Hey everyone, I wanted to share my recent journey in enhancing my home automation setup, particularly with my Yamaha Networked Receiver and Sharp Aquos TV. After struggling with virtual switches and the Logitech Harmony remote, I decided to dive into creating a custom solution that would streamline my AV controls.
I stumbled upon the concept of custom capabilities in SmartApps and decided to give it a shot. I developed a new capability called avTuner, which includes an inputSelect attribute to handle input switching. This was a game-changer for me, as it allowed me to integrate my AV equipment seamlessly into my smart home ecosystem.
To make this work, I created two device handlers—one for the Yamaha receiver and another for the Sharp TV. These devices leverage the UPnP protocol for event-based control, ensuring real-time updates and eliminating the need for constant polling. Additionally, I developed a helper SmartApp that simplifies invoking the inputSelect() method, making it user-friendly even for those less tech-savvy.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Debugging the UPnP integration and ensuring compatibility across different devices required a lot of trial and error. However, the satisfaction of seeing everything work smoothly was worth it. I’m now able to switch inputs, adjust volumes, and control other AV functions directly from my smart home app, which feels incredibly seamless.
For anyone looking to integrate similar AV equipment, I’d highly recommend exploring custom capabilities. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but the flexibility and control it offers are unparalleled. If you’re interested in my setup or need help with similar projects, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to share more details or even collaborate on additional devices!
Happy automating! 
