The History of Infrared USB

The use of computers to control things wirelessly has become common practice, with many PCs using wireless mice and keyboards. Infrared USB can also be used to control televisions and stereo systems, all from the computer.

History

• Infrared USB technology has been around since the mid-1990s after Philips announced it created a receiver to run machinery from the computer via a USB infrared adapter. This was able to control television and stereo equipment from the computer. By the new millennium, it led to adapters that could send and receive signals for the movements of the mouse and the keystrokes of the keyboard without wires. This is different from Bluetooth technology, which uses radio waves.

Theory

• Infrared USB is not much different than the technology for a standard remote control. An infrared transponder/receiver is placed into the USB port and it connects with the device. When you move the mouse or keyboard, a signal is sent to the receiver and interpreted by the computer. In the case of running audio/visual equipment, the computer will send out a infrared signal that the electronics in the stereo or television will interpret.

Considerations

• Since the signals are being sent through the air, it is possible for a tech-savvy criminal to pick up the transmissions. This is a security risk, especially if they pick up the keystrokes for passwords or other vital information.