Choosing a universal control panel for a TV, TV box and more: programmable, air mice, keyboards (Aliexpress)

The remote control remains the most convenient tool for interacting with the TV. Unlike a computer mouse, which can also be connected to a smart TV receiver, the remote control does not require a flat surface, and the buttons allow you to quickly adjust the sound and picture, change the channel and access advanced functions. Remote controls for Samsung SMART TV help unlock all the capabilities of new generation TVs. What they are like, how to work with them, what malfunctions are typical, when you should think about replacing a broken device, all this will be discussed in our material.

When do you need a new remote control?

If the TV does not respond to pressing the remote control buttons, first of all you should check the batteries and, if necessary, replace them, and then you need to make sure that it is not blocked (by accident or from children). If these reasons are not related to the problem, then it is deeper - at the hardware level.

On a note! You can learn about ways to put the remote control into working condition from the instructions or consult with specialists in the repair of consumer electronics.

If all measures to resolve the problem do not help, the right solution would be to purchase a working remote control. The same should be done if the device is destroyed (for example, due to a fall from a height), after it is completely immersed in liquid for a long time, as well as if the microcircuits overheat and melt due to exposure to high temperatures. Complete restoration of such a device can take a long time and cost an amount equal to the price of a new device.

Original and non-original remotes

When choosing a remote control, you have to deal with the concepts of originality and non-originality of the device. The first category includes remote controls:

• made in compliance with production technology;
• under quality control;
• supplied with TVs.

They are of high quality. Their validity period can be 7 years or more. The disadvantage is the high cost, if replacement is necessary. Also, original models tend to lose their relevance. For those TV models that are no longer in production, components, including remote controls, are no longer produced. Thus, 10-15 years after purchasing the equipment, the original remote control either disappears from sale or is sold at a very inflated price.

The second category includes devices that are as similar as possible to the original. However, the quality of the plastic and assembly of the board may not be at a high level. Depending on the brand, such a remote control can last from 1 year or more. A significant advantage of such a device is its cost. Considering that technology is improving every year and the quality of such remote control systems is improving, more and more consumers are inclined to choose analogues rather than original devices.

If it is not possible to recognize the marking, then try to select the remote control visually

Features of the SMART remote control for Samsung TV

Like other similar devices, the remote control for Samsung Smart TV allows you to turn the TV receiver on and off, switch and configure channels, adjust the volume and picture settings, program individual buttons to perform custom tasks and change their purpose. But the functionality of the “smart” device is much wider - the following options are additionally available:

• watching streaming video;
• listening to radio stations;
• Web search;
• communication on social networks;
• playing media from external media;
• installation and configuration of software for various needs;
• voice control.

For this purpose, there is a button on the remote control to launch the Smart Hub service, which contains all the SMART functions of the TV . Then you can navigate through the menu in the standard way: using the arrows, the “+” and “-” keys, as well as “OK”. But the above options do not limit the functionality of the devices in question. Based on this feature, several groups of control panels can be distinguished.

1. Among the “remote controls” for SMART TVs, two-sided models with a QWERTY keyboard on the reverse side stand out. This addition allows you to enter text without the difficulties that are inevitable when working with an on-screen keyboard. It is also important that pressing a button on one side automatically locks the keys on the other.
2. The model with a gyroscope is a hybrid of a remote control and a computer mouse. It tracks the position of the remote control in space, thanks to which you can move the cursor around the TV screen, open the necessary menu items and launch applications in the same way as on a PC. This device has other names: remote pointer and air mouse.
3. Many devices are equipped with a microphone to control the TV using voice commands.
4. New generation remote control models have a minimum of buttons, and on a flat area of ​​the front surface there is a touchpad on which you can move your fingers to move the cursor without having to lift the remote control itself.

On a note! Some remote control models for regular Samsung TVs are also compatible with smart devices, but significantly limit the functionality of the latter, since they do not support SMART TV capabilities. Therefore, replacing a “smart” remote control with a regular one will allow you to watch TV channels, but will deprive the viewer of a considerable part of the usual content.

Which remote control did I choose and why?

I decided on the combined radio/IR remote control MX3 . The solution is the most universal and easy to use.

