How to provide remote assistance for Elderly TV control

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D1023319

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#319180 31-Mar-2025 10:38

My MIL often changes their TV input so cannot connect to her SKY box or gets lost in tv menu for TVNZ on demand.
Unfortunately its not always possible to visit quickly to resolve a issue.
Ideally wed like to be able to remotely make her TV play a TVNZ on demand program

I found a solution called Jubilee TV but its a bit pricy.

Any thoughts on slternaive Solutions?

She has Wifi and a Smart Google TV

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BDFL - Memuneh
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#3358949 31-Mar-2025 11:40

To clarify, what's involved:

A) TV
B) Sky box
C) Google TV

Are these all the components involved?

Looking at that product you mentioned it seems like something to control the TV but not sure it control the sources.

[Edit] It seems to control at least Roku TV but no other mentions.

eracode

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#3358950 31-Mar-2025 11:41

This is very interesting. Hadn’t heard of JTV and it looks great - but pricey as you say.

However it needs its own STB and an FAQ on JTV’s website says “We currently only ship within the United States.” If you wanted to proceed you’d need to use NZ Post’s You Shop transshipment service or similar.

I’d be concerned about support in the event of problems.

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huckster

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#3358954 31-Mar-2025 11:53

Maybe some form of IR blaster to reset the TV to a known state?
How you would internet-enable it though I'm not sure.

Something I may need to investigate further myself as in a similar position.

davidcole

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#3358955 31-Mar-2025 11:57

Can you block the button? (some tape or something over the top of it)?

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robjg63

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#3359005 31-Mar-2025 12:04

Just thinking a bit laterally.....

How about a Pan/Tilt/Zoom remote wifi camera in her room aimed towards the TV.

https://www.wyze.com/products/wyze-cam-pan?srsltid=AfmBOop2dqvrB9I9xl2rx7XvHRgzublWU6JuRx2Qb1oTJ3sdvyR3I0VN

If she has problems, you could access the camera, see what she is doing, and maybe talk her through the problem?

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D1023319

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#3359008 31-Mar-2025 12:21

davidcole:

Can you block the button? (some tape or something over the top of it)?

Out of interest - we 3d printed a cover my Aunties remote to block access to unnecessary buttons

In this case - we need her to access the input button to swap between tv and Sky although its looking like shes not capable.

D1023319

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#3359009 31-Mar-2025 12:23

robjg63:

Just thinking a bit laterally.....

How about a Pan/Tilt/Zoom remote wifi camera in her room aimed towards the TV.

https://www.wyze.com/products/wyze-cam-pan?srsltid=AfmBOop2dqvrB9I9xl2rx7XvHRgzublWU6JuRx2Qb1oTJ3sdvyR3I0VN

If she has problems, you could access the camera, see what she is doing, and maybe talk her through the problem?

Thats a thought?

Youd think there must be a market for elderly assistance - and non IT literate......

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davidcole

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#3359014 31-Mar-2025 12:32

D1023319:

davidcole:

Can you block the button? (some tape or something over the top of it)?

Out of interest - we 3d printed a cover my Aunties remote to block access to unnecessary buttons

In this case - we need her to access the input button to swap between tv and Sky although its looking like shes not capable.

that's the solution I was thinking of as well.

If tv is turned off while on sky, does it not return to that when turning it back on?

D1023319

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#3359017 31-Mar-2025 12:39

T
hat's the solution I was thinking of as well.

If tv is turned off while on sky, does it not return to that when turning it back on?

Yes it does return but we were hoping to be able to give her access to TVNZ on demand as she has been complaining theres noting on SKY
Its really beyond her - hence i was looking for a remote solution so we could start a program for her from our home.

davidcole

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#3359021 31-Mar-2025 12:46

right...can your tv be access via api? and set to an application?

Might be an option if you have something at her house that can force the tv to TVNZ ondemand, or the sky input.

or, build your own remote with 2 functions: https://github.com/landonr/homeThing

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#3359030 31-Mar-2025 13:09

Maybe something like this ($30):

TDX WiFi Infrared(IR) Controller

Web controllable iR blaster - set up to point at her TV.

And a webcam as mentioned above so you can 'see' what you are doing.

Would give you eyes on the TV and the ability to 'push the buttons' for her?

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

eracode

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#3359306 1-Apr-2025 07:45

D1023319:

davidcole:

Can you block the button? (some tape or something over the top of it)?

Out of interest - we 3d printed a cover my Aunties remote to block access to unnecessary buttons

In this case - we need her to access the input button to swap between tv and Sky although its looking like shes not capable.

We needed to do something like this years ago. We taped a light cardboard sleeve right around the remote - with holes cut out with a craft knife to give access to the buttons that were required.

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gzt

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#3359308 1-Apr-2025 08:00

Out of interest - we 3d printed a cover my Aunties remote to block access to unnecessary buttons

There are a large number of 3rd party remotes with large buttons and reduced number of buttons, linear layouts etc.

https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=elderly+remote+control

LookingUp

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#3359391 1-Apr-2025 09:59

A Harmony Hub type remote control might be the answer. Not only can you set up macros to run through the "turn on" sequence setting each connected device to the correct setting, it has a mobile app that you can run if from. Therefore, if you can connect into your MIL's network you can drive the TV and whatever through your phone.

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#3359402 1-Apr-2025 10:40

LookingUp:

A Harmony Hub type remote control might be the answer. Not only can you set up macros to run through the "turn on" sequence setting each connected device to the correct setting, it has a mobile app that you can run if from. Therefore, if you can connect into your MIL's network you can drive the TV and whatever through your phone.

the problem with a harmony remote is the sheer number of buttons on them.

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