I understand there may be a new Apple TV coming out in 2014. Hopefully this could be a game changer in our lives and not just a product upgrade. I also understand that Apple does not except unsolicited ideas and suggestions for new products.

Question

This is totally reasonable. That being said, understanding this is neither a "suggestion" nor an "idea", I was wondering how great it would be if the new Apple TV would have built in Radio Frequency control capability for all HT products. Comcast has RF control with it's new x1 box but it does not work with other components like a DVR, AV Receiver or other HT devices. Logitech offers remotes that one has to program with all the codes per individual manufacturer but this still requires an RF base station and external blasters.
                If the Apple had a relationship with the different audio/video manufacturers so that one could simply use an Apple TV remote ( or optionally use ipad, iPhone, MAC ) to control everything HT, then this simplicity would capture a huge audience in a big way!! Of course..........this is not a suggestion or an idea :-).
                Faithful Apple Fan, BPACK

Answer 1

You can submit feature requests to Apple customer service.
I was wondering how great it would be if the new Apple TV would have built in Radio Frequency control capability for all HT products.
No idea what you mean by HT devices, but it is unlikely Apple would release a product to support 3rd party devices.  On top of which changing the ATV remote to be RF instead of IR would break all the existing remotes that are able to work with ATV.  And would be MUCH more expensitve.
Comcast has RF control with it's new x1
Only becasue they HAVE to because they only provide one actual cable box, with other dumb box termtinals.   So remotes have to be able to work in other rooms since they all have to connect to the real cable box.
but it does not work with other components like a DVR, AV Receiver or other HT devices.
Right, since once you switch to RF you break compatablity with all the other IR devices out there which is pretty much 99% of them.
                If the Apple had a relationship with the different audio/video manufacturers so
Apples whole business model is locking out other manufatures.