Remote controls can turn on room lights and nearly any appliance. You can
buy hand-held, infrared remotes that work just like a television remote
control to dim and operate lights, fans (or even window shades) from your
easy chair or bedside. Or you can utilize any of several different "wireless"
systems that use a combination of transmitter/receiver technology and your
home's existing wiring to give you increased control.
Most of the latter type are based on the X-10 Powerhouse system that has
been in use for several years. Radio Shack, for example, offers the Plug
'n Power ® system that utilizes a range of different plug-in modules
that receive signals from a remote controller or switch. With these, you
can control living room lighting, televisions, stereos, fans and the like
from the controller. You can accessorize the system with handheld controls,
keychain remotes, security consoles, a set-back thermostat and even a telephone
responder that lets you control the system by phone.
Leviton also has an in-wall system based on X-10 protocol that offers all-lights-on
security lighting at the touch of a button, centralized switching and thermostat
control. The nice thing about these systems is that you don't have to do
any special wiring--they work with what you have.
Related, Lamsom Home Products makes a wireless ceiling fixture switch that
will turn on any overhead incandescent light or fan from up to 50 feet away,
a wireless wall switch that will turn on a lamp, television, or similar
appliance, and a wireless three-way switch for hallways and stairways where
wiring isn't set up for control from both ends.
--Don Vandervort
