How This Hidden HDMI Feature Made My Streaming Setup So Much Simpler

Discover the hidden HDMI feature that simplified my streaming setup, saving time and making everything work seamlessly.

Priya Bhadaurja April 9, 2025

0 51 4 minutes read

I have several streaming devices attached to my smart TV which means I also had several remotes to control them. It was always an inconvenience, especially because all the remotes looked so similar! I kept mixing them up and wasting time just figuring out which one to use.

That was until I discovered how this hidden HDMI feature made my streaming setup so much simpler. I was able to eliminate all of my numerous remote controls & use just one to control everything because to this one feature. I now enjoy a lot cleaner and hassle-free streaming experience because it has totally simplified the way I utilize my gadgets.

What Is HDMI-CEC and How It Simplifies Your Home Entertainment Setup

HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a smart feature that allows you to control multiple devices using just one remote. With HDMI-CEC, your devices communicate through the HDMI cable making your setup much easier to manage.

However, HDMI-CEC is an optional feature for manufacturers, so not every device supports it. If you have a newer smart TV and popular streaming devices, there’s a good chance they include HDMI-CEC.

With HDMI-CEC, you can control basic functions on your TV using the remote of your connected gadgets. For example, an Xbox Series X|S can adjust your TV volume directly from the controller. This feature isn’t limited to TVs—it also works with speakers. You can control your soundbar volume using your Roku TV remote, or even let your PlayStation 5, which calls it HDMI Device Link, turn your TV on and off automatically.

If your devices support HDMI-CEC, setting it up can simplify your entertainment experience and reduce the clutter of multiple remotes.

How to Turn On HDMI-CEC on Your TV and Streaming Devices

HDMI-CEC goes by many different names depending on your TV brand. Samsung calls it Anynet+, LG calls it Simplink, and Sony refers to it as Bravia Sync. If you’re not sure how to enable it on your specific TV, it’s a good idea to check your TV manual or contact customer support. But in most cases, you’ll find it in your TV’s settings menu.

For example, on my TCL TV, I go to:
Settings > Channels & Inputs > Inputs > Control Other Devices (CEC).

If you have a Samsung TV, you can find it under:
General > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC).

Besides enabling HDMI-CEC on your TV, make sure it’s also turned on in your streaming device settings. For instance, on Chromecast with Google TV, go to:
Settings > Display & Sound > HDMI-CEC.

Keep in mind, not every function may work perfectly with HDMI-CEC. On my TCL TV, it mainly recognizes power commands from my Chromecast. To control volume and power more effectively, I had to set up my streaming remote’s IR blaster to match my TV settings.

By turning on HDMI-CEC, you can simplify your home entertainment setup and control multiple devices with just one remote!

Extra Tips to Simplify Your Streaming Setup with a Single Remote

While HDMI-CEC helps control basic functions across your devices with one remote, it’s not a complete solution if you want full control of your entire setup. For the best experience, consider using a programmable universal remote.
For example, the SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control supports a wide range of IR devices. With this, you can combine the remotes for your TV, soundbar, and streaming stick into a single controller.

We also tried the SwitchBot Universal Remote, which is great if you have multiple SwitchBot smart devices. It not only controls your entertainment system but also lets you manage smart home gadgets like lights, curtains, and other accessories.

Alternatively, if your devices support it, you can download an Android or iPhone remote control app to manage your TV and streaming devices directly from your phone. Some smartphones even have a built-in IR blaster, letting you use your phone as a universal remote.

Finally, smart home hubs like Amazon Echo or Google Home can give you voice control over your TV and streaming gadgets, making the setup even more seamless.

In short, while HDMI-CEC is a handy feature for simplifying your remote situation, adding a universal remote or smart control options can take your setup to the next level. It’s a great way to reduce clutter and enjoy your entertainment system with fewer devices and more convenience.

FAQ

1. What is the hidden HDMI feature mentioned in the article?
The hidden HDMI feature is HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). It allows connected devices to control each other over HDMI, like turning on your TV and streaming device with a single remote or syncing power and input switching automatically.

2. Do all HDMI cables support HDMI-CEC?
Yes — almost all standard HDMI cables support HDMI-CEC. The feature depends more on the devices themselves rather than the cable. If your devices have HDMI-CEC enabled, your existing HDMI cable should work just fine.

3. How do I enable HDMI-CEC on my devices?
You can enable HDMI-CEC through the settings menu of your TV and connected streaming devices. The option might have a different name, like Anynet+ (Samsung), Bravia Sync (Sony), Simplink (LG), or VIERA Link (Panasonic). Check your device manual or settings under HDMI or input controls.

4. Can HDMI-CEC control all functions of my streaming setup?
While HDMI-CEC can handle basic controls like power, volume, and input switching, it doesn’t replace your streaming remote entirely. You’ll still need your streaming remote for app navigation and detailed settings, but everyday tasks become much smoother.

5. Is HDMI-CEC safe to use with multiple devices connected?
Yes — HDMI-CEC is designed to handle multiple connected devices. However, if you have many HDMI devices, commands might occasionally overlap. To avoid confusion, make sure each device is properly configured, and disable CEC on devices you don’t want to control automatically.