Abstract: A universal remote-control signal transmitting device for controlling IR equipment and a setting method thereof. The universal remote-control device uses code identification to perform simple setting. The device includes an IR transmitting circuit and a key control device. The universal remote-control signal transmitting device is also fitted with a single chip processor, an IR receiving circuit and a memory for storing an IR signal code database and programs for analyzing and processing. The setting method includes the steps: 1) receiving codes; 2) calculating; 3) comparing; 4) setting; 5) completing.

Abstract: At least a plurality of light-receiving regions for receiving remote control signals, respectively, in a form of incident light and performing photoelectric conversion of the signals are provided in one common mold package. The remote control receiver includes a first signal processing circuit for adding up signals outputted by the plurality of light-receiving regions and, based on a resulting signal, demodulating and outputting the remote control signal. The remote control receiver also includes a second signal processing circuit for calculating a difference between the signals outputted by the plurality of light-receiving regions to obtain and output a directional signal representing a direction in which the incident light has been incident on the plurality of light-receiving regions.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for reducing standby power consumption in an electronic device. There is provided an electronic device (10) comprising receiver circuitry (16), and power supply control circuitry (18) coupled in series with the receiver circuitry (16), wherein a ground connection of the receiver circuitry (16) is coupled to a voltage supply connection of the power supply control circuitry (18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multipurpose infrared apparatus and a display apparatus thereof. The display apparatus includes a display panel and the multipurpose infrared apparatus, wherein the multipurpose infrared apparatus includes an infrared light emitted diode (hereinafter refer to as, IR LED) transmitter, an IR receiver and a microcontroller. The IR LED transmitter is used for transmitting infrared ray. The IR receiver is used for receiving infrared ray. The microcontroller utilizes the Time-Division Multiplexing method to control the IR LED transmitter and receiver to achieve the distance detecting, the remote control signal receiving and an ambient light detecting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument, comprising a signal transmitter and at least one activating device for activating the transmitter which is provided on a transmitter unit which is separate from the instrument, wherein the transmitter unit is a unit which can be fastened to the exterior of the instrument. It also relates to a method for controlling a treatment-assisting medical software by means of a signal transmitter which is arranged on a medical instrument, wherein the instrument is positionally detected by means of a medical tracking system, and wherein the software assigns a different significance to the signal output by the transmitter depending on the position of the instrument.

Abstract: An exemplary portable electronic apparatus having a remote control module is provided. The portable electronic apparatus includes a housing, a mobile communication module disposed in the housing, a remote control module disposed in the housing, and a radio frequency (RF) module electrically connected with the mobile communication module. The remote control module includes an infrared sensing module and a digital signal processing (DSP) module electrically connected with the infrared sensing module and the RF module. The RF module is configured for receiving external RF signals and transmitting information received from said mobile communication module and said DSP module with RF signals. The portable electronic apparatus can be used for infrared remote control and mobile communication.

Abstract: The electronic device includes a device housing, an emitter, a receiver, and a reflection structure. The emitter is separated from the device housing and emits an optical signal. The receiver is disposed on the device housing for receiving the optical signal. The reflection structure is formed on the device housing and neighboring to the receiver. When the emitter is disposed in front of the device housing, the optical signal transmitted from the emitter is reflected by the reflection structure, and then the optical signal travels toward the receiver.

Abstract: Various approaches for activating a traffic control preemption system. The traffic control preemption system has a receiver with a photodetector and circuitry that produces a number of electrical pulses in response to each detected light pulse. For each detected light pulse the number of electrical pulses represents a level of radiant power of the light pulse. A threshold number of electrical pulses and an activation frequency at which the threshold number of electrical pulses is repeated activates preemption. Control circuitry is coupled to a light emitter and controls the light emitter to emit bursts of light pulses. Each burst includes at least two light pulses and the control circuitry controls the frequency of light pulses in each burst and the frequency of the bursts to cause the receiver to produce at least the threshold number of electrical pulses at the activation frequency and activate the preemption.

Abstract: A method of a union remote controller and a union remote controller information providing system and a method for operating the same is disclosed, in which various electronic apparatuses are controlled just by downloading simple remote controller information regardless of whether an electronic apparatus is on the market, kinds, manufacture companies, and model names. The union remote controller includes a data base for storing remote controller information correspondingly to manufacture companies and models; and a server for operating an Internet site which obtains remote controller information provided from manufacture companies of each electronic apparatus, stores them in a data base, and provides remote controller information according to a user's request.

