@
boak72, I can only speak from the Google Home platform. I don’t have much experience with Alexa. How I would recommend you do it: Find a TV that has built-in Roku or Chrome (I prefer Roku as every Chromecast I have had so far is glitchy) that can be turned on/off via google home app. Get a camera that you can view remotely so you can see the TV operating and can make the adjustment needed remotely. That’s all you need. Now, if you can’t afford a new TV or need/want to work with what you have (like me), here is how I have done it. First, Google Home –vs- Alexa: I started this journey in the Google world. I think maybe Alexa would have been a better choice but that is too late for me. Second, Google Home: Google changes things and what works today may not work tomorrow. It seems to forget, then remember how to do things. So that is where the camera comes in handy so you can see (separately from Google home). Third, the fewer steps the less points of failer. Example, if you have a google home ready TV you should be able to control the TV with Google (Chromecast). I do have a TV with Chromecast but my Chromecast shuts off when the TV is off thus rendering it useless when the TV is off. This can be a frustrating part because sometimes what seemingly works for another person may not work for you. It could be as simple as an outdated HDMI cable to an older version of a device. So with that said here is how I do it. TV: My TV automatically turns on and off via HDMI. Newer TV's can do this. Also, just because your TV says it will do it, does not mean it will. I find testing it is the only way to know for sure. Next I found Roku Ultra to be very reliable. My first Ultra is different than my latest Ultra so getting a new one would be your safest bet. Harmony Hub: Depending on your other devices, you might could do without this. The hub basically will put a remote transmitter in front of the TV and any other devices you have. This will control each device. Harmony is not perfect in talking to the device but is rather reliable taking commands from Google home. I find sometimes I have to tell Google a couple of times to turn on something. Also, there are better devices than Harmony out there now. I just have Harmony because of the remote and the wife does not care for change like I do:) Roku Ultra: I have two ultra’s. One I bought when it first came out and another about six months later. Even though they are the same model, the work differently. The new one works flawlessly. In my case, my ultra will turn on and off the TV. In my opinion, the home automation journey is different for everyone. Example is that my google home will sometimes talk with my TV directly. After an update, it stopped. Same thing with Roku. Google Home updates seem to break one item for every two new features. That’s how it’s been for me. Hope this helps someone, it’s a confusing world sometimes!
☰
