Industry shifting to midrange, high end

	The CH-028 model from Qingdao Haier is based on ZigBee and is used for various A/V products, voting systems and interactive teaching devices.

China manufacturers of remote controls are moving away from the traditional single-device infrared models to boost quality and broaden product range. As part of the industry’s shift to midrange and high-end versions, suppliers are integrating more functions into latest releases, developing universal configurations and adopting other wireless protocols.

While basic IR units continue to take up 80 percent of supply, output of universal variants will increase as makers match climbing demand.

Current selections of the latter type are compatible with at least two A/V devices. Many support four to 12 products. These have a large code library and learning function, and manage a number of home entertainment appliances simultaneously. Several models also include LCDs, touch keypads and touchscreens.

Makers such as Shenzhen C&D Electronics Co. Ltd, DeQing Dusun Electron Co. Ltd and Suzhou Qunda Electronics Co. Ltd have released universal designs.

The URCT-52N IR model from the first is compatible with most TVs, DVD/CD players, VCRs, DVRs, auxiliary devices, and satellite and cable equipment. It includes Windows Vista and Media Center remote code and touchscreen function.

DeQing Dusun’s DSR-0001 model has a large code library for TVs, VCRs, satellite and DVD/VCD players, and auxiliary devices. The unit can be customized into a 4 or 10-in-1 product with teletext and fastext capability.

Another universal type is the QD-CMO1 model from Suzhou Qunda, which features dual screens. The LCD shows information, while the touchscreen acts as the control panel.

Companies targeting the high end are rolling out RF, Bluetooth, ZigBee and even Wi-Fi varieties. Suppliers are optimistic that despite the prohibitive cost of developing wireless versions, the four standards will set the trend for future rollouts. Some have started making products based on these technologies.

Qingdao Haier Intelligent Electronics Co. Ltd has announced the model CH-028 ZigBee remote control, which is compatible with digital TVs and voting and interactive teaching systems. The high-end device uses a network synchronization beacon to guarantee reliable network communication. It also has an LCD and a metal button. The company develops about 190 new IR and RF units a year.

Besides value-added features, more releases adopt novelty designs, including toys, cartoon characters and animal figures.

The J-5010 model from Guangzhou Rcking Electronics Co. Ltd is a 56-key IR remote control shaped like a handheld game console. It works with DVD players and gaming devices. The company releases 30 to 40 variants per year and offers customization services. It will focus on novelty housings in coming months.

Export growth
Products & prices
Hong Kong: Makers boost customized production
Taiwan: Home applications drive output

Makers predict up to 40 percent export growth in the next 12 months. One of the drivers is the recovery of the home entertainment sector from the effects of the economic crunch.

Worldwide TV shipments, for instance, are predicted to jump from 205 million units in 2009 to 218 million by end-2010, according to DisplaySearch. Set-top box deliveries will rise from 147.8 million this year to 193.9 million by 2014, iSuppli forecasts. TVs and STBs are expected to spur sales of remote controls as these are the two most-common applications.

To boost overseas business, companies are conducting targeted marketing. The majority of makers ship their basic and midrange products to Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America. Novelty items and units with better price-to-performance ratio have prospective buyers in these destinations.

The upper midlevel and high-end types are exported to the US, Canada and Europe, where there is greater demand for quality variants.

Most products in the entry level are IR versions that support one to four devices. Operating at a range of 3 to 10m, these have a small code library and use basic plastic for the casing.

Some have learning function and universal compatibility, and utilize components from local and Taiwan-based providers.

Models in the midrange are either universal or wireless based on IR, RF or Bluetooth and have a larger code library. These products support three or more devices and have learning and downloading capability. They incorporate LCDs, touch keypads and touchscreens, and operate from 8m up. The ICs are typically purchased from Japan and South Korea.

High-end versions include RF, Bluetooth, ZigBee and Wi-Fi varieties that work with over four devices. In addition to an expansive code library, such units provide learning and downloading functions.

The transmission range is from 10 to 100m. LCDs, touch keypads and touchscreens are likewise common among upscale products. Adopting components from Japan and South Korea, these variants are designed with high-end plastic or metal materials.

Makers predict quotes for low-end remote controls will increase by 5 to 15 percent in months ahead. Those of high-end types may go down 5 percent.

The selection in Hong Kong covers basic models for TVs and DVD players to universal units for computer, gaming and home automation applications. An assortment of sizes, shapes and functions is available to suit buyers’ requirements.

Entry-level versions are a staple in most makers’ catalogs. A growing number of companies, however, are starting to underscore customized projects to derive higher margins and develop long-term relationships with their clients. Among the selections are jumbo ones intended for the elderly, credit card types with membrane keypads and matchbox controls with no more than fi ve keys. Several novelty models that use unconventional plastic molds also belong to this category.

Upscale varieties provide buyers the option to select advanced features such as touchscreens, infrared code learning and macroprogramming capability.

Materials can also be upgraded from plastic to the more durable and elegant-looking aluminum or stainless steel. Optional accessories such as docks are available for some units. To expand product range, many suppliers are exploring wireless technologies other than IR.

Hong Kong has close to 30 suppliers of the line, with five specializing in the category and accepting OEM and ODM projects.

Home entertainment and automation top remote control applications in Taiwan. The 15 to 20 suppliers offer universal and 1-in-1 models mainly for TVs, DVD players, set-top boxes and air conditioning systems. There are also devices that operate computers and vehicles.

Taiwan’s selection consists primarily of infrared versions. IR touchscreen types are available on request. Other variants use 2.4GHz RF or Bluetooth. Some companies can transform mobile phones supporting the last standard into remote controls.

Models come with two to 56 keys of various shapes. Several have rectangular, diamond, square and curved shapes. Remote controls for PCs have more than 20 keys. Some are equipped with ExpressCard and USB interfaces. Housings can be aluminum or plastic.

Value-added features include cursor controls, LCDs, laser pointers, keychains and learning function. Water-resistant casings are also available. Card-type remote controls have membrane switches and slim forms. Bluetooth, RF or IR with standard fixed-touch buttons are priced below $15. Basic IR models are quoted lower than $5, while RF ones are almost $15. Bluetooth variants belong to the sub-$20 category except for those with value add-ons and are used as presenters or mice are above $20. Touchscreen varieties are about $25.