HTPC with HDMI CEC?

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pico

54 posts

Master Geek

#90683 27-Sep-2011 20:15

Hi all,

I'm thinking about upgrading my current lounge TV and would like to be able to control the TV on/off, volume, video source etc functionality through my HTPC. I was thinking about using HDMI CEC but it seems that most graphics cards do not support CEC as it is an optional part of the HDMI standard. If anyone has any information to the contrary I'd be very interested.

Other alternatives are communicating over a network interface using a capable TV. My Galaxy S smartphone is apparently capable of controlling a Samsung smart TV so it may be possible to control over a network with the right software.

Working down to a less desirable option may be to find a TV with a serial interface. My friend has a TV with this functionality in it although he has never used it.

I'd love to be able to reduce my control down to a single control but I need to overcome this last hurdle.

Rossco

Antzzz

190 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 12

#526543 27-Sep-2011 22:59

I looked into this a while ago - apart from the odd random laptop couldn't find any graphics cards/chipsets that support CEC.

Here's one way of doing it - a CEC USB interface:

http://rainshadowtech.com/default_files/HDMICECUSB.htm

Seems odd that video cards don't support it - but I guess that is a reflection on the fact that outside the enthusiast community PCs have not really made it into the living room.

Regarding TVs with serial interfaces - apart from the odd random consumer model serial interfaces are usually only present on commercial panels used for digital signage etc.

illicit

553 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 15

#526590 28-Sep-2011 07:53

Harmony Remote?

nzkc

1634 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1041

#526610 28-Sep-2011 08:59

illicit: Harmony Remote?

+1 or another universal remote. This was my first thought when I read the "problem".

pico

54 posts

Master Geek

#526668 28-Sep-2011 10:53

Sorry, should have mentioned that I noticed that there are a couple of options regarding modifying the HDMI signal post the graphics card as mentioned above. Thats one option I'm considering. I was wondering with the lack of support in graphics cards for CEC whether most people solved this problem another way.

I use XBMC on linux on my HTPC and I like using different control methods depending on the need, BT keyboard + mouse, XBMC remote for android and IR remote. If I use a universal remote I'll still need more than one device to control the TV.

I'm wondering about the network interface whether its an option to control the TV, saves having to buy an interface to insert CEC into the HDMI signal or a universal remote, just a network cable. Might ask on the XBMC forums whether anyone has looked at it.

richms

29098 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10209

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Lifetime subscriber

#526716 28-Sep-2011 12:53

Often the serial interface is on consumer TVs labeled "service" or something like that. no idea if it limits the command set to just the ones that service techs need or not. Grab the service manual and see if there is anything in there. I believe that is is how the pro home auto gear controls them anyway.

Richard rich.ms