Remotes

[mdarrish]

I previously asked for suggestions to control a 13" Supersonic TV with a Roku remote, and got a couple of suggestions, which unfortunately, did not work. I am still able to return the TV for a refund if I cannot make it work.

Let me ask instead, if anyone is able to use a Roku remote (Ultra or Streaming Stick+) to control power and volume for a 15" or smaller TV and which also has VESA mounting holes? It is for mounting under a kitchen cabinet.

If so, please let me know the TV brand so that I can avoid having to buy a universal remote.

Thanks in advance.

[atc98092]

There's no Roku remote that will control a TV completely. For some functions, you'll simply have to use the TV remote, no way around that. Yes, many Roku remotes can control the TV's volume and power via either IR or CEC. I have no idea if such a small TV would have CEC, so getting one that can be used with IR would likely be a better choice. 

I had never heard of Supersonic, so I did a quick search. From what I could find, the TV likely doesn't support CEC. Since it's not what I would consider a "major" brand, it's possible the Roku remote does not have the correct IR codes to control the TV. I would suggest a more common brand name for a better chance of the Roku remote being able to control it.

When I checked the Best Buy web site, I can't find any TV smaller than 19", which I am assuming is too large for your location. In that size, I'm simply not finding anything from a major brand. If you can't make the Roku remote work with what you have (both the Streaming Stick+ and the Ultra remotes can control a TV via IR), a universal remote would be your only option. And you can't use a universal remote on any Roku Stick, so you'd need to use one of the other model players. All Roku players other than the Stick will work with IR remotes.

[mdarrish]

@atc98092 Thank you for the research and the quick response. As I stated in the second paragraph, I wish to control power and volume only. I am aware that those functions, along with muting, are the only functions that the remote is designed to control.

Agreed that the TV supports IR only, not CEC. I’m happy to use IR, if I can find a TV that works with a Roku remote.

I’ve been unable to find any recognizable, let alone major brand for this use case. 

According to Logitech their hub based remotes work with Streaming sticks. See  https://support.myharmony.com/en-us/harmony-experience-with-roku. The Harmony hub uses IR blasters and WiFi to control both types of device. 

[atc98092]

Yes, but Harmony remotes are quite expensive, and Logitech is actually discontinuing all of their remotes, so long term support might not continue. The inexpensive universal remotes I've seen in a local all purpose store sell for less than $10, with perhaps $15 for some.

[mdarrish]

Agreed regarding Harmony device prices and their recent announcement discontinuing the product line. I only mentioned it to respond to your statement that “... you can't use a universal remote on any Roku Stick...”. They can be used, with a hub, for a price, and may be appropriate when controlling an entire entertainment center of several devices as well as other home control needs.

Harmony remotes are/were one of the best products available for mixed IR and RF situations in my experience. I hope another company buys up the business.

I’ll look for a reasonably priced learning IR remote. Thanks again.

[atc98092]

Yeah, I should have said you can't use a universal IR remote with a Stick. I usually make that distinction, so I'll try to remember including it in the future. 

[mdarrish]

No worries, I just didn't want to let that accidentally mislead someone else. I am sure that I can work out the details now with your suggestions. Thanks again.