What is HDMI CEC? Everything You Need to Know about HDMI CEC

HDMI CEC is an old way to connect all your devices with HDMI. It allows up to 15 devices to communicate with each other. It creates a seamless experience of home theatre.

CEC stands for Consumer Electronic Controls. HDMI CEC would allow you to mix the settings of your home devices with one remote controller. You might need to use the device separately for its unique features, but most modern devices are supported by HDMI CEC. With it, you can make playback and menu selection synchronized across your home devices.

HDMI CEC can simplify your home theatre systems and is easier to set up than expected. There are a few things you should be aware of before using HDMI CEC in your system.

HDMI CEC Features

HDMI CEC.

HDMI CEC provides 5modern features you would find on any remote controller. HDMI CEC could transmit the information for power, playback, audio, and menu selection. Now, we do not need to switch between remotes. We also don’t need to switch between devices on a universal remote. Now, Only one remote device could control all of the devices.

 It is slightly different from universal remote. Universal remotes are programmed with wireless signal patterns of consumer products. Universal remotes could directly control the device it is communicating with.

HDMI CEC Diagram: How HDMI CEC Works?

HDMI CEC uses any of your device’s remotes to control the whole system. If you are using the remote from your TV to control your DVD player, your remote will communicate with your TV to send a CEC signal via your HDMI cable to the DVD player. It was just an example.

The remote you are using could effectively control other devices it is connected to. Though your device is asleep and the HDML circuitry is disabled or completely off, they can control the device! Because CEC is a completely different electrical signal from the other HDMIs control.

There are many features that HDMI CEC could enable. Let’s see:

Deck Control: Play, Stop, Rewind, etc.

Deck control concedes to you the common playback commands (play, stop, rewind, etc.) for your playback devices, whether Blu-ray players, camcorders, etc.

System Audio Control

The most boring part of setting up this home theatre system is, calibrate the volume of all your reproductive devices to be roughly equal across the devices. But, HDMI CEC could easily eliminate the problem by adding an audio control for the entire system. It means one volume control for your entire system.

One-Touch Play

Okay, imagine you just finished watching the last episode of your favorite show. Now, you want to play one of your favorite movies. You know, the one that somehow no streaming services has picked up. So you have to pop it in your DVD player, change the source, and press play.

Not with HDMI CEC. With One-Touch Play, HDMI CEC playback devices will automatically switch the TV source on the play. No more navigating input source menus.

Power On and Power Off

When it is about home theatre systems, you could use three devices at a time. You have to power each device up separately whenever you want to use them and power them down separately when you have done it.

With HDMI CEC, that is a thing of the past. The system standby feature permits your standby or power button to put all of your devices in standby mode.

One-Touch Record

One-touch record is one kind of fun feature. It allows you to record whatever is playing on your display device to a selected recording device—no more routing your sources through a recording device to the display device. With HDMI CEC, it’s all connected.

Commercial Names for HDMI CEC

HDMI CEC goes by several commercial names, and each of them technically shows a separate menu. But the core system of having a designated pin in the HDMI plug is indifferent.           

Let’s see what “Trade Name” they used to confuse us.

Here are they:

  • AOC: E-link
  • Hitachi: HDMI-CEC (Thank you, Hitachi!)
  • LG: SimpLink
  • Mitsubishi: NetCommand for HDMI
  • Onkyo: RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI)
  • Panasonic: HDAVI Control, EZ-Sync, or VIERA Link
  • Philips: EasyLink
  • Pioneer: Kuro Link
  • Runco International: RuncoLink
  • Samsung: Anynet+
  • Sharp: Aquos Link
  • Sony: BRAVIA Sync
  • Toshiba: CE-Link or Regza Link
  • Vizio: CEC

Not all commercial names are inventive, such as Hitachi used HDMI-CEC or Vizio used CEC. These commercial names incorporate the word link. For example, Aquos Link, BRAVIA Link, CE-Link, EasyLink, SimpLink, etc. Although some have unique names like Samsung used Anynet+ and Roku used 1-Touch-Play.

