PC remote controls: Added value, low price prop up PC remote control line

Despite slow uptake, China suppliers of PC remote controls remain optimistic of the line’s potential, positioning products as value add-ons and leveraging their price advantage to attract orders.

Despite slow uptake, China suppliers of PC remote controls remain optimistic of the line’s potential, positioning products as value add-ons and leveraging their price advantage to attract orders.

The industry has faced several challenges since its inception about five years ago. Intended to work with Windows XP Media Center Edition, the products were often regarded as a nonessential accessory since their functions can also be carried out using wireless mice. Reception to home theater PCs, the line’s target application, has been lukewarm, compounding the situation further. As such, companies are targeting suppliers of computer peripherals to widen their customer base. Moreover, manufacturers are emphasizing 2.4GHz models, which generate higher margins, under efforts to resuscitate exports. These products boast omnidirectional capability, unlike infrared versions that have line-of-sight limitations. IR types currently represent 80 percent of total output in the line.

Most China-made PC remote controls adopt USB interface but some utilize RS-232 and PS/2. They have plug- and-play function and support Windows OS, including 2000, XP, Media Center and Vista. Compatibility with various multimedia players, including RealPlayer, KMPlayer and TTplayer, is integrated.

Apart from standard e-mail, web browser, FR, FF, pause/play, stop, volume, page up/down and numeric keys, many models have mouse buttons in four or eight-way directional control. Variants with touchscreens are also available. The form factor is similar to that of universal remote controls.

Prices of IR models range from $4 to $5.50, while 2.4GHz versions are more expensive at $7 to $9 due to their costlier chipset. Quotes are projected to remain at current levels or even slide 5 percent in the next six months, thanks to stable material and component outlay.

Nearly all of Guangzhou Rcking Electronics Co. Ltd’s PC remote controls use IR technology. The supplier, however, expects the line’s output share to shrink to 70 percent as it boosts production of 2.4GHz models.

R&D is currently limited, with efforts centered on enhancing mouse capability through the use of a trackball. There are also plans to integrate Chinese or English text to match the functions of the keyboard.

Some suppliers have created PC remote controls for laptops that can be attached to an ExpressCard slot for storage requirements.

Spurred by the popularity of multimedia teaching, RC laser pointers, a subcategory of PC remote controls, are enjoying wider adoption and brisk sales. The line does not pose direct competition because it is suitable for an entirely different range of applications.

RC laser pointers have fewer functions than PC remote controls but they are preferred for trainings, speeches and presentations.

Entry-level versions have basic up/down buttons and laser capability. A growing number of models are integrating extra keys such as hyperlink, play/stop and blank screen. Add-on features include built-in flash memory of up to 4GB capacity and a 360-degree mouse.

The laser range is 200m, although a few higher-power units can support 1km operating distance. Class II or III laser in red or green is used. The control range, employing IR or 2.4GHz technology, is from 10 to 20m. Some models adopt 315 or 433MHz RF standard.

Quotes start at $7 per unit. Green RC laser pointers, which have a higher output power, are double the price of red versions.

The latter has a simpler construction, consisting of a PCB, red laser diode and focusing lens. The former utilizes an IR diode combined with special crystals and a filter to emit a green light.

The number of PC remote control manufacturers in China does not exceed 50, while the RC laser pointers segment consists of more than 100. About 20 members of the supplier pool offer both product lines. There have been no new entrants the past year, while small demand and consumers’ restrained spending are expected to drive out some makers.

Most PC remote control manufacturers are actually suppliers of universal remote controls that offer the former line as an auxiliary category. This is because the two product types share the same key processes, including SMT, mold making and screen printing. Most companies conduct manufacturing in-house but dust-free oil gushing is usually subcontracted.

The monthly output of interviewed enterprises ranges from 4,000 to 7,000 during peak seasons and falls to 1,500 in off periods. The majority of output goes to OEM and ODM clients, including those based in Taiwan. A small percentage is sold under makers’ own brands.

Mainland China accounts for about 70 percent of the global PC remote controls supply. North America and Europe are the major export destinations.

This article "PC remote controls: Added value, low price prop up PC remote control line" is originally posted in Global Sources.

Bob Laser Co. Ltd
Guangzhou Rcking Electronics Co.,Ltd
Xiamen Hello Electronics Co., Ltd.