The ecosystem behind Home Assistant has expanded its hardware lineup, officially pulling back the curtain on the brand-new Connect AUX-2. Engineered specifically to bridge the gap between legacy appliances and modern automation networks, this compact hub integrates serial control, audio streaming, Bluetooth, and networked radio adapters into a single device.

Bridging Legacy Gear and Modern IoT

Priced at $69 and manufactured by Nabu Casa—the team responsible for official Home Assistant hardware including the Green box alongside the Connect ZWA-2 and Connect ZBT-2—the device aims to diminish reliance on manufacturer cloud platforms while integrating older infrastructure into the internet of things.

Despite the auditory nod in its moniker, the standout feature of the AUX-2 is its robust integration with RS-232 serial connections. This legacy interface has anchored AV receivers, televisions, projectors, and energy monitoring units for decades.

Instead of depending on proprietary apps or third-party cloud connections, this hardwired methodology permits Home Assistant to issue direct commands and query data from supported hardware natively.

Enhanced Audio and Connectivity Features

Legacy Denon or Marantz receivers can have their volume, power states, and inputs transformed into smart entities, while older heating setups and solar inverters become manageable via local automations. Furthermore, privacy-conscious users can cut off internet access to smart TVs entirely while maintaining local serial oversight—a popular practice amid ongoing telemetry and monitoring concerns.

Equipped with dual RS-232 ports, the hardware natively supports existing integrations such as Samsung and LG televisions, BenQ projectors, SAJ solar units, and AV hardware from NAD, Denon, and Marantz. Support for Modbus additionally extends compatibility to Remeha heat pumps and FoxESS solar equipment, though this requires a separate USB-to-RS485 adapter.

Audio capabilities are anchored by a 3.5mm port capable of handling both optical digital and analog outputs, transmitting audio streams directly to traditional amplifiers or hi-fi systems. Leveraging the open-source Sendspin protocol alongside Music Assistant—Home Assistant's dedicated multi-room audio architecture—listeners can pipe local tracks, Spotify, or Tidal into vintage sound systems. Playback can even sync seamlessly with Apple HomePods and Sonos speakers, bypassing closed audio ecosystems.

Versatile Power and Networking Options

The unit doubles as a Bluetooth proxy to widen wireless range and eliminate the need for brand-specific bridges. Its onboard USB-A slot can accommodate a Connect ZWA-2 Z-Wave adapter, allowing the hardware to operate remotely in the home while communicating with Home Assistant over Ethernet.

While Zigbee compatibility is feasible via the Connect ZBT-2 adapter, Nabu Casa currently labels this capability as experimental, designating it for advanced tinkerers. Thread protocol support remains absent from the package.

For deployment flexibility, the AUX-2 supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) to eliminate clutter, though operators can alternatively rely on USB-C power paired with Wi-Fi or data-only Ethernet connections. From vintage audio gear to renewable energy inverters, the compact AUX-2 punches well above its weight class.