New ZigBee Remote Control Profile: Delivering Next Generation Remote Control

New public application profile defines radio frequency (RF) standard for advanced remote controls, replacing infrared (IR) technology

SAN RAMON, California, December 16 - The ZigBee(R) Alliance, a global ecosystem of companies creating wireless
solutions for use in energy management, commercial and consumer applications,
today announced the availability of ZigBee Remote Control, the new global
standard for advanced remote controls. ZigBee Remote Control is the first
public application profile designed specifically for use with the ZigBee
RF4CE specification announced earlier this year.

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ZigBee Remote Control frees consumers from pointing remotes at devices,
offers flexible control from nearby rooms, enables unique two-way
communications between the remote and device, plus delivers improved remote
battery life for a variety of consumer electronic (CE) devices like HDTV,
home theater equipment, set-top boxes and other audio equipment.

ZigBee Remote Control replaces 30 year-old infrared (IR) technology with
radio frequency (RF) control and eliminates the pointing confusion and other
performance problems associated with IR remotes and large screen LCD and
plasma televisions. It also delivers new functionality to conventional
remotes, including:

    - Ability to locate misplaced remote controls
    - Common command set for true interoperability eliminating the need
      for multiple remote controls
    - Control of equipment stored almost anywhere, including behind
      wood and glass doors or in other rooms
    - Enhanced user interfaces and advanced display capabilities
    - New interactive capabilities and the ability to navigate content
      on the remote's LCD
    - Over-the-air upgrades and programmability

"ZigBee Remote Control offers electronics manufacturers a global standard
to simplify control of a wide variety of CE devices and improve their
customer experience," said Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance.
"Consumers will enjoy new conveniences that give them more flexibility in the
way they use their CE devices for years to come."

The ZigBee Remote Control profile gives CE manufacturers a defined
standard to create interoperable products offering advanced communications
between devices and remote controls, regardless of manufacturer. The profile
is currently available to all ZigBee Alliance members.

The Alliance has made rapid progress with the ZigBee RF4CE specification
this year. The specification was made available to ZigBee Alliance members in
March, golden unit platforms were certified in June and the specification was
made available for public download in September. The rapid progress
demonstrates strong interest from the market as CE manufacturers seek to
integrate innovative technology in their products that deliver new features
and a convenient experience for their customers.

ZigBee Remote Control - The standard for advanced remote controls

ZigBee Remote Control is the global standard for advanced and easy-to-use
RF remotes that delivers non-line-of-sight operation, two-way communication,
longer range of use and extended battery life for a variety of consumer
electronic (CE) devices including HDTV, home theater equipment, set-top boxes
and other audio equipment. ZigBee Remote Control is the public application
profile for the ZigBee RF4CE specification. For more information, visit:
www.zigbee.org/remotecontrol.

ZigBee: Control your world

ZigBee is the global wireless language connecting dramatically different
devices to work together and enhance everyday life. The ZigBee Alliance is a
non-profit association of more than 300 member companies driving development
of ZigBee wireless technology. The Alliance promotes world-wide adoption of
ZigBee as the leading wirelessly networked, sensing and control standard for
use in consumer electronic, energy, home, commercial and industrial areas.
For more information, visit: www.ZigBee.org.

Kevin Schader of ZigBee Alliance, +1-925-275-6672, kschader at inventures.com; or Earlene Tang of GolinHarris, +1-714-918-8215, etang at golinharris.com, for ZigBee Alliance