Looking for set-top box recommendation

[JWort93]

Unfortunately, Siri Remote is the only Bluetooth remote capable of controlling Apple TV. Apple TV 6 will have a redesigned remote that will hopefully address most people's grievances but it is rumored for October release.

Which TV does your mom have? If she can move Apple TV a bit for infrared remote, she can probably use the TV's remote control. I am using LG's Magic Remote using Apple TV's Learn Remote feature. You can program controls like:

• Cursor (left, right, up, down)
• Select
• Menu
• Play
• Pause
• Rewind
• Forward
• Previous
• Next

And through CEC, you can also control volume and mute. Only missing controls I can think of are Siri and Home (or Back).

That's not true. The Harmony Hub based remotes support controlling the Apple TV over bluetooth. I'm pretty sure Caavo does as well, or it might be network based control, I'm unsure.

EDIT: Caavo supports IR, Bluetooth, and Network based control of the Apple TV, with Network being the preferred method.

 

[mpainesyd]

Is there a reason third parties only make IR Apple TV remotes? BT is handy (and can do the HomePod volume, as you mention, though I've mostly given up using HomePods as speakers for my telly - they disconnect too often).

Try setting the Homepods to a static IP on your router settings. That fixed most of my Homepod connection problems (eg the Apple TV now remembers that the Homepods are the audio output after sleep).

 

[mazz0]

Which TV does your mom have? If she can move Apple TV a bit for infrared remote, she can probably use the TV's remote control.

That's a good point, that could be worth trying! That said, I have a spare Apple Remote now, I might just give her that.

Also, not sure if she uses an iPhone but the only feature I use the iPhone Remote app for is when I get a push from the ATV when a text box appears. Very useful for search or passwords.

Yeah, I'm with you there. Text Entry using iPhone or iPad is a great feature.

Try setting the Homepods to a static IP on your router settings. That fixed most of my Homepod connection problems (eg the Apple TV now remembers that the Homepods are the audio output after sleep).

Good idea, I'll try that (assuming I haven't already, I don't remember). Update: They weren't set to static IP addresses, but they hadn't changed for a long, long time, so I don't think that was the issue

 

[Bustermd]

The only thing, in my opinion, that goes against the Apple TV as the best set top box choice is the price. I personally don't mind the siri remote (once you get used to the over-sensitive touch pad), but as others have said your TV remote or other universal remotes control the Apple TV with no problems. Voice searching with the Siri remote saves a lot of time. And even if the remote isn't your cup of tea the box itself is one of the most reliable products Apple makes.

If the Apple TV is still a no go because of price or other concerns I would recommend the Roku Streaming Stick 4K which has the Apple TV app and you can get for significantly less than $100.