Can dumb TV act as smart using Broadlink RM in Google Home?

Configuration
1

Hi,
Is it possible to create custom entity for my TV using Broadlink RM (Universal IR remote) and smart plug?

The thing is I want to be able to control it using voice via Google Assistant. It is possible right now because I have created Google Assistant routines triggering HA scripts. But the setup was exhausting and there are so many possibilities to say a command. For example I have setup the routine trigger to “Turn off TV” which works but as soon as I say “Turn off THE TV” it tells me there is no such device linked.

The other problem is that these routines are linked to my account, so my girlfriend cannot use it unless I do the exhausting process of creating routines on her account too. And it looks like there is no way to make it work for guests.

I’m thinking if it is possible to create custom entity which on/off state would be reported by power consumption meter on smart plug and which could be controlled by triggering HA scripts. And the main point is that the entity must be able to be exposed to Google Home as a television (so the default voice command would work no matter how I say the sentence).

Thank you

2

Yes but if you’re doing this using IR you will not get any feedback which could lead to a whole other set of issues

I would first consider HDMI CEC.If the TV support CEC it may be easier for you to implement

3

Yes, with that setup you get it to look as smart in HA. But as the other poster said Google Home will never know if its on or off but who cares really. If you are to watch tv, you are looking at the tv. You already know if its on or off. Personally i’m using wifi from the TV to know if its on or off with a binary ping sensor so HA can see it. That is also an option if your tv has it.

4

You could also use a power monitor (as I do) to determine if it’s on or on standby. Oh - you already had that thought :slight_smile:

5

Thank you for the ideas. The ping sensor is a brilliant idea. The TV has ethernet port (but the TV is so old that it has no real use so I totally forget about it).

I was surprised that 10 years old TV has HDMI CEC. This sounds like a good idea but the problem is that I have to use set top box for receiving DVB-T2. So I’m limited to use RF controls.

By the way do you have some tutorials for this project?