First ultrasound remote control for TV sets

In 1956, the first ultrasound remote control for TV sets was introduced by Zenith Electronics (USA). Designed by engineer Robert Adler, the “Zenith Space Command” established the mode for remote controls for the subsequent 25 years – transmitting signals via ultrasound waves. The first examples of this technology were expensive: the necessary inclusion of six vacuum tubes within the television set itself raised the price of the TV by 30% ($259.95 for the tabletop version; $550 for the console version). Despite this, some 9 million ultrasonic remote-control TV sets were sold. Zenith had previously developed the first TV “remote” – the Lazy Bones – in 1950 (when they were still called the Zenith Radio Corporation), but this was a cable-dependent device. The Space Command, however, could boast the slogans “Nothing between you and the set but space!” and “Is it magic? It's like nothing you have ever seen before – anywhere!” In the 1980s, this technology would be replaced by infrared remote-control devices.