Abstract: A system for controlling diverse infrared controlled devices, capable of emulating infrared signals provided by diverse infrared remote controls by recording them, and then using information derived from the recorded signals to reproduce the signals. A received infrared signal is sampled, stored, edge trimmed and compressed into a table of entries. Each entry indicates a level and a length of a portion of the associated infrared signal having that level. The compression also eliminates transients from the captured infrared signal. The table fully describes the captured infrared signal. A table header may contain the frequency at which the captured infrared signal was sampled, and the number of table entries used to describe the signal. During playback, a file containing the table for a user selected infrared signal may be opened and read into a dynamic memory.

Abstract: The infrared LED of an IrDA module transmits IR energy with a peak wavelength (for example, 875 nm) appropriate for IrDA communication. This peak wavelength is lower than is the wavelength (for example, 940 nm) used in ordinary IR remote controls (RC). The IrDA LED does, however, transmit some energy at the wavelength of the peak sensitivity of an RC receiver. When making an IrDA transmission, the IrDA LED is driven with a lower amount of current. When making an RC transmission, the IrDA LED is driven with an increased amount of current such that higher wavelength emissions received by the RC receiver are of adequate power to realize RC communication. A passive circuit is disclosed for automatically increasing IrDA LED current during RC transmissions. The circuit involves an inductor that shunts current around a current-limiting resistor used to limit LED drive current.

Abstract: An infrared apparatus transmitting through a wireless communication protocol interface of a network addressed server for linking a host to the Internet to control a remote electric device includes a server and an infrared learning and memory emission unit. The server allows the host to be linked to the Internet through dial-up access and has a RS485 interface unit located and linked inside. The infrared learning and memory emission unit respectively bridges the RS485 interface unit and the electric device. Through infrared signal transmission of the infrared learning and memory emission unit the RS485 interface unit and the electric device can be linked to allow users to control operation of the electric device.

Abstract: Signals from a remote control device may be received in a first viewing area and retransmitted to a second viewing area to control customer premises equipment (CPE) devices in the second viewing area. In some embodiments, signals are translated for compatibility with the CPE devices in the second viewing area. A repeater in the first viewing area may receive infrared signals encoded with a remote control command and retransmit the remote control command with an RF signal to a receiver in the second viewing area. The repeater may be incorporated into a multimedia processing resource such as a set-top box.

Abstract: A receiver includes a single infrared (IR) sensor, which is coupled to sense an IR signal carrying data and to produce an electrical signal responsively to the IR signal. The receiver further includes multiple receiver channels arranged to accept the electrical signal from the single IR sensor, each receiver channel configured to process the electrical signal in accordance with a different, respective IR remote control protocol so as to extract the data, and to output the extracted data to a host system.

Abstract: A portable electronic device with an IrDA transmitter LED is used to transmit both IrDA signals and remote control infrared signals. The device transmits remote control infrared signals with reduced power consumption. During a relatively longer remote control signal pulse, an inductor saturates and stores energy when a drive current flows from a power supply, through the inductor and then through the LED. An energy-transferring circuit transfers a portion of the energy stored in the inductor to the power supply. Energy is transferred when the drive current is cut and the voltage across the inductor surges, which causes an overflow current to flow through a diode in the energy-transferring circuit and to the power supply. The inductor is a planar coil of traces on a printed circuit board and therefore costs less to manufacture than does a toroidal coil of wires.

Abstract: The synchronization of trunk failover between two FC-AL switches when a primary trunk failure occurs is disclosed. If primary trunk T1 should fail, S1 bypasses the cascade port and sends a MaRK (MRK) ordered set out over duplicate trunk T2 to switch S2. In response, S2 sends an acknowledgement MRK ordered set over T2 back to S1. S1 then reconfigures the switch to establish T2 as the primary trunk, and acts as a masters in the failover process and initiates LIP ordered sets which are communicated to all devices in the system to initialize them. Note that when S2 receives the MRK ordered set and acknowledges it by sending an acknowledgement MRK back to S1, it acts as a slave in the failover process and does not attempt to initiate LIPs, thereby eliminating the possibility of multiple Loop Initialization cycles and reducing the time in which data cannot be transmitted.

