telecomando

A telecomando, or remote control, is a handheld device that transmits control signals to electronic equipment to operate it from a distance. It is widely used with televisions, decoders, audio systems, air conditioners, and increasingly with smart-home devices. The term is common in Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish to describe this type of device.

Operation is generally straightforward: the user presses a button, the device encodes a command into a digital code, and a transmitter emits a signal that can be infrared light or radio waves. A receiver in the target device decodes the signal and executes the requested action. Infrared remotes typically rely on line of sight and use a light-emitting diode around 940 nanometers with a carrier signal modulated in the 32 to 40 kilohertz range. Radio-frequency remotes can work through walls and do not require direct visibility.

Infrared remotes often use standardized or semi-standardized protocols, such as NEC, RC5, or Sony’s SIRC, which structure how bits are sent and interpreted. Many devices still rely on IR, but RF-based remotes—at 2.4 GHz or other sub-GHz bands—are common in set-top boxes, home automation sensors, and some audiovisual systems. Contemporary control methods also include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee, enabling integration with smartphones and networked ecosystems.

History and evolution show a shift from early light-based systems in the 1950s to widespread infrared remotes in the late 20th century, followed by growing use of wireless and smart-device controls. Today, telecomandi enable convenient, hands-free operation of complex electronics and are a focal point of home automation and consumer electronics design.