Wii sensor bar

What is the Wii Sensor Bar?

The Wii sensor bar is the device that lets the Wii determine the where the Wii Remote is pointing. Contrary to its name, it doesn't actually have any sensors in it at all but rather a couple of infra red light sources (LED's) that are then picked by the sensor in the Wii remote. If fact, you actually don't need to use the sensor bar at all – it would all work quite happily with two candles placed either side of the TV set. Also, if you get the 'please position yourself closer to your TV' message regularly, it may be that the infra red light from the sensor bar is being overwhelmed by another source of light – Try shutting your curtains on particularly sunny days to get round this!

Why would I want one ?

The most common reason for wanting a new sensor bar is either to get one with a longer cable so the Wii can be positioned further away from the TV or to get one without a cable at all. With a wireless sensor bar you can position your Wii anywhere, or make it easier to move between rooms by having a sensor bar in each room you will be using it. Wireless sensor bars are simply powered by built in batteries – the wire that connects the sensor bar to the Wii does nothing other than supply power for it to work!