TV sound system controlled from TV remote

SandLake

Can a TV sound system (home theatre system or soundbar) be controlled from the normal TV remote control - or even a Sky remote control?

Doshwaster

Some can. Some can't. Depends on the models involved.

Otherwise invest in a universal remote control. I recently got sick of juggling 4 remotes so switched to a Logitech universal and it has changed my life

daveyjp

It depends on the remote and the system you want to connect to. Our Humax HDR remote is programmed to control Humax, TV, DVD/surround sound and sound bar, the remote has programmable buttons for each of them.

Despite this the HDR remote does not control everything and the device remotes are required for some functions.

[Deleted User]

Alternatively, quite a few sound systems have a remote with the ability to control other devices like the TV, satellite or cable.

td_007

Get a universal remote control - you can put away all the remotes and just use one. Something like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-For-All-Control-Universal-black/dp/B0030GDLYS/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1404152337&sr=1-4&keywords=universal+remote

I use mine to control tv, dvd home cinema and sat box....

Nilrem

I'll echo the other replies it depends on the device, IIRC the HDMI standard does allow for certain commands to be sent from one device to another over the HDMI cabling as well, but requires all the devices to use the same standard.

Personally I picked up a cheap harmony remote a few years back as I was juggling about 5 remotes*, and it was the best remote I've ever used, largely due to the interface for programming it and the fact it lets me control the TV, surround system, HDMI switch and blu-ray player from the same remote.
For example I tell it I want to "watch a DVD" and it changes the channel on the TV, changes the input on the HDMI switch, turns on the DVD player and surround, then sets the volume buttons on the remote to control the volume on the surround instead of the TV

I'm probably going to upgrade to the harmony ultimate next time it's on offer (especially as the ultimate can use a smart phone or tablet as a remote control via your wireless network).

/is not an employee or affiliate of Logitech, honest (I just love their remotes and keyboards/mice).


*I'm up to about 8 devices now, although one is the PC input so all the remote does for that is tell the TV and HDMI switch what inputs to go to.