Remotes

[volleydrummer]

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.

[andyross]

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

[volleydrummer]

@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.

[andyross]

There are some Harmony remotes that can work with a Harmony hub to control a Roku over the network, similar to the way the Roku app on a phone or tablet works. Not certain if there are large button Harmony remotes, and they are rather expensive.

In general, stand-alone Roku's and TV's typically support IR. It's the various stick models that plug into the back of a TV that require a Roku WiFi remote, or controlled through the network with the Roku app.

[makaiguy]

@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..