If you are like me, you probably have several long -distance controls on the coffee table.
One for television, the other for Blu-ray players, the other for the audio bar … it’s a problem!
But did you know that there is a technology integrated into the latest devices that allows you to control them all using a single remote control? This feature is called HDMI-CEC.
It is present on most modern equipment, but remains largely used by the user.
I suggest that you find out exactly what this technology is and how to simplify your life.
What is HDMI-CEC?
HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is an integrated HDMI function that allows communication and interaction of devices connected to each other through HDMI cables. Specifically, this technology allows several devices to replace commands via the HDMI cable that already connects them for audio and video transmission.
CEC uses a reserved wire in a standard HDMI cable to transfer these control signals between compatible devices. This feature was introduced with the HDMI 1.0 standard in 2002, but since 2009 it really began to democratize the HDMI 1.4 version.
The main goal of HDMI-CEC is simple: to allow the user to control several devices using a single remote control, thereby reducing the size and confusion associated with multiply control multiplication in our fairs.
Different commercial designation HDMI-CEC
Although this technology is standardized, unfortunately manufacturers have decided to rename it according to their own marketing conditions, which creates some confusion for consumers. Here are the main names you can meet:
- Samsung : AnyNet+
- Sony : Link Bravia Sync or Bravia
- Lg : Simpink
- Panasonic : Viera Link or HDavi Control
- Philips : Easylink
- Keen : Aquos Link
- Toshiba : REGZA LINK OR CE-LINK
- Mitsubishi : Netcommand for HDMI
- Pioneer : Kuro Link
- Onkyo : Rihd (interactive distance over HDMI)
- Apple : Apple TV Remote
This diversity partially explains why many users ignore the existence of this function on their devices. If you are looking for this feature in configuration menus for your device, keep in mind these different names by brand.
The main features of HDMI-CEC
HDMI-CEC offers several practical features that can really transform your daily experience. Here is the most important:
Synchronized Start -UP and Stopping
When you turn on the TV, other connected devices (for example, Blu-ray or audio bar) can automatically turn on. Similarly, when you turn off the TV, all connected devices can get up simultaneously. This feature is often called “One Touch Play” or “System Standby” in technical specifications.
United control of the device
You can use the TV remote control to control the basic functions of other connected devices. For example, reading, break, progress and return of your TV remote control can directly order your Blu-ray player or internet box.
Automatic routing
When you start playing on the connected device, the TV can automatically switch to the corresponding HDMI input. For example, if you insert a disk into your Blu-ray player and press “Play”, your TV automatically transmits HDMI input where the reader is connected.
Transfer of remote control information
This function allows you to pass remote control commands from one device to another. For example, you can navigate the menus in your Internet field using the TV remote control.
System audio check
This feature allows you to manage the volume of the audio panel or the home theater amplifier with the TV remote control. There is no need to juggle between two remote controls to adjust the sound during the movie.
How to activate HDMI-CEC on your devices
HDMI-CEC activation varies according to manufacturers and models, but here is a general method that works for most devices:
On your TV
- Access to the settings or settings
- See a section called “HDMI-CEC” or one of the above commercial designations (depending on your TV brand)
- Activate this feature by handing over to “ON” or “ACTIVED”
- Some TVs offer sub-operation to activate/deactivate specific CEC functions
On your connected devices
For Blu-ray readers, game consoles, sound stripes and other devices:
- Get access to the configuration menu
- Look for HDMI or CEC parameters (sometimes in ‘system’ or ‘peripheral’ section)
- Activate the CEC function
Once all of your devices are activated by CEC, it should start communicating with each other. It may be necessary to restart your device so that the changes are reflected.
Compatibility and limitation of HDMI-CEC
Despite many benefits, HDMI-CEC has some limitations that are good to know:
Compatibility between brands
Although HDMI-CEC is a standardized standard, compatibility between devices of different brands is not always perfect. For example, some advanced features must not work properly between Samsung TV TV and Sony Blu-ray. Basic functions, such as synchronized ignition/extinction, work well, but more advanced checks can be limited.
