High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

Supplement 1
Consumer Electronics Control (CEC)

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

CEC Table of Contents

Version 1.3a

CEC Page

CEC 1

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................1

CEC 1.1

Normative references.................................................................................................. 1

CEC 1.2

Informative References............................................................................................... 1

CEC 1.3

Document Revision History........................................................................................ 1

CEC 2

DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................3

CEC 2.1

Conformance Levels ................................................................................................... 3

CEC 2.2

Glossary of Terms ....................................................................................................... 3

CEC 2.3 Usages and Conventions............................................................................................ 3

CEC 2.3.1 State Diagrams........................................................................................................3
CEC 2.3.2 Message Flow Diagrams.........................................................................................4
CEC 2.3.3 Notation ...................................................................................................................4
CEC 3

FEATURE OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................5

CEC 3.1

End-User Features....................................................................................................... 5

CEC 3.2

Supporting Features ................................................................................................... 5

CEC 4

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATION ....................................................................................6

CEC 5

SIGNALING AND BIT TIMINGS ....................................................................................8

CEC 5.1

CEC Line Usage........................................................................................................... 8

CEC 5.2 Bit Timing ..................................................................................................................... 8

CEC 5.2.1 Start Bit Timing........................................................................................................8
CEC 5.2.2 Data Bit Timing........................................................................................................8
CEC 6

FRAME DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................................11

CEC 6.1 Header/Data Block description ................................................................................ 11

CEC 6.1.1 EOM (End of Message).........................................................................................11
CEC 6.1.2 ACK (Acknowledge) ..............................................................................................12
CEC 6.1.3 Header Block Details.............................................................................................12
CEC 7

RELIABLE COMMUNICATION MECHANISMS .........................................................13

CEC 7.1

Frame Re-transmissions........................................................................................... 13

CEC 7.2

Flow Control............................................................................................................... 13

CEC 7.3

Frame Validation........................................................................................................ 13

CEC 7.4

CEC Line Error Handling .......................................................................................... 13

CEC 8

PROTOCOL EXTENSIONS .........................................................................................14

CEC 9

CEC ARBITRATION ....................................................................................................15

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CEC 9.1

Signal Free Time........................................................................................................ 15

CEC 9.2

Message Time Constraints ....................................................................................... 15

CEC 10

DEVICE CONNECTIVITY AND ADDRESSING ..........................................................16

CEC 10.1 Physical Address Discovery .................................................................................... 16

CEC 10.2 Logical Addressing ................................................................................................... 16
CEC 10.2.1 Logical Address Allocation...................................................................................17
CEC 10.2.2 Behaviour with Earlier Versions...........................................................................18
CEC 11

SWITCH REQUIREMENTS .........................................................................................19

CEC 11.1 CEC Switch................................................................................................................. 19

CEC 12

HIGH LEVEL PROTOCOL...........................................................................................20

CEC 12.1 Source Declaration.................................................................................................... 20

CEC 12.2 Protocol General Rules............................................................................................. 20
CEC 12.3 Feature Abort ............................................................................................................. 20
CEC 12.4 Abort ........................................................................................................................... 21
CEC 13

CEC FEATURES DESCRIPTION................................................................................22

CEC 13.1 One Touch Play ......................................................................................................... 22

CEC 13.1.1 Messages.............................................................................................................22
CEC 13.1.2 Feature Description..............................................................................................22
CEC 13.1.3 Behaviour with Earlier Versions...........................................................................23
CEC 13.2 Routing Control ......................................................................................................... 23
CEC 13.2.1 Messages.............................................................................................................23
CEC 13.2.2 Feature Description..............................................................................................23
CEC 13.2.3 Behaviour with Earlier Versions...........................................................................25
CEC 13.3 System Standby......................................................................................................... 26
CEC 13.3.1 Messages.............................................................................................................26
CEC 13.3.2 Feature Description..............................................................................................26
CEC 13.3.3 Behaviour with Earlier Versions...........................................................................27
CEC 13.4 One Touch Record .................................................................................................... 27
CEC 13.4.1 Messages.............................................................................................................27
CEC 13.4.2 Feature Description..............................................................................................27
CEC 13.4.3 Behaviour with Earlier Versions...........................................................................29
CEC 13.5 Timer Programming .................................................................................................. 29
CEC 13.5.1 Messages.............................................................................................................29
CEC 13.5.2 Feature Description..............................................................................................29
CEC 13.5.3 Performing a Timed Recording using another device as source.........................31
CEC 13.5.4 Behaviour with Earlier Versions...........................................................................31
CEC 13.6 System Information ................................................................................................... 31
CEC 13.6.1 Messages.............................................................................................................31
CEC 13.6.2 Feature Description..............................................................................................31
CEC 13.6.3 Additional Information ..........................................................................................32

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CEC 13.6.4

Version 1.3a

Behaviour with Earlier Versions...........................................................................33

CEC 13.7 Deck Control .............................................................................................................. 33

