How To Control Cable TV With Alexa

[@LILC63]

5 years ago!? your videos have changed so much over the years!

[@paulhibbert]

It's weird for me to watch anything this old 😜

[@DallasMike424]

Paul, I have an iPhone and I am an American, but I think I can adapt your instructions to those of us who live in civilized countries. Yet another great video, by the way. I discovered your channel last week and am going through them one by one. Moar Alexa!

[@geoaitken]

Hi Paul, Really like your Alexa videos a lot, by far the clearest and best way to understand how to do things, well done and keep up the great work.

[@Woodyuk69]

Hi Paul , is there an updated video on using Alexa, Broadlink and Virgin 360 Box, I used to have no issues from this original video and Tivo. I also have Amazon Qube with square ⬛️ ir sender. Since upgrading to Virgin 360 I can no logger use Alexa to control Virgin 360 Box

[@tobydavid1595]

Again, just like the previous video, fantastic. Works like a charm.

[@robandsue]

Glad you mentioned about the firmware problem - I'll watch out for that when my RM pro arrives. Cheers

[@modelmodz]

Hey rob, where did u get the firmware from ?

[@eastcoastaquaticsuk8203]

Hi Paul excellent vid ive just picked up the rm pro and alexa but cant seem to get the rm plugin lite to import the devices from e-connect on my phone when the rm plugin is on my android box it works fine with rm plugin on same phone as e-connect.

[@jenzilb1738]

Hi Paul, your videos are great! I’ve managed to set up some channels but I was having issues with some of the Alexa commands not bringing up right channel. How do you delete the command/hue in Alexa to start again? I’ve managed to disable them but can you delete them? Thanks in advance

[@OmerLovesLife]

Hi Paul I LOVE your vids and as well as keeping me updated on the smart home network, you always make me laugh. I like your alexa videos. Alright I’ll let you in on a secret. I am 10. Consider me as the biggest patron and also you helped me find out about how the hubs are going away. Thx so much as I never found this out from other channels. I have subscribed and if anyone else is reading, YOU SHOULD TOO.

[@OmerLovesLife]

Ur the best

[@JaypaulBarrow]

When adding the control in the e-control app there is a magnifying glass to search for device. If you do this you can search for "virgin" and it lists the tivo box remotes that others have already "learned". This can save you ALOT of time learning all the remote buttons. There are alot of uploaded set top boxes and other devices already there.

[@paulhibbert]

Jaypaul Barrow awesome. Thanks mate. I'd heard there was a way if doing it. Good to know how!

[@robertferry899]

@@paulhibbert Hi Paul I was wondering if you could help I have a zemismart moon lamp , I brought one after watching one of your videos, but every night I have to try to reconnect it to my wifi. I have to delete it and start the whole process from the start. My wifi is split to 2.4 a 5 ghz and the light plugged in all night

[@bobjackson3237]

oke tanks for the tip man.still got some questions about channel up and down and volume what will the command to alexa be ???switch channel up??? turn on channel up???? or just channel up down enz?

[@trevorj.humphrey2405]

I have an IPI style fireplace (not the traditional millivolt style). I have had no luck getting my RF pro to interface with this. Would you consider making a video on fireplace automation? Love you stuff. Thank you.

[@paulhibbert]

Thanks mate! It might be bad news here unfortunately... The idea of the RM pro is that it can control 3rd party devices that run on the same RF frequency as it does, as long as the device manufacturer is not using "rolling codes" to deliberately block 3rd party remotes then the RM pro will be able to learn the signal. The only other reason it might not work is if the device is on the opposing frequency range (usually because you've imported the device from abroad), here's why... If you're in the US then the RM pro will ship with a 315Mhz transmitter, this is because the US standard RF frequency for civilian use is 315Mhz. Everywhere else in the world it's 433Mhz for civilian use and so the RM pro will ship with a 433Mhz transmitter. The trick is to ensure you're buying RF devices that run on that frequency and that you're not buying from a company that is likely to use rolling codes. The bigger the company the more likely it is that they will want you to only buy and use remotes from them, so a good rule of thumb is that as long as the RF device is cheap then the manufacturer is not likely to have wasted money implementing rolling codes. I suspect the fireplace either uses the opposing frequency, or the manufacturer is using rolling codes for security reasons. Hope that helps dude.

[@sammymcgee5696]

Brilliant video paul thanks all the best for the year ahead

[@gullhussain1]

Great Video Paul.....Just a quick question? How do i get Alexa to do all the controls for the Virgin Box, like 'go to my shows' or 'play' or 'pause' etc.....

[@michaelking7466]

Interesting article Paul, I was about to jump right in as I really want my Echo to control my TV and FireTV box. Then I realised the FireTV was Blutooth. Doh!

