How To Control TV with Google Home

How To Control TV with Google Home

This is a guide to controlling your TV using Google Home with the Logitech Harmony Hub and IFTTT. There is also a brief overview for controlling your TV with the Google Chromecast. The best way to control your TV with the Google Home is with the Harmony Hub. In order to configure this, you must use the IFTTT app, which allows Google Home to communicate with the Harmony Hub. Another alternative is using a SmartThings Hub to allow the two hubs to communicate. 
Unfortunately, control is limited to starting/stopping an activity. You are not able to control volume or directly tune to favorite channels like you can with the Amazon Echo.

How To Control TV with Alexa

How To Control TV with Alexa

This is a brief tutorial for controlling your TV, stereo, and other devices using your voice with the Amazon Echo. This requires an Amazon Echo or New Echo Dot, and a Logitech Harmony Hub. This video has a step by step guide for integrating these devices for voice control. It also explains how to allow Alexa to control more than one Harmony Hub.

The Alexa app has recently been updated with a new Harmony skill that allows volume and pause/ff/rwd voice controls. It's a little tricky to use but not too difficult once you understand how it works but this overview will help.

Chromecast Audio Review

Chromecast Audio Review

This is a quick review of the Chromecast Audio. Chromecast Audio works and looks much like the Chromecast for Video. However, it is used specifically for audio. It can be connected to any speaker using its 3.5mm audio port. The port supports analog and digital signals. Digital audio requires a Toslink-to-Mini-Toslink cable. It also supports Whole Home Audio, which works very well as a cheap alternative to Sonos. Once you have it plugged in all you do is open your favorite music app such as: Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, Amazon Prime Music, etc and tap the Cast button. To my surprise it actually plays the music in sync and works well as a cheap alternative to Sonos if you already have speakers around your house.

Smart Home Lighting Guide

Smart Home Lighting Guide

This is a Smart Lighting Guide for home automation. This video covers many different options for adding smart lighting, including Philips Hue, SmartThings, Wink, Connected bulbs, Z-wave switches, outlets, and micro switches. This video includes installation instructions for wall switches as well as advanced lighting options. Check out my Home Automation Series for more information regarding home automation.

Home Automation Guide Part 3

Home Automation Guide Part 3

This is part 3 of the Home Automation Guide. This is a full guide to modern home automation using smart hubs, Z-Wave & Zigbee Devices, and other home automation tools. This guide uses the Samsung SmartThings hub and other hubs such as the New Echo Dot, Wink Hub, and Mi Casa Verde Vera Hubs.