TV Recommendation for an Older Person

Chrissy21

Hi there 
After days of searching I've decided to ask for some advice.
Can anyone recommend a simple to operate smaller TV for my elderly mother.
Nothing fancy just something with maybe catchup or freeview?
She has one at the moment but has two remotes to use and its just too complicated for her - she's nearly 90 and bedbound.
Thanks for any advice you can give.

twopenny

I can't recommend one but please check the reviews on a couple of sites to find out the quality of the menu/programme guide on screen.

I'm using an older Bush 24" and the tv guide is illegible even up close and with my new glasses on.....it's also very slow to load between selecting a channel and the description of the programme.

It's exasperating and rubbish.

I will be looking for another tv even though this works well just because of this.

Never heard of a basic tv that uses two remotes. That's unusual to say the least.

TadleyBaggie

twopenny said:

Never heard of a basic tv that uses two remotes. That's unusual to say the least.

Suspect one remote is for the old "dumb" TV and the other is for a Freeview box.

tightauldgit

when you say 2 remotes is it because she has a tv and a freeview box or something? 

I'm not really aware of any TVs specifically designed for this - I kind of suspect that any modern smart TV is going to be slightly complicated to use for someone of that age not least of all because on a small TV it's going to be hard to see the damn menus.

RumRat

TV's now are all 'fancy' in their own ways. Most are going to seem complicated to someone who is not initially used to them (age is irrelevant 😉)
You don't give a budget, but, this is a steal at the moment. Philips 32PFS6805 | 32 inch HDR Smart LED TV 1080p HD Freeview HD | Richer Sounds
You can set it up so Freeview is to the fore when she turns it on. 

tightauldgit

when you say 2 remotes is it because she has a tv and a freeview box or something? 

I'm not really aware of any TVs specifically designed for this - I kind of suspect that any modern smart TV is going to be slightly complicated to use for someone of that age not least of all because on a small TV it's going to be hard to see the damn menus.

oldernonethewiser

When I bought a TV for my elderly mother I bought one larger than she was used to.  This made a positive difference to her, not least that she is able to better read subtitles.

twopenny

Good point Older, maybe I'm the same

A basic flat screen tv will have the freeview built in so only one remote.

Sheesh it's hard to find. As the subject came up and it's gales here I thought I should look for me.

I've found that they can be found with the search 'dumb tv's' but you still have to be careful because some 'smart' ones slip in. It's going to be a long search!

Also that they tend to be by lesser known manufacturers which is ok. There's been a lot of good ones cropped up and the review and review sites seem that they are ok.

In fact they seem to be popular among the public but not so among the manufacturers.

It's still very important that the programme guide is easily readable especially if bed bound.

Had the internet go down for 10hrs yesterday. I have an old laptop with dvd player, dvds and the TV was working. It's  something to consider.

Alderbank

You could just need a new universal remote.
I have a One for All Essence 4 which is extremely clever, and I'm sure their newer models are even cleverer. 
The device does all the thinking about which commands to send to which device.
You might need to do the initial setting up but afterwards your mum will use it just like a single remote.

ballyblack

I was in the same position.
bought a Sony 32'
However the Sony remote was just too complicated for a 96 yr old 

I bought one of these Vivanco remotes £15 exclusive to Sony, she can work it fine;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vivanco-Control-Suitable-Elderly-Buttons/dp/B07P75KB6J/ref=sr_1_3?crid=EA8GV9X8XNCU&keywords=Vivanco+Zapper+remote+control+for+Sony&qid=1681372107&sprefix=vivanco%20zapper%20remote%20control%20for%20sony,aps,158&sr=8-3

Newcad

Get one that links to 'lexa' so she can forget the remote and just shout at it to "turn the telly on, put corrie/emmerdale/eastenders on'".

That's what my elderly neighbour does, bless her. (I'm sure if I shout loud enough I could change her viewing habits).