[@paulhibbert]

+Michael King I have some good news for you on that front ;)... www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=202104940

[@TrevorsSite]

You cannot do this in the UK now (it was available) But Amazon have changed the menu in for linking devices, Music, Video, & Books is now only Music, & Books, I think this is still available in the USA

[@jimstewart4550]

Might Broadlink RF support the Virgin Media remote RF (not IR). Im assuming all your examples was using IR. ?

[@BeuDaniels]

Very clever.....Do you do call outs at all....? :) I'm a techphobe, but love how this works. We're having a load of work done on the house and having new Sat receivers, cables, TV's and soundbars etc.Would love to have all this working with our Echo Dot, but I'm not gonna lie - These tutorials send me in a spin!? :/How much for you to come and set our boxes up in Colchester, Essex? I'll buy an RM Pro so it's all good to go...... :)

[@AKT3252]

Well Done Paul, just done everything you stated on the first video when I received my RMPro today and it works with the app since it has been updated (the tasker app that is) but my Alexa seems to have a problem understanding more than one word, for example she will understand "Alexa, TV on" or "TV off" when the widget is called TV, but if I then add to tasker app an Alexa device called TV Vol with ON state as increase volume and OFF state as decrease, testing the widgets works but Alexa (after she has discovered the new device) states she does not understand. I just wondered if you could show us next time how you work that, e.g. what do you say ... "TV Vol ON" ?

[@williamwilliam9993]

Paul hibbert, does it works with satellite provider such as sky?

[@pablouk2001]

Thanks for the info Paul. I only have one problem i am running rm plugin on an nvidia shield but i can't get the control app to share codes the plugin just doesn't seem to receive could this be a firmware issue as i have just bought the rm pro

[@daveyoung9685]

hey paul, im in the middle of trying to up switching to certain channels ie sky sports 1, how did you make your virgin remote? and how did you map the buttons, you used a learned button so i could not see how you did it with the combo option, any pointers. Thanks....

[@PaulEkert]

Great video. Starting to look through your back catalogue 😀

[@paulhibbert]

Paul Ekert thanks mate :) There's some good stuff in there but I've only just started to really make it all look nice, so you'll have to forgive how amateur the old stuff is. -P

[@untilthelastrebel3705]

Yes Mate!!!! This is awesome (once again) - defo my 'go-to' channel for Alexa titorials.

[@sgpublishers]

Good video as always Paul but can you steer those of us who are just starting out along this path to a beginners guide or video one that starts from scratch and builds up to full automation

[@paulhibbert]

+sgpublishers hey bud. This one will hopefully help... kzbin.info/www/bejne/enusmXivgrZjiqs

[@paulcooper7590]

Hi, have you tried the econtrol plugin with Sky Q

[@tombicek2218]

Paul are you working with a smart TV or a cable box?

[@petertulk4594]

Thanks Paul for the great video... Wonder if this would work with the Amazon Fire TV and Roku. Have them presently linked to the Dot via the Harmony Hub, but limited to some of the functions.

[@paulhibbert]

Hey man. Unfortunately the fire stick isn't infrared. There are ways and means but they're all pretty ugly at the moment. I would wait until Amazon create a proper skill. If you watch Kodi on the fire stick then there are ways to control Kodi with Alexa, but it too is still a bit clumsy. As soon as someone makes a decent Kodi skill for Alexa I will be creating instructions for that :) Thanks, -P

[@bulk6622]

Hi Paul great videos, allways well explained and funny. Could i a ask a question please. I have a AM 47 blind engine to control my electric blinds that works on bluetooth only. Do you know a was i could work this on she who could not be named please as i know your excellent on this sort of thing. Many thanks Kevin

[@yourelectrician4088]

Glad you can turn a Virgin on, but can you do it with an Xfinity Comcast Cable Box?

[@jamiec2216]

Hi Paul your doing a great job. I've just stated using the tasker plug in, but I can only get it to work when my tablet is on the home screen and not when it's asleep. I only have the option on my tablet to keep it on for 30mins max. Is there any way around this. Thanks and keep up the good work

[@paulhibbert]

+Jamie C hello mate. I think there'll be am option on the tablet to keep wifi awake. See if you can find that and tick it.

[@jeffpalladino3262]

Would the Logitech harmony work as well as the rm pro? I just purchased a harmony hub for similar functions

[@paulhibbert]

Jeff Palladino send it back ;) Just kidding. It should be equally as capable for IR commands, but can't do the RF stuff. Cheers, -P

[@nigelholland24]

i have a android droid player and it works great on this thanks great videos

[@np-hs7mr]

hi paul, just was wondering what style of projector do you use? any chance you have recearched them that would be the best for alexa and broadlink? I'm looking at getting one , there are so many to choose from. but I know I'm going to get a 120 inch pull up screen. just curious. thanks . nate

[@Kieranlb05]

Question : can you write custom commands? "Alexa put sky 1 on" or "Alexa open tv guide entertainment" "alexa scroll down" Really tempted to buy one of these too play about with.

