Why HDMI CEC is needed, how to enable and configure it on a TV

Everyone is used to the fact that video and sound are transmitted via an HDMI cable. In fact, the standard also provides for additional data channels. Particularly for management. One of them is the HDMI CEC protocol. And this technology is present in most mid-range and premium TVs.

What is HDMI CEC – technology features

CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a bi-directional serial data bus; uses AV.Link protocols to transmit control information to household appliances connected to each other with a SCART or HDMI wire. In the second option, the connection is called HDMI CEC. HDMI CEC technology can connect up to 10 compatible devices and ensure they are fully synchronized. Used in TVs, home theaters, game consoles, AV amplifiers, personal computers, etc. On certain device models, this feature is called HDMI CEC Ready. In 2021, the HDMI CEC option has been updated again. Most manufacturers now use version 2.1 HDMI in their devices. The new standard almost triples the amount of data that can be simultaneously transmitted over the cable. And for that In order for the user to take full advantage of HDMI 2.1, the 2021 product also comes with a new Advanced Certified Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI cable.

How it works and what it is used for by end users

If both the TV and the devices connected to it support the HDMI CEC option, then when the function is activated, the operation of all equipment is synchronized. Thus, the following options become available:

1. Joint turning on and off of several devices . For example, the user turns on / off the PS4 game console or TV set-top box, then the devices turn on / off the TV. And vice versa.
2. Code management . When the TV is turned on, the console is launched with the gamepad, the TV will automatically switch to the desired video input. And vice versa – they chose the input in the console, and it started automatically.
3. General instrument control . For example, the volume buttons on the player’s remote control the volume of the TV. And if a sound bar is connected, the display remote controls its volume, not the built-in speaker. In the case of the most complete implementation of this function, the TV remote control will be able to fully control the media player. Or we control the TV from a computer, etc.

Names of the HDMI CEC protocol from different manufacturers

The functionality of HDMI CEC is the same for all manufacturers, but the names of the protocol have nothing in common with each other:

• in the LG technique, this is “SimpLink”;
• Samsung called their feature “Anynet+”;
• Toshiba – “CE-Link” and “Regza Link”;
• in devices from Hitachi, this is “HDMI-CEC”;
• Philips has the “EasyLink” option;
• Panasonic’s HDMI CEC protocol may be hidden under the names “EZ-Sync”, “VIERA Link” or “HDAVI Control”;
• the Sony manufacturers gave the name “BRAVIA Sync”;
• Mitsubishi – “NetCommand”;
• in Sharp devices it is “Aquos Link”;
• Pioneer has “Kuro Link” function;
• Onkyo has “RIHD”;
• Runco International has “RuncoLink”, etc.

Unfortunately, such confusion with the name of the same function often causes a lot of questions from the user.

Note! Each manufacturer strongly recommends using only one brand of device to pair with the CEC. But practice shows that when synchronizing equipment from different brands using the HDMI CEC protocol, there are no interruptions in the control of the devices.

How to find out if the TV supports the HDMI CEC option

The mess with function labeling complicates the process somewhat. But it is still possible to find out if the TV supports the HDMI CEC option:

• firstly, we specify the name of the option by the TV manufacturer;
• further information on the availability of HDMI CEC is sought in the TV passport and / or in the instruction manual.

The second option is to dig into the device menu:

• in this case, you need to go to the “Settings” tab;
• in the general list, find the name of the desired option. If the HDMI CEC function has already been applied, a list of devices to synchronize via HDMI will also be displayed here.

If the purchase is only planned, then you can ask the sales assistant about the availability of the HDMI CEC function in the TV model of interest; or find information on the website of the online store / manufacturer.

Enable and configure HDMI CEC on TVs from different manufacturers

The essence of the HDMI CEC function on all devices is similar. However, the connection and configuration algorithm is somewhat different. Let’s look at a few illustrative examples.

Connecting and configuring SimpLink on LG TVs

Note! The SimpLink option is not supported when connecting to other devices via a wireless network.

