Caavo

[jaycapz 3]

Not sure this is a feature request, more so hoping for support and integration with caavo. Not sure if anyone here is familiar with it, but they currently have Plex support and well that does me no good lol. Caavos Harmony killer is picking up allot of attention, it would really add value. Check it out.

Edited March 16, 2019 by jaycapz

[ebr 16177]

Hi.  What specifically do you feel you would need from us?  This is a universal remote so it should just integrate with your device which will, in turn, work with our app(s).

[jaycapz 3]

It does have apps preinstalled, so it's a bit more than just a remote. It would be nice too be able to open Emby from caavo instead of needing a firestick, or other dongle. Caavo with Plex can actually search libraries, use voice activation to search or find channels, search for tv shows, takes commands for things like setting recordings, etc. There's also ifttt and Google Assistant support, so there's that as well. Such as asking Google Assistant to switch to channels or inputs, set recordings, etc.

[Luke 42078]

Ok so this is probably work for caavo rather than emby, right?

[jaycapz 3]

Ok so this is probably work for caavo rather than emby, right?

 

I figured that might be the case.  I also reached out to them via few different channels to express interest, they said they did not have any immediate plans or others were not aware of what Emby was.  In case you had interest, I figured I would start with raising the opportunity

[Luke 42078]

Great, thanks for the info.

[KarlDag 25]

Hi. What specifically do you feel you would need from us? This is a universal remote so it should just integrate with your device which will, in turn, work with our app(s).

FYI Caavo is a special device, unlike other "universal remote controls". It works by having all other devices plugged in to it (streaming boxes) and uses screen recognition to go manipulate the controls and go get the media from various apps on various boxes... So uses a lot of AI.

 

Given that, I do believe it's on Caavo's shoulders to teach their algorithms to dive into Emby's app.

[mgworek 134]

Has anyone used Caavo? I was just looking at in and wondering how people like it.

[jaycapz 3]

I'm still using it, but I have had some issues with the overall setup.  I'll try to summarize my experience so far...

 

1) If you can get it to work for you, it does offer a nice way to consolidate most of your home entertainment needs into one remote.

2) I have had issues with 1080P experiencing lag with my cable box (not streaming).  The picture and voice sync sometimes are off and a reboot of the entire system is needed.

 

3) Their customer support is very responsive and have even issued firmware patches to try and correct issues I submitted.

4) You can only attach 4 devices to the caavo box.  You need to have the devices connected to caavo to use via their remote.

5) The ability to search across different devices is not reliable.  The ability to search for content within my FireTV for example is very unreliable.

6) They only support Plex, I have asked about Emby and still nothing on the road map.

7) I think switching between connected devices is a tad too slow for my liking.

8) Sometimes my Xbox causes the input to automatically switch to it, not sure if this is an issue where the ports on the Caavo are sensing something going on?  Have not been able to figure this out.

9) The voice commands are nice but not always reliable.  The ability to tune to a channel or input is pretty nice as a feature.

10)  I have a Samsung TV with Soundbar setup, I find that sometimes I need to retrain the remote to control my Soundbar.  

11) Using Google Home Assist has not been reliable either, way too many issues to get into here.

 

If the setup works for you, I think it has allot to offer.  However, I find that it has been a bit of work to get it where I need it to be.  

Edited November 6, 2019 by jaycapz

[Luke 42078]

Caavo actually looks pretty neat. Or i guess i should say, the remote looks attractive.

[mgworek 134]

Thanks for the info! My receiver died and I can't afford a new one right now. I was looking into because of the price so I could easily switch between devices. Then I noticed the extra fee for lifetime service. I should probably just save up for a new 4k receiver.  Going to keep my eye on it though.

[psybertech 33]

I am editing this before I post... this is NOT an advert, I just went on a ramble like I do.......

 

I just bought a Caavo two weeks ago....

 

So far, it really is great! I had some initial knee-jerk reactions to a few things, but after a couple days, man, I can't believe how well it works and how happy it is making me.

 

But, my setup is different?

 

I only use streaming devices like my Fire TV Cube, 4K stick, Apple TV and a Roku Premiere... yeah... I have a bunch, but I like the flexibility of them all.

And before Caavo, I would really just use my Fire TV's for Emby and Youtube.

With Apple TV+ being released, I needed my Apple TV more and I HATE that remote (when I could find it).

 

But, now, I just tap a button, switch to ATV and have the same remote. Awesome.

Roku channel? Click... same remote.

 

For streaming devices, this really rocks. Big time.

Oh, and yes, it controls my TV (completely in a 'TV mode' which emulates my full remote) and my soundbar or AVR (well volume at least and that is all I expect over ARC).

One click, turn everything off/on.Simple, but, yeah, awesome from one configuration.

 

So, with that said, it ROCKS! 

I now have one remote that works the same across all devices. Same button layout. Same feel. Just pretty great. 

And I was a Harmony person for a while (a few remotes and a hub), but this is different. Simpler?

