TVR transforms your iPhone / iPad into remote control for Smart TV. I decided to start with TV models made by LG & Samsung, but I'm planning to expand support to other popular tv makers and models. I decided to make the app after using official Samsung & LG apps to control my TVs. Besides unattractive UI, and bad performance, those apps require some very interesting permissions like Locations, Bluetooth and others. As I was able to make my app without those permissions I can't wonder why they need them. Also if you compare app sizes (500MB for Samsung app), the though that something is going on there keeps nagging me.
TVR
TV Remote Control
Features
Progress of implementation
Basic remote control
100%
Siri Shortcuts
100%
Watch app
5%
Widgets
10%
Customizable keypads
50%
TV Models
Support for TV Models
Samsung
90%
LG
90%
Panasonic
1%
TCL
1%
Philips
1%
Sony
1%
Frequently Asked Questions
I can't see my TV in list
For now the app only support TV sets made by Samsung Electronics & LG Electronics. If your TV is made by one of those companies, please make sure its connected to to the same network as your iPhone/iPad. If you not sure how to do that, please consult your TV User Manual. Also, from my experience Ethernet (Wired) connection is preferable over WiFi (Wireless).
I see my TV in the app but I can't connect
Please make sure that you have allowed your mobile device (iPhone/iPad) to control your TV in the TV settings.
I can't power on my TV using the app
On initial connection to your TV, the app will try to retrieve the necessary information (MAC address) from your TV. Wake On Lan is used to power on your TV remotely. You might need to enable it in the TV settings. Also some older models of Samsung TVs are powering down network chip when they are turned off, and power on won't work with them.
Why I need to pay for the app
You don't. You can use official LG and Samsung apps which are free. I used them, and that's why I decided to build this app. They want unnecessary permissions like: Location, Bluetooth and access to Photos. They are slow and bloated. And they may have more features right now, but this app is just at its beginning. I have experience in building remote control apps. I built the BEST remote control app for Mac / Windows computer on the App Store. Which constantly gets praising reviews and maintains very high ratings across the world. I'm planning a lot for this app: Siri Shortcuts, Watch app, Widgets, and customizable keypads you would be able to create to suite your own personal needs. Why pay? Cause you want to support this, and enjoy the stream of updates with exciting new features.
I'm having a problem - who can I talk to
I'm and indie developer and I only offer email support, and usually reply within 24 hours. Please use 'Contact Support' in the app settings, this way app log and other bits of information will be automatically attached to your email, and help to better assist you.
TV name is gibberish - I want to change it
You can change your TV name in the TV settings, or you can use the app Settings -> Manage Devices and assign it to one of the rooms in your home, and use that to identify it.
I would like to hide some of the TVs from the list
Using app Settings -> Manage Devices, you can hide and unhide devices that are displayed in the list
I only have one TV, I would like the app to automatically connect to it
Using app Settings -> Manage Devices, you can choose 'default' device to connect to
Why I can't control Apple TV connected to my LG
This is an excellent question :( For some reason, the app can't control Apple TV connected to LG TVs until you use your hardware remote to do so once after turning the TV on. After that you should be able to control your Apple TV box using the app as you except. I'm looking for solution but for now... sigh.