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lchiu7
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  #2243663 23-May-2019 12:34
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timbosan:
lchiu7: Hundred percent agree. For example I can say hey Google turn on fire TV and it turns on the TV, switches to HDMI input 1 turns on the receiver and switches it to the input where the Amazon fire stick is connected.


So just to confirm, this is ALL from the HARMONY being integrated into Google Home; not from the similar function that is offered with a ChromeCast (it can turn on certain TV's but doesn't work when you use an amp).

I am after this exact type of solution, as I have a TV (obviously), amp (for 5.1 and HDMI switching) and a Kodi box, so the Chromecast never did what I wanted.


it's all integrated with the Google home and I also have it integrated with the Amazon Alexa Dot. So I can ask either smart assistant to do stuff. the Chromecast turning on things it's probably CEC. But as noted before you need the hub because that sends the infrared remote controls to the devices




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timbosan
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  #2243668 23-May-2019 12:50
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lchiu7:
timbosan:
lchiu7: Hundred percent agree. For example I can say hey Google turn on fire TV and it turns on the TV, switches to HDMI input 1 turns on the receiver and switches it to the input where the Amazon fire stick is connected.


So just to confirm, this is ALL from the HARMONY being integrated into Google Home; not from the similar function that is offered with a ChromeCast (it can turn on certain TV's but doesn't work when you use an amp).

I am after this exact type of solution, as I have a TV (obviously), amp (for 5.1 and HDMI switching) and a Kodi box, so the Chromecast never did what I wanted.


it's all integrated with the Google home and I also have it integrated with the Amazon Alexa Dot. So I can ask either smart assistant to do stuff. the Chromecast turning on things it's probably CEC. But as noted before you need the hub because that sends the infrared remote controls to the devices

 

 

Cool! I had a Harmony remote a while back, I assume when you say something like "Hey Googlem turn on the TV" it just starts a specific marco on the Harmony side, which then sorts out devices, inputs, volumes, etc.?

 

 

And yes, I think Chromecast is just CEC.

evilengineer
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  #2243730 23-May-2019 13:32
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timbosan: Cool! I had a Harmony remote a while back, I assume when you say something like "Hey Google turn on the TV" it just starts a specific marco on the Harmony side, which then sorts out devices, inputs, volumes, etc.? And yes, I think Chromecast is just CEC.

 

Yep. Pretty much. I'm in the Amazon ecosystem.

 

"Alexa, Watch TV" will turn on the TV, AV amp and Freeview box and make sure everything is on the right input.

 

Follow this with "Alexa, Play Xbox" and the Harmony will turn off the freeview box, change the AV amp input and turn on the Xbox.

 

etc. etc.

 

Works a treat. I've got the full Elite Hub as I personally prefer having a physical remote with actual buttons for changing channels rather than digging out the phone and finding the app etc.

 

The app can be useful if the kids have "misplaced" the remote. The more control options the better, I reckon.

 

I don't really understand why some people don't get on with the idea of activities etc.

 

I've got one remote on the coffee table that controls everything instead of a row of six or seven different remotes that I'd be constantly picking up to do something that the Harmony can manage with a single button press. 




floydie
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  #2250682 3-Jun-2019 19:52
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I love my harmony 785 so much I bought a second one as backup if it dies. 😉

 

I'd be interested if anyone has any tips for getting alexa to work in parallel with it as wifey likes using alexa. 


networkn
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  #2250720 3-Jun-2019 21:47
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Mines integrated, just add the skill to Alexa. I can say "alexa play PS4, or movie time! or Rugby Time! or any number of other set ups.

 

 


Senecio
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  #2250773 4-Jun-2019 02:57
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Alexa won’t work with a 785. You’d need a hub based remote like the Elite or Companion.

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