[@arunvarghesevattaparambil3796]

Hi Paul, My Auna AMP has IR blaster but Broad link is not reading Volume up/down buttons. Any thoughts on it?

[@stevenmorgan1822]

hi paul i have the Alexa echo dot next generation i have a Toshiba smart tv 4k with built-in Alexa and has Bluetooth and wireless how to connect without a phone if you can I only have the iPhone 7 i downloaded the app as well as registered with amazon.

[@kallemuller1571]

Great video Paul hold on with stuff like this very very helpfull !

[@paulhibbert]

+Kalle Müller thanks dude! :)

[@Dro_85]

Nice video, will this work on an iPad?

[@paulhibbert]

David Owens Hi mate, you can use the Ipad to control the RM pro, but the RM plugin that acts as a bridge for Alexa is Android only unfortunately. So you can do all the Econtrol stuff, but not the widget or the Alexa stuff. Cheers, -P

[@cfcup2004]

FAB! So easy to follow. Thank you

[@andrewcarruthers6949]

Hi Paul which is the broadlink you use I'm going to use one in the upstairs, I got a engine from harmony to sort my system as it was faulty, so there was no need to pull my hair out as it wasn't me 😇

[@untilthelastrebel3705]

LEGEND! Thanks for this Paul!

[@jonmarkwright]

Paul are the only controls on and off. I pressume you can't ask Alexa to channel up or volume up?

[@MrDesibuoy]

Hello Paul, I've just stumbled upon you yesterday and ordered by Broadlink last night and got it just now (Amazon Prime :D) So I couldn't connect to my RM Pro using the WIFI setup so just used AP Mode worked and added my shortcuts, FAN & TV. However, when I go to my RM Plugin and under Marcos, I got this message - "You have not configured any remote in Broadlink app. Please use Broadlink app to configure at least one and return here. Alternatively, you can learn new code here." Can you help me? I have no idea as I've registered two remotes. Thanks

[@LOWKEYOfficial1]

Hi paul! Has anyone been able to set this up with an iphone? I have just bought my rm pro + but worried wont be able to get it to work as dont have an android phone. I do have a fire stick always on will this be a work around? Cheers as always!

[@tomwilliam5118]

I was wondering if you have to leave the app running on your phone in order for Amazon Echo to control the TV functions through the RM Pro. does the phone have to be on in order for everything to work

[@danlyle531]

"Alexa dials 755 to switch to that drivel that my missus watches" I was not expecting this and now I can't stop laughing

[@ChristosLouridas]

Nice one mate. UK wise just got back to Greece from Plymouth and London. I own echo dot (amazing) and philips hue second gen. Planning to find some Europe plugs tplink maybe. Any recommendations? Normal price wise I think there are some of them out there with less than 50 quid.

[@paulhibbert]

Hmm, not sure in Europe.... Compatability wise the cheaper the better as some of the bigger players try to stop other devices controlling their stuff, but with that said the cheaper devices don't often have a very good range on them. I would search Amazon from Greece and look for the no name RF devices that have good reports in the comments about range. I think Zwave are one of the major players that it can control, so maybe worth plumping for some of those as they're really good quality. I think you can actually buy RM light switches and sockets, so that might be another option! A point of note here; it's really important that you buy an RM pro for the country you're operating it in. They send them out with either a 433Mhz transmitter OR a 315Mhz transmitter. The first controls plugs in certain countries and the second controls plugs in other countries. I don't know which countries use which frequencies. It's all to do with the laws of the country you are in surrounding which frequencies the public are allowed to broadcast on. Thanks, -P

[@ChristosLouridas]

Thanks for the advice and your fast reply. I will keep them in mind and let you know what I come along with. Cheers. Keep up the Alexa vids there are not many out there for now :)

[@rns122]

Hi Paul, i really enjoyed you video. You explained it well with your diagram, many thanks for making it simple. I have the followed your steps but when i got to the add device to the Alexa list it says unable to manage this device from rm plugin. I have the the RM Plugin Lite. Does that matter? I am trying to connect lights by sockets using Etekcity plugs.

