The integration of the Yandex Station smart speaker into the home entertainment system opens up new possibilities for content management. For owners of Xiaomi Mi TVs running on Android TV, this is especially true. Connecting devices allows you to display images with Alice on the big screen, stream music in high quality and control voice playback without touching the remote.
The process of synchronizing hardware does not require deep technical knowledge, but it has its nuances. The most stable connection is achieved using an HDMI cable with ARC support, although wireless protocols are also available. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of configuration, from physical connection to fine-tuning the HDMI-CEC parameters for full voice control.
Before you start, make sure both devices are on the network and are in Wi-Fi access zone.The quality of the wireless signal directly affects the response speed of the voice assistant and the stability of the video stream. If you plan to use the station as the main sound bar, take care of the availability of high-quality sound. HDMI-cable.
Compatibility check and equipment preparation
The first step is to verify models and have the necessary ports. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick, Mi Box and Smart TV series with built-in Android TV fully support the work with the ecosystem of Yandex. Old models with proprietary PatchWall shells (without Android TV) can require the purchase of a separate console or use of screen mirroring, which is less convenient.
You will need to check the availability of a free port. HDMI on the back or side of the TV, it is advisable to use a port marked as HDMI (ARC), If you want to have the sound from the TV (for example, when watching TV on air) also output through the speaker. USB-The TV port may not provide enough power.
- 📺 Xiaomi Mi TV with Android operating system TV version 6.0 and above.
- 🔌 Cable HDMI (Preferably version 2.0 or higher 4K HDR).
- 📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection (5GHz frequency is preferred for video).
- 📱 Smartphone with the installed application “Yandex” or “Yandex Home” for initial settings.
⚠️ Note: Do not connect the power supply Yandex Station to USB-port of the TV for permanent operation, which can cause unstable column operation or damage USB-TV-controller.
It is also worth updating the software of both devices in advance. On the TV, this is done through the Settings menu → About TV → System Update. The current firmware ensures that the HDMI-CEC protocol, which is necessary for controlling the TV voice through the speaker, works correctly.
Physical Connection via HDMI
The most reliable way to integrate is by wired connection. Take an HDMI cable and connect one end to the HDMI OUT connector on the back of Yandex Stations (or Max/Light Stations with a screen), and the other to the free port of a Xiaomi TV. Remember the port number (for example, HDMI 1 or HDMI 2), as it will be necessary to select the source of the signal.
Once connected with a cable, connect the smart speaker power supply to the socket. A window may automatically appear on the TV screen suggesting that you configure the new device. If that does not happen, take the Xiaomi remote control and press the signal source selection button, which is usually indicated by the square icon with an arrow or Input signature.
☑️ Checking the physical connection
In the source list, select the appropriate port. You should see the screensaver Yandex Stations with a suggestion to continue setting. If the image is missing, try replacing the cable or switching to another one. HDMI-port, as some connectors on the TV can be reserved for specific functions such as eARC.
HDMI-CEC setup for voice control
A key feature that turns TV + Column into a full-fledged smart home is HDMI-CEC technology. It allows Yandex Stations to send commands to the TV: turn on / off the screen, adjust volume and switch inputs. On Xiaomi devices, this feature is often called MI HDMI Control or simply HDMI Control.
To activate, go to the TV settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but it usually looks like this: Settings → Preferences → Devices → HDMI Control. Make sure the switch is in the "On" position. Without this step, commands like "Alice, turn off the TV" will not work.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI Control | Off. | Included. | Allows TV management through column |
| Auto-switch-off | Included. | Included. | The TV is turned off with the station. |
| Television volume | Active. | Active. | Adjusting sound by TV remote or voice |
| One Touch Play | Included. | Included. | Auto-turn on TV when starting the Station |
If the TV stops responding to the remote or behaves incorrectly after the function is turned on, try resetting the HDMI-CEC settings. To do this, turn both devices off the socket for 1-2 minutes, then turn on the TV first and then turn on the speaker. This will clear the handshake protocol cache.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi TVs feature HDMI-CEC If the remote is no longer working, try re-teaming it over the Bluetooth menu or temporarily disabling it. CEC.
What if the CEC doesn’t work?
Wireless connection via Chromecast and Wi-Fi
If cable is not available, you can use wireless technology. Xiaomi TVs have built-in support for Chromecast built-in. This allows you to stream content from Yandex.Music, Yandex.Video or YouTube apps directly to the screen using voice commands.
To do this, make sure that both your smartphone, TV, and Yandex Station are on the same Wi-Fi network. In the Yandex app on your smartphone, select content, click the Translate button (screen icon) and select your Xiaomi Mi TV. With a voice, you can make this command: "Alice, turn on [the name of the film] on the TV."
- 📡 The advantage of the method: no extra wires and the ability to manage content from anywhere in the room.
- 📉 Disadvantage: possible audio delay or reduced picture quality with a weak Wi-Fi signal.
- 🔋 Power consumption: wireless data transfer can drain a smartphone faster when using it as a remote.
It is important to note that for Alice to work fully as a TV interface (menus, system settings), the wireless method is not suitable. It is designed exclusively for broadcasting media content. HDMI-connection.
Setting up scenarios and managing a smart home
Once connected successfully, the world of automation opens up. You can create scripts that use the TV through Yandex, for example, the Alice, I'm Home command can turn on the lights, play music, and turn on the TV on your favorite channel or in screensaver mode.
To set up, go to the in-app scripts section and click Add Script. Under condition, select Phrase or Time, and in actions, Devices → Television → Enable or Launch the App, which makes your Xiaomi TV the center of a multimedia system.
Multiroom is also available if you have multiple Yandex speakers, you can create a Whole House or Living room group and synchronize the TV with the music in other rooms, but you should keep in mind that when you use the TV as a source of sound through HDMI, the delay in other rooms can be noticeable.
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Use the command "Alice, show a photo" to display a slideshow from your cloud gallery Yandex on the big screen of the TV. This is a great way to bring the interior to life in standby mode.
Remember that app management may be different. Some apps on Android TV may not be supported to voice run directly through Alice, requiring manual selection through the TV interface. In such cases, the "Alice, open [application name]" command helps, which emulates the search.
Addressing common problems
Users may experience a number of common challenges in the process, most often due to audio and image desynchronization or loss of connection to the remote. If the sound is behind the video, go to the TV's audio settings (Settings → Sound → Additional settings) and change the output mode to PCM instead of Auto or Passthrough.
If Yandex Station stops "seeing" the TV to control, check if the TV firmware has updated. After major MIUI TV updates, HDMI-CEC settings are sometimes reset. Also try clearing the cache of the Android TV Core Services app in the TV app menu.
⚠️ Note: When using cheap HDMI-cables of long length (more than 3 meters) may interfere with the screen or loss of signal 4K. For such distances, use only certified High Speed cables with braiding.
Another common problem is that the TV doesn't turn off with your voice. This can happen if the TV goes into deep sleep. In Xiaomi's power saving settings, try turning off Quick Start or turn it on to see which CEC mode is more stable.
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The stability of the Yandex Station + Xiaomi TV bundle depends on the quality of the HDMI cable and the correct operation of the HDMI-CEC function in the TV firmware by 90%.