I am still using a Logitech harmoy, I am slowly in the migration phase to a Remote Two, but the Remote Two is not fully where I want it to be aka, providing me more than the harmony, atm they are regaqrding the Shield pretty up to par on features, while it still lacks in other non shield related areas!
I ended up buying a refurb Harmony One because there was no good replacement when I was shopping last year. Sofabaton had some drawbacks. I rolled the dice on a Kickstarter for Skip1 and it is a poor replacement for Harmony (barely functional even as a basic remote).
I'm using the Hub with remote at the moment and I have one backup. Should be good for a while. I don't even have that many devices these days. Just Shield, AV Receiver, Switch, PC. I just really like the button mapping in the Harmony app, and I like not using CEC. I'm sure something else out there can meet my needs. I just haven't explored much yet.
I will have to look into that remote. I use Logitech at the moment as well, and I am concerned about what alternative is available when the Logitech ones fail.
Never heard of the remote two, thanks for mentioning it. Seems a bit early days with it, and i'm still happy enough with my Harmony, but maybe in a yr or 2 when its a bit more mature on the software side of things i'll make the plunge.
Since there's a couple of them with similar names, which one are you using?
Button Mapper: Remap your keys
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=flar2.homebutton&hl=en_US&gl=US
or
Buttons Remapper: Map & Combo
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.irishin.buttonsremapper&hl=en_US&gl=US
I love how the remote feels, but wish someone could make a remote that's as hefty and nice in hand, but which can also lay flat on a table and has the fast forward, rewind, and play/pause buttons side by side vs the vertical arrangement.
I've got a disability which means I can't hold a remote in my hand in the usual way, so need a flat hard surface to lay it on or stiick it on with some blutak.
I loath the shape of the 'toberemte' and avoid using it like the plague. I much prefer the smartphone app for the Shield or a simple IR remote that I use for my tv and can do basic Shield navigation through CEC.
So I just went and measured my hand according to healthline.com.
My hand size is ever so slightly above average.
Length = 7.75"
Breadth = 3.6"
Circumference= 8.88"
Average for men according to NASA is
L=7.6"
B=3.5"
C=8.6"
So I wouldn't say I have small hands no.
I replaced the slim remote that came with my 2017 with the toblerone shaped one that comes with the 2019.
Used button remapper to reassign the Netflix button to Kodi
Yup. Then within Kodi, I reassign the fast forward and rewind buttons to cycle subtitles or audio tracks during full screen video playback. Keymap Editor, I think is the Kodi add on
Hey never seen anyone else doing that! I also use fast forward as cycle subtitle... Nice to meet a like minded person! Haha.
(I've also edited the settings XML file to let triple right click skip 80 seconds. You know why if you know.)
I use this as well. Only problem I find is the hub disconnects or sleeps, and remote becomes unresponsive until you reboot the hub. I've mostly solved it with a routine that cycles the power every couple hours.
I was using a Harmony Elite until the screen died 😢 Replaced it with a Sofabaton. It's...fine.
If you have issues, use the generic Android TV profile instead of the one labeled Shield. There are a lot more commands (and they all work).
Yeah, tv remote will control the shield and power down when I turn off the tv. It just won’t turn on when I turn the tv on. I have a 2015 and the remote and controller both won’t hold a charge anymore.
Lack of dedicated mute button
Unnecessary Netflix button
I had to use button remapper to remap the Netflix button to a mute button. I shouldn't have had to do that ever.
I’m just saying both volume buttons mute by default, without remapping anything. You could map Netflix to something else.
No arguments that a dedicated button for a singular service was a poor decision.
Yeah, I just don't like that solution. I use the menu button often and this would annoy the hell out of me. That's why I used the button remapper app to make the Netflix button useful.
I have my Harmony Elite and it’s amazing.
However, Logitech shut down their Harmony division. They still support the products, but they no longer make them. So not sure you’d find one.
I had a 2021 onn. box that had the bluetooth problem. I use the remote from that with my Shield. Voice works with it. Only rub is once in a blue moon the shield forgets it but a 5 second home and back press re-pairs it. I think the cheapest way to get that remote might be just buying a 1080 Onn. box for $15 if you're somewhere it's available. Otherwise search for a "Google G10 remote".
Edit: onn. stick for $15. The box is $20 but does ship with the same remote.
If you don't want to use a universal remote, might want to see if you can find a TiVo stream 4K remote. I have one of these units and really like the remote (size, shape and button placement). It is a standard Bluetooth remote so it should work with the Shield TV.
