So, I've been eager to get into Arduino/RPi, and I'm not sure which is ideal for this project idea, but I feel like Arduino would get the job done. Anyhow, here's the problem and how I want it solved:
I have separate speakers hooked up to the TV, but I don't like the idea of the power draw when the TV isn't in use. Problem is, they're just computer speakers without any power switch or remote (Logitech Z623). So what I would like is to build something that:
•Detects when the TV is turned on, and automatically turns on the speakers
•Also detects when the TV is turned off, and turns off the speakers
Based on my research, it seems like the easiest way to start would be with a PowerSwitch Tail and a PowerState Tail from www.powerswitchtail.com, but that's already a mighty expensive project then, and it's also a pretty bulky thing. So I wonder if there's a better way.
As far as my electronics experience goes, I really don't have much to speak of. I've done soldering to install car radios, but that's the extent of my experience with this stuff, and working with 120V is pretty dangerous for an amateur, so I don't know if what I want to do is within the scope of someone just learning.
So is there another way to do this without investing $60 in tails that's also achievable by a newbie, or is that pretty much my only way?
Thanks much!