Switch channels via Siri

[neilpatel121]

Switch channels via Siri

[neilpatel121]

Can you please let us know the plugin name so we can see their source code as a reference implementation

[michel0271]

@neilpatel121 Thank you for your prompt reply!

With pleasure, Homebridge Bravia Tvos - https://github.com/SeydX/homebridge-bravia-tvos#readme

greetings michel

P.S: skyq-tvremote - great job !!!

[neilpatel121]

Thanks, what Siri command do you use to change the channel, can you type the command pls

[michel0271]

@neilpatel121 I've set up a scene for each channel.
And then I say over my homepod, Hey Siri activate RTL as an example. Everyone can determine that themselves when setting up the scene :-)

[michel0271]

@neilpatel121 In my case, of course, in German. But the Sony plug-in works in all languages, as I understand it.

[neilpatel121]

Ok I think I understand how you got it work, there is an alternative way you can do this, which I use all ready, I expose channels as switches in the home app, then you can use Siri to control the switch,

[neilpatel121]

Take a look at this https://github.com/AdamSwinden/homebridge-sky-q#readme

[neilpatel121]

This is what I use to use Siri to change sky channels

[michel0271]

@neilpatel121 I don't understand that again now. After adding them to the home app, no channels can be seen in your plug-in at all. The Sony plug-in pulls the channels out of the TV and I can then use them for scenes.

Ah okay ... have only now received your link ... so that will also work with your plug-in. I'll try it out tomorrow, hopefully I'll make it. The Sony is so beautifully simple :-)

[SmolSoftBoi]

I've added the feature to switch channels.

Could you test v1.2.0-beta.1 please?

[michel0271]

@EpicKris Very happy but how do I find the beta and how do I install it?

[SmolSoftBoi]

@EpicKris Very happy but how do I find the beta and how do I install it?

Are you using Hombridge Config UI X?

[michel0271]

@EpicKris Very happy but how do I find the beta and how do I install it?

Are you using Hombridge Config UI X?

yes, v4.41.0

[SmolSoftBoi]

yes, v4.41.0

Go to the Plugins tab, select the tool (right of Settings), select Install Previous Version, select the latest beta, then select select Install.

You'll need to revert to the latest version manually after testing.

[SmolSoftBoi]

Could you test 1.2.0-beta.3?

[michel0271]

@EpicKris Hi, I installed the last beta and I can now turn Sky Q on and off again. So the connection is there. But there are no channels to be seen. greetings michel

[SmolSoftBoi]

Could you test 1.2.0-beta.5 please?

[SmolSoftBoi]

Could you include your Homebridge logs please?

[SmolSoftBoi]

Have you tried removing and re-adding the TV since using the latest beta?

[michel0271]

Have you tried removing and re-adding the TV since using the latest beta?

the TV? no why? It has nothing to do with the Sky Q Box, does it? But I deleted the Sky Q Box and added it again to test it. The Sky Q receiver is connected via HDMI 3 and the type of reception is cable

[SmolSoftBoi]

Could you include your Homebridge config.json please?

[SmolSoftBoi]

The logging is a lot less chatty now thanks.

The issue with the inputs not appearing after a restart and requiring the home app to be killed and reopened persists. There is also an error thrown if you select the input:

[25/04/2021, 12:20:22] [skyq-tvremote] [Sky Q Mini] Set Input: 101
[25/04/2021, 12:20:22] [homebridge-skyq-tvremote] This plugin threw an error from the characteristic 'Active Identifier': Unhandled error thrown inside write handler for characteristic: input.split is not a function or its return value is not iterable. See https://git.io/JtMGR for more info.

Originally posted by @benfysh in #19 (comment)

[michel0271]

The logging is a lot less chatty now thanks.

The issue with the inputs not appearing after a restart and requiring the home app to be killed and reopened persists. There is also an error thrown if you select the input:

[25/04/2021, 12:20:22] [skyq-tvremote] [Sky Q Mini] Set Input: 101
[25/04/2021, 12:20:22] [homebridge-skyq-tvremote] This plugin threw an error from the characteristic 'Active Identifier': Unhandled error thrown inside write handler for characteristic: input.split is not a function or its return value is not iterable. See https://git.io/JtMGR for more info.

