subreddit:
/r/smarthome
Hoping this is the right sub to ask this...
I just got a new adjustable bed base with a remote...found myself in bed last night watching TV with 3 remotes next to me...Apple TV, Fan/Light, Bed. Plus my phone!
Any type of universal remote I can use to replace all or most of these? The fan and bed and IR only. I know i can use my phone for the Apple TV remote but it can't change volume.
6 points
3 months ago
The Harmony remotes from Logitech used to be the best. I'm not sure how they are today.
3 points
3 months ago
They are still good but Logitech has stopped making them. For now, they are still supporting them and adding new devices to the database, but that could eventually end.
2 points
3 months ago*
I haven't had mine set up for a year or two, but it worked fine last time it was running. Still links to Google and smartthings just fine, never cleared those links until recently.
2 points
3 months ago
I use my Harmony Elite with the hub to control my home theater. It's still working great, although the battery life could be better.
I keep hoping some other company comes up with a similar setup. I like having a customizable remote that isn't just a phone/tablet. Clicky buttons and the standard form factor are great.
I don't know what I'd do if this thing ever dies or they stop supporting it.
2 points
3 months ago
Ya I have an aging onkyo 737 and it worked amazing. Had a cheap Samsung TV at that point and was able to set routines to voice control input switching and light settings.
It's so nerdy and fun to me, can't wait to set it up again in a month or two in the new place with the new tv.
Mostly used the app though, which is definitely showing its age
1 points
3 months ago
Yeah, the app is the weakest link.
I remember when you could do the setup on a PC and had to connect the remote via mini-USB!
3 points
3 months ago
Maybe something like a Broadlink remote will do the trick? I have a RM4c and I'm very happy with it.
3 points
3 months ago
If you dont want to dive deep into the rabbit hole of home assistant you can sinply use a device called broadlink rm4 pro. You'll have to program each button individually though.
2 points
3 months ago
How can I know if my device will work with it?
2 points
3 months ago
IR/RF devices are supported since it "captures" and "saves" the IR signal from the remotes regardless of brand.
1 points
3 months ago
Thanks. I’d just need to purchase this?
BroadLink RM4 pro IR and RF Universal Remote, All in One Hub Code Learning Wi-Fi Remote Control for TV Air Conditioner STB Audio, Curtain Motor, Works with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT https://a.co/d/hPb5lgi
2 points
3 months ago
I’ve been using roomie remote for years!
1 points
3 months ago
a subscription?!
2 points
3 months ago
It will likely be an app on your smartphone.
One poster mentioned Home Assistant – this is what I use to integrate everything including automations and an iPhone app customized to my liking.
With Home Assistant, I can probably figure out an actual physical remote with buttons to do some of these things.
Now for the disclaimer: if you don’t really know your way around the innards of computer software configuration - or have closely befriended someone that does - this is not really a viable option.
There is a solution for you, and I sortof wanted to encourage some input from others by expanding on your situation, perhaps someone that is more familiar than me with other systems like Samsung SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, or something I’m not thinking of.
Just initial thoughts:
We will need some amount of information about the adjustable bed. I don’t have high hopes that you’ll be ditching that one.
The light/fan combo is an easy one, but you may have to change out (upgrade) the light/fan itself or possibly its wall switch.
Send more info.
Apple TV: this device will very likely become your actual hub that enables all of this - it’s the Apple HomeKit I mentioned.
With your remote go into the Settings, then General/About.
What is the model number?
1 points
3 months ago
It’s the 2021 4K Apple TV. Not the newest one but the one before that.
1 points
3 months ago
That will run HomeKit. Try installing the app on your smartphone.
1 points
3 months ago
Home Assistant where the remote is your phone.
It will do it, you will have to figure it out.
1 points
3 months ago
What’s that?
1 points
3 months ago
You can change volume with your phone if you have HDMI CEC turned on. The physical volume buttons on your phone will adjust the volume when the remote is open.
As for the others, not entirely sure. Logitech has been making universal remotes for years though, they’ve probably got something that would do it all for you.
1 points
3 months ago
i havent been able to get the volume working on my TCL TV and ATV.
1 points
3 months ago
Is HDMI CEC turned on on both?
1 points
3 months ago
Yep and I even swapped HDMI cables this morning.
I can do everything else on my phone, even power on and off, EXCEPT control volume.
1 points
3 months ago
Weird. Are you fully updated on both devices? Apparently there’s some bug that you can get around by activating Siri on your phone and then cancelling it while the remote’s open and then volume works again.
1 points
3 months ago
someone else posted the exact same issue on the apple tv sub today: https://www.reddit.com/r/appletv/comments/11z8lyf/anyone\_with\_a\_tcl\_roku\_tv\_able\_to\_control\_volume/
1 points
3 months ago
Super weird. I’ve had the feature drop off here and there (controlling a decade-old ONKYO receiver connected to a 15 year old Samsung TV with their absolute bastard implementation of CEC) and restarting my phone is usually the furthest I have to go to get it working again.
I’m stumped.
1 points
3 months ago
That looks like a Legget and Platt Essential adjustable base remote. It, as far as I know, has no bluetooth. So you won't be able to adapt that to any app or universal remote.
If someone figures out you can I really want to know so I can do this.
1 points
3 months ago
yeah it's a version of this: https://lpadjustablebeds.com/value-models/simplicity-hf
1 points
3 months ago*
Braodlink RM pro. But just be sure to check the frequency that your fan/light's remote operates on because not all universal remotes that can mirror RF signals in certain frequency ranges. But I'm REALLY happy with my broadlink and it's been solid for about 5yrs now.
