/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24810945/236732_BOTM_Zenith_Space_TV_remote_AKrales_0188.jpg "Zenith’s original ‘clicker’ TV remote boasted an astonishing mechanical button design")
The Zenith Space Command, an early wireless television remote, holds a special place in history as one of the first of its kind. It features a button that is considered influential and intriguing. In today’s digital era, hardware often takes a back seat to software in our devices. This monthly column, Button of the Month, examines the physical components of our phones, tablets, and controllers that we interact with daily.
The term “clicker” for a TV remote originated from Robert Adler’s creation in 1956. This elegant gadget, reminiscent of Star Trek, introduced a durable, clicky action for controlling devices and a simple form that has since been overlooked.
Initially, Zenith experimented with wireless remote controls that used beams of light to transmit commands, resulting in the Flash-Matic in 1955. However, this idea was abandoned within a year due to sensitivity to various light sources. Zenith’s engineers then pursued a simpler approach using sound instead of light.
The Space Command relies on mechanical engineering rather than electrical. When a button is pressed, a spring-loaded hammer strikes a solid aluminum rod inside the remote, creating an ultrasonic frequency. Each button corresponds to a different length rod, producing a unique high-frequency tone that triggers a circuit connected to a microphone in the television.
Notably, the Space Command does not require batteries, which was a desirable feature for Zenith. This design also eliminates the need to point the remote directly at the receiver, a flaw of the Flash-Matic. In 1956, Adler addressed problems still faced today regarding battery life and line-of-sight issues with remotes.
The 1970s model of the Space Command, featured in the photos, was discovered in a bin of remotes from a TV repair business. While mainly a decorative item, it offers a unique tactile experience with its clicky buttons. Pressing a button on this tuning fork-like device provides satisfying feedback, reminiscent of igniting a flame on a grill. The buttons are firm and precise, leaving little room for error. Although the ultrasonic frequency is inaudible, the clack of the hammer and the clink upon contact with the remote body reinforce a sense of accomplishment, even for simple tasks like adjusting volume.
Adler’s decision to use ultrasound was driven by the limitations of radio and the desire to avoid signal interference. Ultrasound provided a logical solution as it does not go through walls, ensuring privacy. Zenith’s mechanical Space Command remained the primary way to control televisions for 25 years and is still referred to as “the clicker” by some. However, it had its drawbacks, such as interference from jingling keys and pet sensitivity to the high-pitched frequencies. As TVs evolved with added functionalities, remote design shifted towards infrared blasters and advanced circuit boards, resulting in the multitude of buttons and plastic slabs commonly found on modern remotes.
Presently, universal remotes can be complex and overwhelming, prompting people to cover parts of the device to reduce confusion. However, streaming devices like Roku have simplified TV remotes with just a few essential buttons, returning to a minimalist design. This minimalist aesthetic, featuring a blocky device with strong buttons, is recommended for future TV manufacturers to avoid misplaced remotes.