What Is Infrared (IR)? Definition, History, and Uses in 2026
Quick Summary: Infrared (IR) is invisible radiation that carries heat and can be used for sensing, imaging, and short-range data transmission. While it is famous for TV remotes, in 2026, it remains a useful component for simple, local, and network-independent AV control in secure or isolated environments.
Infrared is an important component of audiovisual equipment that many people use every day. TV remotes, for example, rely on infrared signals to send commands. Infrared is also responsible for many scientific breakthroughs.
Learning more about infrared radiation could help you find the AV equipment you need. Read on to discover precisely how IR works and which industries use it./Picture3_Infrared_IR.png)
(Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Infrared_spectrum.gif)
What Is Infrared (IR): Definition
Infrared is a type of radiation that’s (mostly) invisible to the naked eye but still gives off heat. Everything with a temperature emits infrared radiation, even us. In fact, over half of the sun’s radiation falls under the infrared umbrella.
Over the past few centuries, we’ve harnessed infrared light for many scientific and technological innovations. These include home AV systems, medical imaging, and military equipment. Infrared, however, is quite a broad term that covers several spectral “regions.”
Stay updated with the latest AV technology and innovations – join our newsletter today!
Sign up now
What Are the Spectral Regions of Infrared?
To elaborate, infrared encompasses all radiation within a specific “range.” How it behaves at one end of the spectrum is very different from the other. Here are the five main ways people commonly divide infrared radiation:
1. Near-Infrared (Near-IR)
This region is nearly visible, and overlaps with wavelengths used in fiber optic communications. Since water doesn’t absorb it well, it’s helpful when imaging the human body.
2. Short-Wavelength Infrared
Water absorbs SWIR more quickly, but these rays can still penetrate plastics and thinner films. It depends on an environment’s reflections for high-quality, high-contrast imaging.
3. Mid-Infrared (Mid-IR)
Mid-IR rays have a higher absorption rate, allowing for more precise chemical analyses. Missile guidance systems often use mid-infrared to identify (and track) their targets.
4. Long-Wavelength Infrared
At this part of the spectrum, thermal imaging is even better. Even slight temperature differences become apparent, though this high visibility tapers off over long distances.
5. Far-Infrared (Far-IR)
The Far-IR region is essential for highly specialized fields, including astronomy and subsurface imaging. For the former, it lets telescopes map out space’s coldest regions.
The History of Infrared Radiation Technology
In 1800, the astronomer William Herschel discovered infrared radiation while experimenting with colored filters. Throughout the rest of the 19th century, scientists developed ways of measuring and detecting these rays. Samuel Langley’s bolometer is a particular standout.
These experiments continued into the 20th century. In the First World War, IR photos helped the Allies identify enemy aircraft even in haze. In 1929, Hungarian physicist Kálmán Tihanyi created an infrared “night vision” video camera to help Britain’s anti-air defenses.
By the Second World War, both sides used IR for night vision. In fact, assault rifles with thermal scopes saw limited use. Post-war, the Space Race turned the cosmos itself into another proving ground for this technology. NASA still uses IR tech to map deep space today.
From the 1980s onwards, IR technology became more commercially viable. Anyone could buy a thermal camera for home security. Even the average TV remote now works via infrared sensors./Picture4.png)
The 2026 Status: IR in the Era of Automation
As we move through 2026, infrared (IR) technology continues to play a supporting but relevant role in smart control rooms. While most modern systems rely on IP-based or serial control, IR is still used as a simple and independent fallback method. Because it does not require a network connection, IR is not exposed to network-based attacks. However, in high-security environments such as government or military facilities, primary control is typically implemented through isolated (air-gapped) networks or dedicated serial interfaces, with IR occasionally used for basic or backup control functions.
How Do We Use Infrared Technology Today?
Infrared technology does far more than change the channel. In fact, these tools are invaluable to many industries. Here are some fields that rely on IR:
- Healthcare: Medical professionals use IR imaging to spot inflammation in the body. This technique can quickly pinpoint the source of an infection or injury.
- Chemistry: IR spectroscopy helps scientists easily find out more about a substance. For example, infrared technology shows individual chemical bonds.
