I would like to control my TV through the vera system. I would like to make the TV turn on and off, go to specific inputs… for example I say “watch tv” and go to the right input where my set top box is connected or I say “watch movie” and goes to input where blu-ray player is connected, etc; also go to specific channels, use the tv state (on or off) as a trigger for other devices, etc. Is this possible? I have read on other threads about Google TV, SQ Blaster, and Global Cache. My tv is a “dumb” tv so maybe I should start by buying a smart tv… I don’t know. Please advise with everything I would need to accomplish this if it is possible.
[quote=“lparedesl”]I would like to control my TV through the vera system. I would like to make the TV turn on and off, go to specific inputs… for example I say “watch tv” and go to the right input where my set top box is connected or I say “watch movie” and goes to input where blu-ray player is connected, etc; also go to specific channels, use the tv state (on or off) as a trigger for other devices, etc. Is this possible? I have read on other threads about Google TV, SQ Blaster, and Global Cache. My tv is a “dumb” tv so maybe I should start by buying a smart tv… I don’t know. Please advise with everything I would need to accomplish this if it is possible.
Thanks.[/quote]
Yes this is possible, the key here is how much control and how many AV devices.
You do not need to upgrade to a smart tv and even some of the smart tv have issues turning on from stand by unless you use IR.
The two you mentioned are both very good and another brand Kira is think is also making in roads.
The GC100 family can only have one client connected at a time.
The itach (not flex) has three IR outputs but can have multiple clients connected.
Currently the new iTach flex is not supported by the Global Cache app due to the API changes.
SQ Blaster is currently hard to get so it might be a factor in what path you take.
All of the above have IR blaster capability either embedded or external.
You can you google to search using the following criteria should provide some threads to read:
site: micasaverde.com itach
site: forum.micasaverde.com irule
The second google search I mention iRule because in most posts I responded to I declare I use it, so it is an option to search for.
Hi, thanks for your response. I have a home theater with two inputs where I connect my set top box… so it’s the TV and 2 devices. What I would need is a GC-100 and iTach? What GC-100 model would I need?
The iTach is better than the GC100 family if multiple users are going to use direct connection. I have the GC100, iTach and SQ blaster. The main control my system utilises the iTach. There are two options depending on your own situation being wired or wifi models. The iTach will provide three IR ports which one can be set as a Blaster. However, if you also need serial an GC100/06 provide 3 IR ports and serial and the GC100/06 double with relays. I would suggest the iTach will do.
How would the setup be for the iTach? Two devices will connect to 2 IR ports and IR blaster into the other one? How will I connect the third device? Sorry for my ignorance.
That really depends on how you control the AV equipment. E.g. all are always on and off. Or TV and STB.
If they are all located in the one place on top of each other, you might use the Blaster to control the lot or the AV Equipment and another for the TV.