CEC 13.7.1 Messages.............................................................................................................33
CEC 13.7.2 Feature Description..............................................................................................33
CEC 13.7.3 Behaviour with Earlier Versions...........................................................................34
CEC 13.8 Tuner Control............................................................................................................. 34
CEC 13.8.1 Messages.............................................................................................................34
CEC 13.8.2 Feature Description..............................................................................................34
CEC 13.8.3 Behaviour with Earlier Versions...........................................................................35
CEC 13.9 Vendor Specific Commands..................................................................................... 35
CEC 13.9.1 Messages.............................................................................................................35
CEC 13.9.2 Feature Description..............................................................................................35
CEC 13.9.3 Behaviour with Earlier Versions...........................................................................36
CEC 13.10 OSD Display ............................................................................................................... 37
CEC 13.10.1 Messages...........................................................................................................37
CEC 13.10.2 Feature Description............................................................................................37
CEC 13.10.3 Behaviour with Earlier Versions.........................................................................37
CEC 13.11 Device OSD Name Transfer ...................................................................................... 37
CEC 13.11.1 Messages...........................................................................................................37
CEC 13.11.2 Feature Description............................................................................................37
CEC 13.11.3 Behaviour with Earlier Versions.........................................................................38
CEC 13.12 Device Menu Control................................................................................................. 38
CEC 13.12.1 Messages...........................................................................................................38
CEC 13.12.2 Feature Description............................................................................................38
CEC 13.12.3 Behaviour with Earlier Versions.........................................................................38
CEC 13.13 Remote Control Pass Through................................................................................. 39
CEC 13.13.1 Messages...........................................................................................................39
CEC 13.13.2 Feature Description............................................................................................39
CEC 13.13.3 Deterministic UI Functions .................................................................................39
CEC 13.13.4 Behaviour with Earlier Versions.........................................................................41
CEC 13.14 Give Device Power Status ........................................................................................ 41
CEC 13.14.1 Messages...........................................................................................................41
CEC 13.14.2 Feature Description............................................................................................41
CEC 13.14.3 Behaviour with Earlier Versions.........................................................................42
CEC 13.15 System Audio Control............................................................................................... 42
CEC 13.15.1 Messages...........................................................................................................42
CEC 13.15.2 Feature Description............................................................................................42
CEC 13.15.3 Behaviour with Earlier Versions.........................................................................45
CEC 13.16 Audio Rate Control.................................................................................................... 45
CEC 13.16.1 Messages...........................................................................................................45
CEC 13.16.2 Feature Description............................................................................................45
CEC 13.16.3 Behaviour with Earlier Versions.........................................................................45
CEC 14 DEVICE STATES .........................................................................................................46
CEC 14.1.1 Device States.......................................................................................................46
CEC 14.1.2 State Changes .....................................................................................................46
CEC 14.1.3 All Devices ...........................................................................................................46

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CEC 14.1.4
CEC 14.1.5
CEC 14.1.6
CEC 14.1.7

Version 1.3a

TV.........................................................................................................................46
Recording Device.................................................................................................47
Playback Device ..................................................................................................47
Menu Providing Device ........................................................................................48

CEC 15

MESSAGE DESCRIPTIONS........................................................................................49

CEC 16

MESSAGE DEPENDENCIES ......................................................................................71

CEC 17

OPERAND DESCRIPTIONS........................................................................................79

CEC APPENDIX A

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CEC Figures

Version 1.3a

CEC Page

CEC Figure 1 Example State Diagram ..................................................................................................... 4

CEC Figure 2 Example Message Flow Diagram ..................................................................................... 4
CEC Figure 3 Start bit pulse format showing minimum and maximum tolerances................................. 8
CEC Figure 4 Timing diagrams for both bit states.................................................................................... 9
CEC Figure 5 Timing Diagram for Follower Asserted Bit (Logical 0)..................................................... 10
CEC Figure 6 Block Structure ................................................................................................................. 11
CEC Figure 7 Header Block.................................................................................................................... 12
CEC Figure 8 Logical Address Allocation ............................................................................................... 18
CEC Figure 9 A typical scenario illustrating the One Touch Play feature .............................................. 22
CEC Figure 10 Example message flow, when a CEC Switch is manually switched ............................ 25
CEC Figure 11 A typical scenario for the broadcast (system) Standby feature..................................... 26
CEC Figure 12 A typical scenario for the Standby feature to a specific device..................................... 26
CEC Figure 13 A typical scenario for the One Touch Record feature.................................................... 28
CEC Figure 14 A typical scenario for setting a Timer Record Block...................................................... 30
CEC Figure 15 Message exchange when getting the TVs menu Language ....................................... 32
CEC Figure 16 A typical scenario when a menu language setting within the TV is modified............... 32
CEC Figure 17 A typical scenario for the Deck Control feature ............................................................. 34
CEC Figure 18 A typical scenario for selecting a new Service .............................................................. 35
CEC Figure 19 The messages sent in the Vendor Specific Commands feature .................................. 36
CEC Figure 20 A typical scenario for to discover the power status of a target device.......................... 41
CEC Figure 21 A typical scenario for initiating the System Audio Control feature from a TV or STB... 42
CEC Figure 22 A typical scenario for initiating the System Audio Control feature from an amplifier.... 43
CEC Figure 23 Typical Operation of the volume control........................................................................ 44

