Hello everyone! I’ve recently delved into the world of Home Assistant and have been on a quest to find the perfect solution for controlling my Samsung TV (Tizen edition). While exploring the available options, I came across the ha-samsungtv-custom component by xchwarze, which seemed promising but had some limitations that I wanted to address.
The Issues I Faced
-
Source Control: The original component didn’t allow me to switch between different TV sources using voice commands. This was a significant hurdle since I rely heavily on voice control for convenience.
-
Volume Control: Another frustration was the inability to adjust the volume using voice commands. I wanted seamless integration where I could say, “Hey Google, turn up the volume,” and have it work flawlessly.
-
Source Navigation: Even when I tried to manually input source commands, they didn’t work as expected. It was clear that the component needed some customization to meet my needs.
My Solution
After some research and experimentation, I decided to fork the original repository and make some adjustments to better suit my requirements. Here’s what I achieved with my custom fork:
1. Chained Key Commands
I implemented support for chaining key commands, which allows me to navigate through the TV’s menus more efficiently. For example, instead of having a single key command for switching to the TV source, I can now use a sequence like KEY_SOURCE+KEY_LEFT+KEY_LEFT+KEY_ENTER to automatically navigate to the desired source. This has been a game-changer for me!
2. Extended Volume Support
I added functionality to control the TV’s volume using a percentage-based slider within Home Assistant. This means I can now say, “Hey Google, set the volume to 50%,” and it works perfectly. This has greatly improved my overall experience.
3. Voice Assistant Integration
I integrated support for Google Home, enabling a wide range of voice commands. Here’s what I can now do:
- Turn the TV on or off
- Mute or unmute the volume
- Adjust the volume up, down, or to a specific percentage
- Change the input source
How It Works
The forked component allows for more granular control by chaining key commands, which essentially automates menu navigation. This was necessary because the TV’s sources weren’t directly accessible with a single key command. By simulating button presses, I can navigate through the menu and select the desired source seamlessly.
Why I Chose This Approach
I wanted a solution that would integrate smoothly with my existing setup and provide the level of control I’ve come to expect from Home Assistant. By customizing the component, I was able to address the shortcomings of the original version and create a more tailored experience.
How You Can Get Started
If you’re interested in trying out my forked version, you can find it on GitHub: jaruba/ha-samsungtv-custom. The repository includes detailed instructions on how to set it up and customize it to your needs.
Looking Forward
I’m really excited about the possibilities this custom component opens up. It’s been a great learning experience, and I hope it can help others who are looking for more advanced TV control within Home Assistant.
If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out! I’d love to hear how others are using this component and any feedback you might have.
Happy automating! 
