Universal Electronics Unveils Advanced Approach to Increase Energy Efficiency in Remote Controls

CYPRESS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (NASDAQ: UEIC) today announced the availability of its Low Energy IR Engine (LowEIR), a method for substantially reducing energy usage in infrared (IR) remotes without sacrificing performance. With LowEIR, battery life may be extended by years, under certain conditions, on traditional two battery infrared remote control designs.

“We designed a realistic and economical solution to ensure that LowEIR is extensible to work with all current and future remote controls. We are committed to helping reduce battery waste by increasing the efficiency of energy usage in the devices that we design and build everyday.”

LowEIR is compatible with all IR protocols and is especially efficient with XMP® and XMP-2 protocols. Implementation does not require any modifications to the target device and is scalable to support a wide range of performance requirements. Because LowEIR requires less energy, and potentially fewer batteries, this could reduce waste and tariffs, making it both an environmentally friendly option for consumers and a financially sound solution for device manufacturers and system operators.

To minimize remote control power consumption, LowEIR includes a new hardware-based timing state machine implemented in silicon bundled with an adaptive compensation algorithm to ensure accurate IR signal timing representation. The solution, developed through intense research and development by engineers in UEI’s Cypress-based advanced technology group, is a combination of silicon, hardware, and new software that delivers an optimal energy management solution for IR remotes.

“In consideration of future generations and growing environmental regulations, we are pleased to offer a practical, energy saving solution for all compatible IR protocols,” said Graham Williams, senior vice president of technology development at Universal Electronics. “We designed a realistic and economical solution to ensure that LowEIR is extensible to work with all current and future remote controls. We are committed to helping reduce battery waste by increasing the efficiency of energy usage in the devices that we design and build everyday.”

Manufacturers and system operators interested in learning more about LowEIR and other advanced solutions from Universal Electronics are invited to visit UEI’s booth #21243 in South Hall 1 during the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas January 6 through January 9, 2011.

About Universal Electronics Inc.

Founded in 1986, Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) is the global leader in wireless control technology for the connected home. UEI designs, develops, and delivers innovative solutions that enable consumers to control entertainment devices, digital media, and home systems. The company’s broad portfolio of patented technologies and database of infrared control software have been adopted by many Fortune 500 companies in the consumer electronics, subscription broadcast, and computing industries. UEI sells and licenses wireless control products through distributors and retailers under the One For All® brand name. UEI also delivers complete home control solutions in the professional custom installation market under the brand name Nevo®. More information is available at www.uei.com.

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