CL 9

Low Town Level Public Record

Editorial estimate, not verified fact — Disclaimer

Defunct consumer electronics manufacturer and universal remote pioneer

Data Confidence: 81% · Sources: 4 · Last Updated: Sep 21, 2026

Net Worth ▲: Undisclosed — estimated significant wealth
Reach ▲: 100.0K people
Power ▲: CL 9 commanded direct product development and operational control over early programmable infrared consumer electronics during its active years from 1985 to 1988.
Influence ▲: The company pioneered the multi-device universal remote category, influencing the architectural design and infrared signal learning systems used in home automation.
Network ▲: CL 9 was backed by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and connected prominent Silicon Valley hardware engineers, some of whom went on to build commercial remote vendor Celadon.
Legacy ▲: CL 9 holds a Guinness World Record for creating the first programmable universal remote control, establishing foundational technology for modern universal remotes.
Trajectory ▲: Rising ↑ — first assessment on record.

About

CL 9 was a consumer electronics company founded in 1985 by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak after stepping back from Apple. Headquartered in Los Gatos, California, the company engineered and released the CORE (Controller Of Remote Equipment) unit in 1987, which is recognized as the first programmable universal remote control. The 6502-microprocessor-based device featured infrared code learning, timed events, macro capability, and computer connectivity. Due to a steep $400 price tag and complex configuration requirements, the unit struggled commercially, leading CL 9 to cease operations and sell its patents in 1988.