LinkPlay Media Control

S.C.O.R.E. → Entertainment → TVGaming

Overview

LinkPlay allows users to control various media players using the LinkPlay protocol, offering a seamless way to manage audio and video playback across multiple devices. This capability enhances the home entertainment experience by providing centralized control for diverse media sources.

Benefits

• Streamline control of multiple media players from a single interface
• Enhance home entertainment experience with synchronized playback
• Easily switch between different media sources without manual intervention

Intent

The purpose of the LinkPlay capability is to enable users to control various media players efficiently from a unified platform. It achieves this by integrating multiple devices under the LinkPlay protocol, allowing for effortless media management.

Preconditions

• Home Assistant installed and configured.
• Compatible media players that support LinkPlay protocol.
• Stable home network for device communication.
• Integration available and authenticated: Sonos.
• Device installed and reachable: Sonos | Sonos One.

Actors

• Homeowner managing media playback
• Family members enjoying synchronized entertainment
• Guests controlling media during gatherings

Trigger

The capability is triggered when a user selects a media source or a specific action is initiated through Home Assistant.

Workflow Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[User selects media source] -->|check| B{{Is device online?}}
    B -->|Yes| C[Send control command]
    C --> D[Media plays on selected device]
    B -->|No| E[Notify user of offline device]

Workflow Description

1. Select Media Source

The user navigates the Home Assistant interface to select a media source, such as a streaming service or local file.

2. Check Device Status

The system checks if the selected media player is online and available to receive commands.

3. Send Control Command

If the device is online, a control command is sent to the media player to start playback or change the media.

4. Playback Confirmation

The system monitors the media player’s response to confirm that playback has started successfully.

5. Notify User

If the device was offline, the user receives a notification indicating the issue and suggesting alternatives.

Postconditions

The selected media begins playback on the chosen device, and the user can control playback using Home Assistant.

Optional Enhancements

• Integrate voice control for hands-free media management
• Create playlists that can be easily accessed through Home Assistant
• Add scheduling features for automatic media playback at specific times

Recommended Components

Source Examples

• 2026.1: Home is where the dashboard is ?? – Home Assistant (homeassistant)