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

CEC Tables

Version 1.3a

CEC Page

CEC Table 1 CEC Electrical Specifications during the fully powered-Off state....................................... 6
CEC Table 2 CEC Electrical Specifications except during the fully powered-Off state ........................... 7
CEC Table 3 Frame Description ............................................................................................................. 11
CEC Table 4 Signal Free Time................................................................................................................ 15
CEC Table 5 Logical Addresses.............................................................................................................. 17
CEC Table 6 Deterministic UI Functions................................................................................................. 40
CEC Table 7 Message Descriptions for the One Touch Play Feature................................................... 50
CEC Table 8 Message Descriptions for the Routing Control Feature ................................................... 51
CEC Table 9 Message Descriptions for the Standby Feature................................................................ 53
CEC Table 10 Message Descriptions for the One Touch Record Feature............................................ 54
CEC Table 11 Message Descriptions for the Timer Programming Feature........................................... 55
CEC Table 12 Message Descriptions for the System Information Feature........................................... 57
CEC Table 13 Message Descriptions for the Deck Control Feature ..................................................... 59
CEC Table 14 Message Descriptions for the Tuner Control Feature .................................................... 60
CEC Table 15 Message Descriptions for the Vendor Specific Commands Feature ............................. 61
CEC Table 16 Message Descriptions for the OSD Display Feature...................................................... 63
CEC Table 17 Message Descriptions for the Device OSD Transfer Feature........................................ 64
CEC Table 18 Message Descriptions for the Device Menu Control Feature ........................................ 65
CEC Table 19 Message Descriptions for the Remote Control Passthrough Feature ........................... 66
CEC Table 20 Message Descriptions for the Power Status Feature ..................................................... 66
CEC Table 21 Message Descriptions for General Protocol messages ................................................. 67
CEC Table 22 Message Descriptions for the System Audio Control Feature ....................................... 68
CEC Table 23 Message Descriptions for the Audio Rate Control Feature............................................ 70
CEC Table 24 Message dependencies when receiving a message ..................................................... 71
CEC Table 25 Message dependencies when sending a message ....................................................... 75
CEC Table 26 Operand Descriptions...................................................................................................... 79
CEC Table 27 User Control Codes ......................................................................................................... 95
CEC Table 28 Broadcast System............................................................................................................ 96

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CEC 1

Version 1.3a

Introduction

CEC is a protocol that provides high-level control functions between all of the various audiovisual products in
a users environment. This appendix describes the CEC protocol in the following order:
 An overview of the recommended features available in CEC.
 A Low Level Protocol Definition - Includes the electrical specification, signaling and bit timings and the
frame description.
 A High Level Protocol Definition - Includes a detailed feature breakdown and individual message
descriptions.

CEC 1.1

Normative references

[1n] ISO 639.2 Code for the representation of names of languages - Part 2: Alpha 3 code
http://www.loc.gov/standards/iso639-2/langhome.html

CEC 1.2

Informative References

[1i] CENELEC, EN 50049-1:1997/A1:1998, Domestic and similar electronic equipment interconnection

requirements: Peritelevision connector
[2i] CENELEC, EN 50157, Domestic and similar electronic equipment interconnection requirements: AV.link
EN 50157-1 : Part 1
EN 50157-2-1 : Part 2-1
EN 50157-2-2 : Part 2-2
EN 50157-2-3 : Part 2-3
[3i] IEEE std. 1394-1995 HIGH PERFORMANCE SERIAL BUS section 8.3.2.5.1 example use of
Company_id.

CEC 1.3

Document Revision History

1.2

Clarification of CEC line Standby behaviour

Clarification of test conditions in Table 2
Addition of CEC line pull-up using a current source
Addition of Give Power Status message
Clarification of response to <Abort> message

1.2a

Tolerance on internal pull-up resistance changed to 5% in Table 2.

Removal of test conditions from Table 2,
Clarification of maximum message length.
Re-ordering of some Features in the text and splitting of message description table.
Update and clarification of mandatory and optional implementation status.
Clarification of rules with more explanations for Routing Control.
Additional examples and notes regarding the use of System Standby with recordings.
System Info simplified to language selection. <Set Language> now becomes <Set Menu
Language> with a simplified mechanism. Removal of <Set System Info Version
Number>, <Give System Info> and <Set Country>.
Removal of analogue tuning messages and addition of <Select Digital Service>.
Removal of Preset Download and Timer Programme Features.
Various editorial corrections throughout

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1.3a

Version 1.3a

Clarification of pull-up resistance (for integrated implementations) and negative overshoot

on CEC line.
Clarification of when CEC Line Error Checking is applied.
Clarification of Signal Free Time values.
Re-naming of addresses STB to Tuner and DVD to Playback device.
Allocation of Tuner 4 and Playback Device 3 Logical Addresses from reserved set.
<Image View On> and <Text View On>: change to mandatory behavior with displayed
OSD/Menu
<Set Stream Path>: changes to mandatory behavior.
<Routing Change>: changes to mandatory behavior and addition of timing
recommendation.
Standby: clarification of behavior.
Extension of <Record On> to tuners and addition of Analogue and External sources.
Addition of new Error Codes for <Record Status>.
Addition of Timer Programming Feature (Analogue, digital and external).
Addition of Analogue Tuning <Select Analogue Service> to Tuner.
Addition of Major/Minor and 4-digit Virtual Channel Identification
Addition of <Get CEC Version> and <CEC Version>.
Change of some names for [Play Mode] and [Deck status] codes to better indicate
responses.
Allow <Vendor Command> to be shared between manufacturers in specific
circumstances.
Addition of <Vendor Command With ID> message, which may also be broadcast.
Inconsistent Feature naming now unified to OSD Display.
Clarification and addition of recommendation for a timeout for the User Commands.
RC passthrough: Addition of Pause-Record, Data, Power (On, Off and toggle);
clarification of <Root Menu>.
<Device Power Status> now made mandatory for an Initiator.
Addition of System Audio Control Feature.
Addition of Audio Rate Control Feature.
Updates to Message Dependencies and Operands tables as a result of above.
Correction to ASCII range.
Various editorial corrections throughout.

