A short excursion into history. In the summer of 1993, Hewlett-Packard organized an industrywide meeting to discuss the future of IR (infrared) data communications. At the meeting, a consortium of all the leading companies, called the Infrared Data Communications Association, was formed, and soon, in June 1994, the first version of the standard of the same name was announced, including physical and software protocols - IrDA 1.0. According to the accepted standard, the protocol allows establishing communication between two devices at a distance of up to 1 meter and located opposite each other within a 60° sector; the data transfer rate could reach 115,200 bps.
The IR port is a transceiver consisting of light and photodiodes operating in the infrared range (wavelength 880±20 nanometers) and using the IrDA protocol for data exchange. The data transfer rate depends on the interface type and protocol version and can be 115 Kbps (SIR) or 4 Mbps (FIR). To date, specifications have already been developed for a version of the protocol with data exchange rates up to 16 Mbit/s (VFIR), but they have not yet been approved by an international consortium for the production of communications equipment.
Infrared ports are now being built into a wide range of radio and electronic equipment. They can be found in laptops, pocket PCs, printers, digital cameras, and more recently in most mobile phone models. It is not difficult to organize a connection between a laptop and a desktop computer via an infrared port, but in relation to mobile phones there are some subtleties in this process, which we will dwell on in more detail. Firstly, an IR connection, compared to a connection using a cable, usually has different service capabilities; each phone model has its own. This should be discussed in more detail in the documentation for your cell phone. When you have to choose what to buy to connect your mobile phone to your computer - an infrared port or a cable, you need to take into account not only the volume of service provided for this phone, but also the prospect of replacing the cable when purchasing another phone model in the future, so purchasing an infrared port is more a far-sighted decision than purchasing cable. As for the operating system settings in the case of using an infrared port connected to the IrDA connector of the motherboard, they are the same as in the case of connection using a cable, namely:
- In the motherboard BIOS, the Com2 port must be set to IrDA, or SIR mode (only for the IrDA IR port).
- The system must have "Control Panel - Network Devices - Direct Cable Connection" installed.
- TCP/IP protocol, if we want to use a mobile phone as a modem.
- Service software from the phone manufacturer or third-party developers, for example, LOGORAMA or LOGOMANAGER, which provides additional services, for example, synchronization, saving and subsequent restoration of the phone book, etc.
- For W2K, SP3 or patch Q252795 must be installed (it can be taken from the site www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/security/q252795/default.asp, this patch “weighs” about 330 KB).
After connecting the device and loading, Windows 98..XP will report that a new IR device has been found and will install all the necessary drivers for it. Next, if you want to transfer or receive any file from your mobile phone, you should activate the IR connection in it and bring the phone to the IR port at a distance of less than one meter.
When using the IR port connected to Com2 or USB, position 1 looks like this:
- In the motherboard BIOS, the Com2 port must be set to Normal mode.
Note that models with a USB interface have a higher transfer speed, which is very important when transferring large amounts of data, for example, when organizing communication with a laptop. When communicating with a phone, speed is not of fundamental importance, since in this case the volume of transmitted data is small, for example, it takes from 2 to 4 seconds to transmit 20 melodies.
The most popular infrared ports on the Belarusian market are manufactured by Tekram, models IR-210 and IR-410U, and by Hoya, models IrWave 520S and 520U. Prices for infrared ports mainly depend on the interface and today are approximately the following.
In one of the articles we looked at the question of how to unlock an Android phone if you forgot your graphic password.
The possibilities of a modern smartphone are limitless. Almost any technical task, whether we are doing complex computational work, or simply want to “teach” a gadget new capabilities, can be solved with a few taps on the screen. Let's talk about how you can control your TV using an Android mobile gadget. This may be necessary if the original remote control has failed and there is no way to quickly replace it.
Not so long ago, in order to turn on the TV from a smartphone, you had to have special technical knowledge, but now it is enough to install a special Android application. The TV must have certain functions that can be used to establish a connection between the TV and the smartphone:
- Smart TV. Allows you to connect to your TV via Wi-Fi
- IR port
- Bluetooth module
The corresponding modules must be installed in the phone.
Large manufacturers such as LG, Panasonic or Samsung develop applications specifically for their models. We will look at universal programs for Android that turn a smartphone into a remote control for various TV models.
