Looking for recommendations on remote control for Kodi on RPi

[frankvw]

For years I've been using a Raspbarry Pi as a Kodi home entertainment system, which works brilliantly. I brought an inexpensive Hama USB IR remote control back from a trip to Europe about 14 years ago and that does everything I need. But unfortunately that IR remote is now completely worn out; the buttons are failing.

I bought a 2.4GHz RF replacdement through PiShop (they no longer offer that model but it's this one) which is rubbish. It works intermittently at best, the selection between the buttons on the front and the keyboard on the back is flakey, and after a soft reboot of the Pi I need to pull and reinsert the dongle to get the remote working again.

Unfortunately I'm not seeing a lot of USB remote controls of this type on the SA market. Wireless keyboards with 4-figure prices, game controllers or universal replacements for TVs and DSTV boxes, but the only thing I think might be what I need could be this one (which is currently available from several sellers on BobShop). However, I have no idea if that thing is any good - it could be just another dud that doesn't work most of the time, or only for a few months.

So I could use a few recommendations here. What is a good, reliable Kodi remote controller that is available on the SA market for a reasonable price? It doesn't have to sing and dance; all it needs to do is to navigate the Kodi UI and offer decent playback controls.

(EDIT: just to be clear: I'm using for a stand-alone remote with a USB dongle that emulates a keyboard, not a remote control app for a cellphone or some such.)

All suggestions appreciated!

 

[HAL 9000]

AI Overview

The best Kodi remote control apps for Android are Kore (the official, free, open-source remote) and Yatse (the most advanced, feature-rich third-party controller).

Here are the details for both to help you decide:

• Kore: The Kore Official Remote on Google Play is lightweight, easy to use, and beautiful. It allows you to navigate Kodi, view media library details, manage current playlists, control playback, and even cast YouTube videos directly to your media center.
• Yatse: The Yatse Remote on Google Play is the ultimate media controller. It goes beyond standard remotes by natively supporting Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin servers, and lets you stream media from Kodi to your Android device.

To get these apps talking to your media player, you must enable remote access in your Kodi settings:

1. Open Kodi and navigate to Settings > Services > Control.
2. Enable Allow control of Kodi via HTTP.
3. Note your IP address (found in Kodi's System Info), Port (default is 8080), and any set username/password.
4. Ensure both your Android device and the device running Kodi are on the same Wi-Fi network before opening the app to connect.

 

[frankvw]

AI Overview

The best Kodi remote control apps for Android are Kore (the official, free, open-source remote) and Yatse (the most advanced, feature-rich third-party controller). [...]

I'm looking for a stand-alone remote, not an app for my phone. (The type that works by emulating a USB keyboard.)

 

[naughty001]

I'm looking for a stand-alone remote, not an app for my phone. (The type that works by emulating a USB keyboard.)

but Kore connected via Wi-Fi is actually better than most of the infra red based remotes because it doesn't rely on line of sight and if your Pi is network capable any smartphone can use Kore and make it work well - have you tried any of the phone based remotes (if the pi can connect to your network)

either way though if you insist on infra red based units then for sure have at it because im not going to try and change your mind, was just letting you know that i have never had to invest in any of the infra red type of remotes because the phone ones just work

 

[SykomantiS]

I use this - once upon a time sourced locally. Then through use and (mostly) abuse the on/off micro switch eventually died, then I got another from my BIL, but I think it's a knock-off. Not nearly as nice as the first one I had, and the programmable IR button section is different. The 'good' one I have, has a source button as one of the programmable IR buttons (on the others, it is an OK button in the same spot).

I'm actually thinking of buying another one I haven't tested that link as a source of the 'good' remote, fyi- but it seems to be the correct one.


edit: Looking at the details now, they claim this is and 'upgraded' version of the original, likely a copy then. Not sure how good it is.
But if you can find one of the genuine Rii remotes, that's good.

 

[frankvw]

I prefer the bottom one with track pad, but the air mouse works nicely too IIRC.

The bottom one looks quite cool and versatile but I'm not sure the wife will enjoy learning to operate it. Too intimidating...

 

[frankvw]

either way though if you insist on infra red based units then for sure have at it because im not going to try and change your mind, was just letting you know that i have never had to invest in any of the infra red type of remotes because the phone ones just work

It doesn't have to be IR (although that's fairly robust in comparison with other 2.4GHz stuff; what with WiFi and BlueTooth interference and all) but the main thing is that it has to be a "box with buttons". Having to fiddle with a cellphone (unlocking the screen, getting the app on the screen, etc.) just to quickly adjust the volume is a PITA to me.

 

[naughty001]

It doesn't have to be IR (although that's fairly robust in comparison with other 2.4GHz stuff; what with WiFi and BlueTooth interference and all) but the main thing is that it has to be a "box with buttons". Having to fiddle with a cellphone (unlocking the screen, getting the app on the screen, etc.) just to quickly adjust the volume is a PITA to me.

when i'm in the situation where if i have to adjust the volume i just adjust the TV volume with the TV remote - the volume on my kodi is fixed and is never ever adjusted because within KODI itself it is a big procedure to reach it within the app settings

But sure you do need to use whatever you are comfortable with and whatever your wife will find easy to use .... good luck in your search