Hey everyone! I wanted to share a solution I came up with to automatically turn off my TV if it’s left on after an activity. I use a Harmony Hub to control my TV, receiver, soundbar, and FireTV. Sometimes, when I turn off the activity, the TV doesn’t actually shut off, leaving it on with a black screen. This can happen if the receiver or soundbar doesn’t fully power down, making it seem like the TV is off when it’s actually still on.
To tackle this, I integrated my TV with a SmartThings controllable outlet on my Zooz Zen20 power strip. Here’s how I set it up:
- Identify the Issue: The TV wasn’t turning off because the activity didn’t fully power down all connected devices.
- Use SmartThings Integration: I created a rule in SmartThings that monitors the activity status. If the activity is turned off but the TV remains on, the rule triggers after a short delay.
- Automate the Shutdown: The rule sends a command to the outlet to turn off the TV after a few minutes if it’s still on.
This setup has been a lifesaver! It ensures the TV doesn’t stay on unnecessarily, saving energy and preventing any potential issues from leaving it on for extended periods. Plus, it adds a layer of convenience since I don’t have to manually check the TV every time.
If anyone has similar issues or wants to take it a step further, I’d be happy to share more details or tips! Let’s keep making our smart homes smarter together! 