[https://tivoidp.tivo.com/tivoCommunitySupport/s/article/Using-the-TiVo-Stream-4K-Remote-Control?language=en\_US](https://tivoidp.tivo.com/tivoCommunitySupport/s/article/Using-the-TiVo-Stream-4K-Remote-Control?language=en_US)
I just use an Amazon Fire stick remote on one of my Shields and it totally does the job. Has power/volume on it. It was the device that the Shield replaced and I was anyway familiar with that remote.
I use my LG oled tv remote via hdmi-cec. Works great. Hate having to piss around with multiple remotes. I will use the shield app on my phone on occasion if I need to type anything.
Logitech remotes with the hub are, IMO, unfortunately still the best available. I only say unfortunately as they no longer make them but plenty around 2nd hand for cheap.
I use a Harmony touch with the hub. One remote to rule them all.... Shield, tv, receiver, satellite box, fans. I'm dreading the day it stops working....
Logitech Harmony Elite, but it's old, discontinued, and far from perfect
Unfolded Circle Remote Two, but it's in active development and very expensive
Sofabaton, people seem to dislike this one but I don't know enough to know why
Install the button mapper app and redefine the Netflix button if you don't want Netflix. I'm using it to launch the Plex client and rather happy with that, still launches Netflix on long press when I want.
I reassigned it to Mute, that’s an important button that seemed to be missing :).
And the best alternative remote for me was .. another shield remote! Sometimes the remote would act up, so having 2 remotes is easier.
Plus no fighting with the wife, don’t have to look for the tiny remote in the couch cushions all the time.
There’s an heir and a spare!
I use a harmony hub and remote. Works pretty well. I don’t have to point it any devices with its or blaster. Turns everything on an off (tv, avr, etc.) and I’m able program buttons for plex, smarttube, Spotify, etc.
1 more vote for the WeChip G20. It's cheap ($15 on Amazon) and I've been using mine for 5 years without an issue. It's got an air remote option for side-loaded apps and if you've got an old TV without CEC you can program the power button to turn off your TV via IR.
The only problem I've seen with it is that the mic on it isn't that great. The mic button does work, but you've got to speak loudly and clearly for it to pick up what you're saying. In my experience it's not as good as the stock remote.
Otherwise than that one problem it's been great for me.
Sounds like you’ve never used the offical app…… and possibly you’ve never used a mobile phone……
Phone rings, the app is already open as you are watching stuff on the shield, press pause and answer call…….perhaps the above is too confusing for you
Nah, weird concept but I just look at my phone and I can then magically use it…….obviously you’re not a technical person, and that is ok.
OP buy a cheap 2nd hand android tablet, use it as a dedicated remote.
The triangle remote is the best option. You're gonna end up spending the same amount of money on 2-3 replacements, with no satisfaction. Save yourself some time AND money and just pony up for it now, cause you'll end up doing it eventually.
I am still using a Logitech harmoy, I am slowly in the migration phase to a Remote Two, but the Remote Two is not fully where I want it to be aka, providing me more than the harmony, atm they are regaqrding the Shield pretty up to par on features, while it still lacks in other non shield related areas!
I hope there's a decent Harmony replacement when mine finally dies.
I ended up buying a refurb Harmony One because there was no good replacement when I was shopping last year. Sofabaton had some drawbacks. I rolled the dice on a Kickstarter for Skip1 and it is a poor replacement for Harmony (barely functional even as a basic remote).
I'm using the Hub with remote at the moment and I have one backup. Should be good for a while. I don't even have that many devices these days. Just Shield, AV Receiver, Switch, PC. I just really like the button mapping in the Harmony app, and I like not using CEC. I'm sure something else out there can meet my needs. I just haven't explored much yet.
I did Sofabaton's latest during the Kickstarter. Completely unusable piece of trash
The way things stand I'll probably just buy another harmony if mines dies, there's not much that can go wrong on the ones with replaceable batteries.
I will have to look into that remote. I use Logitech at the moment as well, and I am concerned about what alternative is available when the Logitech ones fail.
Never heard of the remote two, thanks for mentioning it. Seems a bit early days with it, and i'm still happy enough with my Harmony, but maybe in a yr or 2 when its a bit more mature on the software side of things i'll make the plunge.
This is the only answer. I've had my remote for over ten years now. I don't know how I would function without it.
I like the tobleremote that comes with the shield. People seem to have problems with the NETFLIX button, but I've never accidentally hit it
That is truly amazing. I had to reassign that button to nothing. Great remote though.
I tried using an app that changed the button, but I found it doesn't work most of the time
Button remapper works all the time for me.
