One of my few complaints with the LG G6 was the lacking IR blaster. I don't watch much TV, but my TV remote is missing and has been for years. I do use the Bluetooth sound bar a lot though and got used to having the convenience of having a IR Blaster. So with the the pending shipment of the Google Home I was researching home control capabilities and I came across this:
https://youtu.be/WHw9YRQNhRY
Bought it off AliExpress and it took about 3 weeks for shipping (I think you can get it off Amazon, also).
I was up and running within minutes and now have an IR blaster for the LG G6. Best of all it's WiFi based so it works from anywhere in the home (I can control sound volume from 2 rooms over) and I don't have to worry about awkward positions trying to get the phone to "see" the TV IR receiver. It supposedly has a lot more functionality, but I don't think I'll ever use it for anything more than a IR blaster.
I've read it can integrate with Google Home, but not having my Google Home I can not yet comment on that.
It was $15 and well worth it for just the IR blaster alone. Plus ALL my devices can use it (tablets, other phones, etc.).
Just figure I'd put this here for anyone else missing their IR blaster.
Keep in mind it does NOT have the devices pre-programmed so you'll need to "learn" each button function manually, but it's a one time set up thing and it took moments. I actually used my old phone to teach it the TV codes.
It does not come with a wall outlet plug, just the USB-A to the USB-Micro, so you'll need to acquire one somewhere else (I have a drawer full).
It's extremely simple device thus far.
Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk
good find
I can verify this works with Google Home, although not natively. It requires IfTTT along with a spare Android phone to act as a server with the Tasker app, RM Plug in app, and Join app installed. But it actually works well.
Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk
some help to you guys who want to find those IR Blasters for phones, try searching for 3.5mm headphone ir remote, they are cheap and aliexpress have some of it, is helpful since LG remove the native IR Blaster.
skyfox99 said:
I was up and running within minutes and now have an IR blaster for the LG G6. Best of all it's WiFi based so it works from anywhere in the home (I can control sound volume from 2 rooms over) and I don't have to worry about awkward positions trying to get the phone to "see" the TV IR receiver.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's WiFi based, its not an IR blaster. An IR Blaster literally shoots infrared waves...
Also, you're missing the functionality of using your phone as a remote on all devices, you are limited to only controlling devices on your local network...
So you pulled up a thread that's over a year old to dispute it... And...
An IR blaster doesn't literally shoot anything. IR blasters are basically light bulbs, essentially, that emit light. Maybe you were meaning figuratively?
This device is an IR Transceiver. It literally emits Infrared light to control IR devices.
There is a model that is also a RF transceiver which I hadn't looked into in depth since I don't have any RF devices to control. Although with cheap RF modules out there for wall outlets, lights, etc. I have been considering looking into it further.
This IR Blaster merely receives the commands to transmit via WiFi communication. Sorry if there was confusion in the way I presented the information.
It's been over a year I've been using this IR Blaster and it's 98% up time is worth it alone just for the integration with my Google Home units. I rarely even have to use my phone now as it's all voice controlled. When I need to, the app is accessible but slower than just saying "Hey, Google."
Hope that helps clear up any confusion.
Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk
The RM Mini is now supported by Google Home natively. It's still a little cumbersome, but far more simple to set up and NO longer requires a server running, and using multiple apps to make it work. It just requires you download the broadlink app (called "ihc"). Set up your device, learn your codes, create scene within the app, and then sign into the service via the Google Home services section. It will import all your scenes you've created.
Works flawlessly so far.
Best part is it's voice activated so I don't have to touch my phone to do anything, but can still use the app if needed.
Need ir remote link please
Hello sun_is_shinning. Just curious if you might have a link to the audio Jack ir blaster. I love my LG G5 since it has the built-in ir blaster. I dont mind trying the wifi remote blaster, but find the built-in ir blaster too convenient to lose
mastercoin said:
Hello sun_is_shinning. Just curious if you might have a link to the audio Jack ir blaster. I love my LG G5 since it has the built-in ir blaster. I dont mind trying the wifi remote blaster, but find the built-in ir blaster too convenient to lose
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to mention i find this IR Blasters but never try one or another, i make one for myself with a LED from a remote and soldering to one 3,5 headphone jack i have around, it did work fine with anyremote but you need to be under 20 centimeters to make it work because headphone jack power is low and cant make it work with more range from the device you are controling.
here they are:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-5...lgo_pvid=b81aae45-2dc2-43aa-90eb-70e0cc6893da
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Min...lgo_pvid=b81aae45-2dc2-43aa-90eb-70e0cc6893da
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Uni...lgo_pvid=b81aae45-2dc2-43aa-90eb-70e0cc6893da
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/For...lgo_pvid=b81aae45-2dc2-43aa-90eb-70e0cc6893da
@Sun_is_shining. Thank you for replying. I purchased 2 LG G5 phones. I have found the built in IR transmitters good enough to use for many TV’s. With the Quic Remote Android app, I have experienced many happy memories secretly controlling many hospital, auto dealership, & other waiting rooms broadcasting boring tv shows, moronic commericals
If I need to try the above, posted links I will reply much sooner than this reply.
