Universal remote for many TVs

[flipper35]

I need a universal remote that works with multiple brands of TV to allow us to get to the menu to setup the channels. We have several universal we can then give to the TV owner that allows them to change channels, but those are cheap ones that don't have a menu option.

Once we setup the channels I can then take the good universal and use it on the next TV of whatever brand to setup channels for them and so on and so forth.

So, what works for this situation? I would pay more for it so we don't have to pay for cable boxes for them.

(This is all due to a recent change in our system and most don't have the original TV remote to allow us to get to a menu).

[rockfan4]

Rescan day at the nursing home?
I have a gray Xfinity remote I bought at a Savers for $1.99, it works for what you want to do.
It's easy to change for different TV brands, and the menu and arrow buttons work as expected on my Sony and Samsung.

[stealthn]

I have a Logitec but they don't make that one anymore. You can program the crap out of it; turn on home theater, dim lights, turn on TV and receiver, etc.

Not sure of the new Harmony line but worth a look

[rusnak]

Dumb question, but can you access the setup menu directly on each set? If some of them are smart TVs, you might be able to find an app for an Android or iPhone.

[flipper35]

Very few are smart TVs, and the ones that are are in the skilled care section that we provide the TV for and have those remotes.

Rockfan, yes We added a channel insertion device (Drake) to have automated signage and a live community channel.

I thought about the Harmony and will get one if nothing else works. Might look at the xFinity remote first.

Thanks for the input.

[flipper35]

Was your xfinity one of these? This is the support section but lists them. I see them on Amazon cheap.

https://www.xfinity.com/support/remotes

[rockfan4]

Mine is the silver with red OK button.

To switch TVs - get the code or list of codes from the website.
Push the TV button.
Push and hold the setup button until it blinks twice.
Enter the code from the website, the remote will blink twice if it is a valid code.
Try the remote. If it doesn't work, try another code.

I don't know what your lock down is like there, but I always see cable universal remotes at second hand stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army. Like I said, mine was $1.99. You might try a wanted post on Craigslist or FB Marketplace.

Or if you do have a agreement with a local cable company for some channels, ask them if you can borrow a remote.

[flipper35]

Thanks. That link has all the codes for the different brands so I can pull it up on my phone to try the different codes until one works. Then we can do all the TVs that brand.

That one is $12 new. Will check it out. Thanks much.