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I never thought I’d be so dedicated to a remote, but here we are. My husband purchased a ridiculously expensive remote when we dropped cable, and I scoffed at this frivolousness. Once I got the hang of the shortcuts and downloaded the app, I was hooked.
This thing is worth every penny.
The app duplicates the remote onto my phone, and I now don’t know how to function with only a physical remote. I just grab my phone to change the volume, switch from Netflix to the local news, pause the show from the kitchen — it’s so handy!
For when your toddler drops the remote behind the couch and you’re too lazy to get it.
For when your foggy, sleep-deprived brain puts the remote…somewhere? And you desperately need TV-based kids break, brought to you by Bluey.
For when your baby is napping on your chest and you can’t reach the remote to turn the volume down.
How We Use Harmony Remote
This is a universal remote, so we can use it to toggle between multiple inputs (i.e. regular antenna TV or streaming channels) and navigate within whatever platform we’re using. The remote includes your basic selection buttons, but we especially love the shortcut buttons.
To note, we haven’t tapped the full potential of the Harmony remote. It can be used as a full home automation device. If you install particular items throughout your home, you can control lights, blinds. More on that here.
You don’t even have to point this thing at your TV for it to work. If you’re caught under a sleeping baby or can’t otherwise pick it up, just hit the buttons you need. No more angry button mashing and jabbing the remote at the TV, willing it to pick up the remote signal.
Harmony Shortcuts
We programmed the top row of buttons to quickly reach our most-used platforms. There are three buttons, but with a “short press” or a “long press” mechanism, each button is actually two shortcuts in one button.
The shortcuts are super convenient since we have different options for how we access programming, which require different inputs from the TV. (Ex. our over-the-air channels come from the antenna input, versus internet-powered content from the HDMI port.)
Instead of turning on the TV, clicking through to the appropriate input (antenna, HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.) and then selecting what channel or platform — the shortcut does it all with ONE BUTTON PRESS.
To illustrate:
We have a shortcut called “Good morning, Sarah!” (middle button, short-press) that turns on the TV, selects the appropriate input for our Leaf antenna, and turns to channel 2 for the TODAY show.
Another shortcut (right button, short-press) turns on the TV, selects the correct HDMI port on the TV for the ROKU, and selects the Netflix app.
From blank screen to Netflix in one click. (P.S. This is very convenient for little kids who, with permission, can turn on the TV and get themselves settled.)
Digital Platform Access with Roku
We can reach the other platforms that aren’t programmed with shortcuts (i.e. PBS Kids is another favorite) by selecting any shortcut and then hitting the Exit button on the remote, which takes you back out to the main Roku menu. From Roku home screen, you just navigate to any digital platform that’s connected to your Roku.
If you aren’t familiar with ROKU, it’s basically a way to access digital platforms that require internet access (i.e. Netflix) that aren’t available over the airwaves. You pay for whatever platform you want separately (i.e. Netflix is currently $12/month). Then add your program subscriptions as “apps” to your Roku. (See below for a visual breakdown)
Other streaming platforms (like Apple TV or Amazon’s Fire TV Stick) work the same way. We chose Roku as our method to access digital platforms, but if you use a different one just read “Roku” here in the post as the one you use. It should all function the same.
Our cable-free TV set-up, explained
I think of our options in two main categories:
- Traditional over-the-air, accessed with an antenna
- Streaming channels, which include a way to access live and on-demand channels (previously what you’d access via cable service), plus newer streaming platforms (i.e. Netflix).
Here’s our full breakdown of costs and shows to give a sample of options, if it’s helpful: (Note prices are accurate for our costs at the time of posting. Check each company’s website for current information)
Over-the-air channels
Device: Antenna (We use Leaf indoor antenna)
Monthly cost: None
Access to content: Live programming on ABC, NBC, PBS/PBS Kids
Streaming platforms
Device: Roku device ($29.99) Alternatives: AppleTV, AmazonFire Stick, etc.
Monthly Cost: Nothing for streaming device; pay for each streaming platform
Access to content: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime, Pandora, etc.
Here’s our breakdown of what programs we normally access for a full picture of our digital entertainment indulgences (we have a preschooler and a toddler, which will be obvious with the shows below).
Note many of the kids shows can be accessed via multiple streaming services, so ideally you pick your core shows and select streaming platforms that include those shows.
Each of these is an “app” on the Roku menu.
- **Sling TV** This is a major sub-category. It’s how we access alternative live and on-demand TV channels (traditionally on cable)
- Netflix
- Cost: $12.99/month (different options available)
- Sample shows we watch: Octonauts, Treehouse Detectives, Puffin Rock, Number Blocks, JustinTime, Storybots, Emily’s Wonder Lab, Dragons: Rescue Riders, Motown Magic, Word Party (Plus loads of movies and TV for adults)
- Disney+
- Cost: $7.99/month (different options available)
- Sample shows we watch: Bluey, Doc McStuffins, plus all your favorite Disney movies and older shows
- Amazon Prime
- Cost: (included in Prime subscription, which is $119/year)
- Sample shows we watch: Stinky and Dirty, Tumble Leaf
- PBS Kids
- Cost: Free
- Sample shows we watch: Molly of Denali, Daniel Tiger, Dinosaur Train
- YouTube
- Cost: Free
- Sample shows we watch: Peppa Pig (remember to use official channels and not bootlegged content!), Cosmic Kids Yoga, GoNoodle, tons of random educational videos to answer curious preschooler questions
- Hulu
- Cost: $6.99/month (different options available)
- Sample shows we watch: We aren’t using Hulu much currently.
In summary: The Harmony universal remote + app is an awesome upgrade, and TV viewing is getting verrrrry complicated. Check out other trusted tech resources to get more in-depth reviews and explanations on streaming services.