 

I haven't touched one other remote since buying it and my habits have only increased (I am now using more devices as a direct result of having one). So yeah.. pretty cool.

 

The switching speed jaycapz said is slow is not bad.. 3-5 seconds but there is at least a graphic on screen and not just a fade to black and wait screen. Not bad? Sometimes slower if the device you are connecting to is sleeping, so that is fine by me. Faster than grabbing the other remotes and switching inputs on yet another remote. Waaaayyyy faster.

 

Yes, they have a subscription model for their voice control and I get it. I'd prefer a higher price to the purchase to have it included, but that is the way they are going. I get it. That is fine. 

That said, you DO NOT need the sub for what I have mentioned. Up to 4 devices, switching, one remote. DONE!  Since I don't use the voice features (see next points), I am really happy since I save $$$ without that need but would be fine with an upfront cost increase to include it and maybe that would make me use it more. But that's me.

 

It only is needed if you want a single voice search that will try to find all results, across all your selected streaming services (HBO, Netflix, iTunes, Plex, ATT TV Now (DirectTV Now), etc) and show them in the results... and then it will open that app on THAT DEVICE you want... so man, pretty cool. I just wish I used many services to make this something for me.

I use Emby, my DVR and specific services on one device mostly. No need to search for me... click, click, go..... but that's me.

 

But this is where I want to see Emby appear at some point.  Universal, cross device and service search.... pretty cool!?!?

 

It has a simple design for hardware and the interface.

 

It frees up ports on my TV/AVR (I've moved my one unit between two setups for testing) and it is nice to free up and other things.

 

For me, having my PS4 and XB1 on it makes little sense. I'd rather keep them separate.

I am a cable cutter and have been for years, so I can't speak to a cable company's box.  My only DVR now is Emby.

 

So, one remote, a nice design for everything (hardware, UI and even the remote) is great.

 

I will be picking up one more to move to my secondary setup.

 

 

OK... so... there is one small issue I just found and why I am even replying here to be honest.

I rarely, if ever, use the Emby search feature. Sorry. I normally just browse.

 

So, when using my Caavo....

ONLY on my Fire TV Cube (gen 2), when I try to search in Emby and click the 'enter/select' button, it just adds a new line. Weird,

In the latest Fire TV 4K Stick, I click the 'enter/select' button, it opens the keyboard so that is fine.

On Apple TV, search is fine.

Roku, search is fine.

Just the Cube doesn't work.

 

Aside from that, its about the best $60 I've spent to simplify and un-frustrate my life as far as TV time goes... and I've tried A LOT!

 

Also note that some of my initial reactions to the product resulted me contacting their customer support... BUT MAN... best.support.ever. I don't throw that out there lightly (the Emby team is also at the top by the way!). I have dealt with a ton of, and do customer support. And man, the support I received from Caavo was just great. Above and beyond. That meant a lot when I raised concerns. They listened. They responded.

 

And, perhaps, one day, Emby support could be added for their apps and search features?

I can't say, but I too mentioned it to them and my support rep said he would personally be checking it out (not a brush off, mentioned it again in a later response that they were interested after our convo and was a Plex user that haven't heard of Emby [i was in that boat too about a year ago!!!]). So, maybe a dev hears about it and reaches out if he checks it out and gets it. Who knows. I am positive though,

 

Anyway... that's my 2.0000001 cents.

 

j

Edited November 9, 2019 by psybertech

[Luke 42078]

Thanks for the feedback !

[atomicmoon 152]

Just grabbed my Caavo the other day and I'm enjoying it a lot! 

It's more device oriented, rather than activity oriented like the Harmony Hubs.
The integration of Plex built-in was disappointing, but I'm still giving it a go for the sake of testing.

It is really awesome to have your personal library results instantly pop up to the top of the voice searches though.

I too would like to see the device utilize my Emby library, as it's far superior to Plex in my humble opinion.

 

For anyone else searching for Caavo/Emby abilities in this forum, you can get Emby results, but they are through the, "search device" feature which does a similar search to what Android TV produces.

If Emby has been started, and signed in, it will show your media when you search for a movie/show/song. 
If you haven't done all of those steps, just like in Android TV searches, it will not show your Emby media items.

 

Outside of requesting this feature with the Caavo team, is there anything we as supporters can do to help promote this marriage of Caavo/Emby?
For the first time ever, I find myself in the 1% and it's not as glamorous as I had thought it would be  

 

I'd even be willing to donate a device to the Emby developers so they could see the potential, and possibly develop a relationship with the Caavo developers, even if at the end of the day, nothing can be done.
Worth a shot for me!

 

Thanks as always, for taking the time to hear our wishes!

[Luke 42078]

 

 

Outside of requesting this feature with the Caavo team

This is probably the first step, no?

[atomicmoon 152]

This is probably the first step, no?

Lol, touche.

What would the second step be after reaching out to their support team? 

How do we get you at Emby interested in this?

[Luke 42078]

We're interested. If they want to support Emby, we'll help them however needed.