London, May 23 (ANI): Eugene Polley, inventor of first wireless TV remote control, died on Sunday at a Chicago hospital. He was 96.
His former employer Zenith Electronics said that Polley passed away of natural causes.
In 1955, he invented Flash-Matic, which pointed a beam of light at photo cells on each corner of the TV, to change channels and to switch it on and off. The invention was a luxury in the days before there were hundreds of cable television channels. The invention preceded sonic and infrared TV remotes.
According to Zenith spokesman John Taylor, Polley was proud of his invention.
"He was a proud owner of a flat-screen TV and modern remote," the BBC quoted Taylor as saying.
"He always kept his original remote control with him," he added.
He along with another Zenith engineer, Robert Adler was honoured with an Emmy for his work in 1997.
The inventor is survived by his son, Eugene J Polley Jr, and grandson Aaron who lives in San Diego. (ANI)
