I have several streaming devices attached to my smart TV, meaning I have several remotes to control them. It was an inconvenience (especially as they all looked alike!).
That was until I discovered this magical HDMI feature that let me do away with all my extra remotes and cut down to just one.
What Is HDMI-CEC?
This magic feature that lets you control multiple gadgets with a single remote is called HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). It lets your devices talk to each other via the HDMI cable. Unfortunately, HDMI-CEC is optional for manufacturers, so not all HDMI devices have this capability. But if you have a relatively new smart TV and other smart devices, like one of the best streaming devices you can buy, it likely has this feature.
So, if your gear has HDMI-CEC, you should be able to control a few common functions on your TV using the remote of your gadgets. For example, this is how an Xbox Series X|S can control your TV volume straight from the controller.
Note that HDMI-CEC isn’t limited to TVs—it can work with speakers, too, allowing you to control your soundbar volume with a Roku TV remote. The PlayStation 5 is also equipped with HDMI-CEC, but it’s called HDMI Device Link, and it allows your PS5 to switch on and off with your TV.
How to Turn on HDMI-CEC
The HDMI-CEC feature comes in many different names—Samsung calls it Anynet+, LG calls it Simplink, and Sony calls it Bravia Sync. So, if you want to find specific instructions for your TV, you should check out its manual or call customer service. But in general, you can find this in your TV settings.
I have a TCL TV, and to turn on HDMI-CEC, I head to Settings > Channels & Inputs > Inputs > Control Other Devices (CEC). Samsung users should find it under General > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC).
Aside from turning it on on your TV, you should also ensure your streaming box has HDMI-CEC activated. If you have a Chromecast with Google TV, you should be able to find it in the Settings, under Display & Sound > HDMI-CEC.
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Note that not all functions will work with HDMI-CEC. For example, my TCL TV only recognizes and sends power commands to my Chromecast. So, to ensure that I can change the TV’s volume and turn it on or off using the remote on my streaming device, I had to configure the remote’s IR blaster to match my TV’s.
Other Ways to Control Your Streaming Setup Using One Remote
While HDMI-CEC makes it convenient to control a few basic functions on your TV using one remote, it’s still not the perfect solution to having just one remote for everything. If you want to simplify your life, purchasing a programmable universal remote is the best thing you can do. For example, the SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control we’ve reviewed has wide compatibility with many IR devices, potentially allowing you to combine the remotes of your TV, soundbar, and streaming stick into one.
We also checked out the SwitchBot Universal Remote, which is perfect if you have several SwitchBot smart devices. This is perfect if you want to go beyond controlling just your entertainment system and have the ability to command lights, curtains, and other smart SwitchBot accessories.
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Alternatively, if your TV and other streaming gadgets have an Android or iPhone remote control app, you can download that instead to control your devices. Some phones also have a built-in IR blaster and remote control app, allowing you to pair them to your entertainment gear and control them from your phone. Lastly, some smart TVs and streaming sticks can be controlled by a compatible smart home hub, like Amazon Echo or Google Home, enabling universal voice control.
HDMI-CEC makes controlling your TV and streaming gear easier with just one remote control. While it may not give you all the functionality you need to get rid of all your other remotes, it at least gives you the basic functionality you need (like changing the volume or turning a device on/off) without reaching for another one. But if you want to make things even simpler, you can ditch a few gadgets and use your smart TV instead.