Pros and Cons of HDMI CEC

Pros and Cons

There are some pros to HDMI CEC and cons. While the pros outnumber the cons, there may be instances where you would disable HDMI CEC or update your system to one that uses eARC–a newer standard that improves upon HDMI CEC’s features while eradicating the need for setup.

Pros:

There are several advantages of HDMI CEC. As I mentioned, it allows for several global controls, allowing you to integrate your home theatre system more seamlessly.

Additionally, HDMI CEC works with HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel). It works to reduce the number of cables necessary to connect multiple devices at once.

In short, HDMI ARC permits audio to travel in both directions. It decreases the number of cables you have to connect with an external source like a Blu-ray player to a television and A/V receiver.

Your devices need HDMI ARC ports to take benefits of HDMI ARC. Usually, configuring devices for HDMI CEC enables HDMI ARC along with it. But to be sure, check your manual book.

Cons:

The principal drawback to HDMI CEC is the limitation of HDMI ARC to show the full quality surround sound. HDMI-ARC could transmit uncompress stereo audio. It also could compress 5.1 surround sound audio.

If you need better sound quality, you have to disable HDMI CEC and ARC on your devices. You could also upgrade to devices that support HDMI eARC. HDMI eARC is capable of delivering 5.1 and 7.1 uncompressed audio. It also can handle better high definition formats.

Setting Up HDMI CEC

Setting up an HDMI CEC differs from device to device. You could find HDMI CEC settings in the sound settings or system settings of the device’s settings.

You need to configure the HDMI CEC settings for each device you are willing to connect with HDMI CEC. If you update your system to HDMI 2.1a ports, HDMI eARC will automatically be enabled. If elements aren’t compatible with HDMI eARC, they will revert to standard HDMI ARC (with all the drawbacks previously showed).

How to Enable CEC on Popular TVs

To make this thing even more confusing, manufacturers often don’t call this feature “HDMI-CEC.” Manufacturers love to call this thing in their own branded name, even though it’s an interoperable standard.

 Often would not see “HDMI-CEC” printed on a specifications list. Rather, you’ll see a branded “trade name.” These all are Manufacturers branded trade name of HDMI-CEC, so they exist only to confuse customers. Remember that, If your TV has any of these features, it supports HDMI-CEC.

Enabling HDMI ARC and CEC could sound different, but they follow the same steps. Go to your device settings, turn on HDMI ARC, and then you may or may not need to discover devices.

Here, we will review how to set up HDMI ARC and CEC on five popular TV brands.

LG- With LG TVs, click the home button an23 d go to Settings. Select Sound and then Sound Settings. From here, turn ARC Mo, de to the ON position, and turn the TV Speaker to OFF.

Vizio- Select System from the menu. Then select the CEC. It will indicate you to select “Enable,” and it will say, System Audio Control selects On. Then, select the Device Discovery option. Then wait for your TV to discover the other connected devices.

Sony- From home, go to the menu. Then go to Settings. Then System Settings. From here, select the Set Up option, then select the AV Set Up option. Be sure that the speaker settings are set to Audio Out. Now go back to the Set Up menu again. Then click BRAVIA Sync. Now, select BRAVIA Synced Devices List.

TCL w/ Roku- Select Settings from the Home menu. Then select system. Select Control Other Devices (CEC) option and enable HDMI ARC and System Audio Control.

Samsung- Select the system from the menu, and then turn Anynet+ to the ON position.

You will also need to enable HDMI ARC on your A/V receiver or soundbar. You need to turn your TV to the input setting the audio device is connected to for doing this.

From here, you must navigate the settings menu of the audio device to enable HDMI ARC and CEC, which again may be referred to by different names.

In some instances, particularly with certain soundbars (most notably Sonos), you will need to download an app to set the device up for HDMI ARC. Download the app onto your phone and follow the instructions.

-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.

