Remotes

[Imtheredguy]

So we have several rokus in our home. 2 of them on older TVs. One Roku is an older model. Our Roku express is hooked up to an older rv and the universal remote we have for the TV works with the Roku, so we only need one remote.  Then there's the older Roku LT hooked up to an older Samsung TV and a newer Roku premiere (I think) hooked to a newer LG TV. Is there a way to program the latter 2 TV remotes to work with the rokus? So I can eliminate havi g 2 remotes in every room?

[atc98092]

Short answer: no.

Details: Most Roku players do support IR remotes. Only the Roku Stick models use WiFi Direct remotes exclusively. However, IR support requires the remote to have the correct code sequences for each button command. Unless the TV remote is equipped with the codes for Roku players, it will not be able to control the Roku.

But there are a couple of options. Some remotes have what is called a Learning mode. I'm not aware of any TV having such a remote, but you could check. A learning remote can watch another IR remote and learn its codes by following the correct procedure. The other option is a universal remote that has the correct codes for both Roku and your TV. You could then use that remote to control both devices. I've seen such remotes for sale in local stores for $10 or less. Just make sure they state they include codes for Roku players. Note that Roku TVs use different codes than a Roku player. 

[remaker]

Rokus operating in the line of sight can use IR signals, but they use signals that most universal or TV remotes cannot produce. (EDIT: looks like many modern universal remotes can. Check for comparability with Roku before you buy. Thanks, @atc98092) A programmable IR remote can learn the Roku signals, but that is tedious to set up. Some IR remotes support Roku, but you'd have to carefully find them.

Rokus that operating in "point anywhere" mode (like the streaming sticks that live behind the TV) use Wi-Fi direct, and require a special remote. The Roku Voice Remote will control point-anywhere Roku devices as well as the TV. This will work with your Roku Premiere, but not your LT. Well, it MIGHT work with the LT as an IR controller. I'd suggest getting one and trying it with both Rokus. If one works, you have a half-win. If both work, order a second remote.

If you use Netflix Profiles, spend a little more and get an on-sale Streaming Stick (which includes a voice remote for for a little more than a remote itself) and retire the old Roku LT.

[atc98092]

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@remaker wrote:

Rokus operating in the line of sight can use IR signals, but they use signals that most universal or TV remotes cannot produce. A programmable IR remote can learn the Roku signals, but that is tedious to set up. Some IR remotes support Roku, but you'd have to carefully find them.

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Not accurate. There are many universal IR remotes that include the correct codes for Roku players. I looked in one of my local general merchandise stores (Fred Meyer in the northwest) and virtually every universal remote they offer has Roku codes, including some selling for less than $10. Programmable IR remotes generally sell for much more. But I do agree that few if any TV remotes are capable of operating anything other than the TV itself. 

[remaker]

I stand corrected! Thanks. I will edit my response.

[buckcreek]

I have two Samsung smart TVs on Roku.  One works with the Samsung remote and goes directly to streaming apps; the other one requires the Roku remote, Roku bouncing letters, etc.  I want to eliminate the Roku remote. I am trying to find out the settings to allow this.

[atc98092]

I've never seen a Roku that could be controlled with any TV remote from a different manufacturer. That would require Roku to implement full CEC control, which they currently do not support. The limited CEC support that Roku devices do have is for the Roku remote to control the volume of the TV or AVR connected via HDMI, and to cause the TV and/or AVR to change to the input used by the Roku player. 

No, there are no settings you can change to make this work. The Roku will always require its own remote, either via the Roku app on a phone/tablet or the remote that came with the Roku.