ONSCREEN Reviews: Real Testing Results & What Families Should Know
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Time to read 14 min
If you're researching ONSCREEN video calling for TV-based caregiving, you've probably noticed something: honest user reviews are surprisingly hard to find. After seeing ONSCREEN position themselves as a "JubileeTV alternative," we realized there was a gap in real-world testing information.
So we did what we'd want someone to do for us — we bought ONSCREEN's system and tested it thoroughly to see how it actually performs for families. We used a standard setup and used the same testing process we use for JubileeTV.
Our goal was simple: give families the honest comparison they need to make the right choice for their situation. Here's what we discovered through hands-on testing, and why it matters if peace of mind is your top priority.
Quick note: This ONSCREEN review is based on our direct testing using the same process any family would experience. We're committed to giving families honest comparisons to help them make the best choice for their caregiving needs.
Table of Contents
The ONSCREEN Reviews Problem Our Testing Experience Setting Up ONSCREEN Video Calling Performance Device Compatibility and Input Management Remote Control Confusion Remote TV Control Family Access TV for Cognitive Challenges Customer Support Peace of Mind Features ONSCREEN Reviews: Bottom Line Frequently Asked Questions
The ONSCREEN Reviews Problem: Where Is Everyone?
Here's the first thing that caught our attention: After being on the market for several years, the total number of ONSCREEN reviews we were able to find online totalled around 40, including 11 Amazon reviews (4.1 stars), their website and a few other sites. Compare that to JubileeTV's 220+ reviews in just one year.
Now, we're not trying to make this a numbers game, but when you're trusting technology with your parent's safety, you want to know other families are actually using it successfully.
What we found:
ONSCREEN: 11 Amazon reviews total, 4.1 stars
JubileeTV: 120+ Amazon reviews, 4.4 stars
ONSCREEN: ~30 website testimonials (no dates visible)
JubileeTV: 100+ verified, timestamped reviews
The lack of ONSCREEN reviews tells a story. In caregiving technology, families who find something that works tend to share their experience, especially when it involves their parents' wellbeing.
Our ONSCREEN Testing: The Real Experience
When ONSCREEN started calling themselves a JubileeTV alternative, we felt families deserved to know how they actually compare. We ordered their system and put it through the same tests any family would (and the same tests we use with our own product.)
Setting Up ONSCREEN: Reality Check
ONSCREEN Video Calling promises: "Simple setup – just plug it in and it's ready to go"
Our testing experience: Setup proved more complex than promised. Our tester (who's set up hundreds of these systems) struggled with the setup process. Getting ONSCREEN to work properly with existing TV equipment wasn't the seamless experience they claim it to be.
What this means for families: When you’re already managing multiple responsibilities, setup complexity can create barriers to successful adoption, regardless of a product’s other feature. Supporting an aging loved one is already overwhelming. The last thing you need is technology that fights you from day one.
For comparison, a recent JubileeTV customer wrote:
"The installation process went smoothly with no problems at all, taking about 30 minutes to complete. Everything works as advertised."
Video Calling: The Foundation That Must Work
When choosing the best video calling device for seniors, reliability is a top priority. During our testing period, we encountered several technical issues with ONSCREEN's video calling functionality.
Calls frequently failed to establish connections during our testing. We would see the call trying to connect on the ONSCREEN app, but nothing would happen on the TV.
Also, their scheduling feature creates a significant limitation. If you enable scheduled auto-answer, the system completely blocks calls outside those hours.
If auto-answer is set for 9 AM to 5 PM, you cannot reach your loved one by video call at 7 PM or during a weekend emergency. Only the single admin user can change this setting.
This represents a fundamental design flaw that could prevent emergency communication when families need it most.
JubileeTV's proven reliability: Video calling works consistently, as evidenced by thousands of successful daily connections. Families can reach their loved ones whenever needed, and multiple family members can have appropriate access levels.
Compare this to a real JubileeTV emergency:
“Jubilee TV literally saved my mom’s life. I tried to call her multiple times on my way home from work (I live in another state). She kept answering and hanging up. I used the auto connect video call feature so I could find out what was going on. I realized she was having trouble talking and completing sentences. I then was able to get 911 and they quickly arrived to find she was having a stroke. Quick action by the paramedics and hospital were able to get her treatment and saved her life. Without Jubilee I would not have known what was going on in her house.”
