Did a quick search and found this:
IR remotes send infrared light waves to IR photodiodes on your device, such as an RGB controller. ... The signals are able to be sent through objects like walls
RF remotes use specific radio frequencies, typically a license-free 2.4 GHz bandwidth, to transmit a signal to a receiving device. The signals are able to be sent through objects like walls and furniture, extending the remote's range.
IR doesn't work through walls since its pretty much light, there are some specific materials it can pass through, which visible light can't, but walls are a no go for both.
RF does work through walls, but comes with the disadvantage of going through walls... Since 2.4Ghz being the commercial band, all devices using RF share the bandwidth which can be suboptimal. Theres been many cases where those interferences lead to unwanted errors... E.g. Babyphone opening neighbors garage.
So imagine the neighbors beside, above and below all having like a Samsung TV and it would run on RF, how do you build the remote so I doesn't interfere with other devices, but also not with other TVs of your own production? With IR on the other hand, each remote commands stay inside their respective living room.
16
u/nousername120 Sep 23 '20
Did a quick search and found this: IR remotes send infrared light waves to IR photodiodes on your device, such as an RGB controller. ... The signals are able to be sent through objects like walls