TV Remote Control
OS version: Android 2.2 or later
Download
Cost: Free
A universal application that allows you to control your TV from your phone. The program does not support the Russian language, but even a novice user can understand the simple menu. All you need to do is set the connection mode (IR or Wi-Fi), enter the IP address of the TV and install the desired model.
The application supports a huge number of TV models, including:
- Samsung
- Panasonic
- Vizio
- Sharp
- Funai
- JVC and many others
The application has a basic set of commands for a TV: a power button, a numeric keypad, buttons for switching channels and sound settings. The application does not have a paid advanced version, so advertisements will appear on the control panel from time to time.
Remote control
OS version: Android 4.0.3 or later
Download
Cost: Free
A convenient application that turns your smartphone into a TV remote control. In the settings, just select the connection mode: via infrared or Wi-Fi. In the second case, the program itself can determine the IP address of the TV and connect to it. The phone program allows you to manage models from seven manufacturers:
- Samsung
- Toshiba
- Panasonic
- Phillips
- Sharp
The application developers claim that new TV models are added with each update.
The TV is controlled from a smartphone through a simple menu in which you can select the signal source (TV or AV), enter the TV menu, switch channels using the numeric keypad or individual soft buttons, and adjust the sound.
The application does not have a paid version, so you cannot disable pop-up ads.
Other Fly smartphones
On our website you can find a catalog with other Fly smartphones on Android.
Easy Universal TV Remote
OS version: Android 2.3 or later
Download
Cost: Free
A smartphone application that turns your Android device into a TV remote control. It differs from previous programs only in its interface: with its help you can control the sound, change channels and turn off the TV.
To get started, you need to select one of three connection modes and your TV model.
Most free applications have one main drawback - they cannot disable advertising. You can get rid of annoying banners and significantly expand the functionality of your smartphone as a TV remote control by installing paid applications.
Galaxy universal remote control
Download
Cost: 219 rubles
A universal application for a smartphone that allows you to turn your gadget into a remote control not only for your TV, but also for any household appliance with a built-in IR port.
If there are several TVs in the house, the application user can make bookmarks for each model for quick access at any time. If you have additional devices connected to your TV, such as amplifiers or game consoles, you can set the universal remote to each device from one menu.
The application has extensive functionality:
- Unique control panel. The user can add his own command buttons, set their shape, size and color, and set his own icon on each button.
- Creating macros. Ability to customize a list of actions for one click. This could be turning on the TV, switching to a certain channel, increasing the volume.
- Create and save custom IR command codes
- Scanning device models to configure phone alignment
- Backup. All settings and commands can be transferred to another phone.
- Widget for the home screen of an Android smartphone. You can control the TV without even going into the application.
If the application turns out to be incompatible with a specific TV model, the developers have provided a system for returning the money paid for the program.
OneZap Remote
OS version: Android 4.0 or later
Download
Cost: 172 rubles
A convenient and inexpensive application that allows you to turn your smartphone into a TV remote control. The program database contains 250 integrated devices:
- Samsung
- Denon
- Pioneer
- Onkyo and so on
The application user can use either a preset menu or create his own by choosing the color scheme of the interface, the size and shape of the buttons. If you have a DVD player connected to your TV, you can create a separate button or set of buttons to control both devices.
On the Internet you can find a lot of reviews in which users are skeptical about the desire of manufacturers to “resurrect” IR port technology. Modern smartphones can transmit information in many different ways and at the highest speeds. With such capabilities, it’s simply stupid to go back to the “stone age” of mobile technology, when you had to hold phones port to port and wait for the data exchange to complete at 9 Kbps.
However, now manufacturers equip gadgets with IR ports not so that users have additional opportunities for data transfer. The infrared port has a completely different function in 2017. We will tell you what this function is in this article.
The infrared port in a modern gadget allows remotely manage digital and consumer electronics. Thanks to the infrared sensor, a smartphone can successfully perform the functions of, say, a television remote control. However, the matter is not limited to TV: the IR ports of mobile devices are compatible with any equipment - be it a refrigerator, washing machine, even a coffee maker. A smartphone can be turned into universal a remote control “for everything”, sending specialized control devices to the trash bin.
You can send commands to some TV models via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but this is inconvenient. The connection between the smartphone and TV constantly breaks down.
The infrared port alone is not enough to remotely control equipment - the user will have to install a special program on the smartphone (if it is not downloaded by the manufacturer). Fortunately, most of these applications are free.
