simplextech Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Before I do the thousand search marathon again. I wanted to ask for advice, help, suggestions and ideas. Goals: TTS messages from programs Play/Pause/Stop music Song selection if possible or playlist support Play sound clips/music from programs (think halloween stuff) I know Amazon Echo's can be used in combination with variables and sensors and then running an Alexa Routine. All cloud based/dependent. I think Google Mini's can be used with the AVRemote polyglot for Chromecast? Not sure I need to read more on what is possible with this NS. What about Sonos? How much can it be used for this? Other options that people are using? Link to comment
Bumbershoot Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 1 hour ago, simplextech said: What about Sonos? How much can it be used for this? If you have the ability to run node.js on some machine like an RPi, then you can run the Sonos API bridge locally: https://github.com/jishi/node-sonos-http-api You can do quite a lot, though I don't know what you mean about playing clips/music from programs. I use TTS quite a bit, and it works very well. Lots of things are supported. Link to comment
simplextech Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 Let me add some more details around what I currently have. Background I'm trying to see what are the various options available through either nodeservers or direct external means. I have or can build Amazon Echo's Google Mini's Raspberry Pi's (plenty to do whatever with) Spare systems to build/re-build I do NOT have Whole home audio Sonos Fancy AV setup Never had the need or family desire for the whole home AV setup or sound systems. Don't know why... just never bought into it. Don't even have a surround sound system anymore because my wife hated the wires AND wouldn't let me run them in the walls AND wouldn't let me buy wireless at the time because of cost... soo.... Looking to see what nodeserver or other options there are for doing TTS stuff. The sound/music clips is for short mp3 clips to designated speakers. I use this for Halloween things with Google Mini's now. All of my current TTS and audio stuff is powered through HomeSeer currently and I'm looking at ISY based options. I have tested the Alexa Routine method for TTS and it works well. However it is not local and when I lose internet that's a bummer. I'm aware I could go the raspberry pi route and setup those around the house and then use something like squeezebox to send the media TTS to those or vlc or other others. I've thought about buying a couple Sonos units but I don't know for sure if it's a direct local API or not. I suppose that's my own problem of just not looking into it enough as they are expensive just for TTS stuff. Link to comment
Bumbershoot Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 11 minutes ago, simplextech said: they are expensive just for TTS stuff. True enough. You might be able to find the original Play:1 for a decent price -- refurbished Play:1 speakers are available on the Sonos web site for $119. I haven't found a better solution that works with the ISY, but I'll admit that I haven't killed myself trying. User @Teken was using a solution called Julie U.S., but I don't know anything about it. There are links around in these forums. Link to comment
simplextech Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 Yeah perhaps the refurb Play:1 will work. I suppose any DLNA compatible could be made to work. I just would want it to be powered and not huge. Perhaps I could replace the Echo Plus with a single Sonos w/Alexa built in. Not too horrible for just one. It would be nice to have a decent cheaper option. Link to comment
Jimbo.Automates Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 I started using this but haven't completedhttps://github.com/greghesp/assistant-relayYou can send a broadcast command to have Google Home's speak. My notification poly will have an interface to it if I ever find time to finish it.Sent from my Pixel 3 XL with Tapatalk Link to comment
lilyoyo1 Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 34 minutes ago, simplextech said: Yeah perhaps the refurb Play:1 will work. I suppose any DLNA compatible could be made to work. I just would want it to be powered and not huge. Perhaps I could replace the Echo Plus with a single Sonos w/Alexa built in. Not too horrible for just one. It would be nice to have a decent cheaper option. You get what you pay for when it comes to stuff like this. Sonos while not cheap isn't over expensive... especially for what can be done with one. This is magnified when you take into account it's ability to be integrated into so many automation systems the way it can be. Link to comment
simplextech Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 8 minutes ago, lilyoyo1 said: You get what you pay for when it comes to stuff like this. Sonos while not cheap isn't over expensive... especially for what can be done with one. This is magnified when you take into account it's ability to be integrated into so many automation systems the way it can be. Very true. I don't like to go cheap but I also don't see the cost of the Sonos One "just for TTS"... BUT I now see the new Gen 2 you can choose between Alexa OR Google Assistant (software switch) and could replace the Echo Plus in the living room. Two birds one stone and get to choose if I want to use Alexa or Google.... my interest is leaning towards this option. I have several Echo's and a few Google Mini's and I've been trying to decide which to consolidate down to. I use the Google Mini's currently pretty much exclusively for TTS... replacing for now the Echo Plus with a Sonos One and eventually replacing the other echo and google mini in my office with a Play:1 could be a very good option... hmm now I have too many options Link to comment
