The first remote
In the late 1940's, Eugene McDonald jr., founder and president of Zenith Radio corporation, thought that television ( brand new technology in those days) would be much improved if viewers did not have to watch so many commercials. Apparently commercials were the bane of television viewing from the very beginning.
Mr. McDonald charged his team of engineers with developing a way to mute annoying ads. In a show of lateral thinking, they did him proud. In 1950 the Lazy Bones remote control was introduced to the public. Rather than simply muting the commercials, the new device could actually change the channel from the comfort of your sofa.
The Lazy Bones consisted of a handheld control attached to a cable. The cable was, in turn, connected to an electric motor on the tv. The motor could turn the tuner clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on which button you pushed. There was also a power button for turning the set on and off.
The revolutionary device was wildly popular at first. But consumers soon started to complain about the trip hazard posed by the cable. Mr. McDonald wasn't completely satisfied, either. Lazy Bones was indeed innovative, but it still did not mute commercials. Sure you could change the channel, but you would find the commercials on the next channel as well. Back to the drawing board. Read more as to the term clicker and the wireless developments of the remote control.
We take so much for granted. My grandfather was in on the development of all kinds of things for General Motors and has his name on several patents. The man who invented cruise control is from my mum's hometown.
Then there's the stories behind velcro, post-it notes and super glue. What do you have about the house that is taken for granted? Know who invented it or the journey from the idea to what you now hold? Possibly not. The bigger question is usually, "What's next?"
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