How the $#@* do I set up the Volume plugin???
I'll admit the Volume plugin can be a bit confusing and complicated looking. It can use some refining but for now my main goal was to get things working. Eventually I would like to make the volume plugin easier to understand and configure but it will take some time. I will attempt to explain how to set it up here for now.
Note: Version 2.0 of the volume plugin now includes the beginnings of a Setup Wizard. While it does not yet work on ALL possible devices, it does help set up most that are already supported in the plugin. When you create a new profile, please follow the prompts which will help guide you in setting up the plugin. Click here to read more about the Setup Wizard.
First, be sure that you have a supported device. If you don't, then you are probably wasting your time. Due to technical limitations, most people will not be able to control volume using an Android app. In short, most televisions cannot be controlled over a network but they all can be controlled using InfraRed signals. On the opposite side of the spectrum, all Android devices can control other devices over a network but most cannot directly send InfraRed signals. See the dillema here? This is why only a select number of people will be able to achieve this very desired ability. Two completely different technologies! Fortunately, televisions are slowly coming out with the ability to be controlled over a network and some Android devices now have IR emitters. Unfortunately, these are rare.
If you appear to have a compatible device, keep reading. If not, I apologize, but there isn't much I can do about it.
- Start the plugin app like any other normal app.
- Press the 'New' button to create a new volume profile. Each profile will contain information on how to control the TV or AVR as well as which DirecTV receivers you want it to be used in conjunction with.
- By default, the new profile will be called New Profile. Change it to something more informative such as Living Room TV or Panasonic Plasma. Be sure to press the 'Enter' key on your Android keyboard in order for the app to recognize the new name right away.
- Next, you will tell the plugin which DirecTV receivers to use with this profile. A typical scenario would be that you are setting up a profile for your Living Room TV, so in this case you would want to select the DirecTV receiver that is located in the same room. If you have multiple receivers in the same room, select all that apply. If you do not complete this step, the plugin will attempt to change volume on the TV or AVR in this profile no matter which DirecTV receiver is currently selected in the main remote app.
- Next, you will choose the control method. Which method you use depends on what you have. While there are advanced options (HTTP-Simple URL and HTTP-Advanced), these are rare cases and are only included in case it can be used for your situation. It likely cannot. The list contains several brands and devices that can be controlled over a NETWORK, and ONLY if it can be controlled over a network. There are also options to choose certain Android phones such as the HTC One and select Samsung Galaxy devices. Those options only work on compatible devices that contain an InfraRed emitter. If you have one of those, you're in luck because you can control just about any TV or AVR out there!
- If the method you have chosen is for a network-controlled device, you will see a button labeled 'Edit / View IP & Port'. You will need to enter the IP address of your TV or AVR (not the DirecTV receiver). The default port is usually correct but that can be changed as well. You can find the IP address by browsing the menus on the TV or AVR in question. Consult your owner's manual for information on how to find the IP address and other network settings. I should mention here that static IP addresses or DHCP reservation is recommended for network-controlled devices like these (as well as your DirecTV receivers).
- For other methods, you may see buttons labeled 'Edit / View Settings'. Typically this button may allow entering an IP address or other information depending on the device being controlled.
- You may also see a button labeled 'Edit / View Cmds'. On this screen, you can enter commands for each remote button you are trying to send (such as volume, etc). What gets entered here depends on the control method. See links below for more information on controlling with certain methods.
- Once you have the profile configured, press on the 'Test' button at the bottom and you can test the remote commands right from inside the Volume plugin app itself. DirecTV Remote+ PRO users can also send these commands from within the main remote app itself!
- Once you are finished editing profiles, be sure to press the phone's BACK button to exit the plugin app. If you press Home or use the task manager to switch to another app, the plugin may appear when using volume buttons from within the main remote app.
Follow the links below for more information on how to continue setting up certain specific types of devices.
Using IR on supported LG and Sony devices
Global Cache iTach (Net-to-IR device... may be your only hope!)
Problems with Samsung network control
Problems with Phillips (JointSPACE) network control
HomeSeer (Home Automation software... requires a compatible IR blaster)
My device is listed in the plugin but I cannot control it
Why is volume control on Android so difficult?
How can I disable profiles without having to uninstall the plugin?
Less likely methods that you may be able to use:
If you have a compatible device but need help setting it up, please send me an email from the Volume plugin app while the profile in question is selected. Doing this sends me some information on how your profile is configured which may help me answer your questions.
Tags: Configuring the Volume Plugin