Remotes

[Kwhalen]

My Roku remote recently stopped being able to change TV channels on my TCL, Model 55S401, software version 11.0.0, build 4139-30.  All other functions of the remote such as scrolling through the main menus, controlling all the apps, etc., work fine. The batteries in the remote are fine and I did a factory reset to the TV. It did not help

My android phone app also works fine on everything else except the OTA TV navigation. I can get to a TV channel, but it stops navigating after that. The front power LED light flickers like it is getting the signal, but it just makes a blip noise and does nothing. 

Another odd thing is that I can press the asterisk button in the TV screen menu and go through the options on the pop-up side menu. If I do try the asterisk on the home screen OTA icon, it freezes up and I can only press the home screen button to get functionality back again.

Any suggestions will be welcome. 

[CelticsFan]

Roku does not make TVs keep that in mind. TCL made your TV. First step would be to restart your TV. Go to Settings/System/Power/Restart

[Kwhalen]

I will post this question on the TCL forum also.  Roku makes the OS. I thought maybe it was a bug introduced, like when they broke the signal strength meter for OTA channels when they introduced update 10.5 a while back.

Yep. I reset the TV to factory settings, unplugged it, and restarted it. No change.

[Tivoburkee]

You probably need to re-scan your channels. 

[Kwhalen]

I rescanned the channels when I reset the TV to factory settings. They all show up, it is just that the remote will not navigate to any channels. The only way I can get a different channel to tune in is to press the asterisk on the Roku and when the sidebar menu pops up, I can scroll to favorites and pick a different channel. It will then go to that channel and I can back out of that menu.  It is just really inconvenient.

I guess if nobody else is having this issue, my TV is at fault. I sent the same question to TCL and they are looking at the issue.

[RokuDanny-R]

@Kwhalen

Thanks for the post.

It's possible that the issue may be related to your remote in itself. Have you tried contacting TCL support yet to inquire further? I'd suggest starting there to see what options or suggestions they can provide. Each Roku TV manufacturer provides direct support for their products running the Roku OS.

Please keep us posted what you find out.

Thanks,
Danny

[Kwhalen]

I have tried using my Android Roku app and it acts the same as the remote. So, I don't think it is the remote. I have factory reset the TV twice and it was odd, but after the second reset, the channel change worked for like 10 seconds and then stopped.

I did reach out to TCL and they are escalating it to their software engineers. It may just be that my TV is FUBAR. 

TCL did want a video of the issue in acting and I sent them this link....
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kc4rPJ8jcz71vdWdYO8doOOLMVTOvF-u/view?usp=drive_web

[tvid]

Same problem, 11.0.0.0, Build 4193 - TCL TV

With internet connected: no channel listings (off-air or streaming), no remote changing of TV channels. As of today: June 21, 2022.

Tried everything. One thing works: DISCONNECT INTERNET: TV Channels back (with no info on listings, until you tune to the channel... per typical off-air TVs, without Internet channel listings).

So the problem is obviously with Roku channel listings. With ethernet, everything else works - including the Roku "Live TV" streaming (that is in effect an "app" complete with channel listings, but apart from the off-air channel guide).

The problem is off-air channel listings with the internet connected. Internet disconnected restores channel listing and remote operation.

- - -

(I think you may find that a few of the * functions related to channel management don't work, even though the rest of the TV controls through that asterisk menu do function as expected).

[Kilonen]

I am having EXACTLY the same problem on my Hisense Roku TV.  One work around I found is if I go to ROKU Live TV (not the tile but in the list on left of Home) then tune to a ROKU channel like 115 the remote buttons work as normal for channel changing but my OTA channels are not shown. Exit back to Home, then to Live TV tile, 115 is playing. Then buttons work and guide comes up now showing my OTA channels.  I can then go to any of my OTA channels but this only works once. Once on an antenna channel TV doesn’t respond to back or return buttons - just home.  Does same using iPhone and ROKU remote.  Have checked for updates - nothing since May 11. Have restarted, unplugged TV, rebooted via the 5x home button… you tube method.  Have removed, re-added, rescanned Live TV input.  All don’t change it. Given TCL has exact same problem as my Hisense - has to be a ROKU system glitch. Please help.  

[tvid]

@Kilonen wrote:
"One work around I found is if I go to ROKU Live TV (not the tile but in the list on left of Home) then tune to a ROKU channel like 115 [...]"

Yes, this is also how I began the process that correlated with OTA channels returning to the channel guide, with internet connected.

"Once on an antenna channel TV doesn’t respond to back or return buttons - just home."

Have experienced this - have to get out of the antenna/Live TV selection, go back Home and then launch antenna/Live TV again; the TV usually becomes responsive to tuning OTA channels with remote, then.

When in a real mess, re-start TV - and if that doesn't work, unplug and 'reboot.' If that doesn't work... throw up your hands and say "&#$%."

It seems that many are experiencing variations of the problem, and it also seems that there is not a single solution that works for all. But, somehow, accessing the "Live TV" listing in left column does play a role, for some.

As mentioned, what also worked for me is to disconnect internet; of course, Roku TV isn't good for anything other than OTA, in that case... so that is not a "solution."

Best of luck.