ive got multiple apps on my phone for controlling TVs which I use during installation to access the settings menus which I find are easier to use for setup than the control system. Once the settings are set the end user will use the control system.

Currently I’ve got Separate apps for Samsung, Panasonic, Sony TVs
. Is there one app that can do multiple brands ?

I’m running this in an iOS device

Hmmm. Are those apps made by the individual companies? If so, then supplying you with an app is profitable in that it encourages you to buy their products. (I assume that the apps you have were free.)

How would a multi-company app make its money?

By the way, since you're using the phone apps for setting up the TVs, you need something for initial setup of the TVs. This implies the TVs are new. That implies the remote hasn't yet been eaten by the dog. Why not use the factory remote?

What are you using to control the TVs? IR, IP, RS232?

Why not just use OEM clicker supplied with the TV?

In Post 16 at [Link: remotecentral.com] we were discussing improper terms for equipment. goldenzrule's contribution to this hall of shame was:

Not so fast Ernie. Clicker does exist and easy at that.
Link to manual provided so there should not be any missing information.

[Link: universalremote.com]

iOS device’s don’t emit IR or RS-232. In some cases one must use the native remote, just to enable an alternate connection. For example, how would one use an iOS device to assign the WiFi password?

It is tedious, but not overly difficult to build some giant macros to spew a long sequence of commands that will configure the TV in your “standard” state, but this macro would be fragile because a manufacturer firmware update could break the macro. If one did a ton of quickie installs of the same model, developing and maintaining this scheme might be constructive because one could run the macro while writing the invoice.

---

If you had to buy such an App, what would be a fair price? If you were the developer and maintainer of the App, what would be a fair price for the sale? For the developer, an annual license fee would be appropriate, but would the installer accept this model?

As the user of the App, what is your expectation for the time lag after a new model introduction or firmware update before a macro update could be released? As the, developer how fast could you respond to new models and updates.

As the developer how would you afford to add and keep appropriate TV’s in your inventory and become aware of any firmware updates (in a timely manor) that require action?

The remote apps I’ve seen on the iOS store are made by 3rd party deva, but only seem to be for one brand at a time, they work over the TVs IP public API

The TVs may be new but the remotes get moved even on the job site, I don’t want to spend the first 10 minutes looking for a remote when I. Old just pull out my phone that I always have on me

We tried to deal with the "where is the OEM remote" issue by adding in an "installer menu" with all commands of all devices but as soon as cable boxes and blueray players get replaced it's garbage.

You could get a pronto ts-1000 and just learn every remote you ever come across.

You won't find a single app with every TVs control.

i have an app on my Android phone called quick remote that is able to do the most basic functions (On / Off, ch +-, input plus a few others depending on the model of TV) It also can control Cable boxes and other devices.
Not going to replace the OEM remote and may not get into all the menus depending on models etc, but can be handy. Can also be great if your in a bar and want to switch the input on a TV.
Not what you are looking for (not iOS), but thought others here might find it helpful.