New remote control recomendation

JonoB · 26 Jan 2025 at 21:25

We have an LG C1 OLED TV. As wonderful as the TV is, right from the start I hated the remote that came with it - the pointer was ridiculous and the shape and ergonomics were terrible. It broke after a while (almost) thankfully.

I've tried a few replacements from Amazon, and they are also not great. They either don't have all the quick launch buttons, missing other functionality, infrared is not powerful enough, or poor ergonomics.

Can you please recommend a replacement remote? Doesn't have to be fancy, but quick launch buttons (Netflix, Amazon, Disney) and nice ergonomics is important. We don't need a remote to control multiple devices, as we only have a TV and soundbar (connected via eARC).

hornetstinger · 26 Jan 2025 at 21:32

Unfortunately there isn't much choice. Plus remotecentral has shut down :-(

I used that site for remote codes and profiles bah. I'm aware of the sofabaton they've done a couple of remotes I don't know how good they are

Things are moving to apps, which sucks as still need multi device IR, and multi device apps so pain. Plus a few devices are BT so you have to use supplied remote.

I'm using some old URC remotes and when they die ... :-/

RoyMi6 · 28 Jan 2025 at 23:00

Logitech Harmony remotes (while end of life) do still work and can be found for good prices.

Currently waiting on my Unfolded Circle Remote 3 to replace mine though :cool:

hornetstinger · 28 Jan 2025 at 23:05

Aren't they shutting the servers down?

Nick1881 · 28 Jan 2025 at 23:16

I can't be much help, but wanted to add that I bought a Sofabaton and I'm no longer using it, which gives you an idea of what they are like. They aren't a replacement for the Harmony.

I'm using an Apple TV and the remote is switching on my TV and amp and doing the amp volume. Sadly it has stopped switching off the amp and I'm not sure why.

RoyMi6 · 28 Jan 2025 at 23:19

hornetstinger said:
Aren't they shutting the servers down?

Yes, but no idea when… just changed some actions last month. Working as well as the day I bought it.

How long will your Logitech Harmony remote keep working?

Logitech's cancellation of the Harmony line means its customers are in a support limbo

www.androidpolice.com

LuckyBenski · 29 Jan 2025 at 00:18

Just use the standard infrared LG remote. They all work the same and with all LG TVs.

I like it as it's small enough you can reach all the buttons with one hand without changing posture.

Edit: you can even buy an official one direct from LG:

TV Remote Controller - AKB76037605 | LG UK

Get more information on the AKB76037605. Click for pictures, reviews & tech specs for the LG TV Remote Controller.

www.lg.com

hornetstinger · 29 Jan 2025 at 10:16

LuckyBenski said:
Just use the standard infrared LG remote. They all work the same and with all LG TVs.

I like it as it's small enough you can reach all the buttons with one hand without changing posture.

Edit: you can even buy an official one direct from LG:

TV Remote Controller - AKB76037605 | LG UK

Get more information on the AKB76037605. Click for pictures, reviews & tech specs for the LG TV Remote Controller.

www.lg.com

That doesn't do macros, can control multiple devices. On mine it can control

Downstairs TV
And the bias light
Upstairs TV
Bias light on the monitor
AVR
AV pre amp
Kodi box
Stereo pre amp
CD player
Squeezebox x 2
BD player
Squeezebox radio
With macros, and link to volume controls ie watch movie controls AV pre amp, not the TV volume and in each activity common used controls ie watch bd would have BD player navigation and trasnport controls not the TV menu system

Most have their own activity ie BD, Kodi activity for the primary TV, and listen to music on squeezebox in the hifi.

A single standard remote can''t even do a tenth of that.

Andre · 29 Jan 2025 at 10:52

hornetstinger said:
That doesn't do macros, can control multiple devices. On mine it can control

Thread hijack or what!

JonoB said:
We have an LG C1 OLED TV. As wonderful as the TV is, right from the start I hated the remote that came with it - the pointer was ridiculous and the shape and ergonomics were terrible. It broke after a while (almost) thankfully.

I've tried a few replacements from Amazon, and they are also not great. They either don't have all the quick launch buttons, missing other functionality, infrared is not powerful enough, or poor ergonomics.

Can you please recommend a replacement remote? Doesn't have to be fancy, but quick launch buttons (Netflix, Amazon, Disney) and nice ergonomics is important. We don't need a remote to control multiple devices, as we only have a TV and soundbar (connected via eARC).

As suggested, maybe try the non-air remote which is more of a candy-bar style, although you do get used to the air version eventually

TheVoice · 29 Jan 2025 at 18:10

LuckyBenski said:
Just use the standard infrared LG remote. They all work the same and with all LG TVs.

I like it as it's small enough you can reach all the buttons with one hand without changing posture.

Edit: you can even buy an official one direct from LG:

TV Remote Controller - AKB76037605 | LG UK

Get more information on the AKB76037605. Click for pictures, reviews & tech specs for the LG TV Remote Controller.

www.lg.com

You can also get them off Amazon/eBay for peanuts, they don't have the LG logo but they're otherwise identical.

LuckyBenski · 29 Jan 2025 at 20:20

TheVoice said:
You can also get them off Amazon/eBay for peanuts, they don't have the LG logo but they're otherwise identical.

Yup, hence the "even". I've never bought one from LG direct.

I did get burned last year when I tried to buy a brand new MR24 (2024 model) Magic Remote on Amazon when the TVs had only been out a few weeks. Of course it wouldn't pair, so had to return it.

Begbie · 29 Jan 2025 at 20:24

Nick1881 said:
I can't be much help, but wanted to add that I bought a Sofabaton and I'm no longer using it, which gives you an idea of what they are like. They aren't a replacement for the Harmony.

I'm using an Apple TV and the remote is switching on my TV and amp and doing the amp volume. Sadly it has stopped switching off the amp and I'm not sure why.

This sucks, I was tempted to try one. Seemed a good alternative for a universal remote :/

hornetstinger · 29 Jan 2025 at 20:29

Begbie said:
This sucks, I was tempted to try one. Seemed a good alternative for a universal remote :/

Programmable remotes were always an niche, and with "apps" now even less reason for them to produce them anymore.

It sucks, remote central is down so massive resource is lost. IR going away for sake of bluetooth and apps.

JonoB · 1 Feb 2025 at 10:28

LuckyBenski said:
Just use the standard infrared LG remote. They all work the same and with all LG TVs.

I like it as it's small enough you can reach all the buttons with one hand without changing posture.

Edit: you can even buy an official one direct from LG:

TV Remote Controller - AKB76037605 | LG UK

Get more information on the AKB76037605. Click for pictures, reviews & tech specs for the LG TV Remote Controller.

www.lg.com

I've got one of these - the ergnomics on this thing are just completely ridiculous. Try using it in the dark and see what happens.

hornetstinger · 1 Feb 2025 at 10:32

JonoB said:
I've got one of these - the ergnomics on this thing are just completely ridiculous. Try using it in the dark and see what happens.

Yeah backlight is useful although a good remote has a feel where you don't need to look at it to use it, you can use it by feel. On mine you can for most of the controls

LuckyBenski · 1 Feb 2025 at 10:38

JonoB said:
I've got one of these - the ergnomics on this thing are just completely ridiculous. Try using it in the dark and see what happens.

I know where all the buttons are because the design hasn't changed for 9 years, but horses for courses innit

I'm very much someone whose primary interface is the TV and TV remote, from the sofa. Don't really like operating a mouse/keyboard in my leisure time, though I do have a PC at the TV for gaming and odd media formats I can't stream etc.