To pair LG TV, a working HDMI cable is required. We insert one end of the wire into the HDMI / DVI IN or HDMI IN connector, which is located on the back of the TV; the second – connect to another device. To activate the HDMI-CEC option on TVs, use the remote control.

Important! In the future, only devices that support this function can be connected to the TV for joint control.

Activate HDMI-CEC like this:

• turn on the TV, and go to the “Settings” section;
• find and open the “SimpLink” tab;
• move to “On”;
• select a device for synchronization from the proposed list (available devices are indicated in saturated color, inaccessible devices are gray). Searching for devices with the CEC Network Control Protocol connected to the HDMI connectors on the TV is provided by the T-Link option.
• click on “OK”.

Connection established.
Next, we manage the selected technique:

1. During direct playback, no additional settings are required to synchronize device control.
2. Select a video device to play.
3. Controlling playback from a disc.
4. We synchronize the switching on / off of equipment, etc.

Note! When you connect a home theater to a TV, its speaker will be automatically selected as the sound source.

How to enable and configure HDMI CEC: https://youtu.be/fH_DTKvGDE0

Connecting and configuring the Anynet + function on Samsung

To activate Anynet + on Samsung TVs, we connect the TV and the selected device in the same way via an HDMI cable, for example, a PS4 game console (HDMI S TB connector).
Next, install the plugin:

• open the menu by pressing the “Source” button on the remote control;
• select “HDMI”;
• using the remote receiver, expand the menu;
• go to the “Plugins” tab;
• select “HDMI CEC Setup”, download Anynet;
• in the new menu, select the appropriate extension settings;
• go to the TV menu;
• restart TV;
• after rebooting the device, we return to the plugin settings again. All saved changes to the CEC address will open here. To use the changes for their intended purpose, click “Clear”.
• close settings.

Next, we use one remote control for two household appliances.

Connecting and setting up BRAVIA Sync on a Sony TV

We establish a connection between Sony and the desired device – we use an HDMI cable for this. In a connected TV based on Android, do the following:

• on the DUP, click “Home”, and “Settings”;
• expand the tab “External inputs”, which is located at the top of the screen;
• select “HDMI Settings”;
• then “Control for HDMI” and activate the switch.

If Sony TV without smart function, we are guided by the following step-by-step instructions:

• on the DUP, press the “Home” button again;
• go to “Settings”;
• then “System Settings”;
• in the list that appears, select “Setting up BRAVIA Sync synchronization”;
• from the list that appears, click on the desired devices;
• Confirm the action with the “Enable” button.

Devices for synchronized control are ready. https://youtu.be/3gSJ44bFEw8

Activate the EasyLink feature on Philips TVs

To activate the required function on Philips, perform the following steps:

• on the remote control, press “Home”, and expand “Settings”;
• then “TV settings”;
• expand the “Installation” tab;
• then the “Settings” section, and in the existing list we find the name “EasyLink”;
• we activate the switching for all 3 specified functions.

We complete all the steps, and proceed to check the activated HDMI-CEC option.

HDMI-CEC and Xiaomi TV box

To activate HDMI-CEC on the set-top box, follow the same steps:

• TV set-top box connected using HDMI wire;
• through the “Main menu screen” go to the settings menu.
• select the folder “HDMI-SEC”;
• then we find “CEC Switch”;
• select “On”.
• You can also activate the “One key play / One key power off” option. So, the set-top box will turn on and off when you press the on and off button on the TV.

The set-top box for synchronized control is ready.

Errors in their decision

If the HDMI-CEC function does not work, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Make sure all devices to be synchronized support the HDMI-CEC option.
2. In the TV settings, check the activation of the desired option, and the list of selected devices for connection.

If it was not possible to solve the problem in this way, it is worth checking the integrity and quality of the HDMI cable connection. The HDMI-CEC feature is an easy and convenient way to forget about connection hassles and stop juggling numerous remotes. Most modern TVs are already equipped with a useful option. Therefore, many only need to master the connection and configuration, and use their equipment with comfort.