The best IP remote for DIRECTV

Back in the 2000s, universal remotes were all the rage. You remember them: programmable remotes that could take care of all your devices. Of course back then everyone had 6 or 7 things connected, from a VCR to a cassette deck. Today, things have changed.

Most of the time, HDMI Control does the trick

Today you probably have a TV with a soundbar, plus a satellite receiver and maybe a streaming box (if streaming isn’t built into the TV.) HDMI Control is a technology that lets your devices talk to each other more easily. For example, if you turn on your DIRECTV receiver, the TV will automatically turn on and switch to the right input. (Here’s a tutorial that will help you set it up on DIRECTV.) Once it’s set up, all you have to do is pick up the remote for the device you’re using (like the DIRECTV remote in this case,) turn it on and start watching.

Universal remotes are so, 2000s.

Most people today have moved away from universal remotes. They’re hard to program and they never quite have the right buttons. There’s a better way. Most home theater enthusiasts have moved to IP remotes. An IP remote communicates over your home networking so you don’t have to point the device. The remote can be something purpose-built or, more often it’s an app on your phone. You probably have your phone in your hand anyway while you’re watching, why not use it as a remote?

Choosing the best IP remote

I think the best IP remote for DIRECTV is the one that’s built into the free app for smartphones and tablets. It’s full-featured and gives you everything you need. Let’s take a closer look.

Phone version

The best part of the app is honestly the widget you can use even without opening it. You’ll see it at the bottom of this screen capture. Not only do you get information on what’s playing but you get basic remote control features as well. Widgets are easy to pull up and launch quickly. I have noticed sometimes the iOS widget won’t find a receiver but it’s pretty rare.

Within the app, tap the triple-line (hamburger) icon at the top left and choose “Remote.” You’ll get a two-screen affair that looks like this:

Once again you get a full complement of everything you need and it’s all right there at your fingertips. You can even swipe up to get a number pad.

Tablet version

I like the tablet version even more for several reasons. First of all it gives you everything on one screen, like this:

Second of all it gives you dedicated buttons that don’t appear on the DIRECTV remote like STOP, FF-3X, and Slow. It also gives you color buttons and an ACTIVE button but that’s simply due to the fact it was designed many years ago. Most of those color buttons do nothing and the ACTIVE channel is just a mess. But you could definitely go there if you wanted to.

For those power users with more than one receiver, check out the app called “DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS Remote.” You don’t have to have a business to use it. It gives you more control over multiple receivers on the same network. You can even change a bunch of channels at the same time

Here’s what I do

Personally I have a cheap Android tablet that always has this app running. That way all I have to do is unlock it and I have the greatest remote ever made for DIRECTV. I keep it set so it stays unlocked for 15 minutes which is usually enough time that I can use it anytime I want. Yes, I do have to charge it more frequently but that’s not a huge deal. I keep the brightness down and I can usually make it through a night’s TV watching. The whole setup cost me about $50 for the tablet and it’s the best remote I’ve had.

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.