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..

[volleydrummer]

@makaiguy   Hi and Thank You!   I am not very tech-savvy and thus only have a partial or vague understanding of your information.   I have no idea how to verify which "Roku command set" any remote, Roku or 3rd party, is using.  In addition, I have no idea how to verify which Roku command set is the correct one.   Also, I don't know if the same command set is used for all Roku IR devices, differs by IR model number, or differs to each individual IR device.

Having "said" all that, I am extremely appreciative for ALL the help and information, definitely including yours, I have received within this forum.  I am extremely grateful.   Joining this forum was a VERY good decision on my part.

I may search online for information on "IR command set" and hopefully educate myself somewhat on the topic.

THANK YOU!...volleydrummer.

[Strega2]

Basically, when it comes to IR codes, there are Roku players and Roku TVs (Roku TVs MIGHT break down into more than one code set depending on manufacturer, but players are all the same.)

There are zillions of third-party IR remotes for Roku players (that aren’t sticks.) However, I don’t think I’ve seen one with significantly bigger buttons. Some of them jam more buttons into the same space!

The Roku remote is already a “clean” and “spacious” remote compared to the streaming buttons from many established TV makers. The market really seems to ignore old folks. Perhaps they'll eventually notice that the baby boomers are getting old.

[makaiguy]

@volleydrummer-

Roku does not sell big button remotes like you are looking for.  So you've got to look for something from a third party manufacturer of IR remotes.  It's not as complicated as it seems at first.

All Roku DEVICES (separate devices that must be connected to a TV) that can use IR remotes (i.e. all except Streaming Stick models), back to the first ones ever issued, all use the same IR command set.  Any third party remote that says it supports Roku should work with these Roku devices.

Roku TVs use a different IR command set.  Third party remotes that support Roku TVs should say so explicitly. 

[JWS9518]

@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.

[volleydrummer]

@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.