![Zenith Space Commander remote control](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Zenith_Space_Command.jpg/600px-Zenith_Space_Command.jpg)
A remote control is an electronic device used for the remote operation of a machine. The term remote control can be also referred to as "remote" or "controller" when abbreviated. It is known by many other names as well, such as the "clicker", "channel-changer", "splat", "magic hand", etc. Commonly, remote controls are used to issue commands from a distance to televisions or other consumer electronics such as stereo systems and DVD players.