Happy holidays
Related
Hi,
Stick with me on this one...
One of my hobbies is photography and recently I discovered an app called PhotoIRmote which lets you control your camera via your Android phone. The downside being it has to be via Infrared. Now, the dev's site provides links to build your own IR transmitter to run via the 3.5mm headphone jack, or alternatively he has provided links to pre-made cables for purchase. So, since it's been many years since I used a soldering iron I bought a pre-made cable.
PhotoIRmote App
DSLR.bot Cable
The app been proven to work with many different Android devices and camera models, mine included. However, upon receiving the cable it doesn't appear to work with the Desire HD. You can actually test the IR cable in the remote app to see if it works. With the "amplify" option checked in settings it doesn't blink, however with the option unchecked it does blink. This suggests suggests that DHD can power the IR cable, but it's signal is too weak to make it transmit the IR beam to the camera.
I remember all the talk of headphones being too quiet so I then tried the app below to boost headphone output thinking it might help, however after testing I still had no joy.
Volume+ App
Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on how I might be able to get this working?
Cheers!
Lee
Look at you infra red transmitter through a digital camera,then you should be able to see if it "lights"up.Test it out on another remote first .
CitizenLee said:
Hi,
Stick with me on this one...
One of my hobbies is photography and recently I discovered an app called PhotoIRmote which lets you control your camera via your Android phone. The downside being it has to be via Infrared. Now, the dev's site provides links to build your own IR transmitter to run via the 3.5mm headphone jack, or alternatively he has provided links to pre-made cables for purchase. So, since it's been many years since I used a soldering iron I bought a pre-made cable.
PhotoIRmote App
DSLR.bot Cable
The app been proven to work with many different Android devices and camera models, mine included. However, upon receiving the cable it doesn't appear to work with the Desire HD. You can actually test the IR cable in the remote app to see if it works. With the "amplify" option checked in settings it doesn't blink, however with the option unchecked it does blink. This suggests suggests that DHD can power the IR cable, but it's signal is too weak to make it transmit the IR beam to the camera.
I remember all the talk of headphones being too quiet so I then tried the app below to boost headphone output thinking it might help, however after testing I still had no joy.
Volume+ App
Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on how I might be able to get this working?
Cheers!
Lee
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you could try to hook it up to an amplifier (phone audio output connected to amplifier input, and amplifier output connected to IR transmitter), but be careful not to set the output volume too high. If it works, you can build (or buy) a little amplifier, and power it from another battery, or from the phones battery. It might not be the best looking rig, but it will (hopefully) do the job.
B.R.:
d3m0n
Hi,
I'm wondering if I can use the ir-remote with my ~ 3 year old Sony KDL32-W4000 TV?
Or are only Samsung TVs supported?
And will the ir-Remote be built-in in all country version?
Because I remember the ir-led remote was only present in the UK version but not in the Austrian version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7
There are 2 built-in apps that work with the IR Blaster, one is Peel, which is a 3rd party app (not Samsung). Both apps support many TV and set-top cable box manufacturers. Also, support is usually not model specific. Manufacturers use a set of IR codes that usually apply for many models, over more than one model year. Sony is a major manufacturer, and 3 years old is pretty recent. so I'd guess it would be supported.
My only gripe about the IR Blaster is that the range is very limited. My living room is pretty small, and I have to actually sit forward on my couch with my arms extended all the way, for my set-top cable box to be within range of the IR Blaster (maybe 5-6 feet).
Peel seems to work for my ancient Sony tube TV. But doesn't work for the analog to digital OTA converter so it's no use. The other app works for my Vizio hdtv. I haven't used it enough to comment on range, but I don't like the channel selection for OTA channels. I live on the border between two states and it only lists OTA channels in my state.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
They should start a website where they have a database with compatible TVs.
Like Logitech used to have for their Harmony products.
