If your TV is HDMI-CEC enabled, you can connect the Bose TV Speaker to your TV using an HDMI cable (sold separately) and continue to use the remote control you are already familiar with to control your TV. HDMI-CEC will allow the Bose TV Speaker to automatically turn on when you turn on your TV and your existing remote control will control the Bose TV Speaker volume.
If you connect the Bose TV Speaker to your TV using the supplied optical cable, you can use the included remote. Or you can program a third-party universal remote to control (please refer to your universal remote control for programming instructions and the appropriate Bose IR codes). Also, the soundbar can be programmed to "learn" the volume and mute commands from your existing remote. See
Using another remote to control your Bose system in the Bose Support section for instructions.
However, for music streaming, you need the included remote to place your Bose TV Speaker in Bluetooth® mode and connect your Bluetooth-enabled device for the first time. Once connected, you do not need the remote moving forwards. You can go to your Bluetooth settings and "force connect" from previously paired devices.
You can simply "force connect" your previously paired device to the Bose TV Speaker by going to your device's Bluetooth settings menu and selecting the Bose TV Speaker. This will automatically switch to the Bluetooth source. It will also turn on the Bose TV Speaker if the speaker is off and put it into the Bluetooth source.