ZigBee and RF4CE Set New Course for Consumer Electronic Remote Controls
SAN RAMON, Calif., Mar. 4 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
Agreement results in one global open standard for RF remote
control as a superior alternative to infrared control
The ZigBee Alliance and the RF4CE Consortium, founded by Panasonic
Corporation, Royal Philips Electronics, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and
Sony Corporation, have reached an agreement to deliver a standardized
specification for radio frequency-based (RF) remote controls. RF remotes are
faster, more reliable and provide more freedom to operate devices from
greater distances removing the line-of-sight barrier of today's infrared (IR)
remotes. With this agreement, effective today, the ZigBee Alliance will move
into the broad consumer products arena as part of its long-term integration
and growth plans.
The Alliance will incorporate version 1.0 of the RF4CE specification into
its suite of global sensor and control network solutions. This ZigBee RF4CE
specification will first be made available to ZigBee members this quarter. It
creates an immediate, low-cost, easy-to-implement solution for control of
products and a variety of public application profiles. The ZigBee RF4CE
specification is designed for a wide range of products, including home
entertainment devices, garage door openers, keyless entry systems and many
more. In any application, it transforms the consumer experience, enabling
advanced features such as non line-of-sight operation and bi-directional
communications.
The first public profile specification enables innovative two-way
interaction and control of home entertainment equipment. Products like HDTV,
home theater equipment, set-top boxes and other audio equipment will benefit
from the advanced functionality offered by ZigBee.
"ZigBee is now on the fast track to enter millions more homes around the
world because no other technology will be able to deliver what ZigBee can do
in this space," said Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance. "We want the
world to be RF and we want the world to use ZigBee. This agreement provides
us with an evolutionary path to ZigBee everywhere. The Alliance welcomes the
members of RF4CE and expects many great things to come from this powerful
combination."
"The RF4CE Consortium and the ZigBee Alliance are both based on IEEE 802.15.4 and
aligning the two groups was a logical decision," said Bas Driesen, chairperson of the RF4CE
Consortium and technology manager at Royal Philips Electronics. "We are extremely pleased to
see the completed ZigBee RF4CE specification roll-out to consumer electronics manufacturers
because it allows them to begin developing exciting new features that will simplify and enrich
how consumers interact with home entertainment equipment."
"Sony has already commercialized RF remote control based on IEEE 802.15.4 standard for
LCD TVs. Evolving this proven technology to an industry standard for remote control systems,
we believe that RF4CE and ZigBee Alliance will create brand new value for the electronics
industry," said Naoya Suzuki, vice-chair of the RF4CE Consortium and general manager at
Sony Corporation.
The agreement will result in the establishment of a new Special Interest Group under the
ZigBee Alliance, and it will be a part of the open standardization at the ZigBee Alliance. Non
RF4CE members and non ZigBee members are welcome to join the ZigBee Alliance and
participate in the newly formed Special Interest Group.
ZigBee RF4CE: More flexibility and control
The ZigBee RF4CE specification is based on IEEE 802.15.4. MAC/PHY radio
technology in the 2.4GHz unlicensed frequency band and enables worldwide
operation, low power consumption and instantaneous response time. It allows
omni-directional and reliable two-way wireless communication, frequency
agility for enhanced co-existence with other 2.4GHz wireless technologies,
simple security set-up and configuration. During the next quarter, the
Alliance will develop a test program consistent with existing policies for
specifications and public application profiles. Once complete, products using
a public application profile based on the ZigBee RF4CE specification can be
submitted to an authorized test house for certification.
RF4CE Consortium
RF4CE Consortium was founded by Panasonic Corporation, Royal Philips
Electronics, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Sony Corporation on June 12,
2008, to address increased demand for advanced functionality not currently
available through infrared or other proprietary wireless technologies.
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a
diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people's
lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle
and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric
solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of
"sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs
approximately 121,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With
sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac
care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and
new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal
well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male
shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor,
telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with
2007 consolidated sales of US$105 billion. Employing approximately 150,000
people in 134 offices in 62 countries, the company consists of two main
business units: Digital Media & Communications and Device Solutions.
Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics
is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and
About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game,
communications, key device and information technology products for the
consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer
entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the
leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded
consolidated annual sales of approximately $88 billion for the fiscal year
ZigBee: Control your world
ZigBee is the global wireless language connecting dramatically different devices to work
together and enhance everyday life. The ZigBee Alliance is a non-profit association of more
than 300 member companies driving development of ZigBee wireless technology. The Alliance
promotes world-wide adoption of ZigBee as the leading wirelessly networked, sensing and
control standard for use in consumer electronics, energy, home, commercial and industrial
SOURCE ZigBee Alliance
CONTACT: Ina J. Kruse of Royal Philips Electronics, +31-2059-78434,
ina.kruse@philips.com; or Eunhee Lee of Samsung Electronics, +82-2-2255-8273,
eunhee_lee@samsung.com; or Shinji Obana of Sony, +81-3-6748-2200,
Shinji.Obana@jp.sony.com; or Kevin Schader, +1-925-275-6672,
kschader@inventures.com, for ZigBee Alliance
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