[@paulhibbert]

R Smith hi mate, sounds like the issue a few people have had with firmware. If you update the firmware for the RM pro that will likely solve it. Im not sure the limitations of the RM Lite plugin though, so keep that in mind. It's well worth paying for the full version, the developer is an awesome guy and the software is top notch. This should tell you how to update firmware: blog.yibi.org/2015/04/15/firmware-update-for-your-broadlink-rm-pro

[@paulhibbert]

R Smith hi mate, sounds like the issue a few people have had with firmware. If you update the firmware for the RM pro that will likely solve it. Im not sure the limitations of the RM Lite plugin though, so keep that in mind. It's well worth paying for the full version, the developer is an awesome guy and the software is top notch. This should tell you how to update firmware: blog.yibi.org/2015/04/15/firmware-update-for-your-broadlink-rm-pro

[@Allthingsarsenalfootballstream]

Hey Paul, so I need the pro and which app ? Is it just the broadlink ihc app or do I need another app ?

[@MrGoodlet]

My at&t uverse remote isn't working with the RM pro. I bought the pro two weeks ago. I can get it to control my TV and Xbox one as well as my speakers. RM struggles with the 0-9 buttons specifically, even after re learning. Any suggestions? Firmware update? Love your channel. Keep it up! Thanks

[@paulhibbert]

Thanks mate! A firmware update might be worth it... Update the firmware on the Econtrol app by: Going to the main Econtrol screen and swipe right, Click on the Eremote, Click the settings Icon (top right) Click device info Firmware update. If that doesn't solve it and everything else is working OK then try adding a half second pause between button presses in the macro. Thanks, -P

[@andyshellis959]

Being a beginner in this field it all went rather fast - I think I'll have to review it a few times!

[@paulhibbert]

Andy Shellis good on ya. I'm here to help if you get stuck. :)

[@marcowuitz8695]

hey paul! i just ordered my 1st amazon echo, but i didnt order one of thone broadlink devices! is there any way to control smart tv over wlan with amazon echo without any additional device? i am going to buy the broadlink device too but only next month! thanks for ur help and ur awesome high quality tutorials, i am giving u an abbo!

[@paulhibbert]

That would be an exceptionally clever thing to achieve! I doubt it's possible sadly. You can send HTTP requests using IFTTT so I suppose if your TV could respond to HTTP requests it would be doable. I'm not sure if there are recipes in IFTTT that might be able to control a smart TV, it could be worth a look. Your only other option is a Harmony hub which is a lot more expensive than my solution but would at least get rid of the need for the android device. My thoughts on the Harmony hub are here: www.paulhibbert.co.uk/2017/02/03/rm-pro-versus-harmony-hub/ Thanks, -P

[@marcowuitz8695]

i am going to share my experience with u if u want to! mby there is a way to let the echo control a raspberry pi or any other micro controller wich alows smart tv home control? i am going to do some research now, i let u know if i got any good results, mby u wanna make another tutorial with my infos ;)

[@marcowuitz8695]

by the way: thanks for ur fast and friendly answer!

[@cfcup2004]

great video very helpful, informative and well done...thank you

[@andipotter54321]

watchd your vids, great,, bought rm pro 3 from ebay doi i need rf blaster on phone to set up controlling tv thank you for yr vids

[@something2tell]

Thanks for all the great tutorials. Have a few questions for you, if you don't mind. Does RM Pro Plug in app and e control app need to be on the same device, or is it ok to have the e control app on another device? I have loaded them both onto my android tv box and it works, but only managed to get it to update once to RM Pro plug in app....., now it doesn't update any more, is there a way of forcing it to update in RM Pro Plugin app? (Am using the light version???). Thanks

[@paulhibbert]

Hey man, the issue will be that you're using the lite version. Switch to the paid version and that issue should go away. :)

[@andrewcarruthers6949]

It's in your account now pal, good luck

[@paulhibbert]

Andrew Carruthers that is so generous! Thank you! Im at your beck and call if you need help at any point brother. -P

[@jmparagon]

Paul, just wanna clarify, you will always need an android phone turned on all the time? And is there an ios workaround for this? Thank you for the great tutorial. We dont see alexa thtorials that much. Amazon should sponsor you

[@paulhibbert]

Thanks man :D Yes, you will always need an Android device switched on, and sadly the RM plugin doesn't exist on iOS. Check out my recent Android box video for a potential solution :)

[@emailyarabrandao]

you did note tells us WHICH FIRMWARE you are on that this works please??? thanks.

[@nickpowell1980]

Absolutely fantastic videos!! Do you know whether you are able to change the Alexa voice trigger in the Alexa app, once it has discovered the tasker command?? So I can say "Alexa... Change channel to BBC 1" instead of "Turn on BBC 1"

[@paulhibbert]

+Nick Powell you can probably achieve that using routines. Check this out :)... kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5LbepSGhbeLqpo

[@nickpowell1980]

Paul Hibbert Have tried this, but the app keeps rejecting the phrases that I am entering for some reason.

[@paulhibbert]

I noticed the app didn't like it if I used the backspace key at any point. I think it has a bug. I reopened the app and used exactly the same phrase without an issue a minute later. Some phrases it won't like, anything that is reserved for built in stuff. What phrase are you trying?

