Thanks to the function that most Smart TVs have, it is possible to control external devices, such as sound bars, game consoles or streaming devices, using the TV remote control.
Smart TVs typically have multiple HDMI ports that allow you to connect a wide variety of devices, such as Blu-ray players, game consoles, laptops, streaming devices like Chromecast with Google TV or Amazon Fire TV, and more.
It is important to mention that not all the HDMI ports on your Smart TV are the same, but curiously they all share a single function whose objective is to expand the multimedia experience of users, it is HDMI-CEC.
HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a feature found in some electronic products, including Smart TVs, that allows multiple connected devices to be controlled via a single remote control. It should be noted that it is an optional feature and not all devices support it.
It uses the HDMI cable’s command data line to enable two-way communication between compatible devices. In practical terms, it means that you can control basic functions of other connected equipment, such as sound bars, home theater systems, Chromecast-like streaming devices, using the TV remote.
Common HDMI-CEC Features
Some of the features of HDMI-CEC technology allow you to adjust the volume or make changes to playback using any of the remote controls. Plus, it makes it easy for your TV to automatically switch to the correct HDMI port when you turn on devices like your game console or Blu-ray player.
In short, it simplifies the interaction between the devices connected to your Smart TV and provides greater comfort in control and configuration. The following are the most common functions that can be controlled through this function:
- Automatic input selection: When you change the input source on the TV, the connected devices may automatically switch to the corresponding input.
- playback control: With this you can control the media playback on other devices through the remote control of the Smart TV. It means you can play, pause, stop or fast forward on a playback device using the buttons on your TV remote.
- Volume control: You can adjust the volume of compatible devices, such as sound bars or home theater systems.
- Auto power on and off: When you turn your smart TV on or off, the connected devices will also turn on and off automatically, since both will be in sync with each other.
- Browse the menus: On some devices, it is possible to navigate menus and make selections using the TV remote. Therefore, it facilitates the configuration and exploration of options.
- audio settings: Through HDMI-CEC it is possible to adjust the sound settings, such as the audio mode, sound effects or the equalization settings of the sound bars, all with the remote control of the Smart TV.
HDMI-CEC on Smart TVs
It is important to mention that availability and specific features of HDMI-CEC may vary between devices and manufacturers. Besides, Trade names for this feature may vary as different brands call it different names.
For example, Samsung calls it Anynet+, on Sony Smart TVs you find it as Bravia Sync, while on LG models it appears as Simplink. In fact, it’s very rare to find a TV these days that doesn’t support this feature, so you should dig into your device’s settings, as many models have it disabled by default.
The way of Enabling HDMI-CEC on your Smart TV may vary by brand and specific modelalthough there are general steps to follow. You simply have to navigate through the menu until you find the device or connection settings.
search option of HDMI device control function, it can be displayed in different ways depending on the brand of your Smart TV: Anynet+, Bravia Sync, Simplink, HDMI Control, CEC, CE-Link, RIHD, INlink, HDMI-CEC, Fun-Link, HDAVI Control, EZ-Sync, VIERA Link, Kuro Link, 1-Touch Play, Runco Link, Aquos Link, etc., and then you must enable the function and that’s it, everything will be left to control other devices.
However, once enabled on your Smart TV, You must follow the same steps to configure and enable HDMI-CEC on the devices connected to your Smart TVsuch as game consoles, sound bars, home theater systems, or Blu-ray players.
This feature allows you to control other connected devices through a single remote control, making the user experience easier by eliminating the need for multiple remote controls. Its benefits are enormous, since it is possible to control volume, playback, or make HDMI input changes automatically.
Without a doubt, HDMI technology, whose technical name is High Definition Multimedia Interface, provides numerous benefits in terms of connectivity and audio and video quality. Also offers a simple and universal connection, bi-directional data transmission, compatibility with advanced audio formats, as well as support for additional features.