Elderly Grandparents Setup Help

by atkinsmatt10

Hello! I am looking for some help & recommendations for setting up my grandparents entertainment TV. They have a TCL Smart TV running Android TV 9 & really enjoy using the Channels DVR app for the Live TV guide.

Here is where I need help:

  1. After turning on the TV they usually get lost finding the Channels DVR app… I have added it as a favorite app but what I am really looking for a is a way when the TV turns on to automatically launch the Channels DVR app. Is that possible?
  2. Remotes… They hate the TCL TV remote & I don’t blame them! Turns out they aren’t interested in Google Voice Assistant or Netflix buttons. Does anyone have any recommendations for remotes with large clicky buttons, no steaming or voice assistants buttons, a number pad for navigating to channels by number, backlit buttons for easy viewing during the night & most importantly no touch screens

Thanks for your help!

ceeehhh8990_

There's an app called Launch on Boot. Configure it to launch the DVR app. NOTE: it's quite an old app so it might or might not support it. You'll find out when you search the apps. This is a video on the LoB app where it's being used for a launcher to work. You'll get the picture - https://youtu.be/8oe9GUyDg9M

As for remotes, best to look on Ali Express. They sell Bluetooth or Wireless (via USB dongle) ones. Most remotes have google assistant feature anyway and some do accompany for backlight. I can't think of a good one off hand but you look and be the judge.

Hope that's helpful 👍

Jasong222

I'm a big fan of the inteset 422 remote. It can control 4 devices (or fewer), is fully programmable, with universal buttons, macros, etc. (that you can use only to set up the basics, like volume), and looks and feels like an old school remote. No affiliation, just a big fan. On Amazon.

Double_A_92

Are you sure about the remote requirements? "a number pad for navigating to channels by number" sounds quite confusing to me in combination with some Android app. I.e. what would the numbers actually mean.

And usually such remotes have lots of buttons on them, which might be more confusing than just some small voice assistant button.

nstern2

It's overkill, but I really enjoy my harmony hub with companion remote. The only thing it doesn't have is a back light, but the buttons are shaped well enough that you learn to control it via feel pretty easily. It's a standard IR remote that can control pretty much any IR device and is extremely customizable. It also has Bluetooth built in so if they decide to get an external streaming box it can still control it. The only downside is it is tied into logitech servers which might cause issues if they ever shut them down.