Pushbutton remote for Apple tv?

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Level 1

7 points

Pushbutton remote for Apple tv?

I have several Apple TV-4’s, almost new and without homes. As a streaming device, they work great but were replaced with Roku’s for one reason - the strange remotes that they are packaged with. For a Millennial, with muscle memory trained for swiping and touching from birth, I am sure they are wonderful, but for older folks… Well, there are two more ATV-4s in my stash than controls, that pair not surviving the frustrated stomping by users whose patience finally ran out.

(*disclaimer. I do not watch TV unless there is some world changing news on, or such, and even then it is on my desktop Mac. So, I don’t care if they are controlled by an Etch-a-Sketch, but I occasionally assist in moving people from satellite or antenna.)

So… Does anyone know of a fairly standard pushbutton remote that will work with the ATV-4? Knowing Apple from years of use, I have a feeling that the answer is absolutely not, but I offered to search. Yes, I know that an iPhone can be used as a remote, and is much better (at least in my opinion) but I doubt that many are going to pay that price just to use one app.

Anybody? Thanks.

Posted on Apr 16, 2019 6:38 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 16, 2019 4:42 PM in response to CptKrf

Here's a more recent one, if you need more assurance that most universal IR remotes work with current Apple TVs.

https://www.lifewire.com/use-a-universal-remote-with-apple-tv-4115481

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Answer 2

Apr 16, 2019 7:02 AM in response to CptKrf

Take a look at Logitech Harmony's offerings. I believe that they have remotes that can be configured to work with an ATV.

As an "older" person, I find the Remote app on my iPhone is wonderful.

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Answer 3

Apr 16, 2019 7:17 AM in response to CptKrf

Luckily for you, the Apple TV 4th gen and 4K, can be used with most infrared Universal remotes.

Some may work better than others however.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/900184?page=2

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Answer 4

Apr 17, 2019 6:43 AM in response to CptKrf

CptKrf wrote:

Thanks. But, if my reading of the specifications is correct, the Harmony controllers have to go through an iPhone. Alas, most of my users don't have one and probably can't afford such.

No, they don't.

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Answer 5

CptKrf Author

Level 1

7 points

Apr 16, 2019 4:05 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

Thanks. But, if my reading of the specifications is correct, the Harmony controllers have to go through an iPhone. Alas, most of my users don't have one and probably can't afford such.

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Answer 6

CptKrf Author

Level 1

7 points

Apr 16, 2019 4:08 PM in response to Phil0124

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/900184?page=2

This link is almost 12 years old. Not sure that it would apply now.

I didn't even realize that there was an Apple TV in 2007.

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Answer 7

Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,920 points

Apr 19, 2019 5:21 PM in response to CptKrf

Now if I can figure out what to do with a half dozen of these wacko Apple swiping controllers.

People lose remotes all the time. There is a market for spare remotes. 💡

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Answer 8

CptKrf Author

Level 1

7 points

Apr 19, 2019 3:15 PM in response to CptKrf

Ok. It would appear that the Harmony controllers require a connection to the cloud so they can harvest your data. (I got that from comments, not research, so if you are worried, check it out for real.)

However, the Intelset INT 422-3 is a standalone controller and works great. Has a dedicated Apple button for setup that takes about 1 second. Works like a normal TV/DVD/VCR controller from the last twenty years and the problem of swiping yourself into oblivion is gone. About $29 or so.

Now if I can figure out what to do with a half dozen of these wacko Apple swiping controllers. Other than as tools for raising the blood pressure of senior citizens, that is.

Thanks all.

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Pushbutton remote for Apple tv?

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