Best Seller List of HDMI CEC:

Bestseller No. 1
201 Reviews
BlueRigger 4K HDMI CEC Less Adapter (4K, UHD, ARC, 1080p, Ethernet) - HDMI Male to Female Adapter -...
  • ➤ WHAT DOES THE ADAPTER DO? It deliberately disables (Pin 13) the CEC function of a device connected to a HDMI cable via the CEC adapter. This includes functions such as automatically turning your TV on and off and automatically changing device inputs. The adapter prevents devices that have buggy or incompatible CEC software from malfunctioning when used together or to prevent automatic commands from interfering with universal remote control systems
  • ➤ SUPPORTS LATEST HDMI STANDARD: BlueRigger 4K HDMI CEC Less Adapter supports 4K, UHD, 3D, Audio Return Channel (ARC), Category 2 Certified, HDCP Compliant, 10.2 Gbps / 340 MHz Refresh Rate, 1080p, 48 Bit Deep Color, TrueHD 7.1, Audio Return Channel (ARC) & Ethernet. Backwards compatible with earlier versions
  • ➤ PREMIUM CONTRUCTION: Durable, high-quality build with 100% pure copper core, 24K gold-plated connectors, full metal jacket housing protects against corrosion while maximizing signal strength. Can be easily used in any tight spaces between HDMI device and wall
  • ➤ UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Connect source devices such as Blu-ray player, Apple TV, Xbox, PS4, laptops with HDMI output to display devices such as HDTV, projector, A/V Receiver etc
  • ➤ WARRANTY: BlueRigger cables and adapters are backed by a Lifetime Warranty and US-based customer support
SaleBestseller No. 2
957 Reviews
Lindy HDMI CEC Less Adapter, Female to Male (41232)
  • High quality gold plated HDMI adapter
  • HDMI Type A Female to Male
  • Gold plated connectors and contacts
  • HDMI and HDCP compliant
  • 10 year warranty
Bestseller No. 3
HDMI cec Blocker. hdmi cec Interceptor. Support 4 k60hz. HDMI Cable for Devices Connected to HDMI...
  • ■ 【FEATURES】HDMI CEC blocker. The CEC function can be manually turned on or off (pin 13) for devices connected to HDMI cables through the CEC adapter. This includes features such as automatically turning the TV on and off and automatically changing device inputs. Adapters prevent devices from having errors or incompatible CEC software when used together from faults, or prevent automatic commands from interfering with generic control system class devices.
  • ■ 【Universal compatibility】Supports connect source devices such as Top box STB, Apple TV,PS4, Xbox,Blu-ray player etc with HDMI output to display devices such as projector,HDTV, A/V Receiver etc
  • ■ 【Supports latest HDMI standard】 HDMI CEC blocker Adapter supports 4K60Hz/18 Gbps ,3D,1080P1440Hz,UHD, ARC( Audio Return Channel ), Backwards compatible with earlier versions.
  • ■ 【Warranty】 HDMI CEC blocker Adapter are backed by a Lifetime Warranty
Bestseller No. 4
19 Reviews
HDMI Splitter 1x2 4K 120Hz 4:4:4 HDR 8K 60Hz VRR G/Sync CEC EDID Switch - HDMI Down Scaler 4K 1080P...
  • 【4K 120Hz HDMI Splitter 1 in 2 out VRR G/Sync 】Aluminum 8K HDMI splitter for Dual Monitor Duplicate/Mirror; Distributes one HDMI source to two HDMI displays; IMAX HDMI splitter converter bypass HDCP strip for IMAX DIGITAL 2K-4K【Only OUT 1 support CEC; ONLY OUT 2 down-scale 4K 120Hz source to 1080P 120Hz TV, OR down-scale 4K 60Hz to 1080P 60Hz only. NOT down-scale 4K 120Hz to 1080P 60Hz,D-olb-y Vision input】To keep 4K120 stable quality,pls order together hdmi 2.1 cable B0BB78BFNJ
