Remote or device question

by BrokenRetina

I'm currently testing out a provider with a Fire Cube and Tivimate. I have family members interested in getting the service as well but they don't like the fact the Fire Cube remote doesn't have a number pad (to quickly switch channels).

I've been looking at the Formuler Z8 Pro but I keep seeing people say that Netflix et al is of poor quality and I can't find a single review of the box on youtube to judge for myself. Some of my fam are on the older side of the scale and aren't tech literate at all, so I am unsure of what to suggest to them (the closer to cable the better).

My immediate family, likes the Cube but the lack of number pad is annoying, so I was thinking of getting the Z8 Pro for myself, but I'm worried Netflix, Disney+ etc will be of poor quality on it (is Disney+ even on it??). We only have a 1080p TV, which still works fine after 8 years so I'm in no rush to buy a 4k TV yet (possibly end of year or next year I may upgrade).

So my question is this:

Is there a remote that works with the Fire Cube that has a number pad and works with Tivimate or is the Z8 Pro's quality when running Netflix etc great (1080p+)? I don't mind spending the extra money on the Z8 Pro if the video/audio is of high quality while running Netflix, Prime etc.

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I haven't used a STB or IPTV in about 5 years, my last device was a MAG254 so I'm not entirely sure what I should get myself and recommend to other family members.

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Please help.

shakkabro9

You can use a generic bluetooth remote with number pads and keyboards etc on them (I do with my shield) they have a little usb dongle to plug into whatever device. otherwise if your device has CEC you can use the tv remote to do a lot of functions as well - use to use with sheild, cant recall if the number buttons work, might onyl be the up down channel buttons etc

ClaudeMcgill

go android. chromecast with google tv is bucks. it supports bluetooth remotes

tismark

Check out the “Flirc” - it’s a USB device that can do this. I am using it with a pretty vanilla universal remote. In my case one that only does regular tv functions like channel up/down and number pad. My mom uses it to watch tv on Tivimate. It’s more or less like old school tv for her with that set-up but if you wanted a remote with more functions like up/down/left/right/select etc. it can be set up for that too. You pair functions with ir codes using a PC and then plug the flirc into the actual tv box.

Richg542

If your family members are going to be using TiviMate then you really don’t need a number pad there is a search function that you can search for the channel that you’re looking for I use it all the time and works great.... You also can re-order the channels in all the group categories plus there’s a favorites section to so more than likely you’re rarely use the number pad...

Newfeeflip

Will your family members do anything outside of IPTV? If not then get the z8. If there's other uses like Netflix and Amazon...then get something else.