If you’re wondering how to make video calls from TV, JubileeTV offers a number of features to make video calling more flexible and accessible.
Why JubileeTV video calling works for real families:
Live closed captions: Built-in closed captions during calls for seniors who are deaf or hard of hearing
Multi-way calling: Up to 3 family members, plus your loved one, can join video calls directly through JubileeTV (no Zoom complexity)
Remote volume control: Adjust TV volume during calls through the JubileeTV App, which is essential for seniors with hearing challenges
Remote camera control: Turn the camera on/off during calls from the JubileeTV App to preserve your loved one's dignity
Audio configuration options: Choose between using the microphone in the remote control or the console base, selecting whichever provides clearer sound for your setup.
Flexible access: Multiple family members can have appropriate access levels
Real example: When it's Grandma's birthday and she's watching the news with her hearing aids out, you can start the call automatically, turn on captions, adjust the TV volume from your phone, and include both grandchildren - all in one simple call. With ONSCREEN, you're hoping the TV turns on and trying to manage everything verbally.
Device Compatibility and Input Management
Here's something ONSCREEN reviews don't tell you: the TV control is broken in multiple ways.
The Power Problem: ONSCREEN relies on something called CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) to turn TVs on and off. During our testing on an LG TV, the "TV off" command worked but "TV on" didn't. Strangely, the TV would turn on when a call came in, but not when you actually tried to power it on manually from the app.
The Interface Confusion: TV power controls are buried in settings instead of being easily accessible. Even worse, you can't access any TV controls until you tap "Switch to ONSCREEN," which launches a screen that says "Starting TV App..." and then just sits there forever.
Think about trying to walk your parent through this over the phone when they're confused about their TV.
The Single Input Limitation: ONSCREEN only works with one input at a time. Your parent has to choose between cable OR streaming. Not both.
Most seniors we work with want their cable news in the morning and Netflix in the evening. With ONSCREEN, they'd have to pick one and give up the other.
Why This Matters: When your parent calls frustrated about their TV, you want to be able to help them immediately. With ONSCREEN's buggy controls and confusing interface, you're both going to end up more frustrated.
JubileeTV works with up to three inputs and our TV controls are reliable because we don't depend on CEC.
Remote Control Confusion
Instead of simplifying TV use, ONSCREEN adds another remote to the coffee table. Now your parent has their cable remote, maybe a streaming remote, AND the ONSCREEN remote.
When it comes to remotes, we take a less is more approach.
Our universal voice remote can replace ALL existing remotes. Seniors can simply say "channel 11" or "find Netflix" and it happens automatically. They can also keep using their familiar remote if they prefer. Or family can do it all from our app. Whatever works best for your family!
One of our customers put it perfectly:
"It will seamlessly integrate/control them all without having to use separate remotes. Can't believe that this is the only product on the market with these features."
When Your Parent Calls for Help: "The TV Isn't Working"
We've all gotten that call: "The TV isn't working right, can you help me?" This is where ONSCREEN's remote TV management limitations become really frustrating.
What happened during our testing:
ONSCREEN can only control Pluto TV content (not cable or streaming devices)
You can start broad categories like "Classic TV" but can't pick specific shows
You can't see their screen , so you have no idea if anything worked
No way to adjust volume remotely
If they're stuck on the wrong input, you can't help
ONSCREEN demonstrates this shortcoming in a recent webinar:
Real scenario: Dad calls because his cable news is frozen on a blank screen. With ONSCREEN, you're flying blind. You can't see what he's seeing, can't control his cable box, and can't even turn down the volume if something loud starts playing.
How JubileeTV solves this: Our Telescope feature lets you see exactly what's on their TV screen from your phone. When they're confused, you can acces the TV remotely and guide them step-by-step or just fix it yourself. You can control their cable box, streaming devices, whatever they're using, as well as things like volume and settings.
What this means: Instead of a 15-minute frustrated phone conversation trying to guess what's wrong, you see the problem and solve it in 30 seconds.
As one family member told us:
"The TV controls in their app are so, so, so great AND so easy to use. We setup dad's favorite channels, so the family can turn on his tv and turn to his favorite channels in literally 10 seconds. We can even see what is playing on his tv through the app."