  • 【Video & Audio】48Gbps HDMI 2.1 8K 60Hz 4K@120Hz 4:4:4 8bit HDR D-o-l-b-y Vision,VRR 1080p@ 240Hz/ 144Hz/120Hz/60Hz 3D, 3840x2160@ 240Hz/ 144Hz/120Hz/60Hz, 3440x1440@ 240Hz/ 144Hz/120Hz/60Hz; 5120x1440@120Hz, G/Sync & free Sync, HDCP Bypass -- D-o-l-b-y Digital 7.1CH, D-o-l-b-y Atmos,DTS:X, TrueHD, DTS-HD Master -- EDID 4K5.1/4K7.1/ Copy mode for easy solution【 Only Output 1 get CEC; Only Output 2 down-scale 】--To keep 4K120 stable quality,pls order together hdmi 2.1 cable B0BB78BFNJ as well.
  • 【Wide Compatibility】HDMI Splitter 1x2 8K HDMI Switch for Fire TV, Roku Express 4K+ Ultra Streaming Stick+,N-v-i-dia Shield, X-f-i-nity box, Game Video Capture,Xbox one S, Xbox X, 2021 Apple TV, PS4 Pro, google chromecast tv, Android TV Box S905, mac macbook, iphone , HDMI LED Box TV Backlight Light, neo sync box, 4K camera etc. Pls use new HDMI 2.1 cable less than 3m. -- Pls ask seller to upgrade firmware for using issue
  • 【Set Up】IF 4K & 1080p TV work in sync, set EDID COPY, 4K TV to Splitter OUT 1, 1080P TV to OUT 2. Only Output 2 down-scale - IF 4K HDR & D-o-l-b-y Atmos work in sync, set splitter EDID to 4K 7.1, set HDMI source Video 4K HDR/HDR10/D-o-l-b-y Vision, Audio Bitstream out D-o-l-b-y Atmos, 4K TV to splitter OUT 1, Soundbar to OUT 2 - Set EDID COPY for two 1080p TVs - Set EDID 4K 5.1CH for 4K TV & 5.1CH soundbar work in sync. -- Pls ask seller to upgrade firmware for using issue
  • 【Attention Please】8K HDMI 2 way splitter NOT extend screen. NOT convert HDR to SDR. NO ARC eARC Not for Sonos --NOT support HDMI ATMOS 7.1, 5.1CH AVR work in sync. It is not audio down mixer, upscaler -- NOT support 8K 60hz & 1080p120hz work in sync. --NOT down-scale HDR D-o-l-b-y Vision (4K60 4:2:2) and frequency. OUT 2 can only output up to 4k120Hz,does not support 8K60Hz.
SaleBestseller No. 5
224 Reviews
8K 60Hz HDMI 2.1 Switch 4x1 4K 120Hz 48Gbps,HDCP 2.3,ARC,VRR,CEC,HDMI Switcher 4 in 1 Out,4 Port...
  • ⭐【8K HDMI 2.1 Switch 4x1】 -- The 4 ports HDMI 2.1 Switch 4 in 1 out easily shares video and audio from 4 different HDMI sources with 1 HDMI display. Supports IR Remote control switch and CEC. NO lag, NO flash or drop in resolution. Easily switching between seamless transitions. No frequently plugging and unplugging needed.
  • ⭐【Video & Audio Format】 -- Video Format - HDMI 2.1 Switcher supports multiple resolution up to 8K@60Hz 4K@120Hz 5120x1440@120Hz 1080P@240Hz 4:4:4 8bit. Also supports VRR, HDR 10, Dolby vision, 3D effect. Audio Format - Supports ARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS X,Dolby True HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, PCM7.1.
  • ⭐【Easy Usage】 -- Plug and play. Power on with 5V/2A.Simply connect HDMI source with Input port & HDMI receive device with Output port through HDMI 2.1 cable, the led light will indicate which port is working. Easily switch between 2 HDMI sources by pressing the panel button. Supports CEC.
  • ⭐【High Compatibility】 -- 4 ports HDMI Switcher Selector is highly compatible with all operating system such as Windows, Mac OS, Linux. Also works perfectly with Logitech Harmony, Xbox one X, PS4 Pro, 4K, Roku 4, Amazon Fire TV, Blu-ray players, Projector etc.
  • ⭐【Please Note】 -- Highly recommend certified HDMI 2.1 cable less than 10ft / 3m. Please see ASIN B0B5ZX3MBB if needed. Most using issues are cuased by poor quality cables. Supports only 4 in 1 out, does NOT support 1 in 4 out or “Bi-directional”. Does NOT support automatic switch. Does NOT support Sonos-ARC/e-ARC.
Bestseller No. 6
20 Reviews
Ensigear HDMI CEC Blocker hdmi cec Interceptor. The CEC Function can be manually Turned on or Off...
