Robert Adler, co-inventor of the TV remote, passes away

Robert Adler, the man who in 1997 gained an Emmy for his contribution to the invention of the television remote, has passed away. In his 93 years he claimed over 180 patents (the most recent of which was filed on February 1), but his greatest achievement was to invent the first practical wireless television remote control. Way back in the mid-50s when he was working for Zenith Electronics Corp., Adler produced a remote control that communicated with a tuner using four prongs that produced ultrasonic sounds. Unlike earlier solutions -- like Eugene Polley's "Flashmatic" remote -- Robert's remote wasn't prone to interference, didn't require a wire, and, unlike current remotes, didn't require a power source. The original name of the first effective wireless TV remote? The Zenith Space Command remote control. As a tribute to Mr. Adler, we'll be calling our zappers this name for the next few days: we hope you'll join us in yelling "where's the Zenith Space Command remote control?" the next time you lose the little bugger. Rest in peace Robert.

[icepop4who @ Feb 17th 2007 5:14PM]

i guess the ultrasound remote didn't work because it made the dogs restless.

[Cory @ Feb 17th 2007 6:28PM]

icepop, not only did they annoy dogs, but, despite what the article says, the remotes were prone to interferance. Certain sounds, like jingling keys, could cause the TV to change channel or volume.

But, even with that shortcoming, they lasted up through the early 80's when they were finally replaced by IR remotes.

[DustoMan @ Feb 17th 2007 7:34PM]

My grandparents have a TV that still works to this day with one of these remotes. Even after getting hit by lightening, that set is rock solid.

[Max v W @ Feb 17th 2007 5:21PM]

He will be missed, I doubt anyone cares about inventors like him, because the inventions are in every household. It doesn't seem special, but they are, they are the best inventors out there, -because- they're invention is available in every household. Probably someone else would have made an invention for it, but if nobody did, we would still be poking our children with a stick to switch it to another channel.

[TAJ @ Feb 18th 2007 1:55AM]

And thanks to Mr. Adler, I don't feel compelled to pop out a few kids so I can poke them with a stick to change the channel.

[Evan @ Feb 17th 2007 5:32PM]

This man (along with a few other) has changed the course of history I never knew this man helped making the remote wireless but but I am gonna make it a goal to remember his name.

[tiuk @ Feb 17th 2007 6:08PM]

That's ironic, I was just reading about the history of the remote control on Wikipedia a few months ago.

I think it's awesome that his most recent patent was February 1st; he was an inventor to the very end.

[Mat @ Feb 17th 2007 7:22PM]

"I think it's awesome that his most recent patent was February 1st" yea, the name "iphone2"

[Sy @ Feb 17th 2007 6:18PM]

On behalf of all obese Americans, I would like to thank Alder for shaping America.

[Brian @ Feb 17th 2007 7:37PM]

We had one of these when I was a kid, and it may well have been immune to interference, but you could also change the channel with a sneeze or a properly jingled ring of keys. That said, there was clearly no going back.

[icepop4who @ Feb 17th 2007 7:33PM]

Adler produced a remote control that communicated with a tuner using four prongs that produced ultrasonic sounds. Unlike earlier solutions -- like Eugene Polley's "Flashmatic" remote -- Robert's remote wasn't prone to interference, didn't require a wire, and, unlike current remotes, didn't require a power source.

"it wasn't prone to interference"

[David @ Feb 17th 2007 9:59PM]

He was a good man. RIP, Robert.

http://remote.ytmnd.com/

[Chris @ Feb 18th 2007 12:24AM]

first remote I ever used was a Zenith Space Command at my grandparents house in the early 80's, i was about 10 years old. i recall thinking it was quite amazing

[Kentucky Wildcats! @ Feb 18th 2007 1:04AM]

Guys like Robert are responsible for an enormous amount of wealth, but the execs and stockholders get all the dough. Just look at the way he dressed. Despite giving it all to the man, he'll always be "the man" to all toy lovers out there.

[AKBlade13 @ Feb 18th 2007 1:23AM]

RIP the man who invented one of the only electronic standards not to be superceseded in over 20 + years.

AKBlade13

[Uncle Fester @ Feb 18th 2007 1:32AM]

There has been a few relationship bust ups over who controls the old remote. Whoever has control is King of the Hill. RIP.....
http://www.av1.co.nz

[elan @ Feb 18th 2007 3:04AM]

Goodnight, sweet prince.

[Noa @ Feb 18th 2007 4:46AM]

one word - thanks

[Kendall Tawes @ Feb 19th 2007 3:00PM]

I still own a Space Command set that has great colour still. Zenith had such great sets until they were no longer made in their home country. My 1983 still works better than my aunts '98 Zenith which is quite sad really.

But with Adler's death it is time to remember the good times. Back when a Zenith tele could be set on fire struck by lightning and still work like new.

You did some good work Adler. Good luck in the next life.

[AbacusUser @ Feb 19th 2007 10:32AM]

Rest in Peace, Dude! Thank you. You are appreciated.