We all like things to be simple. Even a basic task like loading a DVD into a DVD players tray requires multiple remotes and key pressing before the TV is on, the correct video source selected and appropriate video and audio modes enabled.

A little know facility of HDMI, Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), can provide a vastly simplified global level of remote control. Getting a DVD up and playing can be as simple as a single button press.

With its roots coming from the SCART interface, the HDMI-CEC allows up to ten AV devices to discover and communicate with one another over a HDMI connected system. Around since HDMI version 1, HDMI-CEC was updated with version 1.3 of HDMI with the addition of timer and audio commands. CEC consists of a single wire bus within standard HDMI cabling. It is mandatory to have the CEC cabling but, not to implement it. However, with CEC compliance test equipment having become available recently, audio visual manufacturers are moving to implement CEC in their consumer products.

HDMI-CEC also allows for global commands with individual CEC enabled AV devices able to command and control each other without user intervention. In the case of loading a DVD, closing the DVD tray could trigger the DVD player to command the TV to switch on, select the DVD player HDMI cable as the video source and set the appropriate video and audio modes for playback.

So remember, if you want a CEC functional system make sure the audio visual device you are purchasing is compliant as it is optional and not all manufacturers have implemented it.