Which is a very helpful feature to have, and means you don’t need to hunt for your original TV remote just to use the Xbox. Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central) You should buy this if ... PDP's last remote was great for function – and they filled a big hole left by Microsoft – but the battery door thing was irritating. Being wary of their new remote seems warranted. Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

It turns out everyone with an early version of the Series X and Series S completely missed that both consoles have a secret IR blaster, so you can carry on using your old media remotes.This remote relies on simple IR and line-of-sight with your Xbox, and it works with all the modern ones. You should not buy this if ... It's often not enabled by default, however, and the steps to enable it may vary by manufacturer. But here are the basic steps for enabling it for your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S. Thanks to the magic of HDMI-CEC, you may be able to ditch having multiple remotes entirely, and just use whatever remote came with your TV to control your Xbox. HDMI-CEC is a relatively new tech that stands for "Consumer Electronics Control," and it allows devices to communicate over HDMI for adjusting TV controls, interacting with apps, and so on. For Xbox, it allows you to control the entire dashboard, as well as use media controls in apps like YouTube and the Blu-ray player. The Media Remote works with any Xbox model from the current or previous generation. That includes the Xbox One, One S, One X, Series S, and Series X. Since it works through the console’s infrared receiver, it doesn’t require any setup, though you need to enable HDMI-CEC on the system and your TV to control volume with it. A typical infrared (IR) sensor is used on this remote. Since both the Xbox Series X|S (and older Xbox One models) all have an IR blaster, this makes this remote highly compatible.

Has anyone gotten the the volume control working with HDMI-CEC on the Series X? I’ve got the PDP 048-083-NA Talon Media Remote Control, but Can’t get the Xbox to change TV volume. Both are impressive machines, but it was believed the several features, including the IR receiver, from earlier consoles was axed. Both remotes feature media buttons, directional buttons, and A, B, X, and Y buttons, but only the long version has a number pad. The line of sight requirement for the Media Remote is a bit annoying after using my Chromecast for so long. Being used to holding my Chomecast remote in any position, I had to continually remind myself to point the Media Remote directly at my Xbox if I wanted to control anything. It isn’t too big a deal to get used to if your Xbox is easy to see from where you watch TV, it’s just less convenient than what you might accustomed to. Easy Xbox Media Controls, With a Catch Next, you need to enable HDMI-CEC on your Xbox console. Doing this is relatively straightforward, but the setting is hidden away in a few menus. Here's how to get it done.The remote worked perfectly with my Xbox Series X. I could turn the system on with the Guide button, then navigate the interface and open apps easily. The console reminded me to enable HDMI-CEC when I pressed the volume buttons, and after changing that setting the remote adjusted my TV’s volume (actually my soundbar’s volume, over another HDMI cable through eARC) without issue. Of course, had I known there are now third-party silicone sleeves for the older Talon, I would probably buy those instead of a new remote. That said, this PDP will be your best option if you currently don't own a media remote for Xbox and want one.

First, you'll need to enable HDMI-CEC on your TV or monitor, which often isn't turned on by default. Different manufacturers may even have different brand names for HDMI-CEC. Here's what it looks like on a Samsung TV. You're looking for a setting that refers to HDMI-CEC or external device control. On a Samsung TV, it's under General > External Device Manager > Anynet+. I have no idea why Samsung branded it this way, but here we are.Apple M3 chip announced with groundbreaking graphics — Dynamic Caching, ray tracing, mesh shading and more There is no programming of the PDP remote. You slap into two AAA batteries (not included) and point it at an Xbox for instant access. Using the now more prominent Xbox button, you can access the menu, simulate the XYAB buttons, control volume, and navigate the Xbox UI using the D-pad. The problem with relying on an Xbox controller as your remote is the controller turns off. That means if you suddenly need to pause a movie on Netflix, you need to power it on, wait, and then do the action. With this remote, it never turns off, making it significantly faster. Being able to tweak the volume or even turn off your Xbox is just more effortless with a remote.