lilyoyo1 Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 37 minutes ago, simplextech said: Very true. I don't like to go cheap but I also don't see the cost of the Sonos One "just for TTS"... BUT I now see the new Gen 2 you can choose between Alexa OR Google Assistant (software switch) and could replace the Echo Plus in the living room. Two birds one stone and get to choose if I want to use Alexa or Google.... my interest is leaning towards this option. I have several Echo's and a few Google Mini's and I've been trying to decide which to consolidate down to. I use the Google Mini's currently pretty much exclusively for TTS... replacing for now the Echo Plus with a Sonos One and eventually replacing the other echo and google mini in my office with a Play:1 could be a very good option... hmm now I have too many options I use Sonos myself. If it were me, I'd work towards replacing all echos and googles with Sonos. I love mine. Why? With Alexa and Google, you're locked into their vision of what they want you to do. With Sonos, you can use it how you see fit with the benefits of Google or Amazon. While you save money with the play 1, I'd go with Sonos 1 instead. Bestbuy generally has returns for cheap too. Link to comment
asbril Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 I had 2 Sonos in my home that I used to stream radio stations throughout my home. The streams were constantly interrupted and would not start again automatically. About 2 years ago I sold them on Ebay, at very good prices, and replaced them with much cheaper Chromecast devices. I first controlled the radio streams with voice commands on Google Home, or on App on my phone, but now with AVRemote I have created programs that let me stream my preferred radio stations at set times and days. This works 99 % of the time and much, much better than previously with my Sonos. I trust that the Sonos Nodeserver also works very well, but for the difference in price I see no benefit in Sonos for those that are making an initial choice between Sonos and Chromecast. Link to comment
lilyoyo1 Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 The Google cast devices aren't bad devices. I still have a few of my old ones in a box somewhere. I just don't trust Google enough to invest in their ecosystem regardless of how cheap it is. I like Sonos history in that first gen products work just as well and the same as new gen stuff (except for changes that require hardware). Everything just fits together regardless of combination of devices I have Link to comment
Bumbershoot Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 8 minutes ago, lilyoyo1 said: I just don't trust Google enough to invest in their ecosystem regardless of how cheap it is. Hear, hear to that. Witness the current and ongoing Nest debacle for an example of this. While very good products, if my Nest products (thermostat and doorbell) become invisible to my ISY in August, I'll take them out. Link to comment
upstatemike Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 10 hours ago, simplextech said: Yeah perhaps the refurb Play:1 will work. I suppose any DLNA compatible could be made to work. I just would want it to be powered and not huge. Perhaps I could replace the Echo Plus with a single Sonos w/Alexa built in. Not too horrible for just one. It would be nice to have a decent cheaper option. Just be aware that Sonos players are Alexa enabled devices. They are NOT direct replacements for Echos and do not support a lot of Echo only features. If you don't use those features (intercom and phone stuff, changing wake word, etc.) then your plan will work but just be aware of what you give up when you swap out an Echo for a Sonos device. For low cost TTS that can be upgraded for music just in the locations where want it I think the squeezebox platform offers more flexibility. Link to comment
simplextech Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 1 hour ago, upstatemike said: Just be aware that Sonos players are Alexa enabled devices. They are NOT direct replacements for Echos and do not support a lot of Echo only features. If you don't use those features (intercom and phone stuff, changing wake word, etc.) then your plan will work but just be aware of what you give up when you swap out an Echo for a Sonos device. For low cost TTS that can be upgraded for music just in the locations where want it I think the squeezebox platform offers more flexibility. I like the Squeezebox platform but it's also now only half-maintained and is not a growing ecosystem. The whole DIY approach of building the speakers is "cool" for the geek in me but I also want something that "just works" and I don't have to fiddle with constantly. I've tried it in the past and when it works it's great, but I also don't want to have another device scattered all around the house just for TTS. Now that Sonos lets you choose between running Alexa or Google on their speakers that to me is very appealing. I can choose which voice assistant I want or none at all but still have capable speakers for streaming and for TTS. Link to comment
