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 ZigBee RF4CE  

FAQ

  1. What is ZigBee RF4CE?
    The ZigBee RF4CE standard provides multi-vendor interoperable remote control solution for consumer electronics featuring a simple, robust and low-cost communication network for two-way wireless connectivity.
  2. Why use ZigBee RF4CE?
    ZigBee RF4CE was specifically designed for applications requiring simple device-to-device control communication that do not need the full-featured mesh networking capabilities offered by ZigBee. ZigBee RF4CE offers lower memory size requirements and as such enable lower cost implementations. The simple device-to-device topology provides easy development and testing, resulting in faster time to market.
  3. Why do we need RF remotes?
    RF remotes provide new levels of interactivity and convenience for today's digital home when compared to IR remotes. As more devices add Internet connectivity and other features, the need for two-way communication grows. RF remotes are faster, more reliable and provide more freedom to operate devices from greater distances removing the line-of-sight barrier of today's IR remotes.
  4. Does the market need a standard for RF remote controls?
    There are currently many proprietary low-cost 2.4GHz solutions. Offering a standards-based solution, meeting the aggressive cost targets for a myriad of RF consumer applications, will accelerate the transition of IR to RF and from proprietary RF to standardized RF, and has been an ongoing Alliance objective. ZigBee RF4CE meets these targets and provides a path toward communication with other ZigBee solutions.
  5. How do consumers benefit?
    It eliminates the limitations of today's IR capabilities. RF allows for fast, reliable and two-way communication between devices, bringing enhanced user interfaces, better interaction and new control techniques.
  6. Is this limited to entertainment system remote controls?
    No. ZigBee RF4CE will be the engine that powers many different devices that only requires simple device-to-device technology. Entertainment devices, garage door openers, keyless entry systems are just a few possible uses for ZigBee RF4CE.
  7. What will be the battery life of a remote control using ZigBee RF4CE, when compared to an IR remote control?
    ZigBee RF4CE will provide better battery life over an equivalent IR remote control product.
  8. Can ZigBee RF4CE remote controls accidentally operate your neighbor's equipment?
    No. Each remote control is uniquely paired with the devices it controls.
  9. When can consumers expect to buy products featuring this technology?
    Manufacturers are predicting products may be available later in 2009.
  10. Will ZigBee RF4CE interoperate with other ZigBee devices?
    ZigBee and ZigBee RF4CE devices share a common communication foundation and can easily be bridged for interoperability.
  11. Will devices running on ZigBee RF4CE interoperate?
    The ZigBee RF4CE supports interoperability.
  12. Does ZigBee RF4CE coexist with Wi-Fi?
    Yes. ZigBee RF4CE and Wi-Fi have been designed to operate effectively in the same environment. ZigBee RF4CE takes full advantage of IEEE 802.15.4 proven interference avoidance techniques and features a unique channel agility mechanism.
  13. Will the ZigBee RF4CE specification send video signals?
    No. Public application profiles running on the ZigBee RF4CE specification are not capable of sending video signals. The IEEE 802.15.4 standard, which all ZigBee specifications are based upon, limits data size to 250Kbps. This low data rate is not large enough to send video signals and is designed for simple control and monitoring applications.
  14. What are the applications for ZigBee RF4CE?
    ZigBee RF4CE is designed for a wide range of products, including home entertainment devices, garage door openers, keyless entry systems and many more.
  15. Can my organization participate in the development of ZigBee RF4CE?
    Work activity in the SIG will be open to all ZigBee Promoter and Participant members under the current rules of participation.
  16. When will this specification be made available to the public?
    ZigBee RF4CE specification is currently only available to members of the Alliance.
  17. Will there be certification testing?
    Yes. A test program has been developed and will be implemented following all existing ZigBee procedures for certification.

 
  
    
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