Mobile applications for infrared
Many programs for the IR port of a smartphone are specialized. That is, for example, for remote control of a TV Panasonic program needed TV Remote Panasonic. To control the air conditioner from the same smartphone Samsung, you will have to download another application - it is called “ Galaxy universal remote control"and is distributed on a reimbursable basis (cost: 219 rubles).
Having equipment from one manufacturer in your home is convenient and profitable - there is no need to clutter up the memory of your mobile device with numerous utilities for the IR transmitter.
If the user still has equipment from different brands, he should try some of the universal applications. However, you should not expect from them the same precise work that specialized programs guarantee.
What utilities for the infrared port are worthy of attention?
ZaZaRemote
Price: Free
Application ZaZaRemote supports over 6 thousand household appliances from various manufacturers and includes 250 thousand remote controls. Fantastic numbers - especially considering that this program for Android OS is available on Google Play completely free of charge.
Application ZaZaRemote boasts not only outstanding compatibility, but also a convenient minimalist design. All models of household appliances that can be controlled using the program are divided into categories - it will take the owner of the gadget only a couple of minutes to find the necessary device in the catalog. An interesting feature of the application is that it allows group remote controls by room– this feature will be useful for the user who has “entered” all of his numerous home appliances into the program.
“In addition” to the application developers ZaZaRemote offer a special dongle that can turn even a smartphone that does not have an IR port into a remote control. However, if the gadget is already equipped with an infrared sensor, there is no need to buy additional devices.
Control It
Price: Free
Using the Android app Control It You can control completely different devices - not only TVs, but also split systems, radios, DVD players. An interesting feature of the program is that it allows you to select in the catalog not the device that is controlled by the remote control, but and the remote control itself!
Alas, this is convenient only if you know or remember what the desired remote control looks like. Otherwise, you have to resort to the “trial and error” method, which requires a reliable and high-speed Internet connection. Each remote control through the utility Control It loaded into the memory of the mobile device separately– the size of one file can be up to 15 MB.
The developers do not specify how many remote controls are contained in the application database. But the creators of the application take responsibility for constantly updating the database according to user requests. If the owner of the gadget has found a remote control in any store that is not presented in Control It, he can take a photo of the device and send it to the developer's email. The missing control device will be added to the database within a few days.
The application is paid, but also has a free version. The owner of the free version of the program can work simultaneously with only 3 remote controls, and in addition, I have to endure annoying advertising.
Sure Universal Remote
Price: Free
Sure Universal Remote is a fairly recent application (released in 2016), but its army of fans already numbers over 10 million people. The program has a good average rating on Google Play (something IR applications, as a rule, cannot boast of) and many positive reviews from satisfied users.
Smartphone with infrared port and app Sure Universal Remote can replace remote controls for TVs, air conditioners, DVD players, projectors, even cleaning robots. The only device that the program cannot cope with is digital camera; The problem is that there are no universal camera remote controls. A separate “plus” Sure Universal Remote deserves for its Wi-Fi mode, which allows you to send photos and videos from your smartphone to a TV with Smart TV function.
Among the disadvantages of the application Sure Universal Remote This includes a large amount of advertising and impressive weight - the program takes up almost 100 MB of memory.
If your smartphone doesn't have an IR port: is it worth buying additional accessories?
The IR application itself “will not make a difference”; installing it on a gadget that is not equipped with an infrared sensor is pointless. There are not so few smartphones with IR ports now - another thing is that most of them are produced by mid-range Chinese manufacturers (Ulefone, LeTV), which Russian users continue to be quite wary of. What should a buyer do if he wants to purchase a premium model from a well-known manufacturer and be able to use it as a remote control?
The answer is simple: need to buy an IR transmitter(or TV dongle). Such devices are quite primitive, compact and cost mere pennies, but they effectively solve the problem of the lack of an infrared port on a smartphone. There are two types of IR transmitters:
- For 3.5mm audio jack.
- For USB port.
Jack hole dongles have a number of advantages: Firstly, they are cheaper, secondly, they are universal and suitable even for iPhone. It is not profitable to buy a transmitter for a USB port - after all, not all devices have a microUSB connector. There are Lightning, 30Pin, Type-C connectors, which means that a USB dongle for a device from Android to iPhone is no longer suitable.