  • ■ 【FEATURES】HDMI CEC blocker. The CEC function can be manually turned on or off (pin 13) for devices connected to HDMI cables through the CEC adapter. This includes features such as automatically turning the TV on and off and automatically changing device inputs. Adapters prevent devices from having errors or incompatible CEC software when used together from faults, or prevent automatic commands from interfering with generic control system class devices.
  • ■ 【Universal compatibility】Supports connect source devices such as Top box STB, Apple TV,PS4, Xbox,Blu-ray player etc with HDMI output to display devices such as projector,HDTV, A/V Receiver etc
  • ■ 【Supports latest HDMI standard】 HDMI CEC blocker Adapter supports 4K60Hz/18 Gbps ,3D,1080P1440Hz,UHD, ARC( Audio Return Channel ), Backwards compatible with earlier versions.
  • ■ 【Warranty】 HDMI CEC blocker Adapter are backed by a Lifetime Warranty
Bestseller No. 7
289 Reviews
DTech 328 Feet Fiber Optic HDMI Cable with 4K 30Hz and 1080p 60Hz HD Video 3D HDCP CEC High Speed...
  • 4K HDMI fiber optic cable 100m is a ideal solution running high speed HD video over long distance when your 300 ft regular Copper HDMI port cords have Electromagnetic Interference Issue
  • High speed HDMI fiber optical cable supports 10.2 Gbps bandwidth to handle UHD 4K@30fps, FHD 1080p@60fps high resolution with Barely Signal Loss for a smooth audio visual enjoyment
  • Extra long HDMI to HDMI cable 100m male to male port (Full size standard 19 pin), as a great replacement for expensive active HDMI extender kit and HDMI repeater booster, it supports HDCP, CEC, EDID, 3D and Deep Color
  • 328 foot ultra lightweight design (4.8mm diameter) HDMI optical cable makes your cabling work easier because the slim thin flexible HDMI fiber cable can be routed around the tight space as you want
  • 100 meters HDMI extension cable works with digital AV devices PS3 PS4, laptop, DIRECTV, Xbox gaming, Blu-ray player DVD, Ultra HD TV, 3D IMAX, computer monitor, AV receivers and home theater projector, etc.
Bestseller No. 8
37 Reviews
HDMI Switch 8K 4x1 4K 120Hz VRR G/Sync CEC ARC Atmos - HDMI 2.1 Switcher 4 in 1 Out 240Hz 144Hz HDCP...
  • 【8K 4K HDMI Switch 4x1 VRR CEC】HDMI 2.1 Switch 8K, switch 4 PCs to 1 screen -- Switch 4 HDMI source to 1 HDMI display. ARC HDCP 2.3 HDR D-o-l-b-y Vision Atmos,Variable Refresh Rate 240Hz 144Hz 120Hz for Game monitor, Roku, PS5, Xbox series, Xbox one S, PS4, N-i-ntendo switch, Fire TV, Windows, Mac iOS, Android, Linux all operating system. NO AUTO switch
  • 【AUDIO VIDEO】48Gpbs HDCP 2.3 HDMI 2.1 8K@60Hz, CEC, 4K@120Hz 4:4:4 8bit HDR D-o-l-b-y Vision VRR,1080p@ 240Hz/ 144Hz/120Hz/60Hz 3D, 3840x2160@ 240Hz/ 144Hz/120Hz/60Hz, 3440x1440@ 240Hz/ 144Hz/120Hz/60Hz;5120x1440@120Hz,G/Sync & free Sync,HDCP strip -- Digital 5.1 7.1CH, D-o-l-b-y Atmos, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio -- NO lag, NO flash, No drop,No plug in and out confusion.
  • 【HIGH COMPATIBILITY】Power On switcher by 5V 2A Power Adapter firstly. Plug and play. HDMI 4K 4 Port Switcher 4x1 CEC, 8K switch single monitor, for TV, computers, Windows Linux pc, Mac mini, projector, game controllers, external HDDs, Android phone,Logitech Harmony, security, conference, surveillance center, office. LED indicator show working source.
  • 【FAST SWITCH MORE SAFETY】IR Remote, button control for flexible set up -- Fast Seamless Switch -- 5V 2A Threaded power adapter prevents power loose. Built-in ESD Protection for safety usage. // NOT down-scaler, NOT up-scaler. NOT bi-directional, NOT auto switch, NOT eARC, ARC only 5.1CH, NOT for Atmos, NOT for Sonos ARC.
