New remote control recomendation

JonoB

JonoB

JonoB

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Joined
19 Nov 2004
Posts
248
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).
 
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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 ... :-/
 
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:
 
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.
 
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:

www.lg.com

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 www.lg.com
 
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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:

www.lg.com

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 www.lg.com
Click to expand...

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

www.lg.com

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

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

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.
 
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:

www.lg.com

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 www.lg.com
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
RoyMi6 said:
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:
Click to expand...

Have you got your Unfolded Circle Remote 3 yet? I've had mine about a month and finally have wife approval to retire the Harmony.
 
the-evaluator said:
Have you got your Unfolded Circle Remote 3 yet? I've had mine about a month and finally have wife approval to retire the Harmony.
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I do! It’s a good remote but a couple of things annoy me…

1) the ergonomics aren’t as good as the Harmony remote. The play/pause button position in particular is annoying me. It’s not just muscle memory, it’s physically in an annoying position when held in my right hand and I think another row of buttons above the dpad would be better.

2) the fact the remote runs the processes rather than the hub is a pain. I get it’s designed so you don’t need a hub, but given you need a dock to charge it this seems like a backwards decision.

3) it’s not toddler safe… the lighter harmony companion remote I think can survive more drops on a hard floor :D

Apart form that though it’s a solid remote that works well.
 
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RoyMi6 said:
I do! It’s a good remote but a couple of things annoy me…

1) the ergonomics aren’t as good as the Harmony remote. The play/pause button in particular is annoying me.

2) the fact the remote runs the processes rather than the hub is a pain. I get it’s designed so you don’t need a hub, but given you need a dock to charge it this seems like a backwards decision.

3) it’s not toddler safe… the lighter harmony companion remote I think can survive more drops on a hard floor :D

Apart form that though it’s a solid remote that works well.
Click to expand...

1 - I'm getting used to the ergonomics, but it's not ideal. The shape of the thing being very angular makes it difficult to pick up. A rounded shape would be better.

2 - Yeah, it seems like an odd decision. You don't necessarily need a dock to charge it though, you can use a wireless charger.

My biggest gripe is the terrible battery life - I can't get a full day out of it. I've got most of the activities set to now allow to remote to go to sleep which does hammer the battery but that's better than having to wait 5 - 10 seconds after picking up for it to wake up and be able to send an IR command. Wife approval would be retracted if that were the case.

The final hurdle for me was to get a couple of things working through Alexa - muting & turning off the TV. It took a bit of thought but I've got that working in the end.
 
Ah yeah, 100% agree. That is an issue. I get that the modern styling (thinking of you iphone) is a flat brick, but they get away with it (without a case) because the camera bump lifts it up off the surface so you can get your fingers under it. Older remotes with their rounded edges/back might not look as modern, but it's 100% better ergonomics. The physical shape and button placement to mean screams of a complete lack of UX testing.

Yeah, battery life does suck. Another reason it would benefit from having the dock being the compute part. Part of the reason the physical shape doesn't bother me so much is because I keep it in a charging dock though as I knew battery life would annoy me. So I currently use two docks (one for charging, one for in the AV cabinet) which is why I'm double annoyed that the docks aren't more powerful in some way - or at least there wasn't the option for a "compute" dock and "charge" dock.

Honestly, for me the Harmony Companion remote was absolute king. Perfect ergonomics, enough buttons for everything and multi year battery life.

EDIT: Actually, just holding it now it's apparent that the weight distribution also makes a difference. The Harmony Companion remote has it's weight at the bottom, focused in your palm. Where as the UC3, with it's large touchscreen, means the remote is always trying to tip forward out of your hand when you hold it down at the bottom to press the play/pause button.
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