Abstract: Provided is a system, a tool and a method for communicating with a faulted circuit indicator (FCI), the faulted circuit indicator including a detection circuit for monitoring an electrical conductor of a power system. The system includes a display and a first light emitting diode associated with the display. The first light emitting diode generates an optical FCI status signal in response to an occurrence of a fault in the electrical conductor. The system also includes a first microcontroller operatively coupled to the display and the detection circuit, and a handheld user command tool adapted to optically couple with the display. The handheld user command tool is also adapted to generate an optical serial communication. The optical serial communication provides data and commands for operation of the faulted circuit indicator. The display may be remote or integrated into the FCI.

Abstract: An objective of one embodiment of the present invention is to perform infrared communications without error by reducing abrupt noise included in a data signal when a light source of a display device is driven by PWM drive. When a control portion is provided with a drive setting signal for determining whether to drive lamps of a liquid crystal television by pulse width modulation drive or by continuous drive, the control portion sets a threshold in a register for a frequency filter portion based on the provided drive setting signal. Furthermore, upon reception of infrared light from the lamps, the threshold being set is reviewed based on an occurrence frequency for abrupt noise provided by a waveform analysis portion. Thereafter, abrupt noise included in a data signal transmitted from a cell phone is reduced by the frequency filter portion, and then the data signal is transmitted to the liquid crystal television.

Abstract: The infrared LED of an IrDA module transmits IR energy with a peak wavelength (for example, 875 nm) appropriate for IrDA communication. This peak wavelength is lower than is the wavelength (for example, 940 nm) used in ordinary IR remote controls (RC). The IrDA LED does, however, transmit some energy at the wavelength of the peak sensitivity of an RC receiver. When making an IrDA transmission, the IrDA LED is driven with a lower amount of current. When making an RC transmission, the IrDA LED is driven with an increased amount of current such that higher wavelength emissions received by the RC receiver are of adequate power to realize RC communication. A passive circuit is disclosed for automatically increasing IrDA LED current during RC transmissions. The circuit involves an inductor that shunts current around a current-limiting resistor used to limit LED drive current.

Abstract: A rotary laser (1) has a laser beam unit (7) which is suitable for emitting at least one laser beam (2) rotating in a beam plane (E) and which is controlled by computer (9) so as to be switchable from a rotating operating mode (I) in which the at least one laser beam (2) rotates in the beam plane (E), to a scanning operating mode (II) in which the at least one laser beam (2) scans in the beam plane (E) within an angular sector (?), and a plurality of detectors (10) distributed circumferentially around an axis of rotation (A) and which are sensitive to an amplitude at least within the beam plane (E) and are connected to the computer (9).

Abstract: A transmission device having optical fiber high definition digital audio-video data interface (HDMI/DVI/UDI), in which optical fiber is utilized as the physical connection for the logical channels of the transmission device, and is used to carry images, voices and auxiliary data of the logic channels. For the half-duplex transmission mode utilized by the display data channel, the reverse unit, the serial unit, and the multi-serial unit are properly arranged, thus fulfilling the DC balance requirement of optical fiber transmission, and resolving the lower tolerance rate shortcomings of the I2C bus specification of display data channel (DDC) and the customer electronics control (CEC) channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention pertain to remote optical control of holding beam-type, optical flip-flop devices, as well as to the devices themselves. All-optical SET and RE-SET control signals operate on a cw holding beam in a remote manner to vary the power of the holding beam between threshold switching values to enable flip-flop operation. Cross-gain modulation and cross-polarization modulation processes can be used to change the power of the holding beam.

Abstract: Described is a method of reducing transmitter error in an optical communications channel. An optical signal transmitted from an optical transmitter that has impairment due to transmitter error is processed to generate a digitally-equalized signal. A nonlinear characteristic of the digitally-equalized signal that relates to the transmitter error is determined. An optical control signal comprising data that are based on the nonlinear characteristic is transmitted to the optical transmitter. The optical transmitter modifies a transmitter parameter in response to the optical control signal to change the nonlinear characteristic and thereby reduce the impairment.