I have a Set top box (it is from Cisco), I don't really think it would be supported. Most of these apps only have US and UK Set top box programming. I am in India
Use of the TV remote is pretty useless for me since I have to use the Box' remote to switch channels. and Unlike the Logitech remotes, the Note 8.0 doesn't even have an IR learner port. Is it possible to make the tablet learn the codes from a remote.
If it helps, I also have an IR receiver which has a 3.5 MM jack at the end.Can it be used for this purpose?
(I don't think so, because the 3.5mm jack on the note8 is out, whereas the reciever will try to send in the signal)
redpoint73 said:
There are 2 built-in apps that work with the IR Blaster, one is Peel, which is a 3rd party app (not Samsung). Both apps support many TV and set-top cable box manufacturers. Also, support is usually not model specific. Manufacturers use a set of IR codes that usually apply for many models, over more than one model year. Sony is a major manufacturer, and 3 years old is pretty recent. so I'd guess it would be supported.
My only gripe about the IR Blaster is that the range is very limited. My living room is pretty small, and I have to actually sit forward on my couch with my arms extended all the way, for my set-top cable box to be within range of the IR Blaster (maybe 5-6 feet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Sony smart TV in my bedroom but somehow my girlfriend has managed to lose the remote. I live in a one bedroom flat, I dont know how that is possible. Im really hoping the IR blaster and apps are able to control my TV. I'm too lazy to pull every peice of furnature out to try and find that darn thing. Especially since every available surface seems to be covered in her clothes or make up.
The IR is kind of useless to me because I regularly sit too far away from my equipment and the IR extender/repeater I have isn't translating the IR signals properly.
What I would hope is that there is some other 3rd party app that would work with the IR on this device so I wouldn't have to set up Peel or the WatchOn just to make a quick ad-hoc connection to a friend's TV.
These apps focus their functionality more as media portal apps instead of just a plain old remote control replacement app, which is what I'm looking for.
The infrared port on top of the LG G3 has been surprisingly useful with the accompanying TV remote app that came with my Sprint version of the G3. TVs in my house, no problem. Messing around with my friends TV/cable at their places, easy and quick! Turning off the projector in the middle of a boring office meeting. Surprisingly easy!!! Messing with the TVs at the bar, OMG hilarious.
Anyway, I was wondering if there were any other useful things to be done with the IR? I know they used to be used for file transfers back in the day, but even bluetooth is faster than IR now, much less the beam and wifi share these phones have.
Tv remote thats about it, IR is a pretty useless tech now a days
Sent from my LG-D852 using XDA Premium HD app
Anymote or smart remote by color tiger is super sweet. I'm a crestron home automation programmer and this app kills it.
Mahapederdon said:
Anymote or smart remote by color tiger is super sweet. I'm a crestron home automation programmer and this app kills it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the recommend! Had every remote code I needed, and for some reason, I get WAY more range and flexibility with it. 7$ well spent
The IR blaster is incredibly weak compared to my old GS4. I have to point it directly at the TV and sometimes it still won't work unless you get up and stand just a few feet in front of the TV.
That said, the included QuickRemote is much better than the bloated app that Samsung includes to operate their IR (WatchOn).
Also, I rarely used that one so I doubt I will use this one much which is the reason I'm not worried that the IR blaster on the G3 is kind of awful strength wise.
n3m37h said:
Tv remote thats about it, IR is a pretty useless tech now a days
Sent from my LG-D852 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i can control my fan too using the ir blaster. Just need to set up with the original control first.
im waiting on my s4 mini, and I guess I should have asked this before I bought mine, but previously I bought an lg volt to test out the ir capabilities. it worked, but it kind of sucked as I had to point straight at the device in question. its not a deal breaker, but I was hoping that the s4 mini would be higher quality hardware, and that maybe the ir emitter works better in it? when using an apple remote, or tv remote, I can point almost anywhere, sometimes even the opposite direction, which was nice, as I didn't have to neccesarily point directly at the sensor.
again, not a deal breaker. just curious
unvaluablespace said:
im waiting on my s4 mini, and I guess I should have asked this before I bought mine, but previously I bought an lg volt to test out the ir capabilities. it worked, but it kind of sucked as I had to point straight at the device in question. its not a deal breaker, but I was hoping that the s4 mini would be higher quality hardware, and that maybe the ir emitter works better in it? when using an apple remote, or tv remote, I can point almost anywhere, sometimes even the opposite direction, which was nice, as I didn't have to neccesarily point directly at the sensor.
