In those days when mobile gadgets were built on the old operating systems "Bada", "Simbian" and similar, many users, ask them the question: "Is it possible to control the TV from the phone?", would twist a finger at the temple.
But with the advent of platforms such as Android, the latest iOS and Windows 10 Mobile, this procedure no longer seems like something fantastic. Modern smartphones and tablets in terms of their functionality breathe in the back of powerful desktop devices.
TV manufacturers also take this fact into account and in every possible way contribute to the development of this direction both in terms of hardware and software. So today it is quite possible to control a TV using a phone. We will just try to figure out exactly how this can be done and what is needed for this. In our article, you will learn how a regular smartphone can replace a standard TV remote control.
General information
Almost every well-known TV manufacturer is trying to bring something new and original to their product. Yes, atcompeting models have a lot in common, but there are also quite a few branded features that others do not have. It is thanks to the latter that it is not so easy to manage a smart TV from a phone, because each brand has its own approach to this procedure, and universal solutions do not always work.
Nevertheless, the principle of operation of such a tandem is the same for everyone. There is a TV device, a smartphone, special software and wireless protocols. This set just allows you to control the TV through your phone.
One of three modules is used for communication:
- Wi-fi.
- Bluetooth.
- IR.
Manufacturers of mobile gadgets have almost completely abandoned the latest technology, because the first two completely level its effectiveness. But in some devices it is still used and with it you can also successfully control the TV through your phone. In this case, the effectiveness and functionality of the procedure are noticeably reduced.
Software
As far as software is concerned, it can be divided into two main categories - these are universal and branded applications. It is much easier to control the TV from your phone using the original software. In addition, all available functionality is fully disclosed and without any restrictions.
Universal apps also let you control your TV from your phone, but they don't always work properly, if at all. Here we are talking mostly about TV devices from little-known brands orgenerally no-name factories. While almost every well-known manufacturer has its own software.
Proprietary Software
If you have a branded device, then it is best to control the TV from your phone using special software, and not look for universal software. As for the operating system of the mobile gadget, all the programs described below are perfectly adapted to the Android and iOS platforms, and in some cases to Windows Phone.
Manufacturers with their own software:
- LG.
- Samsung.
- Panasonic.
- Philips.
- Sony.
Let's take a closer look at each brand's proprietary software.
LG
In order to control the LG TV from your phone, you need to go to the brand's official website and download the branded LG TV Remote application in the software section. After installing the program, you will need to start scanning devices, while turning on your TV.
After searching, the program will display a list of supported devices, and if your TV is among them, then the channel will work, and you can fully control the TV from your Android, iOS or Windows Phone.
After synchronization, two windows should appear on your mobile gadget. At the bottom there will be an interface for managing volume and channels, built by analogy with a push-button remote control. In addition, it can be used to go to the main screen, take a screenshot, enable 3D effects and call the application control panel.
BAt the top of the screen is a work area that provides access to all installed programs. The touch screen of the smartphone during operation mirrors your movements, where the pointer moves along the TV screen following your finger. With it, you can fully control the TV from your phone: play content, set up functionality with instruments, and even play. In a word, we get not just a classic remote control, but a real complex for interacting with TV.
Samsung
In order to control the Samsung TV from your phone, you must also go to the brand's official resource and download the Samsung TV & Remote program in the software section. The application interface, judging by user reviews, is quite friendly, there are no problems with the toolkit.
The screen on the mobile gadget is divided into two parts. One contains keys for selecting channels, a touch rocker for adjusting the volume level and buttons for turning on the TV, as well as switching to the navigation menu.
The second part of the screen is organized in such a way as to make it as easy as possible to control the multimedia functions of the TV. Here we have a kind of joystick, by pressing the keys of which access to favorite channels, content and other (configurable) elements.
Users respond well to the app. It allows you to fully control your Samsung TV from your phone, but it has one fly in the ointment. This is advertising. In principle, it is impossible to call it aggressive, but forthis was not noticed by competing analogues.
So some anti-advertisers in particular prefer third-party universal apps. You can control your TV through your Android or iOS phone. There is also a version of the application for Windows Phone, but judging by the reviews, it is full of bugs and not well adapted to this platform.
Panasonic
To control a Panasonic TV from your phone, you need to go to the official website of the brand and find the TV Remote Panasonic program in the corresponding section. Users are completely positive about this software and consider it the best among others: convenient, functional, nimble and intuitive.
There are no extra questions while working with the interface. All the tools are well-organized into categories, and in especially difficult cases, an intelligent help system will help. In addition, one of the main differences of the program from competing analogues is the presence of advanced swipes.