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CEC 2

Definitions

CEC 2.1

Conformance Levels

Version 1.3a

Because CEC is optional, the conformance level in this appendix is only effective when the device supports
CEC. For example, the word "shall" indicates a mandatory requirement for the CEC supporting devices.
However, within the Features section (CEC 13) "shall" only indicates a requirement if the feature is
implemented.

CEC 2.2

Glossary of Terms

Broadcast Message

This is a message, sent to logical address 15, which all devices are expected to
receive.

Clear

Set to an empty/undefined state. When a physical address is cleared it takes the

value F.F.F.F. When a logical address is cleared it takes the value 15.

Deck

The part of a Recording Device or Playback Device that provides playback

functionality e.g. from a removable media.

Destination

The target device for a CEC message.

Follower

A device that has just received a CEC message and is required to respond to it.

Initiator

The device that is sending, or has just sent, a CEC message and, if appropriate, is
waiting for a follower to respond.

Logical address

A unique address assigned to each device (see section CEC 10.2)

Menu Providing Device A non-display device that may render a menu on TV.
Playback device

A device that has the ability to play media, e.g. a DVD Player.

Recording device

A device that has the ability to record a source such as an internal tuner or an
external connection.

Source Device

A device that is currently providing an AV stream via HDMI.

Tuner Device

A device that contains a tuner, e.g. a STB or a Recording Device.

Timer Setting Device

A device that has the ability to set the record timer blocks of a Recording Device.

TV

A device with HDMI input that has the ability to display the input HDMI signal.
Generally it has no HDMI output.

CEC 2.3

Usages and Conventions

CEC 2.3.1

State Diagrams

State diagrams describe behavior in terms of device states and events or actions. In these diagrams, the
ovals represent device states and the arrows represent events and/or actions that move the device from one
state to another state.

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Event (Condition)

State 2

State 1

Event / Action

CEC Figure 1 Example State Diagram

CEC 2.3.2

Message Flow Diagrams

Message Flow Diagrams show sequences of messages that occur between 2 devices.

Device 1

Device 2

User Interaction

Additional Information
<Message> [Parameter]

<Response> [Parameter]

CEC Figure 2 Example Message Flow Diagram

CEC 2.3.3

Notation

Within the CEC specification there are a number of notations:

<xxx> xxx is an opcode for a message, which is defined in section CEC 15
[yyy]

yyy is a data item, which is defined in section CEC 17.

zzz

zzz is a constant and is a possible value for a data item in section CEC 17.

N{.} indicates the item within the braces is repeated N times, this is used mainly in section CEC 17.

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CEC 3

Version 1.3a

Feature Overview

CEC provides a number of features designed to enhance the functionality and interoperability of devices
within an HDMI system. This section gives an overview of these features.

CEC 3.1

End-User Features

One Touch Play - Allows a device to be played and become the active source with a single button press.
System Standby - Enables the user to switch all devices to standby with one button press.
One Touch Record - Offers a What You See Is What You Record (WYSIWYR) facility, meaning that
whatever is shown on the TV screen is recorded on a selected Recording Device.
Timer Programming Allows the user to program the timers in a Recording Device from an EPG running on
a TV or STB.
Deck Control - Enables a device to control (e.g. play, fast forward etc.) and interrogate a Playback Device (a
deck).
Tuner Control - Allows a device to control the tuner of another device.
Device Menu Control - Enables a device to control the menu of another device by passing through user
interface commands.
Remote Control Pass Through - Enables remote control commands to be passed through to other devices
within the system.
System Audio Control Allows an Audio Amplifier / Receiver to be used with the TV. The volume can be
controlled using any the remote controls of any suitably-equipped devices in the system.

CEC 3.2

Supporting Features

Device OSD Name Transfer - Enables devices to upload their preferred OSD name to the TV. The TV can
then use this name in any menus associated with that device.
Device Power Status Allows the current power status of a device to be discovered.
OSD Display - Enables a device to use the on-screen display of the TV to display text strings.
Routing Control - Allows the control of CEC Switches for streaming of a new source device.
System Information - Queries the system to determine device addresses and language.
Vendor Specific Commands - Allows a set of vendor-defined commands to be used between devices of
that vendor.
Audio Rate Control Allows an Amplifier to fractionally increase or decrease the playback rate of an audio
source.

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CEC 4

Version 1.3a

Electrical Specification

The electrical specifications define CEC such that a maximum of 10 devices can interoperate in the worstcase scenario. In practice, many more may be expected to operate together as the worst case is highly
improbable.
A device that implements CEC protocols, as described in this CEC supplement, and has enabled its CEC
functionality, shall:
x

Conform to Table 1 when it is powered-Off (e.g. power removed); or,

x

Conform to Table 2 in all other power states. In these states, the device shall keep monitoring the
CEC line for any messages addressing that device, including any messages that bring the device
out of Standby, see CEC 14.1.3.

During the powered-Off state (e.g. power removed), the CEC line is not monitored.

CEC Table 1 CEC Electrical Specifications during the fully powered-Off state
Description

Value

Leakage current in powered-Off state

1.8PA max

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CEC Table 2 CEC Electrical Specifications except during the fully powered-Off state
Description

Value

Maximum Output Voltage Logic 0

+0.6V

Minimum Output Voltage Logic 0

0V

Maximum Output Voltage Logic 1

+3.63 V

Minimum Output Voltage Logic 1

2.5V

High to Low Input Voltage Threshold

Logic 0

Vcecin(0) +0.8V

Low to High Input Voltage Threshold

Logic 1

Vcecin(1) +2.0V

Typical Input hysteresis

+0.4 V

Maximum rise time (10% to 90%)

250 Ps

Maximum fall time (90% to 10%)

50 Ps

Internal device pull-up:

27k ohms 5% or
equivalent (eg a
current source); or
26k ohms 10%
when integrated.