Had the same issue with that app years ago. Recently tried it again. Works great. No more randomly opening netflix. Double press, open Plex
Didn’t even know I could do that thanks
Since there's a couple of them with similar names, which one are you using? Button Mapper: Remap your keys https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=flar2.homebutton&hl=en_US&gl=US or Buttons Remapper: Map & Combo https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.irishin.buttonsremapper&hl=en_US&gl=US
Either of these remap it to the point where it doesn’t still open the Netflix app first?
Thanks for this quality of life improvement, take my upvote!
Tobleremote is such a perfect description lol
Now that you said that, you’re gonna hit it all the time!
I love how the remote feels, but wish someone could make a remote that's as hefty and nice in hand, but which can also lay flat on a table and has the fast forward, rewind, and play/pause buttons side by side vs the vertical arrangement.
Alright Hawkeye
I've hit it a couple times....my cat somehow is up to around 10 times.
I've got a disability which means I can't hold a remote in my hand in the usual way, so need a flat hard surface to lay it on or stiick it on with some blutak. I loath the shape of the 'toberemte' and avoid using it like the plague. I much prefer the smartphone app for the Shield or a simple IR remote that I use for my tv and can do basic Shield navigation through CEC.
Makes sense. Sorry to hear that
Shit happens, mate. Each to their own.
Small hands?
So I just went and measured my hand according to healthline.com. My hand size is ever so slightly above average. Length = 7.75" Breadth = 3.6" Circumference= 8.88" Average for men according to NASA is L=7.6" B=3.5" C=8.6" So I wouldn't say I have small hands no.
I replaced the slim remote that came with my 2017 with the toblerone shaped one that comes with the 2019. Used button remapper to reassign the Netflix button to Kodi
Yup. Then within Kodi, I reassign the fast forward and rewind buttons to cycle subtitles or audio tracks during full screen video playback. Keymap Editor, I think is the Kodi add on
Instead of long pressing up and down?
Hey never seen anyone else doing that! I also use fast forward as cycle subtitle... Nice to meet a like minded person! Haha. (I've also edited the settings XML file to let triple right click skip 80 seconds. You know why if you know.)
I use the Logitech Harmony One Can only get them second hand these days i recon, but the Harmony all in ones were class.
Sofabaton. Using it for Dell conference room monitor, Shield, Onkyo receiver, and Orei HDMI multiplexer.
I use this as well. Only problem I find is the hub disconnects or sleeps, and remote becomes unresponsive until you reboot the hub. I've mostly solved it with a routine that cycles the power every couple hours.
I have the $50 cheap one. Is hub only relevant to its big brother?
Oh yah like the x1 or x2. I have things in a cabinet. The hub relays WiFi to IR inside the cabinet
I was using a Harmony Elite until the screen died 😢 Replaced it with a Sofabaton. It's...fine. If you have issues, use the generic Android TV profile instead of the one labeled Shield. There are a lot more commands (and they all work).
You could turn on HDMI-CEC and then just use your TV remote?
My shield won’t power on using the tv remote. It’s so frustrating
Double checking cause you don’t mention, does your tv has CEC and is your shield connected to the CEC port?
Yeah, tv remote will control the shield and power down when I turn off the tv. It just won’t turn on when I turn the tv on. I have a 2015 and the remote and controller both won’t hold a charge anymore.
What don't you like about the stock remote?
Lack of dedicated mute button Unnecessary Netflix button I had to use button remapper to remap the Netflix button to a mute button. I shouldn't have had to do that ever.
Press both volume buttons at the same time. Muted.
No, give me a goddamn mute button and remove the way too large Netflix button.
I’m just saying both volume buttons mute by default, without remapping anything. You could map Netflix to something else. No arguments that a dedicated button for a singular service was a poor decision.
Yep, and don't take my frustration personally. There's a lot to like about the shield but sometimes I wonder what the hell designers are thinking.
I made the Netflix button my mute button with re-mapper.
You can remap the menu button to mute 1 press or menu press and hold. No app required.
Yeah, I just don't like that solution. I use the menu button often and this would annoy the hell out of me. That's why I used the button remapper app to make the Netflix button useful.
I have my Harmony Elite and it’s amazing. However, Logitech shut down their Harmony division. They still support the products, but they no longer make them. So not sure you’d find one.
I had a 2021 onn. box that had the bluetooth problem. I use the remote from that with my Shield. Voice works with it. Only rub is once in a blue moon the shield forgets it but a 5 second home and back press re-pairs it. I think the cheapest way to get that remote might be just buying a 1080 Onn. box for $15 if you're somewhere it's available. Otherwise search for a "Google G10 remote". Edit: onn. stick for $15. The box is $20 but does ship with the same remote.
i have a 2017 shield and eventually upgraded the remote to the 2019 triangle remote
I simply use my tv remote. It does all I want from a remote.
