Another streaming TV thread..... controlling it all?

[drail14me]

Looks like I'm just a few months away from finally having reliable internet service. We plan to drop DirecTV asap and replacing it with some streaming services. We're planning to have 4K Apple TV in the Den and Master Bedroom. We're going with Samsung TVs in both rooms. The Den will also have a Denon 1600H A/V receiver.

I'm curious what people have used for universal remotes after going digital? I'd REALLY like to use our Cell Phones as controls but I have an iPhone and she has an Android. Same with kids, one has an iphone and one an android.

I want to be able to turn on/off the TV and Denon receiver with phones.

Anyone got experience with controlling A/V equipment with a cell phone?

 

[Dawgg]

Most streaming services and TVs have an app for iOS and Android.

Both iOS and Android should be able to stream directly to either the Apple TV or your Samsung.

Your Apple TV remote should work on all of your apps and control your TV.

 

[DawgInThe256]

We've got a Harmony Hub that we can use with our Echo Dot to turn on the Apple TV and set the TV and receiver to the right inputs. We just say "Alexa, turn on the Apple TV". There's also a Harmony app for iOS and Android that can do the same thing.

I don't think the Harmony app can replace the Apple TV remote. We only have iOS devices, and either use the Apple remote or the remote app available in the Control Center.

 

[drail14me]

Most streaming services and TVs have an app for iOS and Android.

Both iOS and Android should be able to stream directly to either the Apple TV or your Samsung.

Your Apple TV remote should work on all of your apps and control your TV.

Thanks. We're trying to do away with remotes, even the Apple TV remote. Wondering if there is a way to use the phone for power, volume and input on the TVs and the Denon receiver.

 

[dawgstudent]

One of my 69 TV's has it's own app to control volume and input. Turning it on - not sure about that but I can turn it off from the app.

Edit to add - I forgot - I do use Alexa to turn my tv off and on when I'm even lazier than normal and don't feel like finding the remote. I just have it plugged into a wifi plug.

 

[aero10]

+1 on the Harmony Hub. It can take a little bit of work to get it set up and running, but it works wonderfully. I mainly use the remote that came with the hub, but also use the app. The app has every command/option the devices original remote has, if it doesn't you can it. It allows setting activities, do it controls devices based off the activity you select. I run a TV, receiver, Roku, computer, blu-ray player, and an IR switch off one hub. It turns things on and off and changes inputs automatically.

 

[drail14me]

We've got a Harmony Hub that we can use with our Echo Dot to turn on the Apple TV and set the TV and receiver to the right inputs. We just say "Alexa, turn on the Apple TV". There's also a Harmony app for iOS and Android that can do the same thing.

I don't think the Harmony app can replace the Apple TV remote. We only have iOS devices, and either use the Apple remote or the remote app available in the Control Center.

Thanks! I'll research the Harmony Hub. We've used a Harmony 665 universal remote which I liked but no one else in the family can operate fully.

 

[drail14me]

+1 on the Harmony Hub. It can take a little bit of work to get it set up and running, but it works wonderfully. I mainly use the remote that came with the hub, but also use the app. The app has every command/option the devices original remote has, if it doesn't you can it. It allows setting activities, do it controls devices based off the activity you select. I run a TV, receiver, Roku, computer, blu-ray player, and an IR switch off one hub. It turns things on and off and changes inputs automatically.

Is it for the whole home or just one room? Seeing that it has an IR blaster that I assume has to be in line of sight of devices you want to control?

 

[aero10]

Is it for the whole home or just one room? Seeing that it has an IR blaster that I assume has to be in line of sight of devices you want to control?

It's just for one room. It has an IR blaster built in and mine came with a second that you could hook up and run inside a TV stand.

Extra bonus, you can control it remotely through the app, in case you need to mess with someone while you're not at home.

 

[Snave]

Nice

 

[drail14me]

Looks like Logitech has discontinued production of the Harmony remote line. They won't be making any more universal remotes. They will be available until sold out and Logitech has plans to continue to support them through the foreseeable future.

