Wow, my parents and I are having this problem with the lack of numerical buttons with a TCL HDTV (28S305)'s Roku RC. They watch it from OTA (antenna) and Internet apps (Spectrum, YouTube, CBS News, Vimeo, etc.). They really hate the lack of numerical buttons, iPhones' virtual Roku RC app (no numerical buttons too), and don't want to use voice inputs. I can't believe an old school RC still doesn't exist. :(
I see that this seems to be an ongoing problem...you can't just put a number in a channel guide. I got a Roku stick for my two TV sets simply because I wanted to get rid of my Xfinity TV boxes, saving me $15 a month. I like my Xfinity package, so with Roku I could keep Xfinity. BUT I have a gazillion channels to scroll through. People have been complaining for years, and yet...no real solution. I hope Roku sees this and makes a larger remote with a number pad.
Yes, it's been a sore spot about the Roku remote, especially for a Roku TV with no way to enter a channel number. In fact, it's the main reason I will not put a Roku TV in my family room, because we need the ability to enter a OTA channel number.
For general Internet streaming, the Roku remote is simple and easy to use. But once these other channels started adding a need for searching for separate channels inside themselves, they need the option of an advanced remote.
For the Xfinity app, while in the guide, hit the asterisk "*" key, then "find a channel" You can pick numbers or type in the name. Admittedly a bit convoluted. With the Roku phone/tablet app, you may be able to directly type in the name or number on the search screen.
My TCL tv with ROKU will be going in the trash can. I will never buy another TV that I cannot input a channel number.
When oh when will ROKU produce a remote allowing use of channel numbers? Love the device, channel numbers are desperately needed!!
That comment is a cop out. I have 5 or 6 channels that I like to skip around. It is a pain to have to scroll.
Anonymous wrote:Use the mic button on the Roku app and say “change channel to 60”
This won't work for users who don't want to talk or can't talk like me. :(
I concur. It is a giant pain in the buttocks. They need to change it and change it soon. I haven't even had my Roku TV for three months and I'm already planning on purchasing a new one without Roku.
I am going to pile on here....Roku needs to reconsider the decision and make a remote with numbers on it available. with all of the apps driving interest in Roku, it would be really welcome and a huge value add for those of us that have more than one unit on our account.
**bleep**! I just bought 2 roku tvs so that I wouldn't have to use the sticks anymore. I had no idea about these stupid remotes without numbers. Are the makers of these tv remotes insane??? These remotes are geared to roku usage while the live tv seems to be an afterthought.
Is there any remote, such as a universal, that I could buy that would work with the live tv part?
I just replaced my primary TV (a Samsung that had terrible HDR performance). I would have happily gotten a new Roku TV, except this TV absolutely has to have direct access to OTA channels. I refused to buy something that I had to scroll through the channel list. So I got an LG Nano85 and couldn't be happier. I still have a Roku Ultra and Nvidia Shield attached to it, as I don't really care for most Smart TV apps. But the wife has grown to enjoy Pluto TV, and it's on the TV as well as the external players. So everyone's happy.
I downloaded the Roku remote app on my phone, it has a number option. I rather have a remote for my mother to use....but at least it is something.
Totally, totally agree.
CAN'T BELIEVE, AS YOU NOTED, THAT NO ONE ELSE TALKS ABOUT WHAT A PITA IT IS TO HAVE REMOTE WITH NO NUMBERS.
I tried Roku but then went back to cable for that simple reason.
Thank you for bringing attention to this issue.
*BUMP*
Agree, would love a way to enter numbers either through the phone app or some other way with the remote.
This would be specially helpful to us people who use an antenna to access over-the-air TV channels. Sometimes you have to move the antenna to find a channel you know exists, but not being able to tune in to that channel manually makes that next to impossible.
You have to take thst up with Roku tv manufacturer, roku only supplies the OS for the roku tv, not the remote.
"The Roku smartphone remote allows keyboard use. Have you tried that?"
uh... no it doesnt.
I just downloaded it and they want 25.00 onetime purchase or 3.99 a month to access keyboard function what a rip off
which smart remote???
I downloaded one onto my phone...
doesn't do anything the remote that came with the tv does.
Hit they keyboard button on the Roku app (on the remote screen) and then type 4.1 etc. Only way I’ve found to do it.
Yes it works, I use the Roku IPHONE app and it allows me to type in the channel number (while watching the live channels) and it switches right over to the channel number I typed 🤷🏻♂️
The tip of using the asterisk button to bring up screen that shows “Find a channel” does not work for me (on a brand new TCL 32inch Roku TV). When I press the asterisk button on my remote, I get a long list of options that start with “Sleep timer” and include other options like “TV Brightness” “Picture size” “Sound mode” “SAP” etc. NO “Find a channel” option anywhere to be seen. Would be great if this were an option for me.
I’m another new ROKU customer that is quite disappointed at having no way to easily change channels when TV is connected to cable service via coax without a set top box. Will not buy another Roku product until this is addressed.
Addition to last post: I am a believer in capitalism (mostly), and so will spread the word to all I know NOT to buy a Roku TV if one wants to easily change channels. Will try to get the people I know to “vote with our dollars.” Will leave review on Amazon for my Roku TV with this message as well.
Are you listening, Roku?
EEinIA wrote:Addition to last post: I am a believer in capitalism (mostly), and so will spread the word to all I know NOT to buy a Roku TV if one wants to easily change channels. Will try to get the people I know to “vote with our dollars.” Will leave review on Amazon for my Roku TV with this message as well.
Are you listening, Roku?
Roku doesn't sell the TVs, they only provide the operating system. It's the TV manufacturers that need to offer a different remote. Roku has no control over that.
I feel the exact same way!!!!!!
I just got a new onn roku tv for Christmas. $700 tv and I can't go directly to a tv channel!!! I have over 50 channels I have to slowly scroll thru...and no, my rwd and ff buttons don't change channels, they activate live tv pause. And I have several universal remotes and they only have the same functions as the roku remote. I have been a roku user for years and I know they have made great strides and advancements, but this should be a pretty simple fix. AT LEAST offer it in the much promoted remote app.
Thanks
I also wish there was a keypad to enter numbers but at least you can use the buttons (rewind and fast forward) next to the play/pause button to navigate through the channels much faster instead of going 1 by 1 using the up and down buttons next to the "ok" button.
Thank you for that info on how to cycle thru channels faster with the supplied remote without numbers. Saved me from a huge headache!
Dillion wrote:Thank you for that info on how to cycle thru channels faster with the supplied remote without numbers. Saved me from a huge headache!
Which RC? Does anyone know which 3rd party RC can do manual physical number inputs with a 28" TCL Class 3-Series Simply Smart LED (28S305) that has coax OTA TV & its online Internet apps (e.g., Spectrum) for sure?
Its a pain for everyone. totally and will not buy the Roku related units any more. God parents have two they hate, tried universal remote (s) 2 so far, all works except the number pad, there seems to be no fix. what a shame. Back to Samsung Hope they fix soon, spinning at glacier speed thru channels no good
Having no numbers on the Roku remote seems to me to be a leap backwards in technology.
