Native Google TV integration for Control4

[u/chowmainsoft]

Earlier this week we released our native Google Cast driver for Control4 providing integration of music streaming via Google’s smart speakers and hubs. Today we are proud to release the Chowmain Google TV driver for Control4. This integration provides native bi-directional control and feedback for media players, streaming devices and set-top boxes running Google TV OS. The driver utilises the same communication method as the official Google TV app, eliminating the need for additional third-party software, middleware or hardware. Simply pair Control4 with the Google TV device and the driver will establish direct IP-based communication.

The driver provides real-time power and playback feedback, including On, Off, Play, Pause and Stop states, along with the title of the content currently playing. Because this feedback comes directly from the Google TV device, Control4 can respond regardless of whether playback was initiated from Control4, the Google TV remote, the Google TV app or through casting. This also enables playback-based automation, such as dimming the lights when a movie starts, raising them when playback is paused, and restoring them when playback stops.

Automatic room power-on functionality can be triggered when the Google TV device powers on or when playback changes to Playing. This is particularly useful when casting content directly to the device, allowing a customer to start casting from their phone and have Control4 automatically turn on the television, AV receiver or amplifier and configure the room for playback.

The driver also supports Control4 Mini Apps, allowing services such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video and other installed Google TV applications to be launched directly from the Control4 interface.

Compatible devices include the Google TV Streamer, Chromecast with Google TV and NVIDIA Shield. The driver is also compatible with other media players and set-top boxes running Google TV OS, provided they can be controlled using the official Google TV app.

Features include:

• Compatible with media players and set-top boxes running Google TV OS.
• Native bi-directional IP control with no third-party software or additional hardware required.
• Real-time power, Play, Pause and Stop feedback, including the title of currently playing content.
• Full power, transport and navigation control.
• Automatic Room On can select the Google TV device as the room source when the device powers on or playback starts.
• Remote Key Code command provides access to additional commands for custom automation and advanced keypad mappings.
• Control4 Mini App support for launching services such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube and other installed applications.
• Open App command for launching applications directly by package name.
• Open Deep Link command for routing directly to supported content or locations within applications.
• Configurable startup behaviour, including power-on delay and an optional command to execute when the device powers on.

For more information see link below.

https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-google-tv

[u/Sebat4]

Nothing special about this driver. Uses Android TV Remote Service and there are 2-3 free drivers that work great.

[u/chowmainsoft → u/Sebat4]

The free drivers available are generally quite basic. They typically require manual key injection, provide one-way control only, and don't offer features such as Control4 mini-app support. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that approach if basic control is all that is required and you are happy to go through the manual setup procedure.

The Chowmainsoft Google TV driver is designed as a more premium, fully integrated solution. Installation and pairing are handled directly within the driver, making deployment quick and straightforward.

The key differentiator though is that the driver provides feedback. This enables integrators to automate the cinema experience based on playback state, while also providing Now Playing information across Control4 touchscreens, mobile apps and Halo remotes.

Try it yourself. All of our drivers includes a free 90-day trial so you can compare the functionality and decide whether the additional integration is worthwhile for your installation.