 

[horshack.sixpack]

I can't recommend NOT Samsung strongly enough. Sony or LG.

 

[drail14me]

I can't recommend NOT Samsung strongly enough. Sony or LG.

Why? I love the Samsung TVs I've had.

 

[horshack.sixpack]

My "smart" one is way underpowered/slow/needs to have the whatever hub reset all the time, then you have to re-login to all your apps, etc. I have an LG in another room and it is light years better. I'm about to buy a Sony OLED to replace the Samsung. May just be that I got a bad one, but it is turrble. Click, wait, oh yeah, I think the cursor moved, OK, click again, crap it moved 3 over now. And that's when it is "working".

ETA: It's bad enough that my wife, the non-approver of electronic upgrades, has told me we HAVE to get something new!

 

[drail14me]

My "smart" one is way underpowered/slow/needs to have the whatever hub reset all the time, then you have to re-login to all your apps, etc. I have an LG in another room and it is light years better. I'm about to buy a Sony OLED to replace the Samsung. May just be that I got a bad one, but it is turrble. Click, wait, oh yeah, I think the cursor moved, OK, click again, crap it moved 3 over now. And that's when it is "working".

ETA: It's bad enough that my wife, the non-approver of electronic upgrades, has told me we HAVE to get something new!

Ah! Yeah, the "Smart" part of my Samsungs sucks. However, I don't plan to use the "Smart" part. Gonna use the Apple TV for that. The Samsung will just be for screen and speakers.

 

[drail14me]

Thanks! I'll research the Harmony Hub. We've used a Harmony 665 universal remote which I liked but no one else in the family can operate fully.

Logitech has discontinued the Harmony Remote line.

 

[dawgman42]

I can't recommend NOT Samsung strongly enough. Sony or LG.

My two Sammies work just fine (from 2014 and 2017). Just do not try and use the smart features of your TV. They aren't updated enough by the manufacturer, and streaming services love to sunset compatibility with them. It's too cheap these days to not have a Roku, Fire Stick, Google TV with Chromecast, etc., along with the exponentially more content and functionality that they include.

 

[dawgman42]

One of my 69 TV's.....

That's got to be a very daunting mounting situation you got there.

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

My two Sammies work just fine (from 2014 and 2017). Just do not try and use the smart features of your TV. They aren't updated enough by the manufacturer, and streaming services love to sunset compatibility with them. It's too cheap these days to not have a Roku, Fire Stick, Google TV with Chromecast, etc., along with the exponentially more content and functionality that they include.

Our Samsung remote controls both Apple TV and a Firestick. If the Apple TV is "asleep" it can take a couple of keystrokes to wake it. Neither the Samsung remote or Apple TV remote rewind or FF worth a poop though.

 

[SheltonChoked]

Are they all OLED yet?

69"?

 

[SheltonChoked]

Looks like I'm just a few months away from finally having reliable internet service. We plan to drop DirecTV asap and replacing it with some streaming services. We're planning to have 4K Apple TV in the Den and Master Bedroom. We're going with Samsung TVs in both rooms. The Den will also have a Denon 1600H A/V receiver.

I'm curious what people have used for universal remotes after going digital? I'd REALLY like to use our Cell Phones as controls but I have an iPhone and she has an Android. Same with kids, one has an iphone and one an android.

I want to be able to turn on/off the TV and Denon receiver with phones.

Anyone got experience with controlling A/V equipment with a cell phone?

Harmony Hub is your friend... https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/harmony/harmony-hub.915-000238.html?crid=60

 

[dawgman42]

It sure WAS. Discontinued; Logitech is out of the remote business.

 

[fishwater99]

I have two Samsung‘s and they work great. I just download the app I want and it is seamless. I did purchase my two TVs within the past two years though.

 

[SheltonChoked]

It sure WAS. Discontinued; Logitech is out of the remote business.