Notes

The device shall remain within specification under the full-range of load conditions.
Notes:
1
This effectively requires that the internal pull-up circuit shall be disconnected from the CEC line when
the device is off. For example, this can be implemented by connecting an isolating diode between the CEC
input pin and the internal pull-up circuit, such that diode is reverse-biased in the off state with an external
device pulling-up the CEC line.
2
For information, input hysteresis is normally supplied by the microprocessor input circuit: in this
circumstance, external hysteresis circuitry is not needed.
3
During transition from Logic 1 to Logic 0 a negative overshoot with maximum 300mV and up to
150s duration is allowed.

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CEC 5

Version 1.3a

Signaling and Bit Timings

All transactions on the CEC line consist of an initiator and one or more followers. The initiator is responsible
for sending the message structure and the data. The follower is the recipient of any data and is responsible
for setting any acknowledgement bits.

CEC 5.1

CEC Line Usage

A message is conveyed over the control signal line in a single frame; a frame is a self-contained unit
consisting of a start bit followed by a number of data bits.
An initiator first has to test that the control signal line is free for use (described below). After that it generates
a high to low transition on the CEC line, followed by a series of pulses comprising data bits whose starting
point is defined by a high to low transition.
The initiator provides bit timing and bit leading edges. Only one initiator is allowed at any one time. A control
signal line arbitration mechanism avoids conflict when more than one initiator begins transmitting at the same
time.

CEC 5.2

Bit Timing

CEC 5.2.1

Start Bit Timing

The pulse format of the start bit is shown in CEC Figure 3. It is unique and identifies the start of a frame.
The start bit has to be validated by its low duration (a) and its total duration (b).

b
High Impedance

Device Output
Low Impedance

3.5 ms

0 ms

3.9 ms

3.7 ms

4.3 ms

4.7 ms

4.5 ms

CEC Figure 3 Start bit pulse format showing minimum and maximum tolerances

CEC 5.2.2

Data Bit Timing

All remaining data bits in the frame, after the start bit, have consistent timing. There are, however, two types
of bits; an initiator asserted bit and a follower asserted bit. All bits apart from the acknowledge bit are
asserted by the initiator. CEC Figure 4 shows both logical 1 and logical 0 timing diagrams for an initiator
asserted bit.
The high to low transition at the end of a data bit is the start of the next data bit and only occurs if there is a
following data bit; after transmission of the final bit the CEC line remains high.

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High Impedance

Version 1.3a

Safe sample
period

Device Output

Logical 0

Low Impedance
1.5 ms

2.4ms

High Impedance
Device Output

Logical 1

Low Impedance
0 ms
Ts

0.6 ms
T1

2.4 ms
T2 T3

T4 T5

T6

T7

T8

Nominal sample time 1.05 ms

TS

0 ms

The bit start event.

T1

0.4 ms

The earliest time for a low - high transition when indicating a logical 1.

T2

0.8 ms

The latest time for a low - high transition when indicating a logical 1.

T3

0.85 ms

The earliest time it is safe to sample the signal line to determine its state.

T4

1.25 ms

The latest time it is safe to sample the signal line to determine its state.

T5

1.3 ms

The earliest time a device is permitted return to a high impedance state (logical 0).

T6

1.7 ms

The latest time a device is permitted return to a high impedance state (logical 0).

T7

2.05 ms

The earliest time for the start of a following bit.

2.4ms

The nominal data bit period.

2.75 ms

The latest time for the start of a following bit.

T8

CEC Figure 4 Timing diagrams for both bit states

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Version 1.3a

CEC Figure 5 shows an example bit with both initiator and follower where the follower may assert the bit to a
logical 0 to acknowledge a data block. The initiator outputs a logical 1, thus allowing the follower to change
the CEC state by pulling the control line low for the duration of the safe sample period.
High Impedance
Initiator Output
Low Impedance

0 ms

0.6 ms

2.4 ms

Safe sample
period

High Impedance
Follower Output
Low Impedance

1.5 ms
Ts

T1 T2

T3 T4

T5 T6

T7

T8

T9

TS

0 ms

The bit start event.

T1

0.35 ms

The latest response time for a follower to go to the low impedance state.

T2

0.4 ms

The earliest the initiator can return to high impedance when transmitting a logical 1.

T3

0.8 ms

The latest the initiator can return to high impedance when transmitting a logical 1.

T4

0.85 ms

The earliest time at which the bit state on the CEC line is valid for reading.

T5

1.25 ms

The latest time at which the bit state on the CEC line is valid for reading.

T6

1.3 ms

The earliest time the follower is permitted return to a high impedance state.

T7

1.7 ms

The latest time the follower is permitted return to a high impedance state.

T8

2.05 ms

The earliest time for the start of a following bit.

2.4ms

The nominal data bit period.

2.75 ms

The latest time for the start of a following bit.

T9

CEC Figure 5 Timing Diagram for Follower Asserted Bit (Logical 0)

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CEC 6

Version 1.3a

Frame Description

The following table describes the complete CEC frame; the details of each block of the frame are given in the
subsequent sections.

