The Zenith Space Command: A Look Back at the Revolutionary Wireless Television Remote
In today’s digital age, we often take for granted the convenience of our TV remotes. But let’s take a moment to appreciate the Zenith Space Command, one of the first wireless television remotes ever created. This iconic device not only marked a significant advancement in technology but also introduced us to one of the most influential and intriguing buttons in history.
Created by Robert Adler in 1956, the Zenith Space Command revolutionized the way we interacted with our televisions. This elegant gadget, reminiscent of something out of Star Trek, introduced a durable and clicky action for controlling gadgets, along with a simplicity of form that has unfortunately been abandoned in recent times.
The original concept for wireless remote controls involved using beams of light for communication between the remote and the television. Zenith experimented with this idea and released the Flash-Matic in 1955. However, this technology proved to be too sensitive to full-spectrum light, making it unreliable in everyday use. The company’s engineers then decided to take a simpler approach, using sound instead of light.
The Space Command remote, a product of mechanical engineering rather than electrical, utilized a spring-loaded hammer that struck a solid aluminum rod within the device. This resulted in an ultrasonic frequency, triggering a circuit connected to a microphone in the television to execute the command. Each button had a different length rod, producing a unique high-frequency tone for each command. Remarkably, this remote required no batteries, a desirable feature for both Zenith and consumers who didn’t want to worry about constantly replacing batteries.
Unlike its predecessor, the Flash-Matic, the Space Command remote did not require direct line-of-sight with the television. This was a major improvement, as users were no longer restricted in their positioning while using the remote. This was a significant development in the 1950s and is a problem that some of us still grapple with today, constantly moving objects out of the way to ensure our infrared remotes reach the intended receiver.
While the Space Command remote was highly functional, it also offered a unique button-pressing experience. With its tall and stiff buttons, users felt a clack and clink when pressing down, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. Despite its clunky and slow nature, the remote gave a sense of accomplishment, even if it was just increasing the volume on the TV.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Space Command remote was the use of ultrasound. Robert Adler explained in a 2004 interview that ultrasound was chosen because it does not pass through walls, unlike radio signals. Adler wanted the remote’s signal to remain within the intended room and not interfere with neighboring televisions. The use of ultrasound also prevented the remote’s signal from being heard, as it operated at either a subsonic or supersonic level.
The mechanical Space Command remote remained the default way to control televisions for a quarter of a century. Even today, some people still refer to their remotes as “the clicker.” However, as technology evolved and more functions were added to the TV-watching experience, infrared remotes with advanced circuit boards began to replace the mechanical Space Command. This ultimately led to the development of modern universal remotes, which can be complicated and overwhelming for users.
In recent years, streaming devices like Roku have simplified the TV remote once again. These devices typically feature a minimalist aesthetic with only a few essential buttons for play, home, volume, and voice control. Perhaps TV manufacturers can take a cue from the past and consider a blocky device with a small number of sturdy buttons that won’t get lost amidst the cushions of the couch.
As we appreciate the convenience and innovation of modern-day remotes, let’s not forget the revolutionary impact of the Zenith Space Command. It embodies a time when hardware took center stage and simplicity reigned supreme.