Originally posted by @benfysh in #19 (comment)

okay and that means what now? Can the problem be solved?

[SmolSoftBoi]

@michel0271 Could you visit http://192.168.178.40:9006/as/services and include the data here please?

[SmolSoftBoi]

@benfysh Could you test 1.2.0-beta.6 please?

[michel0271]

@benfysh Could you test 1.2.0-beta.6 please?

testet... the same... no Channels, on/ off Works

[SmolSoftBoi]

Could you test 1.2.0-beta.7 please?

[michel0271]

Could you test 1.2.0-beta.7 please?

tested, now we can no longer find the Sky Q Box on Homebridge and in the HomeApp

[SmolSoftBoi]

Could you include your Homebridge logs please? Please truncate them to only the latest run.

[SmolSoftBoi]

I'm not seeing any errors.

@benfysh Could you confirm this please?

[michel0271]

I installed Beta 7 again. Sky Q can now be seen in HomeBridge, but it does not appear in the HomeApp

[michel0271]

I'm not seeing any errors.

@benfysh Could you confirm this please?

Now I have installed the normal version again and I can no longer add this to the Home App either. IP address has stayed the same from Sky Q. Could it be that Apple blocks it after too many attempts? Or that there are problems at Apple?

[SmolSoftBoi]

Now I have installed the normal version again and I can no longer add this to the Home App either. IP address has stayed the same from Sky Q. Could it be that Apple blocks it after too many attempts? Or that there are problems at Apple?

Remember that TVs are external accessories, you may need to re-add it.

[michel0271]

Remember that TVs are external accessories, you may need to re-add it.

nothing to be done, I installed the normal version 1.2.0 now. Sky Q Box can also be seen in Homebridge. But I can no longer add the box to the Home app.

[SmolSoftBoi]

Try Homebridge Settings > Remove Single Cached Accessory.

[benfysh]

Basic plugin functionality is working as expected (Beta 7). This issue still persists #19 (comment)

With regards to the channels as input. When you select ''BBC One Yorks' it seems to send 101 twice and sometimes ends up on 110 as opposed to 101. The input then gets stuck on ''BBC One Yorks' and requires a restart in order to reset.

Logs shown when selecting input are displayed below:

[25/04/2021, 14:15:16] [skyq-tvremote] [Sky Q Mini] Set Input: 101
[25/04/2021, 14:15:16] [skyq-tvremote] [Sky Q Mini] Set Input: 101
[25/04/2021, 14:15:16] [skyq-tvremote] Error: This callback function has already been called by someone else; it can only be called one time.
    at /usr/local/lib/node_modules/homebridge/node_modules/hap-nodejs/src/lib/util/once.ts:6:13
    at /usr/local/lib/node_modules/homebridge-skyq-tvremote/src/platform.ts:146:95
    at processTicksAndRejections (internal/process/task_queues.js:93:5)
(node:4069) UnhandledPromiseRejectionWarning: Error: This callback function has already been called by someone else; it can only be called one time.
    at /usr/local/lib/node_modules/homebridge/node_modules/hap-nodejs/src/lib/util/once.ts:6:13
    at /usr/local/lib/node_modules/homebridge-skyq-tvremote/src/platform.ts:148:17
    at processTicksAndRejections (internal/process/task_queues.js:93:5)
(node:4069) UnhandledPromiseRejectionWarning: Unhandled promise rejection. This error originated either by throwing inside of an async function without a catch block, or by rejecting a promise which was not handled with .catch(). To terminate the node process on unhandled promise rejection, use the CLI flag `--unhandled-rejections=strict` (see https://nodejs.org/api/cli.html#cli_unhandled_rejections_mode). (rejection id: 4)

[michel0271]

@EpicKris At least the channel is switched even if it is wrong. However, switching only worked once.

[SmolSoftBoi]

Could you test 1.2.0-beta.8 please?

[michel0271]

Could you test 1.2.0-beta.8 please?

