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What is RF4CE? Who are the members?
The RF4CE (Radio Frequency for Consumer Electronics) industry consortium has been formed to develop a new protocol that will further the adoption of radio frequency remote controls for audio visual devices.w
The consortium founding members - Panasonic, Philips, Samsung Electronics, Sony Corporation - will work together with Freescale Semiconductors, OKI, Texas Instruments to create a standardized specification for radio frequency-based remote controls that deliver richer communication, increased reliability and more flexible use. |
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Why was RF4CE formed?
There is currently no RF remote control standard available for audio video consumer electronics. RF4CE will be the 1st RF remote control standard for audio video consumer electronics, which satisfies increased demand for advanced functionality that cannot be supported by existing infrared technology. |
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What is RF4CE announcing June 2008?
RF4CE has announced the formation of the consortium and the development of the RF4CE specification. |
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Why did the CE manufacturers choose RF4CE?
RF4CE will be the only open standard for RF remote control applications in the field of audio video consumer electronics, which will provide low power consumption, easy and intuitive pairing, instantaneous response time, frequency agility, co-existence with other 2.4 GHz communication systems, robust connection, security, support for multiple applications, and support for vendor specific implementations. Furthermore, RF4CE solutions are based on already existing and proven IEEE 802.15.4 solutions and will therefore become available through multiple solution suppliers. |
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| 5. |
What will the RF4CE specification make possible?
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RF4CE is based on radio frequency technology, which enables non line-of-sight operation. It will provide manufacturers with freedom of design and consumers with freedom of placement and the ability to hide equipment in an enclosed cabinet.
RF4CE will bring two-way communication and the ability to provide feedback to the remote control.
RF4CE will be faster and more reliable than today’s IR remote controls.
RF4CE will open up the possibilities for much richer remote control functionality in the future. |
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What is the range of RF4CE?
The range of an RF4CE remote control will depend on the actual implementation, however the RF4CE protocol is intended to work within a large room with many obstacles in its direct path. |
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What will be the battery life of an RF4CE RF remote control, when compared to an equivalent IR remote control?
The battery life of an RF4CE remote control will depend on the actual implementation, however the goal is to have the RF4CE protocol enable for improved battery life, when compared to equivalent IR remote controls. |
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Will RF4CE co-exist with other wireless standards?
Similar to all other 2.4GHz radio systems such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Zigbee, RF4CE adopts various techniques to avoid interferences from other signal and noise sources. The frequency and timing of data transmission is determined by industry standard IEEE 802.15.4 and RF4CE’s unique frequency agility mechanism. |
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Can RF4CE remote controls accidentally operate TV in neighbour’s house or adjacent room?
No, RF4CE has a unique “pairing” mechanism defined, which allows remote controls to only control the devices that it is paired with. |
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Is RF4CE technology intended to send audio or video signals?
No, RF4CE is not intended to send audio or video signals. RF4CE utilizes IEEE 802.15.4 technology, which is limited to a maximum of 250Kbps, not enough to send audio and video signals. RF4CE is specifically developed to handle “simple” control signals. There are other technologies that are more suitable for sending wireless audio and video signals, to which RF4CE will peacefully co-exist. |
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| 11. |
Who can join RF4CE?
RF4CE welcomes all companies that are involved in creating wireless control services for the consumer electronics market to the consortium. RF4CE is currently defining the process for new members to join the RF4CE activities, details will be announced at a later moment in time. In the meantime, interested parties should visit the “Inquiry form” link at www.RF4CE.org or email: info@RF4CE.org |
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| 12. |
12. When will the RF4CE 1.0 Specification become available?
The RF4CE 1.0 Specification will become available in the 2nd half of 2008. |
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Who can have access to the RF4CE 1.0 Spec?
The RF4CE 1.0 Specification will be made accessible to all interested parties. |
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How can we get more information?
To obtain more information, please contact: info@RF4CE.org |