Abstract: The embodiments provided herein are directed to pitch and yaw sensitive remote control of televisions and the like using polarized light. In a preferred embodiment, the remote control unit and the infrared (IR) signal detection system of the television are sensitive to the pitch and yaw of the remote control unit relative to the television.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate rotation sensitive remote control of televisions and the like using polarized light. The remote control unit and the infrared (IR) signal detection system of the television are preferably sensitive to rotation of the remote control unit about its longitudinal axis. Rotation of the remote control unit in coordination with depression of keys or buttons on the remote control unit enables enhanced and quicker navigation through a list of options presented in a user interface displayed on the television screen such as, for example, to turn up or down the volume with a single motion.

Abstract: There are provided a remote controller and a control method in a controlled device using the same. The remote controller used for controlling a plurality of controlled devices includes: an input part through which an operation signal for operating the plurality of controlled devices is inputted from a user; a control beam generating part generating a control beam to direct toward the plurality of controlled devices; a controller controlling the control beam generating part to generate a control beam in response to an operation signal inputted through the input part; and a control beam guide part adjusting an emitting angle of the control beam generated by the control beam generating part.

Abstract: An optical wireless communication device mounted in electronic equipment includes: a light-receiving element for receiving an optical communication signal; and a control unit that monitors a received light output of the light-receiving element. When the control unit determines that the received light output represents the optical communication signal, it selects and executes communication mode for the optical communication signal. When the control unit determines that the received light output does not represent the optical communication signal, it selects and executes charge mode in which the received light output is used as a charge power.

Abstract: A codeset is described in a Public Codeset Communication Format (PCCF) as a format block. The format block includes a plurality of readily decipherable fields of ASCII character values. One field is a mark/space information field that includes a sequence of mark time indicators and space time indicators for an operational signal of the codeset. A second field is a signal characteristic information field for the operational signal. Signal characteristic information may include carrier on/off information, repeat frame information, toggle control information, and last frame information. The PCCF is a codeset interchange format of general applicability. In one method, a second entity describes a codeset in the PCCF format and then communicates the PCCF format information to a second entity. The second entity converts the information into a format usable by a rendering engine. The rendering engine is then usable to generate operational signals of the codeset.

Abstract: A receiver for use with a remote controller is provided. The receiver includes a signal receiver and a signal enhancer. The signal receiver has a signal receiving end. The signal enhancer is disposed in front of the signal receiver corresponding to the signal receiving end. The signal enhancer is transparent to light and has a concave structure. The signal receiver receives a signal through the signal enhancer.

Abstract: A system for delivering codes to a remote control for controlling a number of electronic devices includes a receiver for receiving a signal from a transmitter. A display connected to the receiver has a mechanism for flashing visible-light to the remote control, the flashed visible-light being related to the signal. The remote control includes a code database and mechanisms for receiving flashed visible-light and converting it into a code storable in the database. A method for acquiring updated codes includes storing codes for controlled apparatus in a code database. Data related to additional device codes are then transmitted to a processing device connected to a visual display. The data are flashed as visible-light from the display and received by the remote control. Received visible-light is converted into at least one device code and used to update the code database in the remote control.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus provide that movement of an interference pattern of a coherent light beam is mapped to cursor movement to effect navigation of a user interface. A remote controller operable to emit a coherent light beam is in cooperative arrangement with a display device operable to display a user interface, navigable by means of a cursor. A laser diode element and coupled diffuser element of the remote controller generate the coherent light beam. Movement of the remote controller causes movement of an interference pattern of the coherent light beam impinging upon a sensor of the display device; movement of the interference pattern is sensed by the display device and mapped to corresponding movement of the cursor in the user interface. Thus, the remote controller may be used to navigate an on-screen user interface by movement of the remote controller itself.

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling devices by using a remote controller. The method includes downloading a widget program for the devices to the remote controller; generating control widget contents for controlling the devices using the widget program; displaying the control widget contents for controlling the devices at the remote controller; and controlling one of the devices according to a control command of a user that is input by using the displayed control widget contents.

Abstract: A module for converting light energy into electric energy (MC1) for use in an optical network to convert into electric energy light energy derived from an optical signal transported in an optical fiber (FTa1) from a light energy source (OS1). The module can be used in remote powering and/or remote control devices for optical networks.

