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mcdon26
Contributor II
October 6, 2017
Answered

What command to use? Switching back to TV

  • October 6, 2017
  • 8 replies
  • 5160 views
Set alexa up. I can play music by command through my living room speakers. But what command do you use to go back to playing the TV audio?
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    Best answer by Ryan S
    Thanks. I couldnt find anything myself. Was hoping there would be something i was missing. This really needs to get added. Im certain they would have discovered this issue during the beta.

    It's definitely something on the list that we'd like to sort out.

    For now, if you're using Autoplay on your PLAYBAR, just stop playing audio on the TV for about 12 seconds or so. You can turn the TV off, or maybe mute it (if the remotes are separate). That should do the trick to switch back to the TV source without grabbing your Sonos controller.

    8 replies

    Airgetlam
    Airgetlam
    October 6, 2017
    There isn't currently a command to switch inputs on Sonos using Alexa
    Bruce
    Airgetlam
    Airgetlam
    October 6, 2017
    To add to my unhelpful answer, and hopefully make it more helpful, you can find the current list of commands for voice interaction here:

    Alexa Details
    Bruce
    mcdon26Author
    Contributor II
    October 7, 2017
    Thanks. I couldnt find anything myself. Was hoping there would be something i was missing. This really needs to get added. Im certain they would have discovered this issue during the beta.
    Ryan S
    Ryan SAnswer
    Retired Sonos Staff
    October 9, 2017
    Thanks. I couldnt find anything myself. Was hoping there would be something i was missing. This really needs to get added. Im certain they would have discovered this issue during the beta.

    It's definitely something on the list that we'd like to sort out.

    For now, if you're using Autoplay on your PLAYBAR, just stop playing audio on the TV for about 12 seconds or so. You can turn the TV off, or maybe mute it (if the remotes are separate). That should do the trick to switch back to the TV source without grabbing your Sonos controller.
    Mark good posts by pressing the like button, and select the best answer on questions you've asked to help others find solutions.
      mbernardo1111
      Lyricist I
      October 17, 2017
      Just use the command “Alexa, stop.” This shuts off the music completely. Turn up the volume using your TV remote control and you’re good to go. Took me a few trial and errors to figure it out, but it works like a charm. But just to clarify - I have the Playbar connected to my TV with auto play. Hope this helps!
        mcdon26Author
        Contributor II
        October 18, 2017
        Im using a play bar and to play3s. I have a harmony remote set to control the volume of the play as the input is directly from the source and the source has no volume control. I also use alexa to control all devices including the sonos. To help with solving this. I am able to have akexa stop, turn off the tv by voice command and turn the tv back on and audio input will be back on tv. If the tv was not on when i started listen to music and i give the command for alexa to turn on the tv. The music will stop playing, all devices come on and input automatically switches to tv audio input. And BTW, I love how all sonos volume goes down when you give the wake command so alexa can listen. Great!!
        damion1day
        Lyricist I
        June 2, 2018
        Im using a play bar and to play3s. I have a harmony remote set to control the volume of the play as the input is directly from the source and the source has no volume control. I also use alexa to control all devices including the sonos. To help with solving this. I am able to have akexa stop, turn off the tv by voice command and turn the tv back on and audio input will be back on tv. If the tv was not on when i started listen to music and i give the command for alexa to turn on the tv. The music will stop playing, all devices come on and input automatically switches to tv audio input. And BTW, I love how all sonos volume goes down when you give the wake command so alexa can listen. Great!!


        How do you get Alexa to turn on your tv and switch inputs? I have a very similar set up.
        Ryan S
        Ryan S
        Retired Sonos Staff
        July 17, 2018
        There's a command that's available which should switch to using the TV audio input. With Beams, just ask: "Alexa, switch to TV." This should also work for the Playbar or Playbase, using an Alexa device, but you will need to target the device by room name: "Alexa, switch to TV on [room name]."
        Mark good posts by pressing the like button, and select the best answer on questions you've asked to help others find solutions.
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