Google TTS and local media to Roku

Configuration
1

I have configured Googles TTS service and can it playing through the speakers on my HASS host using VLC-Telnet. All works fine.

I then changed the media player to the roku express box I have in the house.
When I play to the roku, I get a screen appear on the roku TV saying ‘playing on roku.’

It pops up for a second or two, then goes back to the roku menu, but nothing actually gets played.
I’ve also tried playing a local media file (to rule out the TTS part) to the roku and the same thing happens.

Anyone else come across this ?

No errors in the logs.

I’ve sinced tried using the dashboard media player card (rather than through automation) and regardless of the media I try to play on the roku, the above happens. I assume the integration just isn’t fully there at this point.

2

I get the same result.

3

Actually, it appears that Roku has made a change that disables casting to Rokus using “Play on Roku” from non-Roku applications:

https://community.roku.com/t5/Solving-playback-issues/OS-11-5-Roku-11-5-broke-Play-on-Roku-video-playback/m-p/827302

4

So this makes me sad, and a bit angry. I was hoping to use a Roku Express as an audio source for HTD ceiling speakers and HA. NYZack’s link is good, and here is a more specific link to Roku’s official response: Solved: Re: [OS 11.5] Roku 11.5 broke Play on Roku video p… - Page 4 - Roku Community

What is the next cheapest source I could use for an audio source for TTS to use as an input to HTD / HA?

5

Do you have an old mobile phone or android device about with a 3.5mm jack ?
If so, you could install a upnp player on it and use that.

I am doing that with bubble upnp:

I tried many many different apps, and this was by the far the best. I leave the phone on charge and its been stable for weeks like this.

And my old phone appears as a media player I can cast to.