We are now completely computerized: equipped with advanced features and connectivity. However, in this process we had to sacrifice some traditional features.

Among many things, although we gain functions, we are not completely connected to remote control (how much we can help ourselves by using our mobile phone as a remote control). And at first glance, the physical buttons on modern TVs have disappeared… or maybe not?

The best kept “secret” of smart TVs

Remote controls have been replaced has been a part of our lives for decadespeacefully coexisting with buttons integrated into the television. I’m not talking about the classic tube televisions of the 80s and 90s, with large controls for adjusting channels, which we also had as “remote controls”. With the advent of the first flat screens and widescreen formats in the early 2000s, it was still common to find basic buttons in the structure of the television that would allow you to change channels, adjust channels or adjust the volume in case the remote control failed or the batteries would run out.

But what not everyone knows is that many modern televisions, and of course your Smart TV, It still has physical buttons: The difference is that these are placed much more discreetly.

They are the option of brands and manufacturers to help us when the remote control batteries are dead, broken or we lose the remote control. That’s when we discover it Our Smart TV has hidden buttons We never noticed this.

In most of the new models from brands such as Sony, LG, Samsung and Panasonic, small physical buttons are hidden that allow access to essential functions in emergency situationsThese buttons are usually located in inconspicuous places on the back of the TV or on the bottom area, near the logo or other components.

Hidden button on Sony AF8

For example, the Sony AF8 has a cluster of three small buttons on the back for powering it and adjusting the volume or changing channels. Other Sony models, like the KD 55-XE9305 from 2017 or the newer A95K, also integrate hidden buttons. allow basic operationsbut sometimes they are even more hidden under a protective casing.

Hidden button on Sony A95K

LG, Samsung, Hisense… have their own “panic button”

Sony not the only manufacturer using these hidden buttons. LG has also adopted this practice, with emergency buttons strategically placed under the TV logo or on the back. These buttons are difficult to spot with the naked eye, but they offer functionality beyond just turning on and off. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, these buttons allow you to navigate through the TV’s basic menus.

Image | Antonio Saban

This is the LG C9 case of our colleague Antonio Sabán (in these lines), who observed that it is so discreet that it is not visible in the photo. hidden under the front LED.

Image | LG

Hisense is another brand that includes Samsung in some of its televisions. similar solution on many models. These controls are usually located on the bottom or one of the sides of the TV.

In the case of Xiaomi, most of the manufacturer’s Smart TVs also feature an emergency button, which is clarified on the support website. a switch in the form of a physical buttonThe remote control, usually located at the bottom right of the device and used to perform emergency operations, does not work.

Image | TCL

TCL also offers this feature on some of its TVs. This is the case of the TCL 98C735 (to name a few). Physical button It is not only used to turn the TV on or off.but it also has functions to perform different actions.

Samsung is another example For these types of controls, emergency buttons are hidden in the middle or back of the TV, allowing the user to access basic functions without needing a remote control. On their website, they highlight how this system can be camouflaged in the central area in different ways.

Button on Samsung TVs

Moreover Panasonic offers emergency button If we cannot use the remote control of some televisions, they even state this in the technical specifications to control the television.

Beyond on and off: the functions of hidden buttons

Don’t think that these hidden buttons are only used to turn the TV on or off. Each manufacturer has designed special combinations Providing access to various basic functions such as increasing and decreasing the volume, changing channels or selecting different inputs. For example, on Sony and LG televisions, the combinations of these buttons may vary depending on the model, but they all allow you to make the necessary settings on the device.

So if you have a Smart TV, I suggest you explore its most secret corners. You might discover something “panic button” It allows you to control your television when you don’t have a remote control.

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