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How To Control TV with Alexa

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How To Control TV with Alexa

This is a brief tutorial for controlling your TV, stereo, and other devices using your voice with the Amazon Echo. This requires an Amazon Echo or New Echo Dot, and a Logitech Harmony Hub. This video has a step by step guide for integrating these devices for voice control. It also explains how to allow Alexa to control more than one Harmony Hub.

The Alexa app has recently been updated with a new Harmony skill that allows volume and pause/ff/rwd voice controls. It's a little tricky to use but not too difficult once you understand how it works but this overview will help.

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Chromecast Audio Review

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Chromecast Audio Review

This is a quick review of the Chromecast Audio. Chromecast Audio works and looks much like the Chromecast for Video. However, it is used specifically for audio. It can be connected to any speaker using its 3.5mm audio port. The port supports analog and digital signals. Digital audio requires a Toslink-to-Mini-Toslink cable. It also supports Whole Home Audio, which works very well as a cheap alternative to Sonos. Once you have it plugged in all you do is open your favorite music app such as: Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, Amazon Prime Music, etc and tap the Cast button. To my surprise it actually plays the music in sync and works well as a cheap alternative to Sonos if you already have speakers around your house.

New Fire TV Stick Review

New Fire TV Stick Review

This is a review of the New Amazon Fire TV Stick (2nd Generation) with Alexa Voice Remote. The new Fire TV Stick comes with a quad core processor, 802.11 Wireless, and new voice remote. The new processor helps tremendously with navigation and streaming. I didn't notice any issues with slowness. The voice remote works well and allows you to search for specific music and videos. 

Samsung KS8000 vs KU6300 Review

Samsung KS8000 vs KU6300 Review

The KS8000 and KU6300 are two great Samsung TVs. This is a Samsung KS8000 review as well as a Samsung KU6300 review. Both of these TVs have 4k resolution (UHD). The KU6300 is often advertised as an HDR TV, but it doesn't have a wide color gamut and lacks the brightness and contrast needed for the Ultra HD premium certification. The KS8000 is a worthy upgrade to the KU6300. Not only does it have a 10bit panel with a wide color gamut, but it has local dimming and is considerably brighter. The KS8000 won't compare to an OLED TV, but for the money it's hard to beat. See the side-by-side comparison in this video and decide for yourself.