Overview
If you have purchased a Television or Soundbar with HDMI connections in recent years, the manufacturers or companies have added some extra functionality as part of HDMI. CEC will enable control of on/off & volume of compatible AV Receivers or Soundbars via your Televisions remote control. ARC or Audio Return Channel will send sound back down the HDMI cable connected from your AVR or Soundbar.
What is CEC in HDMI?
CEC is the abbreviation of Consumer Electronics Control, allows commands to be shared between devices over the same HDMI connection as audio and video, letting you control common functions of different devices. HDMI controlling devices are commonly known as CEC. A wide range of professional and consumer AV devices support this function.
What is HDMI ARC?
ARC is the abbreviation of Audio Return Channel, and ever since the HDMI 1.4 standard was introduced, ARC has been available on TVs, soundbars and receivers. This protocol offers two-way communication between devices over a single HDMI connection. Essentially, the HDMI ARC port lets you use HDMI as both an input and an audio output.
What is The Utility of CEC?
When we have to deal with multiple HDMI AV systems and manage them with an individual remote control, we can use the CEC feature. Besides passing video or audio, CEC helps all the devices to interconnect.
What is the difference between HDMI ARC and HDMI CEC?
|
Parameter |
HDMI ARC |
HDMI CEC |
|
Purpose |
We use HDMI ARC for better audio experience. |
HDMI CEC eases the mutual control procedure between a device and its HDMI connected systems. |
|
Method of usage |
HDMI Arc is a special port in the primary device. We can connect the soundbar or speaker with it so that the main device sends the audio back to the soundbar or speaker and provides good quality sound. |
If HDMI CEC is enabled in a component, it can control the devices connected to its HDMI port and vice-versa. Different brands have different methods to enable their CEC function. |
Conclusion: HDMI ARC and HDMI CEC for More Entertainment
- ARC and CEC are the most important additional functions of an HDMI connection.
- ARC has become a standard feature on modern televisions and usually works fine.
- The CEC connection, on the other hand, is only partially recommended, as not everything always works smoothly.
