Google TV
- May 1
- 3 min read
The Dream
Of course we all have seen the magic videos, TV shows or such that show a magical interactions with our TVs and home control system. Systems where you can talk to or tap a tablet and play whatever show you want. A room where the lights change automatically. The ability to flow you to whatever room you are in. Being able to video call or watch cameras with only one step. While all technically possible not really practical. It can probably be done with expensive systems like Q-Sys and a team of designers and programmers to build it all out
The Reality
Because I don't have the money or time, and because what I enjoy is the process of putting together a system that gets close to the dream. As with the rest of my house the backbone tying it all together is Home Assistant and Ubiquity. I have used Google TV as the end point at each TV
The Setup
We have a mix of LED TV through out the house. In each of the bedrooms are Samsung 4K Smart TV (various models). In the Living Room we have a 20 year old dumb LED and in the Basement and old Samsung Smart TV. Finally we have a few old 24" RCA (Dumb) TVs. Most of the TV as leftovers from other places or from us upgrading the main TVs we watch in the bedrooms.
To each television is attached a Google TV Streamer or the discontinued dongle. I have gone with with the Google TV system as it created a unified setup for every TV. Because the Google TV systems are based on Android operating system it has allowed me to use apps and controls that are not available on other boxes like Firestick or Roku. It is even far better then the systems built into the Samsung smart TVs.
For both control and cable cleanliness I have the Streamer boxes powered by POE+ from my network switch. From Amazon I got a Gigabit Type C PoE Splitter so the boxes are getting both power and data. I also picked up a 2-Port Gigabit PoE Extender so that the smart tv could still get there data for software updates. With some command strips and short cables it is all put together and attached to the back of the TV.
Connecting to the network switch gives me the advantages of POE power and one less power brick. I can create an automation to power off and back on when I need to do a reset. I also have always preferred wired over wireless.
On the newer TV that have CEC as part of the HDMI I am able to turn the TV on and off from the Google Streamer. On the older RCA TVs that do not support the CEC protocol I have used the IR capabilities of the Google remote to turn on the TV. These older TV however can not be turned of by Home Assistant.
The Apps
Along with the various streaming apps I also run the following apps. I recommend installing them via Google Play on your computer (logged into your "home" google account)
Projectivity Launcher - This is a replacement launcher (home screen) that gets rid of the adds and gives a clean and simplified home screen. - - - You will need to go through its setup and approve access. You will also need to turn the app on under accessibility in the Android settings, then check override current launcher in the Projectivity settings under general.
File Manager - This will allow you to create backups and load backup files. This is very useful when you have multiple streamers that you are setting up.
Plezy for Plex - This is a cleaner way to get to your Plex Server and Library. It is missing some controls for Plex so I suggest installing the regular plex app
Plex - For accessing your Plex Server (or if your into Jellyfin or Kodi, install them)
Quick Bars for Home Assistant - This is useful for remapping the Youtube, Netflix and Star button to bring up PIP Cameras or a menu to control devices via home assistant.
UniFi Protect - This is for viewing your cameras via Unifi Protect System. If you are using other Cameras systems there are a number of other apps to try that will probably work.
Xumo Play - This is to play the free channels that you get on Samsung or similar TVs
The Future
I hope to use Fully Kiosk or other program to eventually be able to have better control from Home Assistant so that we get a little closer to the magic control.