MANHASSET, N.Y. — Seven companies have formed the Radio Frequency for Consumer Electronics consortium to create a new protocol for RF remote controls.

Philips, Samsung Electronics, Sony Corp. and Panasonic will be working with Freescale Semiconductors, OKI and Texas Instruments to develop the remote control standard for consumer electronic devices. Current remotes increasingly integrate advanced functionality not supported by existing infrared technology.

The standard will be based on the IEEE 802.15.4. MAC/PHY radio technology spec in the 2.4-GHz unlicensed frequency band.

Consortium members said the group aims to develop a RF platform that allows omnidirectional and reliable two-way wireless communication along with frequency agility that would allow advanced remotes to co-exist with other 2.4-GHz wireless technologies. The spec would also provide simple security set-up and system configuration.

"This platform will open up the possibilities for much richer remote control functionality in the future," said Bas Driesen, consortium chairman. Forming the consortium "is testimony to how important radio frequency technology is for the consumer electronics industry."

The RF specification is due to be launched in the second half of 2008.