By browsing through the catalogs of Chinese online stores, you can find many infrared transmitters. Quite often on the Internet you can find photos of such a positive dongle.
The manufacturer of this transmitter is the Chinese company VBESTLIFE. According to the manufacturer, the dongle is compatible with all household and digital devices, suitable for iPhone and Android smartphones, and is of extremely high quality. This is confirmed by a large number of positive ratings on AliExpress (with a complete absence of negative ones). The cost of the transmitter from VBESTLIFE is only 100 rubles and kopecks. As of the date of writing the article, the dongle is being delivered to Russia for free.
Company MVpower offers a very stylish IR transmitter for iPhone - made of metal and equipped with a blue light bulb.
The cost of this accessory is only 65 rubles. Moreover, the low price of the IR transmitter from Jetting does not mean its mediocre quality. On AliExpress, the product has 96.2% positive reviews - an almost outstanding figure. There is no free delivery of the dongle, but shipping costs 30 rubles - such an expense is unlikely to have a significant impact on the customer’s well-being.
Conclusion
The infrared port on your smartphone allows you to remotely control appliances in your home. To take advantage of this opportunity, the owner of the gadget needs to download and install one of the special applications on his mobile device. The most famous universal IR program is ZaZaRemote.
If your smartphone does not have an infrared port, do not despair. You can purchase an IR transmitter on one of the Chinese trading platforms. This tiny device will cost only 100-200 rubles and will become a full-fledged alternative to the gadget’s built-in IR port.
Recently, it is no secret to anyone that the modern technology manufacturer Xiaomi constantly surprises its consumers with unusual functions and capabilities of its device, which greatly simplify life and any household activities. One such feature is an infrared port or infrared port(IR port) – function of controlling equipment from the phone. That is, to switch channels, turn it louder/quieter, you don’t need to look for the remote control or get up from the couch. Because you can do everything from your gadget.
It would seem that this option is most likely only available on the latest models and is not available on every phone. However, no. Now infrared radiation is present, if not in all, then in many Xiaomi phones.
Xiaomi smartphones with IR port:
- Xiaomi Redmi 5
- Xiaomi Redmi 4
- Xiaomi Redmi 4x
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
- Xiaomi Mi 5
- Xiaomi Mi 8, etc.
But, unfortunately, they decided not to put an IR port on the new flagship.
Actually, it is not necessary to talk about which smartphones have this feature, you can check it yourself - look at the top edge of the phone, there is a black dot of the IR port.
Another way to check the presence of an IR port in advance is to visit the website “5nch.com/database/”, filter smartphones “Only with IrDA", select the device brand (Xiaomi) and start the search.
Benefits of infrared
As already noted, the IR port is a very useful option, with which you can control almost all household appliances, which is perhaps the main advantage.
IrDA Xiaomi also has the following advantages:
- To control the equipment, no wires, special batteries, recharging, connections, etc. are needed;
- You can exercise full control of the TV: turn on/off, scroll through channels, adjust the volume and several more functions;
- You can control the air conditioner;
- You can control kitchen appliances;
- It is also possible to control players, speakers, set-top boxes, cameras, including action cameras, if such a company is supported by the program, as well as other types of equipment.
Mi Remote program: how to use and configure the IR port
Since it is impossible to activate the IR port through the “Settings” of the phone, there is a special program for this - Mi Remote (Mi Remote). As a rule, this application is installed on the phone along with the firmware and does not require separate downloading, but if you suddenly do not find it on your gadget, install the program through the Play Market.
Mi Remote has a Chinese name in the Play Market, but most likely the utility you need will be located in the first place, and also look for the developer name “Xiaomi.Inc”. Despite this, during operation itself it is possible to configure the Russian language.
Main advantages of Mi Remote:
- Multi-language support;
- If you do not find the application on your phone, you can download it;
- User-friendly interface and simple design;
- Easy to use;
- Doesn't take up much space on the phone;
- Usually already installed on the Xiaomi device.
So, after downloading or discovering the program, you can begin to activate and configure it.
You will need an Internet connection, but only at the stage of connecting the IR port to the model.
Instructions:
- Open the “Mi Remote” application, you will see a blank screen and a button at the bottom prompting you to “Add a remote control”, in other words, select the device you want to control - click;
- Next, select the type of equipment you need;
IR port xiaomi. Selection of technology. - Then indicate the manufacturer of the device you have chosen, for example, a TV from Samsung, a set-top box from Xiaomi, and more. The list contains all models of companies available for management - from the most popular and new to less relevant and possibly outdated.
