IR blaster for Alexa, but not "cloud-based"?

[clockworks]

Being able to turn on the kitchen/diner TV and amplifier by voice command is very useful.

I'm currently using an Echo Show with Alexa voice commands, which links to a Switchbot combined IR Blaster/hub using the Switchbot skill.

It works, but is quite limiting for anything other than basic on/off functions. You have to use an Alexa Routine (called by a voice command), which then runs a Switchbot Scene to do the actual IR thing.
It seems to fall down because the Switchbot device has to access the "Switchbot cloud" to run the scene. This is very laggy.

Alexa is also cloud-based, but the Amazon servers are way more responsive.

Is there an IR blaster that either works natively with Alexa, or has enough intelligence to store the "scenes" locally to reduce lag?


I've tried smart devices from Tapo, Switchbot, Shelly, Extrastar, Govee, etc.
They all work fine for the functions that Alexa supports natively, but fall down badly if you try and use the manufacturers' cloud to do more complex things.
Tapo is the exception, as their hub stores "scenes" locally. Tapo don't make an IR blaster though.

I've also tried using a Logitech Harmony smart hub, but integration with Alexa is very flaky. It worked for a few weeks, then just stopped responding to voice commands, and I've not been able to figure out why

[nyt]

Youtube 'experts' always seem to say 'Broadlink'

Something like https://www.amazon.co.uk/Broadlink-RMmini3-Univers...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Broadlink-RM4-Universal-C...

There seems to be a range of models

I've no personal experience!!

[Lucas Ayde]

The Harmony Hub works reasonably well but I have no idea how much longer Logitech will continue to support it for .. they stopped making/selling them quite a while back now.

Activities are stored locally but you rely on the cloud for configuration etc .. in fact I remember a situation a couple of years ago where harmony hubs simply stopped working en-masse because of some screwup by Logitech on the server side. Also of course the interface to Alexa is via cloud, but response is quick.

To be fair, my most common use of voice for the remote is just to turn everything off if the remote isn't at hand.

[clockworks]

I'll try resetting or reinstalling the Harmony skill. If that doesn't work, I'll try the Broadlink device

[.:ian:.]

As ever, homeassistant and esphome can do this.

https://community.home-assistant.io/t/faking-an-ir...

Nowhere near plug and play though...

[clockworks]

I deleted the Harmony device from Alexa, then added it back in again.

I can now use voice commands to turn on the "TV" and "Netflix" activities, as well as change channels and volume.

I'm struggling with the "music" activity though. This just switches my Tangent amp to the Bluetooth input, which then automatically connects to the Echo Show so that I can use the default Alexa radio and music functions.
Alexa gets confused, thinking I'm asking "her" to play stuff, rather than sending a command via the Harmony skill.

I'll have a play with the trigger words.