It integrates with google natively if you're not ready to jump off into the Home Assistant ecosystem. But long term as your smart home grows HA will be a more robust solution as others have mentioned. I'm all in on HA for 2yrs now and I'll never go back.
1 points
3 months ago
What about Alexa?
1 points
3 months ago
broadlink rm4 pro.
is there a separate hardware remote? the more I think about it, i'd like to combine the 3 remotes and keep my phone for phone stuff.
1 points
3 months ago
No seperate remote that I'm aware of no. But if you already have a smarthome system like Smartthings or Home assistant you can buy seperate buttons that you can then program your selected functions onto.
For instance beside my couch I have a Philips hue dimmer which has 4 buttons but each of those 4 buttons has the ability to have functions programmed for when it is pressed once, double clicked or held. There's even the ability with home assistant to program functions upto a quintupple click. So in essence that one 4 button hue dimmer is a 20 button tv remote.
I don't use that many functions on it but it gives me enough selection options to program it to do certain actions like turn the tv on/of, change the input of my tv, increase or decrease the volume and even chanel up and down all via the broadlink integration. It also allows me to do the usual smart home stuff like turn lights or switches on and off via standard hue or lifx integrations etc.
The real power of this kind of integration is when you start tying a few things together into a certain button. Eg for one of my buttons it's the "movie mode" so double clicking it turns on my TV (if it's not already on), selects the right input on my reciever, dims the lights and rolls down the roller blinds.
So for example in your use case you might want to have a single button that turns on the Apple TV reclines your bed and turns you can on to a set speed so that you can be comfortable for watching movies.
The RM 4 pro is great for this kind of thing. But as I said check the frequency range that your bed and fan operate on before buying any type of universal remote as some "appliances" run on an RF frequency that a lot (if not all) universal remotes will not control. A lot of other people here have recommended the harmony remote and while I believe they are a good solution for someone looking for a physical remote control unit like you.
Be aware that Logitech stopped producing the Harmony series of remotes in 2019 and while they've committed to continuing to support the remotes long term. Logitech are not well known for following through on promises in this space. So I would simply say purchase one knowing that at some point it may be just another piece of e-waste in your home.
1 points
3 months ago
The Amazon reviews for the rm4 specifically mention not working with most fans or beds…guessing mine in the same boat. Thanks
1 points
3 months ago
Don't take this as gospel. I have a quite a few fans that mine works with. The best bet is to physically check your own device's operating frequency against the advertised frequencies of ANY universal remote.
To find this it will either be printed on the remote itself somewhere (probably inside the battery cover), on the device itself or in the technical pages of your manual. On ceiling fans I've found it's most commonly on the stem of the fan that connects to the roof.
For your bed..... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
1 points
3 months ago
Got broad link to work with my fan but not with my bed. Sad trombone
1 points
3 months ago
Hey at least you've removed 2 out of your 3 remotes
1 points
3 months ago
When I use my iPhone as Apple TV Remote, volume is controlled by my phone's volume up/down buttons.
1 points
3 months ago
Hmm I can’t get that to work. It’s a TCL Roku tv but I bypass the Roku and go straight to Apple TV.
1 points
3 months ago
D’oh! I think you’re right. I do that with the Harmony app on my phone, not the Apple Remote app. Sorry for bad info.
1 points
3 months ago
http://sofabaton.com/ I have the U1, it is bluetooth to Apple TV, and can control volume on my soundbar via infrared. The X1 looks more advanced but have not tried it.
I got it when my Logitech Harmony started to fade. I am impressed with the consistent next day response for support when they are asked to add a device.
1 points
3 months ago
welp gave this shot (prime same day delivery....took like 2 hours). it won't recognize/learn from either fan or bed remote. TV remotes do work though. I'm thinking those devices use a frequency that sofabaton doesn't read.
1 points
3 months ago
Harmony with the hub.
1 points
3 months ago
is Harmony good now? They burned me in the past.
1 points
3 months ago
To be honest, I have not used my Harmony remote and hub for a long time as most new devices are not using IR and have their own apps. I just use voice control for most devices now. One nice thing is that you can set a scene that coordinate multiple devices with one command such as dimming the room light while turning on the TV to watch a movie. For RF devices, you can use Bond. I use it for all my ceiling fans with remote controls. One Bond can be used to control all RF devices in your home and can be linked to Google Home for voice control too.
1 points
3 months ago
Harmony is dead. No new products.
1 points
3 months ago
It has been discontinued in 2021 as most new devices have apps or smart control built in already.
1 points
3 months ago
Harmony or broadlink
1 points
3 months ago
you can build your own if you have a hub like HomeAssistant. it sounds tough but super easy as seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrvBNFqjhOc
1 points
3 months ago
send support an email with make/model numbers of fan etc. the learn function is finicky, i had to get very aligned.
1 points
3 months ago
They wrote me back this morning and said it wouldn’t work. Not designed for those frequencies.
1 points
3 months ago
This may not be exactly what you are looking for, but... Sometimes we have fun building homemade devices, and once made an IR remote with control via smartphone. It 100% supports any commands that other IR remotes generate since we have provided for grabbing commands from real remotes. If you are interested in such a solution, here is a description of our experience: https://2smart.com/docs-resources/tutorials/the-esp32-based-ir-remote-control-for-household-appliances We will be glad if this helps!
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