CEC Table 3 Frame Description

Name

Description

Value

Start

Special start bit

N/A

Header Block

Source and destination addresses (see CEC Figure 7)

See CEC Table

5
Data Block 1
(opcode block)

Opcode (Optional)

See

Data Block 2
(operand blocks)

Operand(s) specific to opcode (Optional, depending on

opcode)

CEC Table 7 to
Table 23
See CEC Table
26

The maximum message size (header block plus opcode block plus operand blocks) is 16 * 10 bits

CEC 6.1

Header/Data Block description

All Data Blocks and Header Blocks are ten bits long and have the same basic structure, as shown in CEC
Figure 6.

Header/Data Block
7

Information bits

EOM

ACK

CEC Figure 6 Block Structure

The information bits are data, opcodes or addresses, dependent on context. The control bits, EOM and ACK,
are always present and always have the same usage.

CEC 6.1.1

EOM (End of Message)

The EOM bit is used to indicate if this is the final block in the message.
A 0 bit specifies that one or more data blocks follow.
A 1 bit specifies that the message is complete.
In the event that a message contains additional data blocks after an EOM is indicated, the follower shall
ignore the additional blocks.

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CEC 6.1.2

Version 1.3a

ACK (Acknowledge)

The ACK bit is used by follower(s) to acknowledge the data or header block. It is always set to 1 by the
initiator. It operates in one of two modes:
For messages addressed to a single device:
 A follower that reads its own address in the destination address field shall acknowledge with a 0 ACK bit.
 All other devices shall not assert the ACK bit to logical 0.
 A 0 read by the initiator therefore indicates a successful transmission of the data or header block.
For broadcast messages the sense of the ACK bit is inverted to allow for a single device to reject a message:
 All followers that do not want to reject the message shall not assert the ACK bit to logical 0.
 A 1 read by the initiator therefore indicates that no device has rejected the data or header block the
message transmission can therefore continue if required.
 A follower that wants to reject a broadcast message shall generate a "0" ACK bit.
 A 0 read by the initiator therefore indicates that one or more devices have rejected the message.

CEC 6.1.3

Header Block Details

The header block consists of the source logical address field, the destination logical address field, the end of
message bit (EOM) and the acknowledge bit (ACK) as shown in CEC Figure 7. The addresses for the
devices are specified in CEC Table 5.

Header Block
3

Initiator

Destination

EOM

ACK

CEC Figure 7 Header Block

The initiator logical address field is used to identify the initiator of the current frame. The logical address of
the initiator is written in this field (see CEC 10.2). The field consists of bits one to four of the header block,
most significant bit first.
The destination logical address field is used to identify the destination of the current frame. The logical
address of the destination is written in this field (see CEC 10.2). A special address (0b1111) is used for
broadcast messages. The field consists of bits five to eight of the header block, most significant bit first.
A message with the EOM bit set in the Header Block can be used to ping other devices, to ascertain if they
are powered on. This is the <Polling Message> and the Initiator and Destination addresses will be different. It
is also used in 10.2.1 for allocating Logical Addresses: in this case the Initiator and Destination addresses are
the same.

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CEC 7

Version 1.3a

Reliable Communication Mechanisms

There are three mechanisms to provide a reliable communications medium for the transfer of frames:
 Frame re-transmissions increase the chance of a successful message transfer.
 Flow control ensures that communication only progresses as fast as the slowest follower.
 Frame validation.
Given these mechanisms and the active ACK method, a message transmitted and acknowledged should be
assumed correctly received. A message that does not result in a <Feature Abort> can be assumed to have
been acted upon. It is suggested that the receiving device can assume this after 1 second. Generally
however, the <Feature Abort> will be received within around 100ms.

CEC 7.1

Frame Re-transmissions

A valid frame is considered lost and therefore may be re-transmitted under the following conditions:
 If a frame is not acknowledged in a directly addressed message.
 If a frame is negatively acknowledged in a broadcast message.
 If the initiator detects low impedance on the CEC line when it is transmitting high impedance and is not
expecting a follower asserted bit.
Re-transmission can be attempted up to 5 times for a single message and shall be attempted at least once.
The re-try shall be after a signal free time as described in CEC Table 4.

CEC 7.2

Flow Control

To provide flow control, a receiving device may negatively acknowledge any data or header block it is at
present unable to process. A negative acknowledge will cause re-transmission by the initiator.

CEC 7.3

Frame Validation

A follower shall ignore a frame if the number of operands is less than the number specified for that opcode.

CEC 7.4

CEC Line Error Handling

It is the responsibility of all devices acting as followers to detect the existence of spurious pulses on the
control signal line and notify all other devices (primarily the initiator) that a potential error has occurred.
An error is defined as a period between falling edges that is less than a minimum data bit period (i.e. too
short to be a valid bit). Note that the start bit has different timing from normal data bits and is used to identify
a valid CEC message. CEC Line Error checking shall start only after receiving a valid start bit.
Errors are notified by the follower generating a low bit period on the control signal line of 1.4-1.6 times the
nominal data bit period. After such an error notification the original initiator should stop sending its current
frame and re-try later.

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CEC 8

Version 1.3a

Protocol Extensions

In order to allow for extensions to the protocol in future releases of the specification, the current opcodes and
parameters can be extended by adding further parameters onto them. If an older CEC node receives a
message with more operands than expected, it should ACK the additional operands and simply ignore them,
thus allowing extensions to already existing commands.
For entirely new commands, new opcodes can be allocated.
For entirely new device types, new addresses may be allocated.