Partial implementation
Not all manufacturers implement all HDMI-CEC functions. Some may decide to omit certain functions or reduce them to promote their own ecosystems.
HDMI version
Although CEC is present from HDMI 1.0, its implementation has improved with the following versions. Ancient devices may have limited CEC management.
Stability problems
Some users bring irregular behavior with HDMI-CEC, such as devices that light up in early way or commands that are not properly transmitted. These problems can often be solved by updating firmware or deactivation and then reactivating functions.
Practical cases of using HDMI-CEC
To better understand the interest of HDMI-CEC, here are some specific scenarios where this technology actually simplifies daily use:
Configuration of home theater
Imagine that you have a television, a sound panel and a Blu-ray player. With HDMI-CEC activated you can:
- Light only your TV and the audio bar turn on automatically
- Insert the disk into the Blu-ray player and press the play-TELEVRATIVE automatically swing to the correct input
- Use the TV remote control to control the beam of the audio bar and the Blu-ray playback function
- Turn off the TV at the end of the evening and all devices will be in standby mode simultaneously
Console
If you connect a CEC compatible game console (such as PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X):
- The console lighting can automatically run the TV and switch it to the appropriate input
- Some consoles allow you to use TV remote control to navigate in your multimedia offers
- Turn off the console can put the TV in standby mode if no other device is active
TV box and streaming
With Apple TV, Nvidia Shield or other compatible streaming box:
- The field remote control can control the volume of the TV or the audio bar
- Placing the box in standby can automatically turn off the TV
- Some boxes even allow you to control other aspects of television such as Jabry or image modes
Alternatives and development of HDMI-CEC
If HDMI-CEC does not fully meet your needs, there are other solutions that unify control of your devices:
Programmable universal remote control
Universal remote controls such as Logitech Harmony (although the range was discontinuous) offer a more flexible alternative to HDMI-CEC. They can control any devices practically, even those that are not connected by HDMI or who do not support CEC.
Controlling by mobile applications
Many manufacturers offer smartphones applications that allow them to control their devices. These applications often offer more functions than physical remote control and can control several devices of the same brand.
Vocal assistants and attached houses
Ecosystems like Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Apple Homekit allow you to control many compatible devices and offer an alternative to manual control. These systems can often integrate with HDMI-CEC to provide an even more fluid experience.
HDMI 2.1 and EARC
Newer versions of the HDMI standard, including HDMI 2.1, make an improvement in the way they communicate. For example, EARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) improves the way of transmission of sound between television and audio systems, retaining compatibility with CEC features.
Current HDMI-CEC problem removal
If you encounter HDMI-CEC problems, here are some solutions to the most common problems:
CEC doesn’t work at all
- Check that the function is activated on all devices affected
- Be sure to use HDMI cables that support CEC (the most modern HDMI cables do it)
- Try to disconnect and reconnect HDMI cables
- Reboot all your devices, sometimes the problem can solve a simple energy cycle
Out -of -the -art traffic
- Check that your device updates are available for your device
- Try to deactivate the CEC on all devices and then re -activate it
- In some cases it can help using another HDMI port on TV
A device that lights up by themselves
This is a common CEC problem. If your device comes prematurely:
- Check specific CEC settings of each device – some only allow automatic ignition deactivation while maintaining other features
- You can configure which devices can start automatic ignition on some TVs
HDMI-CEC is a powerful technology that can significantly simplify the use of your multimedia devices. Despite some restrictions and some confusion due to different commercial designations, this is worth activation and configure. By taking a few minutes of browsing your devices and activating this feature, you can find out the convenience of use that you don’t suspect. So place all these remote controls that mess your coffee table and take advantage of the simplicity offered by this technology, which is too often overlooked!
(Tagstotranslate) Blu-ray player TV