- Surveillance: IR cameras keep homes and businesses safe after hours. These cameras can capture high-resolution images in low-light conditions.
- Defense: IR imaging can identify camouflaged targets and guide missile systems. Laser sights and designators also allow for precision strikes.
- Astronomy: NASA uses infrared technology to learn more about the universe’s cold spots. The images it creates can even penetrate cosmic dust.
- Transportation: Many modern cars have IR sensors that detect nearby objects. The car can then warn the driver about any potential hazards.
- Communications: Fiber optic systems use infrared wavelengths to transmit data over long distances. While this differs from consumer IR control, it highlights the broader role of infrared light in modern communication technologies.
How Does IR Technology Work?
Infrared relies on sensors that can detect or measure minute changes in heat. Returning to the TV remote example, pressing a button creates an infrared signal. The TV comes with a receiver that interprets the signal and responds accordingly.
Different IR tools have different ways of working. Thermal imaging cameras, for example, create images by measuring temperature variations. They process these into a visual and then display it to the user.
Medical imaging also uses these heat fluctuations to notice anomalies in the body. Doctors can then develop more targeted pain management strategies and even spot diseases sooner.
/Picture5.png)
(Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thermal-image.jpg)
How Does IR Support AV Equipment?
Audiovisual technology relies on infrared in many ways. For example, projectors, monitors, and other screens often use IR remotes. These let people control equipment long-distance and could even send signals to locked-away AV control boxes.
Special IR tools extend a signal’s range past an obstruction. For example, infrared repeaters let you control devices in different rooms. This equipment is excellent for home theatres, smart homes, and other complex AV tech systems.
On a more audio-based level, IR hearing systems transmit sound as infrared before changing it back to audio. This can go directly to someone’s headphones or hearing aid. Conference rooms may use these systems to guarantee deeper privacy.
AV devices use IR because it’s simple and cost-effective to set up. Infrared’s flexibility has even given rise to universal remotes that can learn and store another device’s IR “codes.” IR’s main limitation is its distance, but repeaters and IR blasters can get around this.
Your AV setup likely already includes infrared. As technology grows further, more and more AV tools will likely incorporate it.
 |
 |
2026 Advanced Use: IR in Professional AV Systems
In modern AV systems, infrared (IR) is not used to transmit or synchronize 4K60 video signals over fiber or other high-bandwidth links. In professional environments, such as control rooms powered by solutions like DEXON Systems, video transport and synchronization are handled by dedicated digital technologies including HDMI, HDBaseT, SDVoE, and IP-based distribution.
However, IR still plays a supporting role as a simple control interface.
Many professional AV systems—including matrix switchers and extenders—support IR pass-through, allowing control signals to be transmitted alongside video over copper or fiber infrastructure. This enables operators to control source devices located in centralized equipment racks from remote locations without requiring direct physical access.
In high-performance systems such as DEXON’s 4K60 matrix switchers and video wall processors, primary control is typically handled via web-based interfaces, APIs, or serial communication, ensuring reliable, scalable, and secure operation in mission-critical environments.
Infrared & AV Control FAQ
Q: Can IR control handle 4K60 Video Walls?
A: IR does not carry video signals. In systems like those developed by DEXON Systems, 4K60 video walls are driven by dedicated video processors and matrix switchers with real-time scaling and routing capabilities. IR can be used to trigger presets or switching commands, but all video processing is handled internally by the system.
Q: Does sunlight interfere with IR-controlled AV equipment?
A: Modern IR receivers use modulated signals and optical filtering to minimize interference from ambient infrared sources such as sunlight. This ensures reliable operation even in bright environments.
Q: What is an "IR Pass-through"?
A: IR pass-through is a feature commonly found in AV extenders. It allows IR control signals to be transmitted over the same infrastructure as video (e.g., HDBaseT or fiber links), enabling users to control centralized equipment from remote display locations.
Final Thoughts
Infrared radiation has led to breakthroughs in many branches of science and technology. In fact, IR imaging has likely saved thousands of lives worldwide by spotting illnesses.
Many pieces of audiovisual equipment also use IR to carry out their duties. Embracing infrared’s full potential gives you more flexibility and control over your AV tech use.
Have questions or need AV solutions tailored to your needs? Contact us today!