Receiver, cable box, Roku, PS4 = lots of remotes.
I've looked around and saw a cheap tablet could serve as a remote and streaming device for things like Spotify.............(Spotify doesn't work on Roku things), just an idea, is anyone else doing this/
Many samsung phones/tablets have IR transmitters. I have Peel app that mostly works well. Noticed popup ads lately though.
The new Receiver has Wifi and Bluetooth, the Roku and cable box do as well, that's why I was thinking a dedicated tablet might be nice. And I looked last night, Android tablets have become CHEAP!
There are remote-control apps for VLC, Roku, Kodi, and just about any digital media streaming system out there. I don't know about the PS4. As for old-school set-top boxes, you'll need a device with an IR transmitter and you'll have to find a saved profile of IR controls for the device, or create your own, possibly by copying the signals from an existing remote if the device also has an IR receiver.
At home I use a single handheld keyboard + mouse device for each TV-connected computer (like one of these or a game controller with chat pad). This way no app-specific remotes are needed, one remote can do everything on the device it's connected to. I can also make a VNC connection to any of these boxes so they can be controlled through a phone or tablet. This way the number of remotes needed can be immediately cut down to 2, one for the TV and one for the computer. If you can set up HDMI-CEC you could then cut out the TV remote.
You use your devices way more than I do, I literally just want to use one like a normal remote. And use a tablet to stream Spotify or Pandora to the receiver. I was curious if others had done this.
I'm a simple man, I like pretty, dark haired women and breakfast food. :)
z31maniac said:You use your devices way more than I do, I literally just want to use one like a normal remote. And use a tablet to stream Spotify or Pandora to the receiver. I was curious if others had done this.
I'm a simple man, I like pretty, dark haired women and breakfast food. :)
I think a Logitech Harmony remote is your answer here.
szeis4cookie said:I think a Logitech Harmony remote is your answer here.
The Logitech won't let me stream Spotify or Pandora will it?
mtn said:z31maniac said:You use your devices way more than I do, I literally just want to use one like a normal remote. And use a tablet to stream Spotify or Pandora to the receiver. I was curious if others had done this.
I'm a simple man, I like pretty, dark haired women and breakfast food. :)
Thank you for getting my reference :)
You should be able to stream most things to a chromecast for $35 or so - no need for a special remote. Many newer TVs also have some 'cast' ability built into them - my cheap Vizio does.
Also, if your TV is less than a decade old, it should have HDMI-CEC - your TV remote should already be able to control anything plugged into it through an HDMI port. Mine will control the DVD player, Chromecast, and my Kodi, as well as any integrated apps of course. My PS3 was able to be controlled this way - I'd be surprised if PS4 could not.
I guess what I'm saying is... you might have everything you need right in front of you already.
I use my phone as a remote for one part of my theater. I don't like it. There are no physical buttons and no feedback. This means I have to look at, and wake up, my phone every time I use it.
That's kinda a pain.
I have a Harmony 880. It controls everything with ease. No, the remote can't stream music, but smart TVs, and PCs can. The remote can control those.
My .02c
I had a chromecast, migrated to roku after they locked it down. Really like the roku remote, and use it even with the tablet. The dedicated tablet is a 35 dollar fire tab, battery sucks, and slow af, but gets the job done with minimal fuss or cost. Youtube's new updates are infuriating, the roku app updates daily and re-enables autoplay. But I digress...
Bottom line, it is faster and easier to juggle remotes than apps, even on my flagship devices, much less a cheap tablet. I use the roku remote whenever possible, the tablet when i need to search, or use non remote friendly apps.
And I still have a yamaha remote for the A/v. Because being able to turn things down instantly is key with online videos that go from distant whisper to bangin dubstep intro/outro. But that's another rant.
Thanks for all the input. That's disappointing to know.
I was really hoping to get rid of everything sitting on the coffee table.
I'm very minimalist and like to have as few things as possible.
I'm confused. I only have 1 remote and a phone (any phone) around to control everything. It feels fairly minimal.
I use my phone/tablet for occasionally controlling the Roku, etc. when the battery in the remotes die or lose connectivity.
I second the relatively slow response and you would have to keep the tablet charged.
You could always hide the remotes on or behind the devices or under a chair or couch, etc. unless you're using them. Just a thought.
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