In 2003 the Nokia “candy bar” phones dominated the market. They were reliable, affordable, and good looking. They also used push buttons like every other phone before it. Then came the iPhone and the touch screen paradigm that wiped both push button phones and Nokia’s market share in a matter of a few years.
Touch screens enable the user to do more. Yet millions of televisions and projectors rely on archaic push button infrared technology to control their displays - no matter the price point. Although we have more sources, more color modes, integrated streaming, and other content options– somehow we have to use clumsy, un-intuitive, and proprietary remotes to control our television or projectors.
There is a better way – and it’s probably in the smartphone that is in your pocket. At this year’s CEDIA show in Dallas, ilumi has partnered with projector manufacturer Coretronic and their customer Optoma to demonstrate the first IoT Smart Projector using an ilumi Meshtek Bluetooth mesh connection to control not only the projector – but also the room lighting from a simple app on an iPhone or iPad. Since Bluetooth LE technology can be quickly and affordably integrated into a projector or television, it offers a glimpse of a future without push button remote controls
Equipped with an ilumi Meshtek interface, the Optima 1080p short throw projector creates a wireless link to an iPad, iPhone, or Android device to execute standard functions such as on/off, changing sources, and adjusting volume and brightness – with no line of site requirements. It can also control the room lighting to make adjustments automatically. For example, when the projector turns on, the lights automatically reduce to 50% brightness for a conference room setting. Switch sources to the video player, and the lights dim further – changing color to match the content. Bottom line – it makes optimizing a room for projector use easy – and intelligent.
Right now, the only way to be free of the remote that comes with your display is to purchase a third party product, such as the Logitech Harmony Remote. While Zigbee is a common wireless technology used for other IoT products, ilumi is demonstrating that it’s Bluetooth mesh technology platform can deliver low cost, and easy to use integration of up to 50 devices at a time without routers,bridges or proprietary hubs.
No remote, simple setup, intuitive touch screen, and controlling your display and lighting at the same time – potential paradigm shift?