again, not a deal breaker. just curious
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The IR on the S4 Mini works quite fine in a 90 degree range (45 on both sides) and does work beyond that also. To work in the opposite direction, there has to be a reflective surface and the angle should be right
unvaluablespace said:
im waiting on my s4 mini, and I guess I should have asked this before I bought mine, but previously I bought an lg volt to test out the ir capabilities. it worked, but it kind of sucked as I had to point straight at the device in question. its not a deal breaker, but I was hoping that the s4 mini would be higher quality hardware, and that maybe the ir emitter works better in it? when using an apple remote, or tv remote, I can point almost anywhere, sometimes even the opposite direction, which was nice, as I didn't have to neccesarily point directly at the sensor.
again, not a deal breaker. just curious
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The IR blaster is unfortunately abit weak! I use it all the time for all my electronics at home, so it's of course usable. But you do need to point it pretty much straight on the receiver to get it to work.
osvanberg said:
The IR blaster is unfortunately abit weak! I use it all the time for all my electronics at home, so it's of course usable. But you do need to point it pretty much straight on the receiver to get it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine works fine
Which app are you using for the IR ?
gladson1976 said:
Mine works fine
Which app are you using for the IR ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well mine workes fine as well, not just as powerful as I would like. Have tested many apps, there all the same in this regard. It's not the apps in this case, it's the HW. But I use "Smart IR Remote - Anymote" from Color Tiger! The app is a killer, the best!
osvanberg said:
Well mine workes fine as well, not just as powerful as I would like. Have tested many apps, there all the same in this regard. It's not the apps in this case, it's the HW. But I use "Smart IR Remote - Anymote" from Color Tiger! The app is a killer, the best!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
both of your replies seem to indicate that its not perfect, but probably better than the lg volt. kind of a bummer, but not a big deal. my guess would be that these ir emitters on devices as small as these just aren't big enough to blast the ir as well as a remote with a bigger window. still, as long as it works reliably when pointing at the screen, very nice.
osvanberg, when I get my s4 mini, im going to give smart ir remote a shot, but have you heard of or tried unified remote? the design is a little bland/flat, but I believe you can customize your own buttons. it also has a wide range of remotes for Bluetooth and wifi, as well as ir. since I don't have a device with ir just yet, I cant confirm, but it looks like you can actually teach unified remote specific button commands via ir. personally, im going to use this to essentially emulate all of my tv remote's buttons, as most ir apps tend to just emulate basic button commands, and sometimes you need the full remote. if unified remote app works for me, then I wont need to pull out my remote for certain situations (enabling 3d mode, for example)
unvaluablespace said:
both of your replies seem to indicate that its not perfect, but probably better than the lg volt. kind of a bummer, but not a big deal. my guess would be that these ir emitters on devices as small as these just aren't big enough to blast the ir as well as a remote with a bigger window. still, as long as it works reliably when pointing at the screen, very nice.
osvanberg, when I get my s4 mini, im going to give smart ir remote a shot, but have you heard of or tried unified remote? the design is a little bland/flat, but I believe you can customize your own buttons. it also has a wide range of remotes for Bluetooth and wifi, as well as ir. since I don't have a device with ir just yet, I cant confirm, but it looks like you can actually teach unified remote specific button commands via ir. personally, im going to use this to essentially emulate all of my tv remote's buttons, as most ir apps tend to just emulate basic button commands, and sometimes you need the full remote. if unified remote app works for me, then I wont need to pull out my remote for certain situations (enabling 3d mode, for example)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I think you're correct in your estimation.
No I haven't tried the specific app you mentions. But all I can say is that Smart IR Remote is fantastic! I have 100% functionality of ALL my buttons for my : Samsung TV, LG Dvd, Sony Blu-ray, Mede8er Steamer and my YAMAHA receiver/amplifier.
You can customize each bottom separately if you need - add what you want and delete what you don't need. Change apperence, colors, feedback, etc. You can also easily create your own macro commands and therefore combine many actions (ex. All electronics ON/OFF) in the action for one button.
There's also both IR and WiFi remotes to add. Many hundreds of thousands in total. And if one command is missing? Just inform the dev, in my case they added the (one) missing button on my Mede8er Streamer in just 2 days. So now I have every single button/command available! ?
osvanberg said:
Well mine workes fine as well, not just as powerful as I would like. Have tested many apps, there all the same in this regard. It's not the apps in this case, it's the HW. But I use "Smart IR Remote - Anymote" from Color Tiger! The app is a killer, the best!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the "Galaxy Universal Remote" which works just as well for me
The Note 7 doesn't have an IR blaster... but it does have an IR LED that is used for the iris unlocking feature. I wonder if someone will be able to write an app that uses that as an IR blaster. Since it is front facing, it might be a challenge to use the screen and aim the blaster towards a device, but its better than nothing.
