What is HDMI-CEC?

"CEC" in HDMI-CEC stands for Consumer Electronics Control. This is an optional feature that allows controlling multiple HDMI-connected devices from one remote control (such as TV control).

What is HDMI-CEC?

HDMI is the main connection standard used in the AV environment. However, in addition to connectivity and HDMI-ARC, HDMI-CEC is another feature of HDMI that not many consumers know about. In fact, HDMI-CEC may already be enabled on the device you already own (or you may need to activate it via your TV or device settings menu).

Features of HDMI-CEC

HDMI-CEC offers a number of capabilities, listed below. However, not all of the things listed will be accessible on all products that support HDMI-CEC. In addition, compatibility between product brands may vary.

1. Remote Control Pass - Allows remote control commands to be transmitted to other devices in a system. For example, you can use the TV remote control to control some functions of other devices connected to the TV using HDMI.
2. One-Touch Play - When you start playing on your source device, it will switch the TV to the HDMI input to which the device is connected. For example, when you insert a disc into the Blu-ray Disc player and press Play , it can tell the TV to switch to the HDMI input to which the player is connected.
3. Routing Control - Allows users to control the choice of input source. For example, using a TV remote, you can switch your input selections on a connected Home Theater receiver.
4. Deck Control - This feature allows users, via TV control, to control playback features, such as Play, Pause, Rewind, Fast Forward on HDMI-connected Blu-ray / Ultra HD players, devices stream media and / or cable box (set-top box).
5. One-Touch Record - If you have a DVR or DVD recorder that supports HDMI-CEC, you can start the recording process when you see a program you care about on the TV screen.
6. Timer Programming - You can use an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) included in the TV or cable box, to set a timer with a compatible DVD recorder or DVR.
7. System Audio Control - Allows the user to control the volume level (or other compatible audio setting) of the Home Theater receiver equipped with HDMI-CEC or the AV processor / preamp processor with the TV remote.
8. Device Menu Control - This feature allows your TV to control the menu system of another device. For example, you can use your TV remote to navigate the menu settings on the connected source device, such as Blu-ray disc player, streaming media device, DVR, etc.
9. System Standby - This feature allows users to put several devices in standby mode with a remote control. Using your TV remote, you can switch to each input to which the source devices are connected, move them in and out of the standby mode as desired.

Other names for HDMI-CEC

One puzzling thing about HDMI-CEC is that devices don't always use this name. To avoid confusion, here is a list of some other HDMI-CEC names that home theater and TV component manufacturers have given it.

1. Anthem: CEC Control
2. Denon: CEC or HDMI Control
3. Funai, Emerson, Magnavox, Sylvania and some Philips devices : Fun-Link
4. Hitachi: HDMI-CEC
5. Insignia: InLink
6. LG: SimpLink
7. Mitsubishi: NetCommand
8. Onkyo: RIHD
9. Panasonic: Viera Link, HDAVI Control, EZ-Sync
10. Philips: EasyLink
11. Pioneer: Kuro Link
12. Samsung: Anynet, Anynet +
13. Sharp: Aquos Link
14. Sony: Bravia Sync, Bravia Link
15. Toshiba: Regza Link, CE-Link
16. Vizio: CEC

Note : There are other brands not listed and the name may change over time.

Pros and cons of HDMI-CEC