Abstract: A remote controller includes: an operation unit including plural operation keys; a radio communication unit that performs bidirectional communication with a controlled apparatus; an infrared communication unit that performs unidirectional communication with the controlled apparatus; and a control unit that is input with an operation signal from the operation unit and controls the radio communication unit and the infrared communication unit, wherein the control unit includes a measuring unit that measures power supply voltage, and the control unit controls the radio communication unit to transmit a control signal to the controlled apparatus when the power supply voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined value and controls the infrared communication unit to transmit the control signal to the controlled apparatus when the power supply voltage is lower than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for coupling at least one of a wall mount and a ceiling mount adjustable IR driver with a two way IR network of a home automation system controlled by a main controller selected from a group comprising a dedicated controller, a video interphone and a shopping terminal, the IR driver includes a plurality of adjustable IR transmitters and at least one IR receiver for propagating IR commands to at least one of hand held IR remote control units, electrical appliances and devices selected from a group comprising a remotely operated relays, an AC current sensors and a keypads, and for receiving from at least one of the devices a status data, said IR commands include at least a power on-off command for switching an appliance on and off and the status data pertaining to the on and off statuses of a commanded appliance.

Abstract: A remote controller of controlling an electronic device, the remote controller includes: an input unit; a communication unit which communicates with at least one electronic device to receive an identification code of the electronic device if a condition for receiving the identification code is satisfied, and a remote-controller controller which stores the identification code received from the electronic device, and selects the stored identification code so that the electronic device corresponding to the selected identification code is controlled through the input unit.

Abstract: A device and method for operating an optoelectronic safety sensitive edge (100) for the safeguarded motor-driven movement of a gate having a closing edge (141). The device has a deformable, hollow, elastic profile (110), a light transmitter device with a light transmitter (121a), and a transmitter control system (121b), by means of which at least one operating parameter of the light transmitter (121a) can be adjusted, a light receiver device (122) with a light receiver, the light transmitter device and the light receiver device (122) being coupled optically and electrically by the transfer of dynamic signals, an optical, dynamic coupling signal (K2, K2?, K2?) within the hollow profile (110); and an evaluating device (130) with means for detecting an electric, dynamic coupling signal (K2, K2?, K2?), the evaluating device (130), generating a release signal in response to the detected, dynamic, electric coupling signal.

Abstract: A vehicle remote operation device of optimized fail-safe function is disclosed that directs a vehicle to execute operations in response to a remote operation request made by a user of the vehicle. The vehicle remote operation device has a fail-safe control unit that changes a fail-safe criterion in execution of the remote operation according to a distance between the user and the vehicle. Preferably, the fail-safe criterion is moderated when the distance between the user and the vehicle is short. Alternatively, instead of measuring the distance between the user and the vehicle, a Smart Entry System is used to detect a key carried by the user to determine whether the user is near the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating infrared (IR) communications from a first device, such as a set top box, to a second device, such as a remote control, in the presence of an IR noise generating device, such as a plasma television, by using at least one of the first device and the second device to actively reduce a level of IR noise being generated by the IR noise generating device during an IR transmission from the first device to the second device.

Abstract: Optical or electrical attenuation is provided at the infrared (IR) receiver of a first device, such as a remote control, together with a commensurate increase in output of the IR transmitter of an appliance, such as a set top box, to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of IR communications with respect to any background infrared radiation, such as radiation from a plasma display screen.

Abstract: A remote control device controls a medical device or a medical control device for controlling the medical device by infrared light communication, and includes: an infrared light emission unit for emitting infrared light for performing infrared light communication; a control unit for allowing the infrared light emission unit to emit first infrared light for conveying control information for control of the medical device, and second infrared light conveying predetermined information and having a frequency different from that of the first infrared light; and an infrared light reception unit for receiving the infrared light emitted from the infrared light emission unit. The control unit determines whether or not the infrared light received by the infrared light reception unit is the second infrared light.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a remote vehicle comprises a hand-held controller including a laser generator for generating a laser beam. The hand-held controller is manipulable to aim and actuate the laser beam to designate a destination for the remote vehicle. The remote vehicle senses a reflection of the laser beam and moves toward the designated destination. The hand-held controller allows single-handed control of the remote vehicle and one or more of its payloads. A method for controlling a remote vehicle via a laser beam comprises encoding control signals for a remote vehicle into a laser beam that is aimed and sent to a designated destination for the remote vehicle, and sensing a reflection of the laser beam, decoding the control signals for the remote vehicle, and moving toward the designated destination.