That would be great if possible
It would be pointless as you'd have to point the phone face forward (Back glass towards you, front display towards TV) to send a command to a TV, whereas when you point it faceforward, you can't see whats on the screen.
90° is also possible.
Would love this idea! I proposed it on a separate posting. I wear glasses, it's possible that my glasses can reflect the IR towards the TV/Device. =)
someone will hit a goldmine if they bring this idea to reality, I wouldn't mind checking the mirror to see if my fingers are hitting the correct buttons while my screen faces the TV
Actually, there would be no need for a mirror if one button was made per screen, so on and off button is big on the screen, swipe right to volume up and down, also you can use the hardware buttons like the volume up and down.
How about if you incorporated say a two second delay so that when you change a setting you then have time to point the IR at the tv etc. or keep sending the signal until you get the change you are after.
It's truly a crying freaking shame that we should even have to resort to this on a phone that is supposed to have "everything"! Samsung, in their infinite wisdom has apparently determined that an IR Blaster is no longer wanted or needed by the general public, but an iris scanner is so much more necessary and useful! (Peel remote app has 50M downloads on the Play Store... Go figure, Samsung).
I would LOVE if someone could figure out a way to utilize the iris scanner's IR light as an IR Blaster, even if the phone has to be held in a somewhat unorthodox manner to use it. At least then the iris scanner wouldn't be a complete loss for me, because I will NOT be using it for its intended purpose.
Kev
I'm using the Galaxy Note 3 to control my air-conditioner, TV, wall mounted Projector...... That wouldn't work after get this new released phone.
IR bounces off of walls so I think this would still work great without any awkward positioning as I used to use my IR blaster on the note 4 by bouncing it off of the ceiling almost 100 percent of the time. I'm definitely hopeful someone can figure this out!
mrmorgan123 said:
IR bounces off of walls so I think this would still work great without any awkward positioning as I used to use my IR blaster on the note 4 by bouncing it off of the ceiling almost 100 percent of the time. I'm definitely hopeful someone can figure this out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was writing that when I saw your post.
Note 7 IR
That would be awesome!, i rarely use the IR blaster in my phone but when i use it is because i really need it and that makes me really happy, so is a shame that is not present on the Note 7, and just an idea but since the IRIS scanner will send and receive a signal maybe just maybe if some smart guy get this to work as a IR remote, could it potentially also learn codes from a remote controller? Don't know if technically possible but i have to dream a little.
I think this would maybe be possible with a rooted app, but for some reason I doubt they will release any api changes to allow control of the IR LED
The other samsung phone had ir blaster and no one use them. They ended up gettog removed. I doybt samsung will bring it back. Also believe the iris led is different from the normal remote ir
Sorry guys, the iris/camera IR is a completely different type of IR laser. Doing this would be like turning the back flash into an IR laser. Its not happening.
I hate the fact that they removed the IR blaster from Samsung phones, but rather than trying to figure out a way to make the iris scanner work which I dont think is possible, you guys can make your own IR blaster, or just order one off eBay for $1.00 USD.
here is the item number for one to type into eBay.
262417705324
You wouldnt have to hold it in an akward position because IR works in almost any way you could be holding it. It just bounces off the walls or something. I dont know how it works, but i can turn on my TV even if i hold my HTC One M9 in the opposite dirrection.
But yeah, i think somebody could probably make that work.
i'd be down for an IR blaster to use in the 3.5mm port if they could make it smaller, like the "pressy" accessory that was on kickstarter a couple years ago. What they have currently is just too big, and from what the auction says, it looks like you have to use a specific app to get it to work. Does anyone know if using the app mentioned in the ebay listing is mandatory? Or if we can use any IR remote app?
only way to get sammy to put this back in future phones is to get a group to write them directly or to start a petitition. Petitions mostly don't do anything so in order to pique sammy's interest, it would have to be a large number of signatures... not sure how many people usually get with online petitions, but i wonder what number would be noticeable for sammy to at least think about it.
[1QUOTE=Pops_G;68018323]The Note 7 doesn't have an IR blaster... but it does have an IR LED that is used for the iris unlocking feature. I wonder if someone will be able to write an app that uses that as an IR blaster. Since it is front facing, it might be a challenge to use the screen and aim the blaster towards a device, but its better than nothing.[/QUOTE]
Does anyone know how the ir led is powered and or have scamatics im thinking its a simple on off circuit with no way of carrying anything usefull but i could be wrong im just guessing