Home media systems are becoming increasingly flexible: today you can choose a Linux-based IPTV set-top box or a modern Google TV media player to build your ideal entertainment ecosystem. But no matter how powerful the device is, the overall experience largely depends on the convenience of the remote control.
Infrared remotes are a thing of the past: they require direct line of sight and only work within a few meters. Bluetooth is more flexible but limited by distance and battery drain. Wi-Fi remotes can offer more features, but an overloaded home network often reduces their stability. Against this background, LoRa technology stands out: it enables reliable control at distances up to 200 meters and transmits commands through walls and floors without effort.
At present, there are no mass-produced LoRa remotes for IPTV or Google TV devices, so these solutions exist mainly as DIY projects for enthusiasts. However, it is already possible to build a working prototype and test how much more convenient LoRa-based control feels in real-world conditions — whether in an apartment or a private home.
Why LoRa is Suitable for Remote Control
LoRa (Long Range) was originally developed for the Internet of Things, where long-distance transmission with minimal power consumption is critical. These qualities also make it ideal for remotes:
- extended range up to hundreds of meters,
- strong resistance to interference,
- ability to work through walls and furniture,
- very low power consumption.
For users of Linux-based IPTV boxes or Google TV media players, this means freedom. It doesn’t matter if your device is hidden behind a panel, placed in a cabinet, or installed on another floor — the LoRa signal will reach it.
DIY Assembly: What the LoRa Remote Consists Of
Since no ready-made consumer devices exist yet, enthusiasts build LoRa remotes themselves. The basic setup typically includes:
- Microcontroller (ESP32, Arduino, or STM32) to handle logic,
- LoRa module (e.g., SX1276/78) for transmission and reception,
- Button set or keypad for sending commands,
- Receiver connected to the set-top box via USB or GPIO (for Linux devices) or via an external adapter (for Google TV).
The assembled device is programmed to send basic commands — channel switching, volume control, menu access. Advanced users can add extra functions, such as smart home integration or multi-device control.
Testing Through Walls
The key question for buyers is: how does LoRa behave in real conditions?
Tests show that in a typical apartment, LoRa signals easily penetrate one or two concrete walls. In a private house, control can even work from outside — up to 50–70 meters through floors and ceilings. In open space, range can reach up to 200 meters. This means you could pause playback on a Google TV device while cooking in the kitchen or even standing in the backyard.
The material of the walls matters: concrete and metal reduce the signal more than wood or drywall. But even under these conditions, LoRa remains far more reliable than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Practical Use Cases
For Linux IPTV users, LoRa is particularly useful when the device is hidden in a cabinet or AV rack. No precise aiming is needed — the command gets through anyway.
Owners of Google TV media players can benefit from LoRa when setting up multi-room systems. For example, the TV may be in the living room, but you want to control playback from the kitchen or bedroom. In this case, the LoRa remote ensures seamless coverage without lags or interruptions.
In commercial environments — cafés, offices, reception areas — LoRa allows staff to control the media device from a distance, without leaving their workspace.
Build Now or Wait for Ready-Made Devices?
Today, users have two options:
1. DIY assembly. This is the choice for enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering with hardware and firmware. The main benefit is complete customization.
2. Wait for ready-made devices. The home entertainment market is growing rapidly, and LoRa remotes may eventually appear as official accessories.
For retail buyers interested in Linux IPTV boxes and Google TV media players, DIY assembly is currently the only way to test LoRa. Even so, it clearly demonstrates the potential: long range, stable connection, low energy consumption — all of which make it a strong candidate for future mainstream products.
A LoRa remote for IPTV and Google TV devices is not yet a consumer product, but rather a project for early adopters. Still, it shows what the future of media control could look like. For users of Linux set-top boxes and Google TV players, LoRa promises a new level of convenience: control without distance limits, reliable signals through walls, and long battery life.
Today, it is a playground for DIY enthusiasts. Tomorrow, it could become the standard accessory available with every media device.