[@andywalsh2696]

Got it to work on some channels, with names like Quest, but Alexa struggles with BBC 1, 2 etc and ITV 1, 2 etc. Says cannot find video skill and waffles on about setting it up. Any ideas to get Alexa to recognise the words? RM tasker plugin triggers channels ok and can also be seen in Alexa app as online. Cheers

[@elonmust8859]

Do you have to do this for every single channel on sky tv ? it will tale hours.

[@neilc8673]

Hi Paul, superb video(s). One Q if I may? I have an Nvidia Shield, if I installed the Tasker plug in on it, would that work, being that the Shield is in sleep mode (obviously unless I'm watching something on it!).

[@paulhibbert]

Neil Crayne hey man, thanks. It will depend what sleep mode turns off. The box will definitely work, just whether or not it will continue to or when it goes to sleep I'm not sure.

[@mrb3991]

hi i dont have an av amp . will this work with an hdmi switch thanks

[@praveenchilukoti1861]

Hi Paul how to connect amazon alexa with sony bravia 40w700c smart tv and Sony ht IV 300 home theatre along with amazon fire stick

[@WaseemFarman]

Hi Paul, great video but I wondering if you can do a video with Google Home. Would it work with Google Home??

[@paulhibbert]

+Waseem Farman hi waseem, apparently it can be done using IFTTT, but it's quite a complicated setup. I don't have a Google home at the minute but I'm being sent a Google powered device later in the year and will be looking at getting it to control the RM pro then :)

[@WaseemFarman]

Cheers I will keep any eye out. I am looking at getting the new Sony LF-S50G speaker with built in google assistant.

[@BeuDaniels]

Do you have a link for the latest firmware update at all? Will do this when I receive the RM Pro......

[@modelmodz]

I too would like this as I have both and need the update

[@TheBrads27]

Hi Paul once tasker is involved my head spins,i have Virgin ,V6 and harmony hub and really struggle.I am going to move back to sky,so any chance f doing a video using Yonomi and Alexa.

[@paulhibbert]

Hi mate, check this out instead!... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpiXeYSeg5p-jtE

[@andrewcarruthers6949]

Thanks Paul I think I will at look at your system how can I donate on your page

[@paulhibbert]

+Andrew Carruthers that's really kind of you mate. No obligation to do so, but you can donate via either PayPal or Patreon. Both are linked here... www.paulhibbert.co.uk/patronise-me/

[@markwheatley247]

hi mate can you help me how do I get my broadlink to work with my ps4 cant find a video on you doing it

[@kallebrandts8321]

Hi Paul, wow - you have created fast the second episode of the tutorial. I like your funny animations and it is easy to follow all your steps - again - fantastic. Maybe one of the next tutorial is to show the users how the tasker plugin must be configure. Do you know how the sendet request from RM-tasker-plugin to the Broadlink device looks like? Any HTTP request code?

[@paulhibbert]

Hey Kalle :) Configuring the RM plugin is as simple as sharing the devices with it from the E-control app. I walk you through it in the last video at 9 mins 45 seconds in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enusmXivgrZjiqs The RM plugin can act as a HTTP bridge too which means you can control the devices with HTTP URL's which could be a way to get Vox Commando to control them! :) xxx

[@shawncummins4564]

thanks man ill hit u up when i setup an let u know how it work

[@nmp58]

Do I need to purchase an RM Pro for each tv I own?

[@petersouthgate6803]

Hi Paul, I own a nvidia shield, on which I installed the e-control app and rm tasker plugin 1.6.3 I figured the shield would be better than an old mobile, to be left on. I have a hue hub, as well Also got the broadlink rm pro 2 and of course Alexa. Alexa can turn the lights on and off, and my TV as well. I have her changing some of the channels over, but doesn't seem to like changing all of them. and I don't understand why? also how do I set up to change from HDMI 2 to HDMI 1, or hdmi 3 or over to AV 3. Im also having problems getting Alexa doing the volume up and down? on both virgin and also on my sound system. I would love to get these final few problems sorted out once and for all. I try and follow your brilliant videos step by step. is the any chance that sometime, these instructions will be put down so there step by step? I would honestly appreciate any help, you may be able to offer. I must say I do enjoy watching your videos, and the humour. regards Pete.

