Update, October 24, 2024: SlashGear has received feedback from readers that this feature isn’t working for everyone. Instead, the feature appears to be limited to Xbox Insiders running the beta. If that’s you and you see the feature when viewing your console’s HDMI-CEC settings, these instructions should work, but everyone else will have to wait for the feature to officially roll out.
If you’ve ever been addicted to Netflix, you know how annoying it is to be interrupted and asked the dreaded question, “Are you still watching?” It quickly turns off and resets the counter, but if you’re using a console like the Xbox Series X and Series S, your controller will likely turn off after 10 minutes. That means you have to reach for it, turn it on, and wait what seems like an eternity for it to resync so you can confirm your awareness. (It’s really only a few seconds, but it’s still annoying!)
What would you think if we told you that you could use the same remote that came with your TV to control your gaming console? You can thank HDMI-CEC (one of the best features of the Xbox Series X|S) for that privilege.
HDMI-CEC is a powerful technology that lets you control your Xbox Series X|S with your TV remote. It’s a great way to get the most out of your home theater experience, and it’s easy to set up. Let’s take a look at how to use HDMI-CEC to get the most out of your gaming experience.
HDMI-CEC stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface – Consumer Electronics Control. It’s a standard feature built into many modern TVs that allows you to control compatible devices with just one remote. When compatible devices are connected via HDMI cable, you can control them all with the same remote. This means you can control game consoles, TVs, Blu-ray players, sound systems, and more without the need for expensive universal remotes.
If you’re a console gamer, you’ll appreciate the ability to control your media apps without having to fiddle with the console’s controller, which turns off by default after about 10 minutes of inactivity. This is especially good if you watch a lot of shows and YouTube videos, as they’re shorter than movies but long enough to be annoying when you need to quickly pause or skip an episode. You can also set your Xbox to automatically turn on and off when you turn on your TV.
Setting up CEC between your Xbox Series
The first step in setting up your Xbox Series X|S with HDMI-CEC is to make sure your TV is compatible with the technology, which is supported by most modern TVs. To be sure, you should check your TV’s manual or visit the manufacturer’s website to check. Otherwise, if you have an Xbox Series X|S or a previous-generation Xbox One X, you’re good to go. Once you’ve verified that the two devices are compatible, connect them using an HDMI cable, then turn on both devices.
Next, make sure CEC is enabled on both devices. On a TV, this can usually be done in the settings menu under Inputs or Devices – look for a menu item called HDMI Control or HDMI-CEC and make sure it’s enabled.
On your Xbox console, open the navigation button to enter the Settings menu, then go to General > TV & Display Settings > TV & Audio/Video Power Settings and make sure HDMI-CEC is turned on. You can also customize how Xbox controls other devices here.
After that, reboot both devices and try turning off one device with the other device’s remote to see if they’re communicating properly. Some remotes even let you navigate the control panel and control media apps with their own playback buttons. If you see movement, you’ve officially accomplished your goal.
There could be a few reasons why HDMI-CEC won’t let you control your Xbox Series X|S with your TV remote. First, your TV might not be compatible. While most TVs released in the last five years should have this feature, it’s always worth double-checking your specific model. Even if your TV has the feature, the problem could be with the remote itself. While it’s rare, the remote’s controls may not match the standard implementation used by most manufacturers.
Chances are, your TV can only support HDMI-CEC on certain ports. TVs with these restrictions will usually have the port you need to use marked, so double-check that you’re using the right port. During this process, double-check that all devices are securely connected, then double-check the appropriate settings on your Xbox Series X|S and TV.
If everything is working fine but your efforts are still fruitless, you might want to try doing a full power cycle on your TV and Xbox Series X|S. Instead of just turning the devices off and on again, try unplugging them completely from the power source, waiting 30 seconds, and then plugging them back in. This helps clear any faulty HDMI handshake.
Post time: Dec-03-2024