Remotes

[wiredgeorge]

I purchased a simple remote (not understanding the different type remotes) as a backup.  Today tried to use it and when I turn on the TV and Roku Express using the old remote, the simple remote works as it should but can't figure out how to turn on the TV/Roku as the simple remote has no power button. Help would be appreciated.  Thanks

[Strega2]

You can use the TV remote or whatever remote you were using on the TV prior to adding the Roku.  The TV just sees an IR signal to turn on.  It doesn't know or care what device sent it.

[makaiguy · Accepted solution]

@wiredgeorge-

The Simple Remote has no TV controls, but your TV *may* be able to turn itself on for you.  (You'll still need the TV or other remote to turn it off, though.)  On your Roko enable "1-touch play" via Roku menu path "Settings > System > Control other devices".  

With this on when you press a key on a Roku remote, like Home or the * key, the Roku sends a CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) signal to the TV over the HDMI connection.  If your TV supports CEC (and has it enabled) it will turn on a TV that is in standby mode and if necessary will switch the TV to the correct input for the Roku.

Unfortunately many tv manufacturers call this feature by their own proprietary names.  Some common ones:

• AOC: E-link

• Hitachi: HDMI-CEC

• LG: SimpLink or SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC)

• Mitsubishi: NetCommand for HDMI, Realink for HDMI

• Panasonic: VIERA Link, HDAVI Control, EZ-Sync

• Onkyo: RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI)

• Philips: EasyLink

• Pioneer: Kuro Link

• Runco International: RuncoLink

• Samsung: Anynet+

• Sharp: Aquos Link

• Sony: BRAVIA Link, BRAVIA Sync, Control for HDMI

• Toshiba: CE-Link, Regza Link

Some other names shared by multiple manufacturers:

• Fun-Link, INlink, T-Link

[wiredgeorge]

How do you turn the Roku Express 4K+ with a simple remote?  Again, there is no red power button.  

[Tivoburkee]

You can't, that's why it's a simple remote, it simply only controls the Roku nothing else.

[Strega2 · Accepted solution]

Rokus (except for one old model) don’t turn on and off.  Some (optionally) go into power saving mode after a period of inactivity which looks a lot like “off”.  However, a button such as the Home button will wake them up.  You can turn that off if you don’t like it at: Settings -> System -> Power -> Auto Power Savings.