Automate Your Smart TV to Trigger an Evening Routine

Easily automate your evening routine with your smart TV and Alexa using Node-RED in one simple command.

Posted by Erica Lane on October 02, 2025 · 5 mins read

Automate Your Smart TV to Trigger an Evening Routine

Have you ever wished you could simply say a command to watch your favorite show while simultaneously dimming the lights and locking the doors? With today’s smart home technology, setting up an evening routine that automates your TV and other devices can be easier than ever. In this post, we’ll explore how to use Node-RED and voice commands with Amazon Alexa to streamline your evening routine into a single command.

Step-by-step Setup Guide

1. Prerequisites

Before diving into the setup, make sure you have a few things ready:

  • A smart TV that’s compatible with voice commands.
  • An Amazon Echo device.
  • Node-RED installed on your home server or Raspberry Pi.
  • Basic knowledge of how to navigate Node-RED. If you need help with installation, check out the Node-RED official website.

2. Connect to your Smart TV

Most modern smart TVs support HDMI-CEC for power and volume control. Here’s how to enable it:

  • For Samsung TVs: Go to Settings > General > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) and turn it on.
  • For LG TVs: Go to Settings > General > Simplink (HDMI-CEC) and enable it.
  • For other brands, refer to your TV’s user manual.

3. Create a New Node-RED Flow

  1. Open Node-RED: Access your Node-RED interface through a web browser.

  2. Add an Alexa Skill: Use the node-red-contrib-alexa-home-skill package to create a voice command to trigger your evening routine. Follow the Node-RED Alexa integration guide to link your Alexa device to Node-RED.

  3. Set Up Your Flow:
    • Drag an alexa node to your flow. Configure it to recognize your custom command like “Good evening.”
    • Connect this node to a exec node that will send the appropriate commands to your TV, such as turning it on or changing the input source.
    • Optionally, you can add nodes to control other devices, such as smart lights or locks, to prepare your home for the evening.
  4. Deploy Your Flow: After configuring your nodes and connecting them appropriately, click the deploy button in the top right corner of Node-RED.

4. Test Your Setup

Say “Alexa, good evening” and see if the routine executes correctly. Your smart TV should turn on and switch to your specified input source, lights dim, and doors lock if you have those commands linked.

Helpful Tip Block

  • Customize Voice Commands: Spend some time customizing your voice commands in the Alexa app. You can create more engaging phrases for your routines, making it feel more personal.
  • Experiment with Delays: You can use the delay node in Node-RED for staggered actions. For example, program your lights to dim gradually over five seconds rather than instantly.
  • Utilize Flow Examples: For inspiration and other automation scenarios, check out the node-red flow examples.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Issue: Alexa Doesn’t Recognize the Command

  • Check Skill Authorization: Make sure your Node-RED instance is correctly connected to your Alexa account. Reauthorize the skill if necessary.

Issue: TV Doesn’t Turn On

  • Verify HDMI-CEC: Confirm that HDMI-CEC is enabled on your TV and any connected devices.
  • Test Commands Manually: Manually trigger the commands in Node-RED to troubleshoot any errors with your flow.

Issue: Other Devices Aren’t Responding

  • Device Compatibility: Ensure that all devices you want to automate are compatible with commands sent from Node-RED.
  • Connectivity Issues: Check that all devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and are functioning correctly.

Final Thoughts

Automating your evening routine using your smart TV and Alexa through Node-RED can transform how you unwind after a long day. The simple act of speaking a command can create a soothing atmosphere, allowing you to focus on what matters most—relaxing and enjoying your favorite shows. Remember to continually experiment with your setups; integration possibilities are endless.

Ready to take your evening routine to the next level? Dive into Node-RED, explore the features, and let your voice be the control center of your smart home!

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