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How to control your TV with your phone if it doesn't have a built-in IR blaster

posted by Daniel P.

Apr 23, 2014, 8:15 AM

How to control your TV with your phone if it doesn't have a built-in IR blaster

After being forgotten for a long time, the infrared sensor is seeing somewhat of a resurgence in mobile phones, with a bunch of handsets now coming with their own IR blasters, letting you easily control your TV, set-top box, home stereo, or even AC unit, from the comfort of your phone.

Those come with adjacent apps that have tons of TV makes and models preinstalled already, so there is a chance you can start annoying your sister by lowering the volume of that Bieber song right after you unpack your new handset. Some of those, like the apps on Samsung or LG phones, even let you manage more exotic gear, like your air conditioner, for example. What about phones or tablets that don't come from the factory with infrared sensors in them, though? Here are a few of your options:

How to control your TV, AC or home stereo with your phone if you don't have an IR blaster

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15 Comments

14. maxmppower unregistered

IR Blaster is one of the coolest features for phones nowadays. Half the time I can't find my remote, but damn if I can't find my phone.

posted on Apr 23, 2014, 1:30 PM 1

9. walnuttt

Posts: 153; Member since: Apr 11, 2014

jeez, I'd rather buy a phone that has built in IR Blaster than using these paid devices that will cost you extra dollars and on the other hand it is annoying using those. Just my opinion.

posted on Apr 23, 2014, 10:03 AM 0

7. tasior

Posts: 265; Member since: Nov 04, 2012

That's why I like Sony. They don't particularly boast about it, but their TVs can be operated by any Android device, with their app. They communicate via wifi...