When Only One Person Can Help: The Family Frustration
Here's another problem we discovered: ONSCREEN only allows one admin account. That means only one family member can help with TV control, reminders, or troubleshooting.
What this looks like in real life: Your tech-savvy brother lives closest to Mom and sets up the ONSCREEN account. But he travels for work. When Mom calls you confused about her TV on a Tuesday night, you literally cannot help her because you don't have admin access.
The family dynamics this creates:
One person becomes the "technology caregiver" by default
Other family members feel helpless when problems arise
The admin person gets overwhelmed with all tech support calls
If the admin is unavailable, Mom gets no help
JubileeTV works differently: Multiple family members can have access levels that make sense. Your brother can handle TV technical issues. Your sister can manage medication reminders. The grandkids can send photos and video call. Everyone contributes without fighting over one login.
As families tell us: Caregiving works better when it's shared, not dumped on one person.
When Your Loved One Has Cognitive Challenges
For seniors with dementia or other cognitive impairments, JubileeTV offers clear advantages through specially designed features that address their unique needs. The system's non-disruptive integration means seniors aren't forced to navigate between different inputs or interfaces, reducing confusion and frustration.
"It's truly the best setup for people with dementia. My father and I are able to see each other multiple times a day. He is unable to use other devices due to memory loss but doesn't have to do anything, but look at the TV when I call him with the Jubilee! I'm not sure what we'd do without you, Jubilee!!"
JubileeTV's optional 6-Button Remote is specifically designed for seniors with dementia or other cognitive challenges. This simplified remote for seniors features large, backlit buttons limited to the essential functions. Seniors only navigate through pre-selected favorite channels rather than hundreds of options, eliminating overwhelming choices while preserving their familiar cable or satellite setup.
Additionally, JubileeTV offers a special dementia usage mode that removes all on-screen interactions. There are no on-screen menus, pop-ups or interactive prompts, while the family has full TV control and ability to check on from the JubileeTV app.
ONSCREEN's reliance on input switching and its separate interface makes it less suitable for those with cognitive impairments who may struggle with context changes or remembering how to navigate back to previous content. Without a simplified remote option or comparable passive viewing mode, ONSCREEN requires seniors to maintain a higher level of technological competence, making it less accessible for those with cognitive challenges.
When Things Go Wrong: The Support Reality
When your 85-year-old parent is confused and frustrated, you need help now, not eventually.
JubileeTV customers consistently mention our support:
"I have to say you guys have the best technical support that I have ever encountered. Every single time I've called in with any type of technical issue... it has been easily handled remotely in a quick and proficient manner."
We have 95% call pickup rates because we know when families need help, they need it immediately.
What ONSCREEN Reviews Don't Tell You About Peace of Mind
ONSCREEN focuses on their "Joy AI Companion," an AI that chats with your parent. That might be nice for entertainment, but it doesn't answer the questions that keep you awake at 3 AM:
- Is Mom okay?
- Did she take her medication?
- Why didn't she answer my call?
JubileeTV's Drop-In and Activity Feed features let you check on your loved one anytime without disturbing them. You can see they're up and watching the morning news, or notice they're not following their usual routine.
Drop-in capability: Check on parents anytime without disrupting them; see & hear what’s happening in the room
Activity insights: Real-time overview of daily patterns (TV usage, movement detection)
Comprehensive notifications: Know when they're maintaining routines or get notified when they’re not
As one daughter told us:
"I used to call Mom three times a day just to make sure she was okay. Now I check the activity feed, see she's watching her morning news, and I know she's fine. We talk when we want to talk, not because I'm worried."