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CEC 9

Version 1.3a

CEC Arbitration

Arbitration for the CEC line ensures collisions are spotted and a reliable message layer can be achieved.
All devices that want to transmit a frame onto the CEC line have to ensure that it has been inactive for the
signal free time, see CEC Table 4.
A device that has lost arbitration shall stop transmitting and become a follower. The device shall then wait for
the CEC line to be inactive for the signal free time period as specified in CEC Table 4, before attempting to
send another message.
CEC line arbitration commences with the leading edge of the start bit and continues until the end of the
initiator address bits within the header block. During this period the initiator shall monitor the CEC line and if
whilst in high impedance state it detects low impedance then it shall assume that it has lost the arbitration to
a second initiator.
It should be noted that this process gives priority to the logical address with the most leading zeros and,
ultimately, the TV.

CEC 9.1

Signal Free Time

Before attempting to transmit or re-transmit a frame, a device shall ensure that the CEC line has been
inactive for a number of bit periods. This signal free time is defined as the time since the start of the final bit of
the previous frame.
The length of the required signal free time depends on the current status of the control signal line and the
initiating device. The different signal free times required are summarized in the following table:

CEC Table 4 Signal Free Time

Precondition

Signal Free Time (nominal

data bit periods)

Present initiator wants to send another frame immediately after its

previous frame

New initiator wants to send a frame

Previous attempt to send frame unsuccessful

This means that there is an opportunity for other devices to gain access to the CEC line during the periods
mentioned above to send their own messages after the current device has finished sending its current
message.

CEC 9.2

Message Time Constraints

There are certain time constraints for messages that should be obeyed at application level. These are a
desired maximum response time of 200ms and a required maximum response time of 1 second.

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CEC 10

Version 1.3a

Device Connectivity and Addressing

CEC is a protocol based on a bus system and therefore cannot alone ascertain the physical connectivity of
the network. The mechanism defined in section 8.7 uses DDC to allocate physical addresses to devices in
the network.
All CEC devices therefore have both a physical and logical address, whereas non-CEC devices only have a
physical address.

CEC 10.1

Physical Address Discovery

The algorithm defined in 8.7.3 is used to allocate the physical address of each device.
Whenever a new physical address (other than F.F.F.F) is discovered, a CEC device shall:
 allocate the logical address (see CEC 10.2.1)
 report the association between its logical and physical addresses by broadcasting <Report Physical
Address>.
This process allows any node to create a map of physical connections to logical addresses.

CEC 10.2

Logical Addressing

Each device appearing on the control signal line has a logical address which is allocated to only one device in
the system. This address defines a device type as well as being a unique identifier. These are specified in
CEC Table 5.
If a physical device contains the functions of more than one logical device then it should take the logical
addresses for each of those logical devices. For example, a if a DVD recorder has a tuner, it may take one of
the addresses 3, 6, 7 or 10 (Tuner) in addition to one of 1,2 or 9 (Recording Device).
It is allowed for a device to declare the functionality of another device by using a different logical address. For
example a recordable DVD device may take the address 4 or 8 to expose only the functionality of a standard
DVD Playback Device. In this case, the recording functionality will not be available or controllable via CEC.
A Recording Device with addresses 1,2 or 9 (Recording Device) shall not also take a Playback Device
address as the playback functionality is also included in the recorder functionality.
If a device has multiple instances of a particular functionality, it should advertise only one instance. For
instance, if a device has multiple tuners, it should only expose one for control via CEC. In this case, it is up to
the device itself to manage multiple tuners.
A device shall advertise a function with a Logical Address, such as a Tuner, only if it supports at least the
mandatory messages for that function.

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CEC Table 5 Logical Addresses

Address

Device

TV

Recording Device 1

Recording Device 2

Tuner 1

Playback Device 1

Audio System

Tuner 2

Tuner 3

Playback Device 2

Recording Device 3

10

Tuner 4

11

Playback Device 3

12

Reserved

13

Reserved

14

Free Use

15

Unregistered (as initiator address)

Broadcast (as destination address)

CEC 10.2.1

Logical Address Allocation

Note that a logical address should only be allocated when a device has a valid physical address (i.e. not
F.F.F.F), at all other times a device should take the Unregistered logical address (15).
Only the device at physical address 0.0.0.0 may take logical address TV (0). A TV at any other physical
address shall take the Free Use (14) address. If address 14 is already allocated it shall take the
Unregistered address (15).
Reserved addresses shall not be used at present and are reserved for future extensions to this specification.
Where more than one possible logical address is available for the given device type (e.g. Tuner 1, Tuner 2,
etc.), an address allocation procedure shall be carried out by a newly connected device. The device takes the
first allocated address for that device type and sends a <Polling Message> to the same address (e.g. Tuner 1
Tuner 1). If the <Polling Message> is not acknowledged, then the device stops the procedure and retains
that address.
If the first address is acknowledged, then the device takes the next address for that device type and repeats
the process (e.g. Tuner 2 Tuner 2). Again, if the message is not acknowledged, the device keeps that
address.
This procedure continues until all possible type specific addresses have been checked; if no type specific
addresses are available the device should take the unregistered address (15). Note that several physical
devices might be sharing this address.

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A device may lose its logical address when it is disconnected or switched off. However, it may remember its
previous logical address, so that the next time it is reconnected or switched on, it can begin the polling
process at its previous logical address and try each other allowable logical address in sequence before taking
the unregistered address. For example if an STB that was previously allocated address Tuner 2 is
reconnected, it would poll Tuner 2, Tuner 3, Tuner 4 and Tuner 1 before taking the unregistered address.
If a device loses its physical address at any time (e.g. it is unplugged) then its logical address should be set
to unregistered (15).