[@paulhibbert]

+Peter Southgate thanks Pete! :) The channel situation is likely to do with the names. BBC 1 for example will need to be written as "Bee Bee Sea One" in the RM plugin otherwise she is listening for behbehkeh1 LOL. She can be quite finicky so I'd take a look at all the names that aren't working on that basis. Switching between hdmi may be the same issue. The set up should be exactly the same. The only problem with this setup is that Alexa has been fooled into thinking these commands are Philips hue bulbs, so you have to use on and off commands, i.e. "Hdmi one on". She will always be listening for "Alexa turn something on" or "Alexa turn something off". Here's where the volume issue comes in. No one wants to say "volume up on" over and over. You're better off creating a macro that turns the volume down 3 steps and name it quiet mode. That way when you say "quiet mode on" it will drop the volume. You could set the off command to turn the volume up 3. Not ideal I know, but it's where we're at right now. Hope that helps. -P

[@daveyoung9685]

thanks for the quick reply, will do. by the way this thing is awesome!

[@Romulus8]

Hi Paul I have amazon echo and virgin tivo that's it, what do I need to use echo with tivo

[@rickyradcliffe6892]

Is it possible to search by program than the channel??

[@Servant316]

Thx so much Paul, i finaly managed to do it

[@paulhibbert]

We done mate! :D

[@Servant316]

Paul Hibbert one more thing; did it happend to that it forgets 3 diget macros or enters them slower than you programed, and if it did, how did you solve that?

[@Servant316]

I use the rm mini by the way

[@paulhibbert]

It's never forgotten any macros for me! Broadlink are releasing their skill to Europe soon so you may be able to try the new method instead!

[@Servant316]

Paul Hibbert Mine seems to be buggy. Ok, thats something :-) I gues you will make a video on that, so we won't miss that historic event :-) Thx a lot again mate!

[@KSSpeed123]

hi Paul, fantastic guide and I made the investment in a rm-pro. the issue I have is that using an older Android box to set up the voice control for virgin media creates some problems. I can turn lights on/off, Sonos and change virgin media channels. But it wont turn the TV or virgin media on or off. However if I use my phone for this setting it works, any reason why or suggestions. BTW it's an older Android box.

[@paulhibbert]

+speedokds if some work but not others it's most likely that Alexa doesn't like the name of the ones that aren't working. I know some people have created commands like "soundbar" and when they say "turn sound bar on" Alexa says there's no such device because they created the name without a space, and she's listening for it without a space. Try changing the name to "test" or something and see whether it works with a different name. -P

[@KSSpeed123]

ok ill try, currently split over two android devices, maybe something to with my droid box being 4.2.2 and phone is 6.0. It doesnt seems to like TV (which is odd) sometimes. Getting a new droid box as its over 3 years old and it about time to change. Also getting 'scenes' to work with Alexa is difficult. Could there be a vid in future on that? Thanks for the help. K

[@paulhibbert]

speedokds you have exactly the issue I described. If you put a space between T and V it might work. If not then try naming it Tee Vee. Can you tell me what scene you're trying to create? I'll advise the best way to achieve it. Thanks, -P

[@KSSpeed123]

Paul Hibbert penny. dropped

[@joem664]

i have sky box to switch on and off but iam struggling with changing channels any help would be appreciated

[@NikA-if4kk]

Hi Paul. Thanks to you I now have the home automation bug - 😀 As we're doing this as cheaply as possible I bought the RM mini black bean and followed your videos to voice automate everything in the living room that's got an IR remote, via Alexa. is there additional functionality in the RM pro as the mini seems to do the same stuff for

[@paulhibbert]

+Nik A hi Nik, the mini can send Infrared and control things like Tvs and set top boxes, but the RM pro can control infrared and RF and can learn RF remotes. That means you can control light switches and radio controlled plug sockets. Have a look on my channel for my video "control practically anything with Alexa" and you'll see exactly what I mean. Thanks, -P

[@NikA-if4kk]

brill, tks

[@andrewcaron8656]

Do I need to buy anything to control my sky box is turn on or off please help

[@MrScotty5877304]

Cex is selling the RM pro box for 12 quid!

[@jamessharp2063]

I already have the Phillips bridge installed can u sue bith or is rm pro going to clash with it

[@paulhibbert]

+James Sharp no it won't clash :) I have both.

[@shawncummins4564]

hey i'm shawn from barbados i have a full home theather system an a nvidia shield with kodi show box an things like that on it i would like to use alexia on the system to control it but i dont know how to so i'm asking u if u can tell me what i have to buy to setup the system

[@paulhibbert]

shawn cummins hi mate, you'll need an android device that is always on. You'll need a broadlink rm pro to blast the infrared signals, and I'd suggest watching my Kodi tutorials to see if you're able to control Kodi. Hope that helps, -P

[@manojkhatri1788]

Hi not had much joy finding this code. Any chance of locating this. Everything else is controlled by Alexa thanks to your fab tutorials.