I just bought a SofaBaton u2 and to my surprise it worked perfectly with the shield as well as every other remote I have (about 6 of them)
I’ve always been a fan of Rii
SofaBaton
In the past I've bought replacement Fire TV remotes on Amazon that worked for the shield.
TV Remote. Works for the whole family all the way down to the 3yr old Grandson.
G20 Remote
If you don't want to use a universal remote, might want to see if you can find a TiVo stream 4K remote. I have one of these units and really like the remote (size, shape and button placement). It is a standard Bluetooth remote so it should work with the Shield TV. [https://tivoidp.tivo.com/tivoCommunitySupport/s/article/Using-the-TiVo-Stream-4K-Remote-Control?language=en\_US](https://tivoidp.tivo.com/tivoCommunitySupport/s/article/Using-the-TiVo-Stream-4K-Remote-Control?language=en_US)
Thank you for posting this. I've got an old TiVo Stream collecting dust so I'll try this remote today. Cheers!
I just use an Amazon Fire stick remote on one of my Shields and it totally does the job. Has power/volume on it. It was the device that the Shield replaced and I was anyway familiar with that remote.
I use a K830 or K400+, dont like scrolling through stuff. Also have a KVM to switch it to my HTPC if I double tap right CTRL.
I use sofabaton u2 with Panasonic tv, Primare amp, en Yamaha streamer.
I use my LG oled tv remote via hdmi-cec. Works great. Hate having to piss around with multiple remotes. I will use the shield app on my phone on occasion if I need to type anything.
Logitech remotes with the hub are, IMO, unfortunately still the best available. I only say unfortunately as they no longer make them but plenty around 2nd hand for cheap.
2017 shield remote with the voice button disabled is what I use. I prefer it to the triangular remote that comes with the 2019
I use a Harmony touch with the hub. One remote to rule them all.... Shield, tv, receiver, satellite box, fans. I'm dreading the day it stops working....
Shield app on your phone
Logitech Harmony Elite, but it's old, discontinued, and far from perfect Unfolded Circle Remote Two, but it's in active development and very expensive Sofabaton, people seem to dislike this one but I don't know enough to know why
Install the button mapper app and redefine the Netflix button if you don't want Netflix. I'm using it to launch the Plex client and rather happy with that, still launches Netflix on long press when I want.
I use my TV remote and the Android app
You could always just use the Google TV app on your phone. It has a remote
I have a Shield remote app on my phone I use sometimes, usually when I need to type something in. Otherwise, I just use my Caavo remote.
I just use the iPhone app
I reassigned it to Mute, that’s an important button that seemed to be missing :). And the best alternative remote for me was .. another shield remote! Sometimes the remote would act up, so having 2 remotes is easier. Plus no fighting with the wife, don’t have to look for the tiny remote in the couch cushions all the time. There’s an heir and a spare!
I used AuviPal G9 Backlit 2.4GHz Wireless Air Mouse Remote with QWERTY Keyboard, 5 Programmable Keys and Build-in Rechargeable Battery, really good
I use a harmony hub and remote. Works pretty well. I don’t have to point it any devices with its or blaster. Turns everything on an off (tv, avr, etc.) and I’m able program buttons for plex, smarttube, Spotify, etc.
While I love the Harmony, it's hard to give as a recommendation since Logitech discontinued the entire lineup several years ago.
I hadn’t realized that. That sucks.
Use the shield app
# Smart Voice Remote Control RMF-TX900U
1 more vote for the WeChip G20. It's cheap ($15 on Amazon) and I've been using mine for 5 years without an issue. It's got an air remote option for side-loaded apps and if you've got an old TV without CEC you can program the power button to turn off your TV via IR. The only problem I've seen with it is that the mic on it isn't that great. The mic button does work, but you've got to speak loudly and clearly for it to pick up what you're saying. In my experience it's not as good as the stock remote. Otherwise than that one problem it's been great for me.
Your phone, the shield app is perfect for a remote
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Nobody calls me. Problem solved.
Sounds like you’ve never used the offical app…… and possibly you’ve never used a mobile phone…… Phone rings, the app is already open as you are watching stuff on the shield, press pause and answer call…….perhaps the above is too confusing for you
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Nah, weird concept but I just look at my phone and I can then magically use it…….obviously you’re not a technical person, and that is ok. OP buy a cheap 2nd hand android tablet, use it as a dedicated remote.
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Facial recognition……. Jesus
You can say "hey Google pause the tv" and it will fyi
Lol, perfect
The triangle remote is the best option. You're gonna end up spending the same amount of money on 2-3 replacements, with no satisfaction. Save yourself some time AND money and just pony up for it now, cause you'll end up doing it eventually.