Abstract: Display device of the present invention includes a housing, a display module and a signal receiver. The display module and the signal receiver are disposed in the housing. The signal receiver electrically connects to a circuit board and the signal receiver is disposed between the circuit board and the display module. The rear plate of the display module has an opening. The position of the signal receiver on the circuit board is corresponding to the position of the opening on the rear plate. Thus, the signal receiver can receive outside signals via a front opening on the housing, the display region of the display module and the opening on the rear plate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for relaying an optical signal from a remote control to a remote-controlled device such as a home entertainment device or a security device. Embodiments include at least one optical receiver and a plurality of optical transmitters. The optical transmitter positioned with an unobstructed line-of-sight to the home entertainment device is identified and the data encoded in the optical signal from the remote control is sent to that transmitter. A second optical signal that is substantially identical to the first is then generated at the optical transmitter and communicated to the home entertainment device.

Abstract: Inventive systems and methods for remotely controlling infrared controlled devices by using addressed radio frequency control signals. Radio frequency signals propagate through most obstructions to infrared control signals. Augmenting each control signal with an address allows for great selectivity in an environment with several transmitters and receivers.

Abstract: A system and method for demodulating amplitude modulated input signals uses two comparators and a charge pump circuit, which is positioned between the two comparators, to produce a demodulated signal of an amplitude modulated input signal. The two comparators and the charge pump circuit form a demodulating unit that may be a part of an infrared remote control receiver. The first comparator converts the input signal from a waveform to a pulse form. The charge pump circuit then converts the pulse signal into an integrated signal in a triangular pulse form. The second comparator converts the integrated signal from a triangular pulse form to a rectangular pulse form to produce the demodulated signal.

Abstract: An optical communication apparatus includes an optical source and electronic control circuitry configured to generate a burst of heterogeneous pulses. The burst of heterogeneous pulses includes pulses within a band of characteristic pulse frequencies. The electronic control circuitry is further configured to transmit a plurality of the burst from the optical source in a pattern corresponding to data to be transmitted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a plurality of infrared devices (ICDs) is provided herein. A remote controller is used to generate an optical signal for controlling a plurality of ICDs. The optical signal generated by the remote controller is converted into an electrical signal by an infrared repeater device. An implementation of such a system includes a rotary mechanical switch to direct the electrical signal generated by the infrared repeater device to a light emitting diode (LED) located near one of the plurality of ICDs. The LED converts the electrical signal into an optical signal and re-transmits the optical signal to the one of the plurality of ICDs. The system allows controlling the plurality of ICDs located in a remote location without having the user commute closer to such ICDs.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a remote vehicle comprises a hand-held controller including a laser generator for generating a laser beam. The hand-held controller is manipulable to aim and actuate the laser beam to designate a destination for the remote vehicle. The remote vehicle senses a reflection of the laser beam and moves toward the designated destination. The hand-held controller allows single-handed control of the remote vehicle and one or more of its payloads. A method for controlling a remote vehicle via a laser beam comprises encoding control signals for a remote vehicle into a laser beam that is aimed and sent to a designated destination for the remote vehicle, and sensing a reflection of the laser beam, decoding the control signals for the remote vehicle, and moving toward the designated destination.

Abstract: TV Mute Finger Ring with a hollow C shaped finger ring housing. The housing contains the standard electronics and IR transmitting LED associated with activating the mute function of a standard TV. The housing also contains a battery type electrical power source. The C shaped ring housing has a loop type fastener strip attached to one end of the C shape and a hook type fastening panel affixed to the opposite end of the C shape so that said loop type fastener can removably attach to said hook fastener thereby forming a full ring that can be worn on the user's forefinger. The C shaped housing contains a momentary on-off switch and attached outwardly accessible switch cover located in a position where the user's thumb can easily reach said switch cover. The IR transmitter is covered by a transparent plastic lens that is flush with the outer surface of said C shaped housing. The plastic lens is positioned so that said lens and said IR transmitting LED are pointed outwardly in the general direction of said TV.