ONSCREEN vs JubileeTV: What Families Actually Need
| What Matters | JubileeTV | ONSCREEN VIdeo Calling |
|---|---|---|
| Works with all their devices | ✅ Up to 3 inputs | ❌ Single input only |
| Multiple family members can help | ✅ Unlimited customizable access | ❌ Only 1 admin |
| See their screen when helping | ✅ | ❌ |
| Reliable video calling | ✅ Works consistenty | ❌ Connection issues |
| Anytime video calling access | ✅ Always available | ❌ Can be blocked by schedule |
| Video calling accessibility | ✅ Live captions, volume control | ❌ |
| Peace of mind features | ✅ Drop-In, Activity Feed | ❌ |
| AI Companion | ❌ | ✅ "Joy" AI companion |
| Customer support | 95% call pickup rate | Limited information available |
| Market Validation | 220+ positive reviews | 40 reviews |
| All-In Option (no recurring fees) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Return Policy | 60-Day Free Returns | 30 Days ($40 Activation Fee Non-Refundable) |
ONSCREEN Alternatives: What Families Are Choosing Instead
Based on our testing and the limited ONSCREEN reviews available, most families end up looking for alternatives because they need:
Reliability they can count on: When something's wrong with Mom, the technology has to work
Multiple family members involved: Caregiving shouldn't fall on just one person
Peace of mind features: Knowing they're okay without constant check-ins
Support when needed: Real help from people who understand caregiving
Every day, over 10,000 family connections happen through JubileeTV—video calls, drop-ins, reminders, photo shares. That's not marketing speak; that's families who found something that works.
| JubileeTV is ideal for: | ONSCREEN might be suitable for more independent seniors who: |
|---|---|
| ✅ Families who want to provide hands-on remote assistance | ✅ Are comfortable learning new interfaces |
| ✅ Seniors who prefer to keep their existing TV setup and channels | ✅ Don't require family assistance to operate the TV |
| ✅ Situations where reliable reminders and communication are essential | ✅ Prioritize AI companionship over family support tools |
| ✅ Caregivers seeking peace of mind through passive monitoring | |
| ✅ Families who want to minimize technological disruption for their loved ones |
JubileeTV is ideal for:
✅ Families who want to provide hands-on remote assistance
✅ Seniors who prefer to keep their existing TV setup and channels
✅ Situations where reliable reminders and communication are essential
✅ Caregivers seeking peace of mind through passive monitoring
✅ Families who want to minimize technological disruption for their loved ones
ONSCREEN might be suitable for more independent seniors who:
✅ Are comfortable learning new interfaces
✅ Don't require family assistance to operate the TV
✅ Prioritize AI companionship over family support tools
ONSCREEN Reviews: Bottom Line
Our testing revealed that while ONSCREEN has some interesting ideas, it's not ready for families who need dependable caregiving technology. The buggy TV controls that get stuck on "Starting TV App," unreliable video calling that blocks emergency access, single-input limitation that forces impossible choices, and single-admin restriction that prevents family members from helping make it unsuitable for daily family use.
More telling is the lack of ONSCREEN reviews from real families. After multiple years in the market, the absence of user feedback suggests limited adoption and satisfaction.
When your parent's safety and your peace of mind are on the line, you need proven technology.
JubileeTV offers a 60-day risk-free guarantee because we know what thousands of families have already discovered: when caregiving technology actually works, it changes everything.
This ONSCREEN review is based on our direct testing using the same process any family would experience. We purchased the ONSCREEN system with our own money and tested it extensively to provide families with honest comparisons.
About JubileeTV: We're the leading TV-based caregiving platform trusted with over 10,000 daily touchpoints. While we obviously believe JubileeTV is the better choice, our goal is to help families make informed decisions about their caregiving technology needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ONSCREEN reliable for daily family use?
Based on our testing, ONSCREEN had several reliability issues including video calling connection problems and inconsistent TV controls that may impact daily use.
How does ONSCREEN compare to other TV-based caregiving platforms?
Our testing found ONSCREEN more limited than alternatives like JubileeTV, particularly in multi-input support, universal remote control, family access, and remote assistance capabilities.
What are the main problems with ONSCREEN?
Key issues include setup complexity, single-input limitation, video calling reliability, and limited family management capabilites.
Should I try ONSCREEN or look for alternatives?
ONSCREEN may suit families prioritizing entertainment features, but those needing reliable caregiving support typically benefit from platforms with proven track records and comprehensive family access.
Meet the Author
Written by Michelle at JubileeTV
Michelle is a marketer, mom, and daughter living the sandwich generation firsthand. As VP of Marketing at JubileeTV, she’s on a mission to make remote caregiving better by cutting through the clutter to help families stay connected and in control. Off hours, she’s holding court on the pickleball court, burning through podcasts, or devouring the latest NYT bestseller.
