Setting up and controlling speakers, media players and soundbars connected to the TV can be a bit much, when you have a remote control for every one of them. It means juggling between these remotes or buying an expensive universal remote. Most devices come equipped with a feature called HDMI-CEC, which lets you control interconnected devices using a single remote. Not many of us know about this feature but there is a high likelihood that HDMI-CEC may already be present on your TV. Read on to know what HDMI-CEC is all about and how to set it up.
How to use HDMI-CEC on your TV
We have used a TCL TV and a Sony sound bar to demonstrate how it works. The terms and menus described here will differ for your TV model. To make it simpler, we’ve put down a table below listing out what HDMI-CEC is popularly called by brands.
Step 1: Start by connecting one end of the HDMI cable to the TV, and the other end to the sound bar.
Step 2: Go to TV Settings > System.
Step 3: Click on TLINK > Click on Enable TLINK.
Step 4: Power on the sound bar and the TV should automatically detect it. You can now use the TV remote to control the sound bar.
Some brands might offer you a wizard that lets you choose what brand and type of product you have connected to the TV. Some will even offer a variety of remote options to pin-point the model you are using. Use these tools in case the TV doesn’t automatically detect the device.
HDMI-CEC feature branding
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SimpLink |
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Viera Link, EZ-Sync |
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Hitachi |
HDMI-CEC |
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Philips |
EasyLink |
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Anynet, Anynet+ |
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Bravia Sync, Bravia Link |
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Aquos Link |
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Vizio |
CEC |
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Pioneer |
Kuro Link |
HDMI-CEC is really convenient because you get a single remote to control everything on the connected devices ranging from volume control, changing input sources, put devices on stand-by mode and controlling playback controls such as play, pause, fast forward and rewind.
If you’re looking to buy new products, a single brand combination is almost surely going to work without issues. That’s something to consider. You can even choose multiple brand products, but do some research online to ensure the smoothest setup.