This is where you find out whether your technique can be controlled. This may not happen if the device is too old.
- The program will offer you the found device and ask you to tell whether it is on or off (for those who have not translated the application into Russian: the right button is off, the left button is on);
IR port xiaomi. Connecting to a TV - Next, you can enter additional data and create a desktop shortcut;
- Having identified your device, Mi Remote will ask you to test all the buttons: on, off, volume, switches, etc., which you will need to do by directing IrDA to the device. Don't worry if the work is slow - the connection is just being established, so you will need to wait a little.
- If you did everything correctly, the procedure will be successful and the remote control will be ready for use;
- Ready! The configured remote looks like this:
If you are unable to recognize the device, try entering additional information in the special tab.
IR port xiaomi device recognition in case of error. What else you need to know about Mi Remote:
- If this application is installed on your phone, but when you turn it on it gives an error, try deleting it and downloading it again from the Play Market;
- If the program crashes and stops working, contact service centers if you are not one hundred percent sure that you can resume work yourself;
- If after downloading the application you cannot install the Russian language, check the name of the developer, it should be like this: “Xiaomi.Inc”;
- It is possible to control several devices at once via Mi Remote. To do this, you will just need to switch between devices.
Alternative applications
In addition to Mi Remote, there are other programs that allow you to control the infrared port.
To find something third-party, go to the Play Market and enter the phrase " remote control».
What applications can be used to remotely control equipment:
- “ZaZa Remote” is a fairly popular program that supports about 8,000 brands and 300,000 different models. The software is free, and the setup and operation are the same as with Mi Remote.
- “Peel Smart Remote” is a program that allows you to control TVs. Helps you find interesting shows/programs and even schedules them for you.
- “SURE Universal Remote” – control of digital and household appliances. Connection via both Wi-Fi and infrared. The ability to display photo and video files from your phone to the TV screen.
You can find more detailed lists of remote control applications on special sites, for example, on w3bsit3-dns.com.
Looking for a universal remote? But are all models too expensive? Have you ever wondered if it is possible to control technology? Want to combine multiple remotes into one? And use a smartphone to control all the equipment in the house? Now it's possible! Our online store is pleased to present you a small and unique device! Universal TV remote for smartphone!
An IR transmitter for a smartphone is a small device that attaches to the . A powerful IR transmitter is installed inside the device, which will provide a range of up to 3 meters.
IR diode for smartphone
For correct control of equipment from a smartphone. The infrared transmitter for the smartphone must be configured through the special ZaZa Remote application. You can download it both in the AppStore and in PlayMarket, as long as you have an Internet connection.
You can buy an infrared transmitter for a smartphone in our online store. Its low cost is not comparable to how many benefits it will bring you. You will no longer need to hold a dozen remote controls and search for the right one. You can combine everything in your smartphone and control the necessary equipment, even without a special remote control. This will save you a lot of time!
In order to start using the IR transmitter for your smartphone, you need the special ZaZa Remote application. Next, after opening the application, you will need to enter the remote control that you want to emulate into the database of your smartphone.
Infrared transmitter for smartphone
It's very easy to do. Select the scanning function in the application. Then the required button. And point the remote control towards this IR transmitter. Which must be connected to your smartphone. After which, the application will remember the button code that you scanned. The procedure will need to be done for all buttons.
After scanning the buttons. You will receive a complete copy of your remote control. You will be able to control it with the equipment whose remote control you have linked. It is convenient to switch between different remote controls, and also fully control both the TV and the air conditioner from just one device.
You can buy an IR transmitter for a smartphone in our online store. Its low cost is not comparable to how many benefits it will bring you. After all, lost remote controls will no longer cause you discomfort. You won't need to look for them. Everything will be conveniently collected in your smartphone.
Specifications:
- Transmitter operation length: up to 3 meters;
- Material: durable, safe plastic;
- Size: 3 x 0.5 cm.
Attention! The phone must support OTG function. For the transmitter to work correctly, you must install the ZaZa Remote application from the AppStore (iOS) or PlayMarket (Android). IR receiver is not compatible with: Samsung i879, I9000, N719; Huawei g606, U9508, P6, 3C.