Tested, unfortunately the same again. When setting up in the Home App, Sky One HD was suggested which I left that way. This time the one-time switching does not work either. On / off works. I have a real guilty conscience, you are trying so hard for me ... sorry. You're great!

[SmolSoftBoi]

Please, don't apologise, it would be a great feature for this plugin.

Could you include your logs please?

[benfysh]

Beta 8 working here will change to 101 reliably now with no error in the logs. However it is still getting 'stuck' on ''BBC One Yorks' as the selected input showing on the tile after changing channels / power cycling the box and this remains even if you kill and reopen the home app requiring a homebridge restart in order to reset to blank.

I am not sure what the expected behaviour is or if you can get the currently tuned channel in order to correctly set the input if the channel is changed? Some way to reset the input selector after choosing a channel may work?

[michel0271]

Somehow we have to manage that the channel list can be read out by the plug-in of the Sky Q receiver. At least that's how it works with the Sony TV OS plug-in. But maybe that's not even possible with the Sky Q Receiver?

[SmolSoftBoi]

Somehow we have to manage that the channel list can be read out by the plug-in of the Sky Q receiver. At least that's how it works with the Sony TV OS plug-in. But maybe that's not even possible with the Sky Q Receiver?

I've grabbed the channel list from the Sky Q receiver, which is why you're seeing Sky One HD which s channel 100 for you.

Could you test 1.2.0-beta.9 please?

[michel0271]

Somehow we have to manage that the channel list can be read out by the plug-in of the Sky Q receiver. At least that's how it works with the Sony TV OS plug-in. But maybe that's not even possible with the Sky Q Receiver?

I've grabbed the channel list from the Sky Q receiver, which is why you're seeing Sky One HD which s channel 100 for you.

Could you test 1.2.0-beta.9 please?

Tested, Sky One HD set up as relaxed as suggested. It was switched once and even on the correct channel! :-) The whole thing did not work once, then unfortunately no longer. However, the other channels are not displayed. On / off works.

[benfysh]

@EpicKris is the intention to show all the channels from /as/services as inputs? (I am only seeing the first currently) I think there is a limit to the number of inputs to be displayed

From https://github.com/jsiegenthaler/homebridge-eosstb#readme

Input service. The input (TV channels) utilises one service per input. 
The maximum possible channels (inputs) are thus 100 - 3 = 97

An option may be to grab the favourites from a box via /as/services/favourites if they exist and use those?

[SmolSoftBoi]

@EpicKris is the intention to show all the channels from /as/services as inputs? (I am only seeing the first currently) I think there is a limit to the number of inputs to be displayed

Yes, this exactly what we're trying to achieve, thank you for pointing out the limit as I'd forgotten about that.

An option may be to grab the favourites from a box via /as/services/favourites if they exist and use those?

Could you provide me with data for the /as/services/favourites please?

[SmolSoftBoi]

Could you also test 1.2.0-beta.10 please?

[benfysh]

Could you provide me with data for the /as/services/favourites please?

This is from the one box I have them set on:

{
   "favourites" : [
      {
         "lcn" : 1,
         "sid" : "1044"
      },
      {
         "lcn" : 2,
         "sid" : "4081"
      },
      {
         "lcn" : 3,
         "sid" : "2076"
      },
      {
         "lcn" : 4,
         "sid" : "4075"
      },
      {
         "lcn" : 5,
         "sid" : "4010"
      },
      {
         "lcn" : 6,
         "sid" : "2075"
      },
      {
         "lcn" : 7,
         "sid" : "4002"
      },
      {
         "lcn" : 8,
         "sid" : "2104"
      },
      {
         "lcn" : 9,
         "sid" : "4077"
      }
   ]
}

[benfysh]

1.2.0-beta.10 is now showing the first 97 channels as inputs on all boxes (after killing and opening the home app after restarting homebridge) and you can change channels by selecting the inputs.

It still has the same behaviour in that the previously selected input persists even if the channel is changed or the box is power cycled.

[michel0271]

Good job! Many Thanks! I am very happy! I would like to continue to support you with the beta. Maybe we will get it to switch faster. The on-off function is also fast?

