HDMI-CEC is a protocol which allows devices to send functions and commands using a connected HDMI cable. Control Center can use HDMI-CEC commands in both directions. For example:
Source Device to Control Center
If you turn on, for example, your Xbox or PS4 using its gamepad/controller, the console will send a command through the HDMI cable to Control Center. This tells Control Center that the device has been turned on. If Auto-Switch is enabled, Control Center will automatically turn on the TV (if currently powered off) and switch to that source device.
Click here to learn more about auto-switch.
Control Center to Source Device
Control Center can also send commands to devices that support HDMI-CEC. For example, Control Center can control devices power on/off behavior, navigation (up, down, left, right, select), input selection and more via HDMI-CEC.
Trade Names for HDMI-CEC
HDMI-CEC is a term used in industry to describe the protocol for device control and communication. However in the consumer space many manufacturers have given HDMI-CEC a marketing name that is specific to their own brand, which only adds to the confusion, since they pretty much do the same thing and should be compatible with each other across brands.
Here are some of the names for the better known brands. If you have a brand that is not on this list, please contact that manufacturer to find out if they have re-named HDMI-CEC under their brand or have kept the naming convention the same.
- AOC - E-link
- Hitachi - HDMI-CEC
- Insignia - INlink
- LG - SimpLink
- Mitsubishi - NetCommand for HDMI, Realink for HDMI
- Onkyo - RIHD
- Panasonic - Viera Link, HDAVI Control, EZ-Sync
- Philips - EasyLink
- Pioneer - Kuro Link
- Runco International - RuncoLink
- Samsung - Anynet+
- Sharp - Aquos Link
- Sony - Bravia Linc, Bravia Sync, Control for HDMI
- Toshiba - CE-Link, Regza Link
- Vizio - CEC
