0

I have an ICS tablet with HDMI output. I want to use it as a media center connected to my TV, but it would be ideal if I could control it without having to go back and forth from the couch. I have a laptop and an android phone. I'm looking for suggestions on how to control the tablet remotely.

My ideal usage is being able to play videos, pause, select new media, watch online videos (youtube, vimeo, etc) and listen to music (hype machine, soundcloud, bandcamp, etc), as well as use music and video apps.

Improve this question
4
  • I know I can use a really long HDMI cable, but that's 1) expensive, and 2) not cableless enough
    – That Brazilian Guy
    Jul 6, 2013 at 17:36
  • 1
    Would it be a solution to use some UPnP server on your tablet, like e.g. BubbleUPnP? If your TV supports that, you then could use the TV's RC to control it.
    – Izzy ♦
    Jul 6, 2013 at 19:36
  • @Izzy, I think it's not my case, I have a LG LM3400 (no UPnP / DLNA), but you can post your comment as an answer, it will surely benefit others!
    – That Brazilian Guy
    Jul 6, 2013 at 21:11
  • Sorry to read that it won't work for you. But as you suggested, I made it an answer so at least others might profit from it.
    – Izzy ♦
    Jul 6, 2013 at 21:37

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
1

Many recent TV devices ship with DLNA support. If yours does, you could turn your tablet into an UPnP server using an app like e.g. BubbleUPnP. Once that app is up and running, it serves the tablet's contents to your TV. Your TV detects accesses this service, and you can control it using the TV's remote control:

BubbleUPnP is a full featured UPnP/DLNA Control Point, UPnP Media Renderer and UPnP Media Server. Play easily your music, videos and images on your phone and devices on your network (DLNA TVs, XBMC, WMP, ...), from your external UPnP Media Servers. Play your phone/tablet media to those devices. Browse and play your local phone/tablet and cloud media from other devices [...]

So basically, this works both directions -- and you can even use this app to browse contents of your other UPnP sources on the tablet itself.

Improve this answer
2
  • Sounds awesome (too bad I can't test it). Does it works only for acessing media (such as video files, mp3 audio, etc at the file system level) or it enables controlling apps as well?
    – That Brazilian Guy
    Jul 6, 2013 at 21:41
  • It's a media server (and client). I've linked the concerning Wikipedia articles for further details; "DLNA" is the article you should start with. It all comes done to the "common denominator" both, client and server, share. For the descibed app that's pictures, music, and videos AFAIK (also see above quote from the apps playstore description). I'm not aware about more being handled -- but of course the client handles media playback & control.
    – Izzy ♦
    Jul 6, 2013 at 22:32
0

If nothing else, you could install a VNC server on the tablet and then access it with a VNC client running on another device over wifi. It's a bit overkill, but it will certainly allow you to control it remotely.

Improve this answer
2

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .