An infrared (IR) remote control uses light signals sent from a transmitter at one end of the remote control to a receiver in another electronic device.
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These devices include televisions, stereos, DVD players, game consoles, and more. The basic operation of an IR remote control is that a light or set of lights on the end of the remote control sends instructions to remote electronic devices using an invisible (infrared) light.
There are different types of IR remote controls, from the cheapest ones with just one IR transmitter to more expensive devices with multiple IR transmitters. Electronic devices that are compatible with IR remote controls have sensors on the front that can detect infrared light and decode the instructions.
The transmitter at the end of the remote sends out an electromagnetic signal with a wavelength slightly longer than visible light. The IR remote pulses this "invisible" light in binary code.