Scottmichaelj Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 I like the Squeezebox platform but it's also now only half-maintained and is not a growing ecosystem. The whole DIY approach of building the speakers is "cool" for the geek in me but I also want something that "just works" and I don't have to fiddle with constantly. I've tried it in the past and when it works it's great, but I also don't want to have another device scattered all around the house just for TTS. Now that Sonos lets you choose between running Alexa or Google on their speakers that to me is very appealing. I can choose which voice assistant I want or none at all but still have capable speakers for streaming and for TTS. Maybe something like this could work?https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13720 Link to comment
simplextech Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 27 minutes ago, Scottmichaelj said: Maybe something like this could work?https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13720 Could work... would be great for the Halloween box of stuff. Not something I want to build out a DIY and have spread across the house though. Link to comment
simplextech Posted June 18, 2019 Author Share Posted June 18, 2019 Been doing some searching through the forums and still coming up a little short in regards to TTS Alexa With variables, sensors, etc through use of Alexa Routines This works well but still has an internet dependency that I'm trying to avoid if possible Not keen on having to setup everything via my phone Sonos Lots of information around control via ISY. Not finding much on TTS. Can someone point the way? Chromecast (aka Google Home/Mini) Nodeserver available for control. Not finding much on use for TTS Link to comment
Bumbershoot Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 1 hour ago, simplextech said: Sonos Lots of information around control via ISY. Not finding much on TTS. Can someone point the way? If you can run node.js on an RPI, then there's this, with a variety of voices available. I use Sonos TTS to announce that someone's at the front door (in conjunction with the Nest nodeserver), announce dinner, set music playlists and favorites, etc. Most if this is controlled by some condition or device that's controlled by my ISY. Here's a sample Network Resource that announces that someone is at the front door on all my Sonos speakers. Link to comment
simplextech Posted June 18, 2019 Author Share Posted June 18, 2019 4 hours ago, Bumbershoot said: If you can run node.js on an RPI, then there's this, with a variety of voices available. I use Sonos TTS to announce that someone's at the front door (in conjunction with the Nest nodeserver), announce dinner, set music playlists and favorites, etc. Most if this is controlled by some condition or device that's controlled by my ISY. Here's a sample Network Resource that announces that someone is at the front door on all my Sonos speakers. I did see a couple references to that. I do have several rPi's I could use for this. Perhaps turn it into a nodeserver even... hmm Link to comment
simplextech Posted June 18, 2019 Author Share Posted June 18, 2019 @Bumbershoot and this fits my other item on the list... playing clips as well... per the github doc you posted Quote Clip Like "Say" but instead of a phrase, reference a custom track from the static/clips folder. There is a sample file available (courtesy of https://www.sound-ideas.com/). /{Room name}/clip/{filename}[/{announce volume}] /clipall/{filename}[/{announce volume}] Examples: /clipall/sample_clip.mp3 /clipall/sample_clip.mp3/80 /Office/clip/sample_clip.mp3 /Office/clip/sample_clip.mp3/30 Pro-tip: announce your arrival with an epic theme song! Link to comment
Bumbershoot Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 15 minutes ago, simplextech said: Perhaps turn it into a nodeserver even... hmm My assumption has been that there's quite a bit more that the current Sonos node server could be extended to do, given all the functionality that this API exposes. Alas, I'm a very poor programmer, and it's this sort of opportunity that makes we wish I had paid better attention in school... ? Link to comment
simplextech Posted June 19, 2019 Author Share Posted June 19, 2019 29 minutes ago, Bumbershoot said: My assumption has been that there's quite a bit more that the current Sonos node server could be extended to do, given all the functionality that this API exposes. Alas, I'm a very poor programmer, and it's this sort of opportunity that makes we wish I had paid better attention in school... ? They never taught any of this when I was in school....or i went to poor schools anyways.... I had to learn it all myself... still learning I'm really leaning towards getting a Sonos One if for nothing else to have decent music in the Family Room / Office space when I'm working.... I'll have to look into the Sonos API more.... Link to comment
Scottmichaelj Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 They never taught any of this when I was in school....or i went to poor schools anyways.... I had to learn it all myself... still learning I'm really leaning towards getting a Sonos One if for nothing else to have decent music in the Family Room / Office space when I'm working.... I'll have to look into the Sonos API more.... Yamaha MusicCast soundbar 400 Link to comment
simplextech Posted June 19, 2019 Author Share Posted June 19, 2019 14 minutes ago, Scottmichaelj said: Yamaha MusicCast soundbar 400 Interesting... I'll have to look into it. I see it's twice the cost of a single Sonos One though.... I do have a budget... a small one Link to comment
larryllix Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 Sonos on a budget? LOL! It would be cheaper to install hard wiring from a central amp and then replace all your drywall. Link to comment
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