The remote control operates on a radio frequency and communicates with a small USB receiver. It's not as convenient as Bluetooth and doesn't work with most devices out of the box.

This way the receiver connects to macOS, Windows, Linux and even Raspbian (the operating system for the Raspberry Pi) without the need to install drivers or additional programs. You can control both the mouse cursor and enter commands from the keyboard.

There's a perfectly usable QWERTY keyboard on the back of the MX3. Russian letters are applied, which can be switched using the Alt button. It works fine on Smart-TV, but for TV set-top boxes on Android you will need to install applications that support the Russian language.

The remote control can block the buttons that are located on the bottom edge. While working with control buttons, the keyboard is locked and vice versa.

The backlight turns on when you press the buttons and goes out after 3 seconds

There is a backlight. It works for a few seconds after pressing or is completely turned off by a special key.

The MX3 remote has 5 programmable buttons. The procedure for this is as follows:

1. We place the original and programmable remote controls opposite each other, combining their IR transmitters.

2. Press the TV button to enter the programming mode (the red LED will start flashing).

3. Press the programmable button on the original remote control.

4. Select one of the available buttons on the smart remote control (you can program the main power button and the four colored keys below).

5. Confirm saving the settings by pressing the TV button again.

On the one hand, it seems that five keys are not enough, but in most cases this is enough.

I tied the main power button to turn on the TV, and allocated one of the color buttons for switching inputs on the TV. The remaining three were programmed to turn on/off the air conditioner, increase and decrease the temperature.

So, in most cases, you can get by with a universal remote control to control the cooling, turn on the TV and control the TV set-top box. It is to this that the radio receiver is connected.

Types of remote controls for Samsung Smart TV

In general, all remote controls are divided into two main categories:

• push-button;
• sensory.

The first are more familiar devices with mechanical buttons, which are grouped by function, and some of them can be programmed to perform actions required by the user. They are relatively inexpensive and easier to repair if they break. Most of these remote control units are made in a standard rectangular case.

The second are models with touch controls. They have fewer keys (one and a half to two dozen), which do not protrude too high above the surface. These are remote controls with a touchpad (can occupy up to 40% of the front panel area), a gyroscope and a built-in microphone. They are light and compact. The body shape can be rectangular (AA59-00831A), curved (BN59-01220D) or oval (BN59-01184B). However, the price of such “remote controls” sometimes reaches a third of the cost of a TV. Therefore, not everyone can afford an expensive touch remote control.

All devices of this type are wireless, battery-powered and connect to Smart TV via Bluetooth, infrared or radio . Remote controls adapted for the SMART TV receivers in question are produced by Samsung and other companies (universal models). At the same time, cheaper analogues of branded “remote controls” can work no worse than the original models, but the compatibility of the devices and the quality of communication will need to be determined in practice.

What types of remote controls are there?

There are three main types of remote controls: infrared, radio and Bluetooth.

Infrared remote controls have been familiar to many of us since childhood. Such control elements operate in a line-of-sight zone, and particularly powerful models can “look around corners.”

A little later, feedback appeared in similar remote controls so that the user could see the current operating parameters of the device. Many air conditioner models are equipped with IR remote controls with feedback, which allows you to display the current operating mode and set temperature on the screen.

Bluetooth remote controls appeared as this standard evolved. Technology has learned to transmit signals at higher speeds and over greater distances. The modules now consume minimal energy, and reconnection does not require user action and takes a couple of seconds.

Modern devices often cannot cope with a large number of Bluetooth-connected devices. So every now and then remote controls, keyboards, wireless headphones or smartphones “fall off” from televisions.

Other types of control panels are usually combined into the category of radio remote controls . They transmit a signal from a transmitter to a receiver at a specific frequency.

Most often, such remote controls have a maximum range, but require a special receiver, which is made in the form of a miniature USB flash drive.

The indisputable advantage of such solutions is simplicity. Everything works right out of the box, plug in the receiver and the remote is ready to go straight away with no pairing or setup required.

Many modern universal remote controls combine several technologies for convenient communication with different gadgets.

