Review on VINABTY XRT500 Remote with Backlight Keyboard for VIZIO Smart TV Models: M43-C1, M49-C1, M50-C1, M502I-B1, M55-C2, M60-C3, M65-C1, M70-C3, M75-C1, M80-C3 by Lisa Farley

Bought to replace the tiny original XRT132 remote (which lacked menus, arrow keys or almost any other function needed to operate the TV properly). current software versions) that came with the "remote" tablet that came with my 2016 Vizio P65-C1. For some ingenious reason, when Vizio then upgraded the P65-C1 from a Chromecast/Smartcast-only interface to a true Smart TV system with apps, they didn't offer ALL customers free XRT136 replacement remotes. Both before and after the software update, I can't help but express my hatred for the Vizio Smartcast Android app. It was terrible and often unusable on a bundled tablet and even newer, more powerful Android devices. It registers directional movements and clicks about 50% of the time. Almost every time I used it, it lost connection to the TV at least once (especially when trying to change settings), and that's when the TV is connected to an Ethernet network and a strong, otherwise trouble-free Wi-Fi signal connected to every device. that I've used. Smartcast app. But this remote control is great and solved 90% of my TV problems. It's well designed and performs better than the awful XRT132/tablet combo that came with the TV. The reception is convincing both in the "straight" position and in the lateral "press" position (the remote control has IR transmitters on top and on the side for this). Because it emits IR in multiple directions, it doesn't even need to be pointed at the TV for it to work. All buttons work as expected with my P65-C1. There are a few odd instances where certain apps (like Revain) don't use a text input form that lets you use the keyboard on this remote, but that's an application-specific programming issue, not this remote or the Vizio software. But for searching on the Smartcast home screen or other apps like Netflix, it's great! The keyboard buttons on the back protrude from the case, which is nice because they act like rubber feet and prevent the remote from slipping off other objects like other remotes. However, this can also cause the button labels to wear off over time, so I bought one of the Chinese silicone protective cases you can easily find here for around $6. But most importantly, I'm just glad I can finally use the updated smart app features and on-screen menus on my TV, and not just the buggy, slow-as-hell Smartcast app on the original tablet remote that came with it. All in all, a great remote control that fully justifies its low price.