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Robert Adler

Inventor / Developer of Wireless Remote Control

"I think a large part of the public said, 'An extra $100?  For that, I can get up from my chair!'  So [the first remote control] was never a large percentage of the sets sold."

About This Interview

Dr. Robert Adler (1913-2007) was interviewed for nearly two-and-a-half hours in Chicago, IL.  Dr. Adler spoke in great detail about his pioneering work as the developer of the first practical wireless television remote control (co-invented with fellow Zenith engineer Eugene Polley).  Adler outlined his long association with Zenith, which began shortly after he emigrated to the United States in 1940.  He discussed the evolution of the remote control’s invention at Zenith, which began with an attached remote box and cable.  He talked about the impractical light-activated wireless versions that preceded his ultrasonic (and practical) version.  He described the theory behind his invention as well as its technical specifications.  Adler then discussed other key innovations in television for which he contributed.  He also talked about the research department at Zenith and detailed its makeup and functions.  He then talked about his involvement in current technologies, including touch screen and HDTV.  B-roll consisted of cover shots and illustrations from journal articles regarding some of his most significant work.  The interview was conducted by Karen Herman on October 11, 2004.

Related To This Video

  • Topics

Topics

  • Technological Innovation

Resources

Links:

Dr. Robert Adler page on Wikipedia.

Adler's Space Command remote control photo in ad (zdnet.com).

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  • Highlights
  • Chapters
  • Topics

Highlights

  • Dr. Robert Adler on working on the first televisions in the early 1950sDr. Robert Adler on working on the first televisions in the early 1950s
  • Wireless TV remote control inventor Dr. Robert Adler on the naming of Zenith's first wireless remote controls: Space Command 200 and Space Command 400 (01m 14s)Wireless TV remote control inventor Dr. Robert Adler on the naming of Zenith's first wireless remote controls: Space Command 200 and Space Command 400 (01m 14s)
  • Dr. Robert Adler on ultrasonic remote control devices and the batteryDr. Robert Adler on ultrasonic remote control devices and the battery

Chapters

  • Chapter 1
  • Full Chapter One
  • Chapter 2
  • Full Chapter Two
  • Chapter 3
  • Full Chapter Three
  • Chapter 4
  • Full Chapter Four
  • Chapter 5
  • Full Chapter Five

Topics

  • Technological Innovation
    • Dr. Robert Adler on ultrasonic remote control devices and the battery
    • Dr. Robert Adler on working on the first televisions in the early 1950s
    • Wireless TV remote control inventor Dr. Robert Adler on the naming of Zenith's first wireless remote controls: Space Command 200 and Space Command 400 (01m 14s)
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