I recently embarked on a project to automate my media center using SmartThings, and I must say, it’s been a fantastic journey! 
My goal was to create a seamless experience where I could voice-activate my entire setup. Here’s what I aimed to achieve:
- Turn off/on specific lights
- Set a color scene for my Hue bulbs
- Turn on my amplifier
- Activate my TV
- Boot up my Mac Mini running Kodi
The challenge was figuring out how to power on my Mac Mini, which has a physical power button. After some brainstorming, I decided to go old-school with a push solenoid connected to a smart switch. It took a few attempts, but I finally got it to work consistently!
Mounting the solenoid was a bit tricky, but I managed with a 6” metal ruler, 3M foam tape, and some Velcro straps. I also used a 12V adapter and solenoid to ensure everything worked smoothly.
Here’s a quick rundown of how it all ties together:
- Alexa Command: I say, “Alexa, turn on the TV.”
- Power Switch Toggle: This activates the solenoid, which physically presses the Mac Mini’s power button.
- SmartApps Integration: The Alexa Helper smartapp by @MichaelS kicks in, turning on the Hue lights and setting the desired scene.
- Harmony Hub: This handles the TV and amplifier, ensuring everything is in sync.
The best part? No more fumbling with remotes or buttons! Everything is voice-controlled and integrated seamlessly. It’s like having a personal media concierge at my fingertips! 
If you’re looking to automate your media setup, I highly recommend exploring SmartThings and its community-driven smartapps. The support and resources available are incredible! 
Check out the video of my setup in action: YouTube Link
Happy automating! 