How to choose a remote control

To buy a remote control to replace a broken one, you need:

• specify the modification of the device and the TV (indicated as an alphanumeric combination);
• select the desired model or a suitable analogue in an online or offline store;
• make sure that the selected remote control is compatible with your existing SMART TV receiver (information can be read in the description or instructions for the remote control).

Helpful advice! You should not throw away your faulty remote control before purchasing a new one. External similarity does not always indicate that the device will work with a specific TV, and searching for the required part number from memory is fraught with errors. For example, a remote control for Smart TV series 6 may be useless for a device from series 7.

When choosing a remote control based on the method of communication with the base, it is better to give preference to the IR connection and the radio channel (there are models in which both options are available). Buyers often complain about an unstable connection between Bluetooth remote controls and television receivers, although this drawback does not apply to all devices that support the mentioned communication standard.

To control several devices at once - a SMART TV receiver, a multimedia or Blu-ray player, a digital TV receiver - you can purchase a universal remote control, for example, Smart Touch Remote or Smart Control from Samsung.

Review of the best universal TV remotes

Which TV remote did you choose?

Take the survey

Universal remote controls differ from ordinary ones in that they are suitable for various brands and types of household appliances. This means that from such a device you can control several types of equipment at once, which is very convenient and cost-effective, since there is no need to buy several remote controls. Below we will present an overview of the best universal devices that have earned the trust of buyers and experts in the field of electronics.

No. 7 - Gal LM-P170

Gal LM-P170
This is one of the most budget-friendly remote controls, which is suitable not only for TVs, but also for various audio and video equipment: receivers, stereo systems, players, cable and satellite TV. The remote control is compatible with a large number of models, has a compact size and shape, due to which it fits comfortably in the hand and does not slip out. The device has standard basic functionality: it allows you to record music and video, adjust volume settings, picture brightness and contrast, stop playback, etc.

Main characteristics:

• signal type – infrared;
• radiation range – 10 meters;
• number of buttons (keys) – 45;
• controlled devices - TV, audio and DVD player, stereo system, satellite receiver, VCR;
• weight – 55 g;
• the average cost is 690 rubles.

pros

• has an affordable price;
• easy and quick to set up;
• You can control 8 devices at once.

Minuses

• not all keys can function in the selected mode;
• the center of gravity is shifted along the rear wall.

Prices for Gal LM-P170 remote controls

Remote controls Gal LM-P170

No. 6 - Philips SRP3011/10

Philips SRP3011/10
Philips is a well-known manufacturer of household appliances and electronics that has won the trust of customers, so the remote control of this brand is also presented in our review. The Philips SRP3011/10 model is a universal device for controlling TVs from various manufacturers. One of the advantages of this device is its ergonomic shape, which allows you to comfortably hold the device in both your right and left hands, as well as large keys that facilitate navigation and access to basic functions and options.

The remote control is designed to regulate the operation of modern televisions and analog devices (which, in other matters, is currently irrelevant, since in Russia there is a gradual transition to digital TV).

Main characteristics:

• signal type – infrared;
• radiation range – 10 meters;
• number of buttons (keys) – 30;
• controlled devices – TV;
• weight – not specified;
• the average cost is 590 rubles.

pros

• comfortable to hold in any hand;
• Children and elderly people can easily understand the instructions and operating features (the device is equipped with large buttons);
• the case is made of durable, high-quality plastic that is drop-resistant;
• transmits the signal quickly.

Minuses

• Suitable for TVs only;
• has few buttons (functionality is reduced compared to models from other manufacturers);
• may “slow down” if you use it to regulate and configure smart TV.

Prices for Philips SRP3011/10 remote controls

Remote control PHILIPS SRP3014/10

No. 5 – Gal LM-S009L

Gal LM-S009L
This is a universal electronic device for controlling 8 devices at once, including digital amplifiers, receivers, TV set-top boxes, stereo systems, players and turntables. This bullet can be programmed using factory settings, manual input or copying commands from the original device. The remote control has a DIY button (translated as “do it yourself”). It allows you to create your own macros (macro commands) - a programmed algorithm of actions selected by the user and greatly facilitating the use of any multimedia equipment.