[@paulhibbert]

Thanks mate :) Kind words. If you go into the Econtrol app, and then go to Add remote, then rather than clicking on one of the options to manually start scanning stuff you'll see there's a magnifying glass in the top right corner. Click that and then search for Xbox one. You find multiple uploads from other users. The top one works :) Thanks, -P

[@manojkhatri1788]

Paul Hibbert fab. You are the man

[@paulbostock9448]

Hi Paul, I have the RM Pro RM2 upstairs controlling my Projector, lights, LED's and Virgin Tivo and all works brilliant. I have the Black Bean downstairs controlling my TV, Lights and amp, This is all controlled by the bridge which is an old android box running the E-Control app and the tasker plugin which is also upstairs, however, I have got the new V6 box from virgin downstairs and for some reason the Blackbean will not learn the codes from the V6 remote when I try and add them to the bean. Have you come across this before and is there anything I can do to get the bean to learn the codes?

[@paulhibbert]

+Paul Bostock I think the newest remotes are Bluetooth even though the box is capable of receiving IR signals. Pretty sure that was the last thing I heard. I think the RM plugin has an issue at present with receiving codes from Econtrol, but once that's resolved you Cound search the Virgin remote on Econtrol and then transfer it to the RM plugin! Hope that helps. -P

[@paulbostock9448]

Thanks Paul that would explain it then, It does actually store the volume controls and that's just about it on the V6 remote. Please keep up the brilliant work and I will continue to convince my Mrs that she really does need RF light switches in all rooms...lol

[@paulbostock9448]

Popped on to the search on econtrol and typed in Virgin V6 and 4 pop up, the one by John works fantastic. Again Paul thank you very much....

[@By888Tj]

hi Paul. so this is working with rm3 mini too right?

[@paulhibbert]

Hi Benny, yes indeed! :) Might be worth checking this out though as it's easier and will probably do what you need: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpiXeYSeg5p-jtE

[@By888Tj]

Paul Hibbert thanks for the info :) great tutorial, cheers from ur new subscriber

[@paulhibbert]

:D

[@leemarston7624]

Hi Paul , you say it's best to have a stand alone android tablet to run this all on would a kindle fire work as a stand alone they are dead cheap at the moment Thanks Lee

[@paulhibbert]

+Lee Marston hi Lee. The kindle will work, but you will have to side load the RM plugin and Econtrol as the kindle doesn't come with the play store. It's quite easy to do though! I've heard good things from another viewer who has done exactly that!

[@leemarston7624]

Thanks Paul just found video on downloading playstore on to kindle fire so I'll give it a go

[@paulhibbert]

+Lee Marston yeah, I followed that with my old Kindle, worked out fine. :) Be aware though I download "e-z screen recorder" using the play store and it crapped out my kindle as soon as I launched it and I had to factory reset the kindle. So just bear in mind not every app is tested.

[@playroy79]

i got it working good, but working the volume and such sounds weird. alexa will only listen to on and off. "alexa, turn on receiver volume up" not switch, etc. whats your insite?

[@TNStrikeman]

Iv been using an Android app called terRemote by Christopher Gertz with an usb uirt device and Vox C. Have a look and tell me what you think of the app. thanks

[@paulhibbert]

+dbnstrikeman looks awesome :) I'm a big fan of Eventghost and had used Eventghost's mobile app to control another instance of Eventghost on the PC to trigger lots of different scenarios to do with lights and PC volume, this looks similar. I would have used Vox commando to perform the actions but I didn't have a USBUIRT, I had a Microsoft Infrared transceiver and Vox couldn't control it natively.

[@RinseRingma]

Hi Paul! Yet another great tutorial regarding Alexa! I wanted to configure this myself, but the settop box I have (here in The Netherlands) is a Horizon mediabox. I belive Virgin has one of those boxes as well. It seems that the Horizon box is also working on some sort of RF frequency, but the RM Pro does not detect the frequency. Do you have any idea how to set this up? It's really frustrating, because my TV and soundbar are IR and thus working fine, but the settopbox does not.

[@paulhibbert]

+Rinse Ringma sorry to hear that dude. There may be hope though! If you go into Econtrol and go to add a remote like you normally would but instead of choosing "user defined" click the search icon in the top right corner and search for horizon, someone has uploaded a remote called ziggy horizon. Try that and see if it works! :)

[@RinseRingma]

Thanks your reply! unfortunately the remote that was uploaded only has two not configured buttons.. I think he has the same problems with the remote. I tried changing the frequency, but it did not recognize the frequency..

[@paulhibbert]

+Rinse Ringma I think it runs on 443Mhz. Do you know if your RM pro is 433Mhz or 315Mhz? If they're in the same frequency then it should work. I would try putting the devices right next to each other whilst training it. There may be some hidden IR codes. Take a look here and see if it helps... community.ziggo.nl/randapparatuur-97/ir-codes-horizon-7401-13524 Thanks, -P

[@RinseRingma]

Paul Hibbert The RM pro is working on 433 mhz, as the cheap walloutput switches are perfectly working, those are running on 433mhz. tried to learning it with the devices next to each other, even tried with the horizon turned off. still no luck.. the most basic functions are IR indeed, like turning the TV on and off with that same remote. but horizon specific functions aren't on rf frequency.

