From “Always-On” to “Always-Aware”: Why TVs Need Radar Sensing

Traditional on/off or standby modes rely on remotes or voice commands. Even in the so-called “smart-TV era,” most sets still suffer from:

  • User walks away → screen stays on, wasting power  
  • Voice assistant always listening → must be woken manually, easily interrupted  
  • Zero awareness → no clue whether anyone is actually watching

Compared with legacy IR or camera solutions, millimeter-wave radar is born for the TV scene:

Technical Edge

Advantage in TV Scenario

Micro-motion detection

Recognizes a stationary viewer; fewer “nobody-here” false positives

Ultra-compact module

Slim enough to hide inside bezels or stands

Robust to the environment

Immune to dust, light, and curtains—perfect for homes

Ai-Thinker Rd-03H Narrow-Strip Radar: Built for Displays

Ai-Thinker’s Rd-03H narrow-strip mmWave module is tailor-made for embedded displays:


Highlights

  • Razor-thin design – flat form-factor slips into top, bottom, or side bezels  
  • Human presence sensing – 0.5 m ~ 8 m coverage  
  • Micro & macro motion recognition – distinguishes slight breathing from walking  
  • Flexible zoning – customizable angle and distance thresholds  


Suggested Mounting

  • Hide module inside bottom center frame – invisible from front  
  • Fan-shaped radar beam blankets the sofa/viewing area  


Real-World Magic: What a Radar-Equipped TV Can Do

1. Auto wake/sleep  

Lights up when you approach; it dims or enters deep standby after you leave.

2. Voice-wake helper  

Only activates the mic when someone is present—stronger privacy, fewer false wakes.

3. Smart-home choreography  

Detects entry/exit from the sofa zone to trigger lights, AC, curtains, etc.