Main characteristics:

• signal type – infrared;
• radiation range – 8 meters;
• number of buttons (keys) – 48;
• controlled devices - TV, CD and DVD player, digital amplifier, cable and satellite television (receivers), Blu-Ray optical media, etc.;
• weight – 110 g;
• the average cost is 990 rubles.

pros

• suitable for a large number of devices;
• compatible with many models of electronic equipment and equipment;
• has a learning function and a DIY button to create your own custom algorithms.

Minuses

• the signal transmission range does not exceed 8 meters, that is, the device is not suitable for large areas;
• there are no standard keys present on other remote controls;
• not the lightest model (for example, the weight of the Gal LM-P170 remote control is 2 times less - only 55 g).

Prices for Gal LM-S009L remote controls

Remote controls Gal LM-S009L

No. 4 – One For All Contour TV

One For All Contour TV
This is a universal remote device with which you can control the operation of not only your TV, but also a TV projector, music center or home theater. Based on the type of signal transmission, this remote control is classified as an infrared device due to the built-in infrared interface. It is suitable for large spaces as it can transmit signals up to 15m.

There are 38 buttons on the control panel, two of them have built-in backlighting, thanks to which you can immediately see which devices are currently working (audio or video). The case is made of high-strength plastic, so the remote control is resistant to damage and deformation if accidentally dropped.

The programmed settings of the remote control contain built-in codes that are determined the first time within a few seconds and allow you to recognize more than 700 models of TV equipment.

Main characteristics:

• signal type – infrared;
• radiation range – 15 meters;
• number of buttons (keys) – 38;
• controlled devices – TV, TV projector, stereo system;
• weight – 84 g;
• the average cost is 890 rubles.

pros

• the case is made of high-strength plastic, which reliably protects the device elements from moisture, dust, thermal and chemical factors;
• it is easy and quick to set up, there is a training function;
• fits comfortably in the hand and does not slip out;
• can be purchased at an affordable price.

Minuses

• Even if compatible with a certain model, it may not support the functions of the original device;
• flimsy cover in the battery compartment.

Prices for One For All Contour TV remotes

Universal remote control One For All URC 1210 Contour TV

No. 3 - One For All Evolve

One For All Evolve
Another remote control from the One For All manufacturer with excellent consumer characteristics and good customer reviews. This is a universal device that is easy to program and supports a learning function. The remote control is optimized for working with Smart TVs and allows you to control the operation of not only the TV itself, but also various necessary equipment needed to receive a cable, digital or satellite signal (set-top boxes, receivers, etc.).

The remote control has an ergonomic shape, thanks to which it fits well in the hand, and a well-thought-out arrangement of keys (you can easily and quickly find the desired button). A special feature of the device is the wide viewing angle of the built-in infrared transmitter, thanks to which the signal is well transmitted over a large area at various angles.

Main characteristics:

• signal type – infrared;
• radiation range – 15 meters;
• number of buttons (keys) – 48;
• controlled devices – TV, satellite receiver, digital set-top box;
• weight – 94 g;
• the average cost is 1690 rubles.

pros

• retains its presentation for a long time and is resistant to damage;
• optimized to work with Smart TVs;
• comfortable to hold in hand;
• The signal is well transmitted even in large rooms at different angles.

Minuses

• you can control only two devices at the same time;
• belongs to the middle price segment with a standard set of basic features.

Prices for One For All Evolve remotes

Universal remote control One For All URC 7145 Evolve 4

No. 2 – Rombica Air R5

Rombica Air R5
Rombica Air R5 is not just a remote control for electronic devices, but also a highly effective manipulator that allows you to make the most of all the capabilities of smart TV. Externally, the air mouse looks like a regular remote control, but inside it there is a built-in gyroscope that records all deviations along the axes. Using such a device, you can perform various commands without leaving the couch, since it does not require a perfectly flat surface to work effectively.

The model features an expanded set of keys for controlling the Android operating system, and the device comes with a special adapter for connecting to the built-in smart player.

Main characteristics:

• signal type – Bluetooth;
• radiation range – 10 meters;
• number of buttons (keys) – 14;
• controlled devices – media player on Android 4.2+;
• weight – 46 g;
• the average cost is 1290 rubles.

pros

• stylish, simple and ergonomic design;
• optimal combination of price and capabilities;
• the device can be controlled at any angle of inclination and any trajectory;
• high-quality assembly.

