[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by ApK

Well I'll be darned. Now I just need to figure out what it can do.

You can now use Alexa to control your DirecTV set-top box

Amazon first announced an update to its Alexa Video Skill API back in March that would make it easier for set-top box makers to add DVR and playback controls via voice, but it’s taken a little while for its initial partners to enable the feature. TiVo added it to select devices back in May, and now DirecTV is joining the club with an announcement today that its Genie HR44 DVR, among other DirecTV set-top boxes, finally supports Alexa.

With the update, you should be able to use your voice to ask an Alexa-enabled Echo device to record TV shows, change channels, and perform other playback functions for your DirecTV set-top box. Commands like, “Hey Alexa, record that show,” can be used for specific programs, and you can also specify for Alexa certain networks like HBO if you’re looking just to channel surf.

Alexa voice control arrives for select DirecTV set-top boxes

If you have DirecTV and you're fed up of having to use an old-fashioned remote to get to the content you want to watch, starting today, you can just holler at Amazon's Alexa voice assistant to do the work for you. Alexa is now compatible with the Genie HR44, HR54, Genie 2 and Genie Mini set-top boxes.

You'll first need to connect your DirecTV account to Alexa, which you can control with (for instance) an Echo, a mobile app or the new Fire TV Cube. It's then a matter of using your voice to play, rewind and record shows, or change the channel. You can search for what you want to watch too, such as movies starring a certain actor. It's a far cry from the old days of voice control, before remotes existed, when you would just ask a child to get up and switch the channel on the TV itself.