  • Support 4K 120Hz 8K HDMI source display, able to maintain the stable quality of 4K120
Bestseller No. 9
205 Reviews
llano HDMI 2.1 Switch, 3 in 1 Out 8K HDMI Switch with IR Remote, Supports VRR, CEC, HDR, Dolby...
  • [HDMI 2.1 Switch 3x1]: This hdmi switch comes with a remote control that enables switching among 3 signal resources to single display (The hdmi 2.1 switcher does not work from a single source to multiple monitors.), expands HDMI 2.1 ports on your TV, NO delay and no screen flickers, supports CEC.
  • [UHD 8K HDMI Switch]: Enjoy breathtaking audio and smoother picture quality with access to 4k Ultra HD streaming at up to 120fps, Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+. Support latest 8k@60hz, 4k@120hz, 1080P@240Hz resolution and back forward compatible.
  • [Widely Compatibility]: This 3 in 1 out HDMI switch is highly compatible with all operating system such as XP, Windows, Mac OS, Linux. Also works perfectly with Xbox one X, PS4/PS5, , Roku, Fire Stick, Blu-ray players, Projector etc
  • [Faster & More Stable Transmission]: This 4 ports HDMI switcher with gold plated connector provides high bandwidth up to 48Gbps data transmission, Input and output AWG26 HDMI standard cable length could reach up to 5m. Powered by type C to USB A cable, ensures stable video transmission and better performance.
  • [Plug and Play, Switching Easily]: This new upgraded HDMI 2.1 Switcher is so easy to set up, no external drive needed, just simply use the remote control or manual control to swap signals without plug and unplug the cables, the indicator lights show the active port. Note: For better experience, Please make sure the total length of cable of the both ends can not exceed 16ft/5m.
SaleBestseller No. 10
131 Reviews
AV Access HDBaseT 4K HDMI Extender Over Single Cat5e/6/6a/7 Ethernet, HDMI 2.0 YUV4:4:4, EDID, PoE,...
  • Advantage of HDBaseT: When using the same quality Cat5e/Cat6 cable, the HDBaseT HDMI extender could support all HDMI features, which delivers 4K@60Hz (4:4:4) resolution. Also reduce the attenuation coefficient and most of the interference.
  • 4K HDR10 & Dolby Atmos: 4K@60Hz (4:4:4) HDR10 18G up to 40m(131ft),1080P@60Hz up to 70m(230ft) via Cat5e/6a/7 cables; Supports HDMI 2.0/1.4. Bi-directional PoE+IR+RS232; Auto EDID, Dolby Atmos, DTS: X,Dolby , DTS-HD Master Audio, TrueHD,PCM7.1. High compliance with HDCP 2.2/1.4 to prevent copying of digital audio and video content as it travels across connections.
  • High Compatibility: Does NOT support ARC. Compatible with latest HDMI source and display devices, such as Apple TV 4K, Roku 4, Amazon Fire TV 4K, Cisco cable box, Comcast, Xbox One X, PS4 Pro, Vizio TV, SkyQ; No more hesitation on choosing HDR or 4K@60hz for you could have both.
  • Ultra Slim: size of a smart phone(can be hidden behind TV). Threaded power adapter prevents power loose during usage, one power adapter connect to either transmitter or receiver to power both units; Mounting ear for easy installation; All interfaces are on one side for tidy wiring.
  • Commercial Procurement: If you need a large or long-term order, please contact us through the store homepage/contact seller. We will offer discounts on a certain amount of products.

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Last update on 2022-11-17

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