Minuses

• not identified (but it’s worth considering that this is still an air mouse, and not a classic remote control).

Prices for Rombica Air R5 remote controls

Rombica Air R5 remotes

No. 1 – One For All URC7955 Smart Control

One For All URC7955 Smart Control
This is one of the best universal remote controls that is suitable for controlling a TV, receiver, set-top box, Blue-Ray player, audio equipment, as well as various game consoles. The model interacts with various types of electronics, and the built-in mechanism recognizes more than 700 manufacturing companies, so this bullet is suitable for almost all devices that may be in the apartment.

The remote control is equipped with a learning function. This means that you can write commands into it and create special custom algorithms based on them - macro commands (macros). Buyers note the convenient location and size of the keys on the panel, as well as the ability to quickly update software via the Internet if necessary. Backlit keys allow you to use the remote control in the dark without getting up from the couch.

Main characteristics:

• signal type – infrared;
• radiation range – 15 meters;
• number of buttons (keys) – 50;
• controlled devices - TV, receiver, audio and video player, digital set-top box, digital amplifier, game console;
• weight – 95 g;
• the average cost is 3990 rubles.

pros

• can be used from any point within the signal transmission range (that is, the signal reaches the required sensor, even if it is transmitted while standing with your back to the device);
• fine tuning “for yourself”;
• cast, almost monolithic design of the device;
• backlit keys.

Minuses

• high price;
• application for settings from a smartphone is only in English.

Prices for One For All URC7955 Smart Control remotes

Remote Controls One For All URC7955 Smart Control

Setting up the remote control on your TV

The original push-button “remote” does not require configuration. All you need to do is insert the batteries, point the remote control towards the TV receiver and press the power button. However, when using the remote control for the first time, it is recommended to turn on the TV in advance using the key on the body, and there should be no operating devices with remote control nearby .

Whereas the smart touch remote control will need to be configured on the TV. You can bind the device after installing the batteries and turning on the TV from the “remote” (using the “Power” key). To pair on the remote control, you need to press the “Back” and “Play/Pause” buttons and hold them for several seconds, as a result of which the messages “Searching for devices” and “Connecting to the Samsung smart remote control” should appear sequentially on the TV screen, and if synchronization is successful - "Pairing complete."

On a note! Setting features for different remote control models may differ. You can learn about all the subtleties from the instructions or on the manufacturer’s portal. And if the instruction manual is lost, it can be downloaded in electronic form from the company’s website.

Video - Errors when choosing a remote control

A TV remote control is one of the most necessary accessories in any home. If you have lost your old remote control, or the original device cannot be repaired or restored, you can try to restore it by following our tips. A simpler and more practical option is to buy a universal remote control, with which you can control not only the TV, but also various audio and video equipment. Such remote controls are often not much more expensive than the original versions, but at the same time they save a lot of time and money, so more and more people are choosing universal devices.

Using your smartphone as a remote control

You can control your TV using your mobile phone or tablet. To do this, you will need to install a special application from Samsung or third-party developers on your gadget. Such programs can be found in the Google Play Market (for Android) or App Store (for iOS). After installation and launch, this software independently finds a working TV.

Before downloading, you need to make sure that the program is suitable for working with a TV of a certain series and year of manufacture. This is indicated in the software description, for example, “K Series (2016 and 2017).” These applications are easy to use: their interface imitates the appearance of a remote control.

Advice! To simplify the search, it is better to connect the Smart TV receiver and the gadget to one WiFi access point.

Functionality of Smart TV technology

1. Providing access to the Internet, without using a PC or additional set-top boxes. This function allows you to play various videos located on the Internet. Some models have the function of recording a video file to an external drive connected to the TV. You can also open social networks. This allows you to display various content without connecting your mobile phone to the TV.
2. A large number of built-in games allows you to pass the time or keep the children occupied for a while. In addition to the built-in games, there are a large number of its applications that are available for download on the Internet.
3. This function also allows you to view the forecast of weather conditions and exchange rates and much more.
4. Very convenient playback of photo and video materials on connected USB devices. You can also edit them, delete them, create different folders and albums for better sorting.