Actually, the main control is built on the latter. When switching between desktops with gestures, each opens up access to some functionality: working with files, navigation menu, settings, adjusting TV base values, etc. You can also use your smartphone as a game controller, turn on the sleep timer, surf the Internet with it and much more.
Advertising and some extra information are completely absent. The program received Russian-language localization, andcompetent, without fragmentary and stupid phrases. Judging by the reviews, it is a pleasure to use it. The application works on Android and iOS platforms.
Philips
To work with Philips equipment using mobile gadgets, you will need a special Philips MeRemote program. You can find it on the official website of the manufacturer, in the software section.
When you first start the application will offer to scan devices, and if any were found, it will present a list for synchronization. The program interface is simple and convenient. All the main tools are well divided into sections, so there is no need to wander through the menu.
On the main screen, you can see a list of categories, by clicking on which the corresponding work area opens. Here you can interact with the files of the gadget, control the sound level, change channels, open applications, etc.
One of the main advantages of the software from Philips is the speed and minimum system requirements for the filling of a mobile device. For the correct operation of the application, even an ancient gadget with 512 MB of RAM that supports the Android platform is enough. The speed of the menus and tools is amazing. The delay in playing content after a click is less than a second of time. SimplyShare brand proprietary technology used to achieve this performance is considered the best among competitors.
Advertising blocks, banners and other unnecessary "garbage" while working with the programnot noticed by users. The application consistently performs the tasks assigned to it - without glitches and lags.
Sony
To control Sony equipment using a smartphone or tablet, you need the TV Side View program. You can find it on the brand's official resource in the "Downloads" section. Immediately after launch, the application scans nearby devices (the TV must be turned on).
After synchronization, access to the working areas of the program opens. The interface design is made in dark and calm colors and is divided into sections. Each category has its own work area with tools specific to it.
One table allows you to control navigation and switch channels, the other - adjusts the volume level, the third - is responsible for working with applications, the fourth - with files, etc. Understanding the interface will not be difficult. The application received competent Russian-language localization and a well-organized help section.
Also worth noting is the well-developed voice control of the main tools. With it, you can not only change channels and adjust the sound, but also adjust the brightness and contrast, open regular applications and even type text in your notebook.
The program is not particularly demanding on the system resources of a mobile gadget, but it needs at least 1 GB of RAM to work correctly. Otherwise, hangs and other lags may be observed. Advertising banners and pop-ups are not even heresmells. But Sony has never allowed such a thing in their proprietary programs.
Third party software
As mentioned above, there is also a universal software that allows you to control your TV using mobile devices. You have to use it at your own peril and risk, because the developers do not guarantee stable operation with any of the TVs.
TV Remote Control
This app offers great functionality and ease of use. The program has a lot of positive feedback from owners of TVs of different brands and brands. It’s worth warning right away that, alas, there is no Russian-language localization here. But it is not required.
The application interface is simple and intuitive. Some serious problems, judging by the reviews, users do not experience. All the main tools are on the main screen and visualized with high quality.
Each block is responsible for performing some specific tasks. There is a zone for changing channels, controlling the volume, turning the TV on/off, etc. The program also allows you to work with media content: music, video and photos.
After launching, the application will prompt you to set up a connection via the IrDA interface (a type of infrared port) or wireless bluetooth and Wi-Fi protocols. Next, you need to register the IP address of the TV and select a model from the list provided. The latter is very wide and multi-level. There is also support for branded models from LG, Samsung, Panasonic,Sharp, Akai and other manufacturers, including little-known Chinese brands.
The program is distributed free of charge, so advertising banners and windows from partners and sponsors periodically pop up. But they do not appear so often, so it is difficult to call them aggressive. The application runs on the Android platform of all versions and is undemanding to the system resources of the mobile gadget.
Easy Universal TV Remote
Another universal program to control your TV from your smartphone or tablet. The application differs from the previous product only in the interface. The functional set of both solutions is the same.
Here you can also change channels, turn the TV off and on, change the volume level, work with files, applications, etc. Installing and configuring the program should also not be difficult.
When you first start the utility will offer to set up a connection to the TV: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or infrared. Then you will need to select the desired model of your TV from the list provided. The list is quite decent and includes not only series from well-known brands, but also devices from unfamiliar manufacturers.
The program works on the Android platform and is distributed completely free of charge. The last point automatically implies an abundance of advertising. But there are not so many annoying banners and pop-ups. At least they don't annoy most users.
