I purchased a mac mini to use as a client with channels dvr as I did not want an apple tv from 2022 and keyboard navigation does not work. I am using a logitech k400. I am new to mac sp any advice is welcome. thanks.
I'm going to be setting one up next week (first time, used to Windows).
Check out Apple Support
I think I have a different issue. When in the guide the arrow keys don't work. My mac mini just makes an error sound when I press them. I cant select a channel to play using the keyboard. thanks.
edit: just tried a sofabaton u2 no dice.
edit2: works fine in kodi but not in channels app
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So you're running the Channels DVR iPad app on your Mac mini M4 that's using a Logitech k400 keyboard for Windows and the keyboard left arrow and right arrow key aren't working in the app?
left, right, up,down, enter, numbers but essentially correct. I have also tried a sofabaton u2 but no dice. it works in kodi though.
I wonder if the arrow keys work on a real Mac keyboard?
Maybe not because it's an iPad app running on macOS?
I doubt it does as I get the scrolling sound from my mac mini's internal speaker but nothing happens on the screen.
The channels app that is compatible with the mac is designed for the iPad. My assumption is that it is not compatible with keyboards.
In the app store it even has the message: "Designed for iPad. Not verified for MacOS."
I just installed and tested it on my mac and get the same results that you did - noises when trying to use the keyboard and nothing else.
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Maybe the channels devs can add keyboard support. I only have 13 days left if I am going to return it though.
edit: tagging @tmm1
I have an older iPad with keyboard I can try it on to see if the iPad arrow keys work.
when I toyed with using an actual iPad as a TV in the kitchen a few years back, I used this Bluetooth remote: Amazon.com: Satechi Bluetooth Remote Control, R2 Multimedia Remote Control in Presentation & Media Mode, for MacBook Air/Pro M5/M4, iPad Air/Pro M5/M4/M3, Not Compatible with Windows 10/11 : Office Products
For what it's worth, even though the latest model is from 2022, at the end of the day, factoring in all the real-world considerations, overall user interface and couch-friendliness, I'd argue that a 4K AppleTV of any generation runs circles around a Mac mini for the home theater. I'd strongly suggest you try that route with Channels before cancelling just because the iPad app on a Mac doesn't respond to a Bluetooth keyboard. The native client on AppleTV works well as advertised and is worth the cost of setting it up properly, with the remote control scheme is was designed around. Just my 2¢, YMMV.
Well forget that idea.
My old 2016 iPad Pro can only update to iOS v16.7.12 and the Channels app requires iOS v17 minimum.
Darned Apple obsolescence.
EDIT: I did try it with the old Channels DVR app v5.6.5 I have installed on the iPad Pro.
Nothing in it responds to keyboard arrow keys.
Not recommended by us. Use an Apple TV for client
It’s not a Mac app. It’s an iPad app running on macOS.
Your experience is very much going to be varied by using it this way. Channels was designed for steaming devices and not for computers.