The "CEC" in HDMI-CEC stands for Consumer Electronics Control. It is an optional feature that allows control of multiple HDMI-connected devices from a single remote control (such as a TV remote).
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HDMI is the primary connection standard used in AV environments. However, in addition to HDMI-ARC and HDMI-CEC, there is another HDMI feature that not many consumers are aware of. In fact, HDMI-CEC may already be enabled on the device you already own (or you may need to enable it through your TV or device settings menu).
HDMI-CEC offers a number of capabilities, which are listed below. However, not everything listed is available on all HDMI-CEC-enabled products. Additionally, compatibility may vary between product brands.
One confusing thing about HDMI-CEC is that it's not always called that by devices. To avoid confusion, here's a list of some of the other names that Home Theater and TV component manufacturers have given HDMI-CEC.
Note : There are other brands not listed and names may change over time.
Advantage
Disadvantages
HDMI-CEC goes by a few different names—Samsung calls it Anynet+, LG calls it Simplink, and Sony calls it Bravia Sync. So if you want specific instructions for your TV, you'll have to check your manual or call customer service. But you can usually find it in your TV's settings.
On TCL TVs, to enable HDMI-CEC, go to Settings > Channels & Inputs > Inputs > Control Other Devices (CEC) . Samsung users will find the feature under General > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) .
In addition to enabling this feature on your TV, you should also make sure your streaming box has HDMI-CEC enabled. If you have a Chromecast with Google TV, you'll be able to find it in Settings, under Display & Sound > HDMI-CEC .
Note that not all features work with HDMI-CEC. For example, TCL TVs only recognize and send source commands to Chromecast. So to ensure you can change the TV’s volume and turn it on or off with your streaming device’s remote, you’ll have to configure your remote’s IR blaster to match your TV.
While HDMI-CEC makes it convenient to control some basic functions on your TV with a remote, it’s still not a perfect solution to having just one remote for everything. If you want to simplify your life, buying a universal programmable remote is the best thing you can do. For example, the SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control has wide compatibility with a variety of IR devices, potentially allowing you to combine the remotes for your TV, soundbar, and streaming device into one.
The SwitchBot Universal Remote is also perfect if you have multiple SwitchBot smart devices. It's perfect if you want to go beyond controlling your entertainment system and have the ability to control your SwitchBot's lights, blinds, and other smart accessories.
Additionally, if your TV and other streaming devices have an Android or iPhone remote control app, you can download that app to control your devices. Some phones also have built-in IR blasters and remote control apps, allowing you to pair them with your entertainment devices and control them from your phone. Finally, some smart TVs and streaming devices can be controlled with a compatible smarthome hub, like the Amazon Echo or Google Home, allowing for universal voice control.
HDMI-CEC makes it easier to control your TV and streaming devices with a single remote. While it may not give you all the functionality you need to ditch all your other remotes, it does at least give you the basic functionality you need (like changing the volume or turning a device on/off) without having to reach for another one. But if you want to keep things simple, you can ditch a few of the bells and whistles and get a smart TV instead.
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