Forum Discussion

volleydrummer's avatar
volleydrummer
Streaming Star
9 months ago

A larger remote with large letters & labeled buttons for Seniors & the physically challenged

A conversation with my sister sparked an idea for what I believe is a genuine need:  A Roku remote designed for Seniors and physically impaired individuals.  I am confident several Roku customers fall into one or both categories.
  • larger remote body so it is easier to hold
  • larger buttons w/the same images on them but clearly labeled above or below each
  • volume & mute buttons on the top, clearly labeled
  • battery compartment ribbon pulls or similar, attached to the battery door & under batteries making it easier to open & change batteries

I sincerely appreciate any time & attention given to this request.  Thank You...volleydrummer.

remotes
tv & player features

13 Replies

  • JWS9518's avatar
    JWS9518
    Roku Guru
    9 months ago

    volleydrummer 

    If your relative can get use to voice commands, instead of pressing buttons, that usually works well too.  For example, using the Roku remote capable of voice commands, I use the Spectrum app for a good portion of my streaming.  I just say, "Hey Roku, Open spectrum app" and it turns on the TV and opens the app.  You could print the voice command list on a paper, and for most instances, no button presses needed.

    • weenieapple's avatar
      weenieapple
      Newbie
      2 months ago

      FYI, a lot of elderly people have trouble speaking clearly and concisely, like my dad, so perhaps Roku should just make a **bleep** large button, backlit, WiFi remote that works with ALL of their devices. I am desperately trying to get my dad off cable to reduce expenses but he is having a lot of trouble adjusting to the remote, and NO, I am not buying him a new TV with Roku. No one else in our home uses cable and yet we are paying over $300 a month so he can watch Leave it to Beaver.

      • JWS9518's avatar
        JWS9518
        Roku Guru
        2 months ago

        I have an elderly mother who is not technically savvy either, so I understand.  I was trying to make a suggestion to help the forum poster.  Maybe Roku or a third party will make a senior compatible one, hopefully.  Since there isn't currently, we users were trying to help with other suggestions.

    • volleydrummer's avatar
      volleydrummer
      Streaming Star
      9 months ago

      JWS9518 

      Using the mic actually turns On the TV?  And then opens the app?   I had NO idea.  THIS may be VERY helpful.   My relative has YouTube TV through Roku but has trouble w/the remote because the buttons aren't labeled and they're small.  The volume and mute buttons being on the side don't help.

      Should have mentioned 1st, they have a Streaming Stick 4K w/Voice Remote, so this may be doable.  Having to press only 1 button for most functions would definitely be a plus; I didn't realize using the mic was such a flexible option.   I have a Stick as well and am going to try turning On the TV and opening an app!

      Thank You!...volleydrummer.

       

      • JWS9518's avatar
        JWS9518
        Roku Guru
        9 months ago

        volleydrummer 

         

        It has its quirks at times, but I hardly ever use the power button to turn on the TV or open the app.  I can't say it works for all brands of TVs for turning on, but it works with my LG and Samsung.  I would say as long as your brand is listed in the remote-control section of the settings, it should be fine.  Then if you are looking for a specific program you can also use that to find a specific show/movie or app by voice as well, no button pushing required.  I have Ultras, so I don't know if those features are different on the stick, but I would assume it would be the same.

  • andyross's avatar
    andyross
    Roku Guru
    9 months ago

    Non-stick Roku's support IR remotes. There are many 3rd party large button or similar remotes that might work.

    • volleydrummer's avatar
      volleydrummer
      Streaming Star
      9 months ago

      andyross

      Thank You for the info, andyross!   Took me about 30 seconds to understand "non-stick" meant Streaming Sticks, Express, etc.  If I understand correctly, that refers to Roku TVs.   I would think Roku, Inc. could develop such a remote that works w/ALL Roku products and would want to as that translates to increased sales as well as positive PR.

      A relative has a LOT of trouble using the Roku remote and has the Streaming Stick 4K.  That was the catalyst for my post.

      I sincerely Thank You for the reply and information.  A safe and joyful Christmas to you and your family!...volleydrummer.

      • makaiguy's avatar
        makaiguy
        Community Streaming Expert
        9 months ago

        volleydrummer-

        To clarify:

        Roku Streaming Stick models have a MALE HDMI plug on their end that can be directly plugged into a female HDMI socket without having to use a male-to-male HDMI cable.  These are normally used behind the TV where signals from a normal infrared (IR) remote cannot reach, so Streaming Sticks do not even contain IR receptors.  Remotes for Streaming Sticks control Roku functions via WiFi signals instead of IR.

        All Roku products other than Streaming Stick models have FEMALE HDMI socket connections and require a male-to-male HDMI cable to connect to an HDMI socket. They all have IR receptors and can be controlled by IR remotes capable of sending the correct Roku IR command set.  These can be IR remotes supplied with the unit, replacement Roku IR remotes from Roku or other manufacturers, or universal IR remotes, as long as they can provide the correct Roku IR command set for your Roku.  Note that Roku TVs (those with Roku features built in) use a different IR command set than separate Roku devices do, so be sure any third party IR remote you get is capabe of using the correct Roku command set..