Some of that is a command to the tv rather than the soundbar. The Arc or Arc Ultra simply plays the audio it receives via the HDMI-ARC cable. Volume up/down and mute can be voice-controlled via Sonos Voice control. Channel or input switching is down to the tv.
Thanks Nik9669a.
Her Samsung TV does not have a built in microphone so the only way her TV can receive a voice command (without physically pressing a button on a remote…. which she can’t really see), is to connect an ARC capable speaker like some of the Sonos series. These speakers have microphones for two-way communication, not just audio output which enables activation by voice only. That works, at least the on/off/volume functions but what I really want to know (before I purchase) is the extended commands like channel selection and input switching. Maybe I’m not interpreting your reply correctly?
@Josepaprika
Sonos voice enabled speakers cannot interpret/give commands to change TV channels; nor switch inputs such as HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 etc.
I see you're in Canada. In the US we have Comcast/Xfinity as an internet/TV cable provider (ISP). I have Comcast as my provider for TV sans Internet. Their remotes allow one to speak a channel selection. *
The remotes are backlit and illuminate upon picking them up. They have a voice control button in the center with a blue light and microphone icon. Maybe there is a similar provider in Canada 🤔. However, you’d have to weigh cost vs connivence.
Oh...HDMI switching is not an option. That will (as far I know) always be a manual function.
* I use Google Fiber for internet.
Thanks for all the help. The Bell remote does in fact have a microphone activation button button to activate (Google assistant). Unfortunately wet macular degeneration makes that button invisible. I’ve actually adhered a small domed rubber button to the mic button so at least she can feel it (but even that is a bit of a struggle ). If there was a way to “wake up” the Bell remote Google assistant without physically pressing a button in a remote I think that would be all the functionality most seniors and people with disabilities might need. If anybody comes up with a tidy solution let me know.
