The question is how to do the switch. My Sony TV remote has an "input" button that allows me to switch inputs, but the Roku set up disabled the Sony remote, and the Roku remote does not have such a function. I see from other responses that there's such a thing as a separate HDMI switch that I could purchase, but is there any way to switch without getting such a switch? Or would I have to pull out the Roku HDMI plug to reenable my Sony TV remote to choose the cable input? And if I did that, would I have to go through setting up Roku all over again?

PetuniaGivner-Roku has nothing to do with, nor can it control, what the TV manufacturer has programmed the TV to do in response to a press of a key on the TV's own remote. This is a TV function and you need to take your concern to the TV's manufacturer.

I've never heard of a Roku disabling a TV remote and it's hard to imagine how it could even if Roku wanted to.

Oh on second thought, maybe the Roku keeps grabbing the TV's attention?If so, on the Roku try disabling 1-touch play.Settings -> System -> Control other devices -> Uncheck 1-touch play

Strega2 I have a samsung tv that assigns roku-specific functions to some buttons on the TV remote whenever a roku is initially detected on an HDMI input. Now you've heard of it.I can select "universal remote" from the tv source selection and delete the roku option there. I only have to do that when an input is unplugged and then the set has to detect what's connected via hdmi again and it will assign those functions to the tv remote again if it sees a roku. I have to unassign the roku functions again, but as long as the devices remain connected, there's no detection again and everything remains as I set it.Using an hdmi switch might actually aggravate the problem.

Sorry, I can't believe any TV remote would "disable" the Roku remote, or vice versa. I have Roku players connected to Samsung, LG and Vizio TVs, and none have remote interference between the two devices. Depending on the Roku remote, it might have some CEC functionality with the TV, such as power and volume control. And I'm not saying that some TV remote might be able to control some Roku functions. But no, not one device completely disabling the remote functionality of the other. Your TV remote is almost certainly an IR remote, so make sure nothing is blocking the IR receiver window on your TV. It's going to be somewhere along the bottom of the TV screen, but I can't say where exactly. To answer your other questions. Yes, they do sell HDMI switches that could be used to connect more than one HDMI device to a single HDMI port in your TV. When people use an AVR for video switching, it's doing the same thing. No, it won't cause any issues with either your TV or your Roku (or any other device). No, disconnecting your Roku from the HDMI port will not require setting your Roku back up again. But again, I can think of no reason you would need to disconnect your Roku to make your TV remote functional again.

Switching between HDMI 1 and Roku

makaiguy
Community Streaming Expert
10 months ago
PetuniaGivner-
Roku has nothing to do with, nor can it control, what the TV manufacturer has programmed the TV to do in response to a press of a key on the TV's own remote. This is a TV function and you need to take your concern to the TV's manufacturer.
Strega2
Roku Guru
10 months ago
I've never heard of a Roku disabling a TV remote and it's hard to imagine how it could even if Roku wanted to.
- Strega2
  Roku Guru
  10 months ago
  Oh on second thought, maybe the Roku keeps grabbing the TV's attention?
  If so, on the Roku try disabling 1-touch play.
  Settings -> System -> Control other devices -> Uncheck 1-touch play
- Anonymous
  10 months ago
  Strega2
  I have a samsung tv that assigns roku-specific functions to some buttons on the TV remote whenever a roku is initially detected on an HDMI input. Now you've heard of it.
  I can select "universal remote" from the tv source selection and delete the roku option there. I only have to do that when an input is unplugged and then the set has to detect what's connected via hdmi again and it will assign those functions to the tv remote again if it sees a roku. I have to unassign the roku functions again, but as long as the devices remain connected, there's no detection again and everything remains as I set it.
  Using an hdmi switch might actually aggravate the problem.
  - atc98092
    Community Streaming Expert
    10 months ago
    Sorry, I can't believe any TV remote would "disable" the Roku remote, or vice versa. I have Roku players connected to Samsung, LG and Vizio TVs, and none have remote interference between the two devices.
    Depending on the Roku remote, it might have some CEC functionality with the TV, such as power and volume control. And I'm not saying that some TV remote might be able to control some Roku functions. But no, not one device completely disabling the remote functionality of the other. Your TV remote is almost certainly an IR remote, so make sure nothing is blocking the IR receiver window on your TV. It's going to be somewhere along the bottom of the TV screen, but I can't say where exactly.
    To answer your other questions. Yes, they do sell HDMI switches that could be used to connect more than one HDMI device to a single HDMI port in your TV. When people use an AVR for video switching, it's doing the same thing. No, it won't cause any issues with either your TV or your Roku (or any other device). No, disconnecting your Roku from the HDMI port will not require setting your Roku back up again. But again, I can think of no reason you would need to disconnect your Roku to make your TV remote functional again.