You can still find them new in box. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Harmony-...eXl2UC0JJWwvXU4v-HRoCPHIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[fevans]

I've had the Harmony hub for several years now and they are truly amazing. I have a TCL Roku TV with a Firestick and a Pioneer receiver. I had a faulty Harmony Smart remote that actually had a problem with battery life and decided to go ahead and get the Companion version since I loved the remote so much. I bought a renewed one from Amazon and there are still a couple out there now. It looked like a brand new unit when I got it. You can also find them on ebay and other marketplaces.

Some of the benefits:

- switch between the two streaming devices with the touch of a single button
- turns everything on/off with one button
- supports smart devices like lights etc. right on the remote
- reprogram/program specific keys to do whatever commands/sequences you want
- add delays for certain commands
- create macro command sequences
- use your phone to control things (I never do)
- remote doesn't have to be pointed at the TV (this is a big one for me, you don't realize how much of an inconvenience it is until you don't have to do it!)

I believe Logitech will continue to support the remotes even though they aren't producing them.

Here's where you can get one of the renewed companion remotes with the hub (2 left):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BYLOH0W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Select the 'Home' option.

I also tried the Sofabaton, but didn't like it as much.

 

[fevans]

As an example of the power of the Harmony remotes, I found that on the FuboTV guide, I was only able to scroll up/down one row at a time. It didn't support the page up/down keys. I simply programmed the page up/down keys to do a command sequence of 4 or 5 up/down commands and I now have paging in the guide.

 

[Lucky Dawg]

Man, thanks so much for this! I’ve been a Harmony user for more than a decade and have owned at least 4 different models. I knew the Hub existed but had no idea about the Home product. I honestly thought no universal remotes worked with Roku devices, so I’ve been juggling my old Harmony 650 with a Roku remote for a few years. I just bought one of the two remaining Home devices you linked to, and I’ll probably be able to sell the 650 for enough to pay for it.

 

[MaxwellSmart]

I can't recommend NOT Samsung strongly enough. Sony or LG.

Never had a issue with 4 Samsung's. LG on the other hand has generally meant Low Grade, unless it's a washing machine. Then it's Leaks Guaranteed.

 

[fevans]

Man, thanks so much for this! I’ve been a Harmony user for more than a decade and have owned at least 4 different models. I knew the Hub existed but had no idea about the Home product. I honestly thought no universal remotes worked with Roku devices, so I’ve been juggling my old Harmony 650 with a Roku remote for a few years. I just bought one of the two remaining Home devices you linked to, and I’ll probably be able to sell the 650 for enough to pay for it.

Glad to help! It's actually called the 'Companion' remote I believe, not sure why they have it marked as 'Home'. I also have a 650 remote which works pretty well for what it is. I tried it out again several months ago before getting the companion to replace my defective Harmony Smart remote. I just got tired of replacing the battery every 2 weeks and was trying other options. It really is so nice not having to point the remote at the TV! Plus the 650 is a bit on the bulky/clunky side. The Companion remote is the perfect size and the buttons are nice and well placed. It just has a really nice feel. It also uses a small 2032 battery and doesn't need to be charged like some of the higher end models with active displays. I don't really need a display. Once you learn the remote buttons, you never have to look at it anyway. Like I said, mine was in new condition when I got it, so the renewed option saved me quite a bit.

I also noticed that Logitech has the Companion for sale on their website for $150:
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/harmony/harmony-companion.915-000239.html

Additionally, they seem to be selling their other remotes including some of the higher end models.
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/harmony-universal-remotes

It said I could get a 15% discount by giving them my email, but I couldn't get that to pop up again. Maybe if I clear my cache it would show up again.

I have heard all about them getting out of the remote business, but it sure doesn't seem like that is the case. I wonder if Covid/Streaming has caused an increase in demand in that product line.

It probably seems like I work for them, but no I just love their remotes!

 

[horshack.sixpack]

Makes sense. I went with the Sony A80J 65 Inch TV: BRAVIA XR OLED 4K Ultra HD. Hopefully, it's as reliable as my last Sony.

 

[fevans]

This is a pretty good article talking about the Harmony Hub Remotes and the history of remotes:

https://www.audioholics.com/univers...rise-and-fall-of-the-universal-remote-control