Hi. I know this topic has been covered in many threads. I’ve read most of them and am still a bit unsure. I just got a Vera lite system setup. I have a door lock and thermostat successfully working.
I want to be able to schedule a TV and cable box (U-verse) to power on and off during specific times. This is for a house that I want to give an impression that someone is home, so I’m not looking for a fancy home theater setup. Just simple on/off schedule.
It seems like the two most common options are the SQ Blaster and Itach. Based on my reading the SQ Blaster may be the best option that is easier to integrate to the Vera unit. I really don’t want to have to tinker with a bunch of settings if I don’t have to, and the SQ Remote HD app leads me to believe it would integrate well. Not sure how true that is.
Am I off base here? Are there better, simpler and/or cheaper options?
As info, the TV is a Vizio Razor LED smart tv and U-verse DVR. I also have a smaller Vizio smart tv and U-verse wireless box that I could configure. Either would work for my application.
The SQBlaster integrates will with Vera. However, there are two challenges:
1-One one is sure if SQBlaster still exists as a company. It is an awesome product, so I hope they do not disappear.
2-The most simple integration is SQRemote to Vera. For example, creating a remote macro button on SQRemote that calls a Vera scene to dim the lights to 20% in the home theater room.
The more technically difficult part is what you describe, having Vera call an action on the SQBlaster. You’ll need to install the SQblaster plug in and then have the plug in learn the specific pronto codes (IR Remote) you want it to call.
This is my next step with Vera and SQBlaster, but I have not done it yet. I have had Vera integration with SQ Blaster (device) and SQ Remote (IOS app) for years and it rocks.
Thanks a lot for the response. Sorry for my late reply. SQ Blaster existing is really a concern. I have done some more research and I think the GC product line may work for what I need. I’m confident I could get it to work but the WAF is what concerns me most. Ha ha. Trying to keep cluttered devices to a minimum.