Infrared blaster
An infrared blaster (or IR blaster) is a device that emulates an infrared remote control to autonomously control a device that is normally controlled only by remote control key presses. The most common use of an IR blaster is to allow a recording device such as a DVR or VCR to change the channel on an external tuner such as a cable box or satellite receiver. This way, the recording device can automatically select the correct channel to record before starting the recording process. Another common use is to extend infrared signals in order to place remote controlled products behind closed doors.
Since the launch of smartphones and tablets that include an IR Blaster, the more common use of this equipment was to turn the smartphone/tablet into a simplified home theater using apps built by the hardware manufacturers, or fully featured universal remote apps built by independent companies.