[@RinseRingma]

I think the frequency is not detect, as the remote does not send the signal long enough. the led on the remote flashes very short..

[@ESN5943]

The IF for my tele is very like off and on sometimes it will work and sometimes not. im wondering if the remote plugs will be better for IF?

[@paulhibbert]

IF? Sorry dude, I don't know what you mean :P -P

[@shayb9424]

How do i update the firmware? Great video. Cheera

[@paulhibbert]

Hey man, in IHC open the device )RM pro or Blackbean), click the menu button (top right corner), click "check for firmware updates". Hope that helps dude.

[@shayb9424]

@@paulhibbert thank you man your a genius.

[@paulhibbert]

😊

[@meishseeks]

I am iPhone user , so don’t get the RM plugin app 🙈, do I need that to be able to set this up to work with Alexa or can I just do it via the broadlink app ?

[@MascotNR]

Hi, did you get an answer to this?

[@rosemaryotsiekubaah3808]

Make alexa videos on how to do voice recognition if your someone else

[@sw1ft2U]

hi my friend i'm trying to setup Alexa to my Samsung smart tv i search all your videos and didn't see one is it possible for you to make a video on this setup?

[@paulhibbert]

+sw1ft2U hey bud. I don't own a Samsung TV sadly, but the instructions should be exactly the same as in this video. You can just train the RM pro to your Samsung TV remote (assuming it's infrared, which I believe it is). Thanks, -P

[@sw1ft2U]

thanks a million brother doing it now so far it's going good.

[@modelmodz]

I have this setup great but my hdmi won't switch over by themselves I have sky tv on , I can turn this off ok, but when I ask alexa to turn my kodi box on she does, but the source is still on sky, how can I get it to auto change the source, my Samsung tv does not have separate buttons for each hdmi port so I can't do a macro,which means I still have to use a remote to change the source defeating the use of Alexa can u help Paul. Thanks

[@jake010993]

chloe powell can't you setup a different command to change the TV source? Like 'alexa hdmi one' surely a separate command would do it if u can't link the 2?

[@modelmodz]

JakeLiveOn1080p no... As I have a spouse button. Each press changes the source so I wouldn't now what souse I was currently ob

[@JLITZ88]

microsoft flow replacing ifttt video needed

[@strangewaysanarchy]

I don't suppose you know how to setup and control kodi yet? now that would be awesome.

[@paulhibbert]

The Green Salami II I do but it's fairly ugly. There is awesome Windows based voice software that is super easy to use called Vox commando. If you have a look through my channel there are instructions on setting that up :) When someone creates an Alexa skill worth documenting I'll post it up. I might do some instructions on the one I've used and an updated Vox commando instruction in the same video for a side by side comparison. Cheers, -P

[@kallebrandts8321]

Our VoxCommando skill for Alexa works, but it need some adjustments in the VoxCommando TCPplugin to have a bit security so that nobody (without a password) can control your HA from outside the Local Network. One of the biggest advantage between any HA bridge for Alexa and the VoxCommando TCPplugin is - you can use any phrase in your spoken words to control devices (without to speak the ON/OFF at the end to trigger a command) so for example if you want change a TV channel you can say: "Alexa, send command - {sky one channel} - anything in the curly brackets are phrases which you have set up in VoxCommando itself. We have also build our own IR/RF-Blaster which has an open API to control the device without any special app or software ( docs.google.com/document/d/1w_h8J3hiSCduLpWIIZWyfpDNk-VDpWx3LF35L9dVSCw ) If anyone is interested on the Alexa solution, take a look here: voxcommando.com/forum/index.php?topic=2682.0

[@JonTheJoker]

hi m8 can you set it to record and pause and unpause and get it to programme subtitles button and epg button

[@paulhibbert]

Jonathan Boldy indeed you can :)

[@mohamednoor938]

Hi friend, is this device can control devices that are located in different rooms via the wifi or it must be in the same room as the controlled device?

[@paulhibbert]

+Mohamed Noor hello mate, infrared devices can be controlled in the same room and RF devices can be controlled in other rooms. If you want to control infrared devices all around the house then the company also does a cheaper unit called a blackbean which just does Infrared. You could buy one for every room, check it out... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKiWfpyQrsegZrs

[@mohamednoor938]

Thank you Paul for your reply and thank you also for all the informations I have learned from you. You are the best and your channel KZbin is the best channel that deals with the topics of smart home.

[@paulhibbert]

You are too kind :) Thank you!