. For a radio, you would need an oscillator, modulator circuit, and antenna on the transmitter, and a antenna and receiver/demodulator circuit on the TV. More parts, which translates to more expense. The cheaper solution works for the required application, so that’s what they go with.