Infrared blaster
An infrared blaster (or IR Blaster) is a device that emulates an infrared remote control to autonomously control a device that is normally controlled only by controlled key presses. The most common use of an IR Blaster is to allow a recording device such, as a DVR or VCR, to change the channel on an external tuner, such as a cable box or satellite receiver. This way, the receiving device can automatically select the correct channel to record before starting the recording process. Two other common uses are to extend infrared signals in order to place remote controlled products behind closed doors and to allow mobile devices to control infrared devices.
In the mid-2010s, many smartphones included IR Blasters, but most manufacturers have stopped including this feature by 2018.
Description
In an IR Blaster device, there is one digital signal produce light which generates signal to control the other device. This signal of IR Blaster is totally invisible to human eye because IR or infrared signals has more wavelength than visible lights. Signal of IR Blaster does not affect the human body and it does create any side-effects for a long run of use.[1]
If IR Blaster configured with the system, it can control TV, Air Conditioner, DVD etc using the beam generated by IR Blaster. When IR Blaster light is configured with an electronics system it is called remote.
Applications
Main use of IR Blaster is to control other secondary devices through a primary device configured with the IR Blaster. IR Blaster can be used to control devices like Television, DVD, VCD, Air Conditioner, Music system, etc. IR Blaster also having application in mobile phones. It is primarily to connect mobile phone to devices having IR receiver like Television, DVD, VCD, Air Conditioner. Now recent days bluetooth started replacing IR Blaster that is why some of the mobile phone manufacturers have stopped including this feature in 2020 but still giving this feature. Dedicated IR Blaster device also available which connect with mobile phones via 3.5 audio jack.[2]