Integrating smart devices into a single ecosystem is not just a tribute to fashion, but a real step towards improving the comfort of using household appliances. Yandex Mini Station is a compact speaker with a voice assistant that can turn a regular TV into a full-fledged multimedia center. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi equipment often wonder how to combine these devices to manage voice content without using a remote.
The connection process does not require deep technical knowledge, but has a number of nuances associated with the features of the Android TV or PatchWall operating system installed on Chinese TVs. For the correct operation of voice control of the TV, it is necessary that the Mini Station model supports an infrared port or is connected via HDMI-CEC, since simple Bluetooth communication does not transmit interface management commands. In this guide, we will discuss all the available integration methods and possible difficulties.
Equipment and training required
Before you start setting up, you should make sure that all the components of the system are available. The basic element is the Yandex Mini column itself, of any modification, whether it is the first version, Light or 2. To control the TV, it is critical to have an IR emitter module that is built into new versions of the device, or use an external IR transmitter if you have an old model without an eye.
The second important component is the Xiaomi or Redmi TV itself. Make sure the device is on and within range of the Wi-Fi network. HDMI connection will require a high-quality cable, preferably version 2.0 or higher, to ensure 4K signal transmission and HDMI-CEC operation.
- 🔌 Yandex Smart Column Mini Station (with an IR port or external blaster).
- 📺 Television Xiaomi/Redmi smart-working TV.
- 🌐 Stable Wi-Fi connection 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
- 🔘 Remote control from the TV for initial settings.
You will also need a smartphone with the installed application Yandex or Yandex House, through which the initial configuration of the device occurs. Check the presence of a Yandex ID account, since without authorization, you can not set up a smart home.
Connection via HDMI-CEC (Mode of the monitor)
The most advanced way to use Mini Station with a TV is to connect via an HDMI port, in which the speaker works as a full-fledged Yandex TV set-top box, displaying the image on the screen, not only controlling the volume and on, but also running content, streaming photos and videos directly from Yandex servers.
⚠️ Note: To operate the TV (on, off, adjust the volume of the TV) through one command "Alice, turn on the TV", it is necessary that the TV function was activated HDMI-CEC. Without this, the column will only work as a signal source.
First, connect Mini Station to the free port. HDMI When you plug in the speaker, the Yandex logo should appear on the TV screen. If the image does not appear, take the TV remote and press the signal source selection button (usually the square icon with the arrow or the Input button). Select the appropriate port, for example, HDMI 1 HDMI 2.
The next step is to activate the control protocol. On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall shell or Android TV, this feature can be called differently. You need to go to the system settings. Find the partition responsible for external devices and make sure that the CEC switch is active.
☑️ Checking the settings HDMI-CEC
Once you've successfully connected, the system will suggest you set up voice control. Follow the instructions on the screen to link the device to your account. Now you can say, "Alice, turn on YouTube," and the speaker will open the app on the TV using its resources to decode the video.
Infrared control setting (IR port)
If you don't plan on using the Mini Station as a media player with an output image, but only want to control the TV with a voice, leaving the main interface of Xiaomi, you will need an infrared port. The new models of the Mini Station 2 already have an integrated IR emitter that looks like a small black window on the case.
For older models that do not have built-in IR, you will need to purchase a separate device - Yandex IR panel or compatible. USB-This module is connected to the blaster. USB-column port (requires an adapter if the micro-USB port) or operates autonomously, receiving commands over Wi-Fi.
The setup process is carried out through the Yandex House application on a smartphone:
- Open the app and select your Mini Station.
- Go to the device settings and find the "TV management" item.
- Choose a TV manufacturer from the list – in this case Xiaomi or Mi.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to check the buttons (on, volume).
It's important to position the speaker so that the IR port doesn't block anything. Infrared radiation works in a line-of-sight, similar to a conventional remote. If the station is behind the TV or in a niche, the signal may not reach the receiver on the Xiaomi housing.
Broadcasting content via Chromecast and Wi-Fi
Xiaomi TVs have built-in support for Chromecast built-in technology, which allows you to stream content from your smartphone or computer directly to the TV screen using Mini Station as a voice remote. In this scenario, the speaker does not connect to the TV physically, but controls the playback process through the cloud.
To run a video, just say, "Alice, play a space movie on your TV." Voice assistant will analyze the available services (Kinopoisk, YouTube, Netflix) and send a command to run the video on a Xiaomi TV. To do this, both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network and authorized under the same Yandex ID account (for Yandex services) or connected to a smart home.
| Parameter | HDMI Connection | Wi-Fi Broadcast | I.E. Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound quality | High (via TV) | Depends on the network. | Through TV speakers |
| Interface management | Full (voice + remote) | Just launching content | Complete (imitation remote) |
| The need for HDMI | I'll be sure. | Not required | Not required |
| Use of TV resources | Minimum (monitor mode) | Active (decoding) | Active (native interface) |
The advantage of the broadcast method is that there are no extra wires and the ability to use the TV, even if all the HDMI ports are occupied by other devices, such as a game console or a console, but it requires a stable Internet and a regular service Google Cast on the TV.
The solution: black screen and no sound
When connecting smart tech, users often face a situation where a physical connection is established but the image is missing. On Xiaomi TVs, this may be due to resolution or HDR format settings. If you see a black screen but hear a sound or see a download logo, try changing the output resolution in the Station settings via the app on your smartphone.
Another common problem is the lack of sound when using HDMI. Make sure that the settings of the Xiaomi TV as the output device selected TV speakers, not external optical output or Bluetooth headphones. Sometimes it helps to switch the audio format from Auto to PCM in the settings of the Station.
⚠️ Note: When using cheap or old cables HDMI length of more than 2 meters 4K If you have artifacts on the screen or a recurring missing image, replace the cable with a High Speed certified cable. HDMI.
If the TV doesn’t respond to voice commands, check if the IR code setting is lost. Yandex Home has a remote reconfiguration feature, and it’s worth checking if the antivirus on the TV (if installed) or router is blocking local control commands.
Voice scripts and automation
Yandex Station and Xiaomi TV It opens up the possibility of creating complex smart home scenarios, so you can set up a command, "Alice, I'm home," which will turn on the TV, turn it on to the right one. HDMI-log in and run your favorite streaming service. The "Scenarios" section of the smart home app is used to implement these functions.
In addition, the station can serve as a universal remote for all equipment in the room. You can ask the assistant to turn down the brightness of the screen (if the TV model supports this through IR), change the channel or pause the playback even if the remote control is lost.
For advanced users, integration through the Home Assistant platform or the use of skills to manage specific Mi Home functions is available, but this requires a separate server and technical knowledge.