In this video you will learn more about this remote control:

Typical breakdowns and their elimination

Like any electronic device, the remote control is also prone to failure. The reasons for this can be either incorrect operation or independent external factors, or physical wear of parts. And since the remote control is more often than other devices at risk of physical damage (if used carelessly), it is most important to know how to repair it.

In order for the remote control to work flawlessly and for as long as possible, it is recommended to carry out maintenance periodically (at least once a year). This process includes cleaning the “insides” of the remote control from dust and debris, followed by wiping the parts with a soft cloth soaked in alcohol. To carry out maintenance, as well as for repairs, the remote control device must be disassembled.

How to disassemble the remote control

You can disassemble the remote control using a suitable screwdriver (usually a Phillips head). First you need to open the battery compartment cover and take out the batteries, and then unscrew the bolts on the back panel. To separate the housing halves from each other, you can use a flat-head screwdriver. After this, you should carefully remove the parts: buttons, rubber membrane, microcircuit and others.

On a note! Some of the mounting bolts may be located in the battery compartment.

What problems can you fix yourself?

A number of remote control malfunctions occur quite often. You can deal with some of them yourself:

• If the TV does not respond to pressing the remote control buttons, you should replace the batteries with new ones;
• if only the power button works, you need to check the batteries, and if there is no result, re-bind the remote control to the Smart TV;
• if the sensor does not work, the actions are similar to those described in the previous paragraph;
• If individual keys on the push-button remote control cannot be pressed, you need to disassemble it, clean the contacts from dirt with a damp cloth or a cotton swab soaked in alcohol, wait for it to dry completely and reassemble it in the reverse order.

When to contact a repair shop

If the problem is not solved using the methods described above, it is better to contact a service center. And in the event of extraneous sounds that are heard when turning the remote control over, DIY repairs are generally impossible, since they indicate damage to the board (for example, after a fall).

Summarize. A classic or smart remote control for Samsung SMART TV will allow you to turn on your favorite channel, go online, watch a video on YouTube, install and launch a useful application or game. The main advantages of the remote control for brand TVs are convenient button placement, instructions with explanations and illustrations, interchangeability of individual models and the availability of compatible analogues on the market.

How to disassemble the Samsung remote control

Sometimes situations arise when, when trying to change the channel, the TV responds only after several clicks. Often, this phenomenon occurs when the remote control is clogged with food or filling liquids. As a result, it becomes necessary to disassemble the Samsung remote control and clean it from dirt.

1. First of all, inspect the Samsung Smart TV remote control and find all the fasteners. Often they are located not only on the outer surface of the remote control, but also in the battery compartment. Usually fastening is done using small screws, which can be unscrewed with a Phillips screwdriver.
2. Next, you will need a plastic card. It must be inserted into the corner of the device and the cover must be lifted. After this, you need to move it around the remote control. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the latches. Then carefully remove the battery contacts from the mounting slots.
3. The next step is to understand how the board is attached to the surface of the back cover. If the fastening is made using screws, then they must be unscrewed with an appropriate screwdriver. If it is secured with latches, then you need to carefully open them.
   

   Pay attention to the location of the infrared diode in the corresponding socket. If it is fixed, it must be carefully released from the mounting groove.

4. Removing the rubber buttons is very easy. It is enough to apply pressure on the front surface of the keys, and they will fall out of their places on their own.

Useful tips

1. To clean the remote control, you need to prepare the following equipment: alcohol-containing liquid and paper napkins. Hard-to-reach places can be cleaned with a toothpick, on which you need to wrap a napkin previously soaked in alcohol.
2. For a convenient reassembly process, it is necessary to lay out all the parts in alternate sequence. The presence of foreign objects on the table is also undesirable.
3. Keep the remote control away from food products and various liquids. Determine a permanent storage location so you don’t have to look for it throughout the apartment.
4. Wrap it in cellophane film - this will prevent food particles and dust from getting into the internal cavity of the remote control.
5. Clean the remote control periodically as dust entering the interior will cause clogging and cause premature wear of parts.

Attention! Before you begin the process, you need to watch video instructions on the Internet on the topic “how to disassemble the remote control for a Samsung smart TV.”