[SmolSoftBoi]

It still has the same behaviour in that the previously selected input persists even if the channel is changed or the box is power cycled.

Is there an endpoint to get the current channel that you're aware of?

[benfysh]

It still has the same behaviour in that the previously selected input persists even if the channel is changed or the box is power cycled.

Is there an endpoint to get the current channel that you're aware of?

not that I am aware of

[SmolSoftBoi]

Is there an endpoint to get the current channel that you're aware of?

not that I am aware of

Not that I could find either, I don't think there's a way around this issue without being able to grab that information.

[neilpatel121]

been having a look around, this like the HA community have managed to do this,

https://github.com/RogerSelwyn/Home_Assistant_SkyQ_MediaPlayer

[neilpatel121]

can't find now typescript or js implementations, seems quite involved, with soap request, better reference implantation here..

https://github.com/4n0nD3v3l0p3r/Home_Assistant_SkyQ_MediaPlayer/blob/master/skyq/sky_remote.py

[SmolSoftBoi]

@neilpatel121 Great find, I'm going to create a separate library so we can utilise this, it even has device discovery.

[michel0271]

I have no idea what you're doing, but I'll be there ... First Beta Tester 😂👍🏼

[SmolSoftBoi]

So I can't test the Soap requests because I don't have access to a Sky Q yet.

[benfysh]

So I can't test the Soap requests because I don't have access to a Sky Q yet.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Thanks for all you've done with this plugin considering you don't have a Sky Q box!

[SmolSoftBoi]

For now I've released this as is. #19 has been fixed and this feature is almost done. And will re-visit this again soon.

I have started developing a library at https://github.com/EpicKris/node-sky-q, you're welcome to test that as is if you'd like, however the Soap part hasn't been fully built out yet.

[michel0271]

Will you continue to work on the plugin? E.g. faster switching times? greetings michel

[SmolSoftBoi]

Will you continue to work on the plugin? E.g. faster switching times? greetings michel

The actual speed of switching cannot be increased, it currently works by "backing up" and then entering the channel number as if it were a remote. I'm not aware of any other way of changing the channel currently.

[michel0271]

ok

[ngem1]

Can we have an option to not have channels listed? It shows as 97 off on my favourites page which means you cannot easily power cycle from the control centre. The LG web OS plug in for example has an option for channel control/volume control etc

[github-actions]

This issue has been automatically marked as stale because it has not had recent activity. It will be closed if no further activity occurs. Thank you for your contributions.

[SmolSoftBoi]

Could you test v1.3.0-beta.0?

[benfysh]

Could you test v1.3.0-beta.0?

Favourites are now being loaded as 'Inputs' on the box where I have them set instead of the first 100 channels. On boxes without favourites no 'Inputs' are being loaded. Not sure if this is what you are expecting?

The input is also not synced with the actual channel on the box assume you are not getting the state yet?

The issue persists that on the first open of the home all inputs are shown as switches as opposed to selectable inputs. Killing and reopening the home app resolves this.

[SmolSoftBoi]

So I'm trying to use the favourites from the Sky box for the input list instead of the first 100 channels.

Could you send me a full screenshot please?

[benfysh]

Sure:

After restarting homebridge only on first load of the home app:

After killing and reopening the home app.

[SmolSoftBoi]

The latest screenshot appears to be expected behaviour?

[benfysh]

The latest screenshot appears to be expected behaviour?

Yes, it just requires you to kill and reopen the home app (even if wasn't running previously) in order to get the expected behaviour. Minor in the scheme of things and may be on the iOS as opposed to the plugin side.

[SmolSoftBoi]

Yes, it just requires you to kill and reopen the home app (even if wasn't running previously) in order to get the expected behaviour. Minor in the scheme of things and may be on the iOS as opposed to the plugin side.

Oh yes, I experienced the same issue, but does seem to be an iOS issue, tried with a couple of different devices.

[simon3163]

Hi Both,
Was this resolved - i can't see the inputs when i load this plugin into Home?

Thanks

[simon3163]

This is what I use to use Siri to change sky channels

Does this still work, if so how?
Could you let me see the code?

[SmolSoftBoi]

@simon3163 Please open a new issue.