A smart home setup can automate your entertainment system, security, lighting and more. You don’t need to break the bank to get started, either. Tap or click here to learn how to build a smart home on any budget. You can get started on connecting your devices right from your TV and all you need is the right tool. HDMI-CEC lets you control devices with your TV and vice versa. We’ll show you how this works and easily get started.
Plug and play
HDMI-CEC, or Consumer Electronics Control, allows communication between your TV and devices connected to it via HDMI ports. The connection goes both ways and works for multiple devices at once. So what’s the point? Imagine using one TV remote to power on your PlayStation 5, cable box, DVD player and more. Control a Blu-ray menu from that same remote while also adjusting the volume of your soundbar. You may also like: Did you know you can send text messages from your PC? This is convenient if your phone is not nearby or you are at work and would rather not be seen using it. Tap or click here for five ways to send texts from your computer. Check your TV settings to see if it supports HDMI-CEC, where you may find it disabled by default. Electronics manufacturers like to come up with their own names for features they share with the competition, this is no different. Check out the following list to see what the big names call their version of HDMI-CEC:
Hitachi (HDMI-CEC): Setup > HDMI-CEC > OnLG: (Simplink): Settings > All Settings > General > SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC) > OnPanasonic (HDAVI Control, EZ-Sync or VIERA Link): Setup > HDMI CONTROL > CEC Function > ONPhilips (EasyLink): Setup > TV Settings > Installation > Preferences > EasyLink and set Master EasyLink, Auto TV and Rc key forwarding to OnRoku TV (CEC): Settings > System > Control other devices (CEC) > System audio control > 1 touch playSamsung (Anynet+): Settings > System > Expert Settings > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) > OnSharp (AQUOS Link): System Options > AQUOS Link Setup > OnSony (BRAVIA Sync): Settings > Watching TV > External inputs > BRAVIA Sync Settings > Bravia Sync ControlToshiba (CE Link or Regza Link): Options > HDMI CEC Control Setup and set HDMI CEC Control, TV Auto Power, Auto Standby and Amplifier Control to OnVizio (CEC): System > CEC > CEC Function > Enable
Gaming
You can see if your device has this feature by checking the settings, where you may find it disabled by default. When it comes to gaming consoles, you can turn your TV on and off by doing the same with the console. This action can also set the TV to the proper input for the console so you can start gaming. The Microsoft Xbox Series X and S support HDMI-CEC. Sony PlayStation 3, PS4 and PS5 also support HDMI-CEC. The Nintendo Switch is unique because it can turn on the TV when you dock its handheld component.
Streaming
Your streaming devices can not only be controlled via your TV remote, but you can connect your smart assistants to them to control your TV as well. Chromecast – You can control your Chromecast via your TV remote, thanks to HDMI-CEC. You can even tell Google Assistant what you want to watch if it’s synced with your Chromecast. Roku – Your Roku streaming device can be controlled with your TV remote, while your Roku remote controls your TV. Pressing any button on your Roku remote will also switch your TV to the input your Roku streaming device is connected to. Streaming offers you the luxury of cutting the cord and dropping your cable service, saving you money. Tap or click here for a dozen ways to lower your monthly bills.