No physical
address
Assigned physical address /
send polling message to first
device type address
Physical address lost

First Device
type Address

no acknowledgement

bus busy message failed /

send polling message to first device type address

Awaiting
First address
acknowledgement

acknowledgement /
send polling message to second device type address
bus busy
message failed /
send polling message to second
device type address

Higher Device
type Address

no acknowledgement

Awaiting
higher address
acknowledgement

acknowledgement (more addresses to test) /

send polling message to next higher address
of device type
Unregistered
Device Address

acknowledgement (all addresses of device type tested)

CEC Figure 8 Logical Address Allocation

CEC 10.2.2

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

CEC Version 1.3a adds new Logical Addresses of Tuner 4 and Playback Device 3: these will not be
recognized by devices conforming to CEC specifications before CEC version 1.3a.

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CEC 11

Version 1.3a

Switch Requirements

One of the major uses of the physical address identification is to allow a Switch to be controlled in order to
enable a specific device to stream to the TV.
All Switches consist of a single switched TMDS connection, and a fully wired CEC connection to each source
device. A CEC Switch can interpret and send CEC messages and can be switched by CEC messages.
The use of non-CEC Switches is deprecated. These do not interpret nor send CEC messages and cannot be
switched by CEC messages. Non-CEC Switches stop the correct operation of many CEC Features including
mandatory Features such as One Touch Play. They also prevent other CEC-compliant devices from
operating correctly. Further information on non-CEC Switches can be found in CEC Appendix A.

CEC 11.1

CEC Switch

A CEC Switch allocates a unique child_address for every connection below the Switch, ie it allocates the
address for devices connected to the inputs of the Switch. This means that any device connected to the
Switch will always have a valid physical address (assuming the Switch itself has a valid physical address).
Therefore, any device below the Switch may take a logical address and can react to CEC messages in a
normal way. The Switch is effectively transparent and will enable all standard CEC communications in its
connected source devices.
A CEC Switch can be part of another device, such as a TV or audio amplifier with two or more HDMI inputs.
Such a device shall provide its advertised functionality (eg TV or Audio System) in addition to its CEC Switch
functionality. In these cases, the Switch takes the relevant address of its advertised functionality, ie 0 (TV) or
5 (Audio System). The power control for the Switch functionality should be separate from the power control
for the other functionality so that the Switch can be active even when the main functionality is in Standby
see CEC 13.2.2 for more details.
Note that if a device has only one HDMI input and a number of non-HDMI inputs, then that should not be
considered to be a CEC Switch.
A device that is a pure CEC Switch and has no other functionality uses the Unregistered address (15) for
communications.
For CEC Switches, there is a requirement to react on <Active Source> and <Set Stream Path> messages.
Both of these messages require the Switch to change to the source device according to the physical AV
stream path indicated by the CEC message. These mechanisms allow a source device to configure the
Switches between itself and the TV to ensure that its output is displayed, or for the TV to specifically receive
the output from a given device.
It is possible that a user may change a CEC Switch manually. In this instance a CEC Switch shall send a
<Routing Change> message to inform other devices about the change see section CEC 13.2.2.

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CEC 12

Version 1.3a

High Level Protocol

As described in the previous sections, messages consist of an opcode and a number of parameters. This is
the high level protocol.
This protocol can be described best by detailing the messages and the data types used for the parameters.
These are detailed in CEC Table 7 to Table 23.
Although these tables explain the majority of the high level protocol, there are some special situations that
require further explanation. These are given in the following sections.

CEC 12.1

Source Declaration

For a device to act as a Source Device, it shall issue an <Active Source> message to declare its intention.
Thus any presently active source shall act appropriately.

CEC 12.2

Protocol General Rules

A message that is defined as being valid only when directly addressed shall be ignored if received as a
broadcast message.
A message that is defined as being valid only when broadcast shall be ignored if received as a directly
addressed message.
All numbers greater than one byte are transmitted as bytes in big endian format.
All bit sequences are sent most significant bit first.
A follower shall respond to a message coming from any valid logical address from 0 to 14 unless otherwise
stated.
A follower shall ignore a message coming from address 15 (unregistered), unless:
x

that message invokes a broadcast response (e.g. <Get Menu Language>), or,

x

the message has been sent by a CEC Switch (a <Routing Change> or <Routing Information>
message), or,

x

the message is <standby>.

CEC 12.3

Feature Abort

All devices shall support the message <Feature Abort>. It is used to allow devices to indicate if they do not
support an opcode that has been sent to them, if it is unable to deal with the message at present, or if there
was something wrong with the transmitted frame at the high-level protocol layer.
Feature abort has two parameters, the opcode and a reason for its rejection of the frame.
The reaction to a faulty message by the follower depends on if the message was directed or broadcast:
For a broadcast message:
 A follower that receives a broadcast message which it does not support, ignores the received message,
and does not send a <Feature Abort>.

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For a directly addressed message:

 <Feature abort> is used as a response to any failure.
If an initiator wants to attempt retransmission after receiving a <Feature Abort> it is suggested that it waits for
200ms. This will allow time for the follower to recover from the state that caused the initial <Feature Abort>
message.
 <Feature Abort> is also used as a response to the <Abort> message during testing, see CEC 12.4

CEC 12.4

Abort

The <Abort> message shall be implemented as a Follower in all devices except pure CEC Switches and is
used during testing only. It shall be directly addressed to a specific device, which shall respond with a
<Feature Abort> message. In this instance, any valid [Abort Reason] operand may be returned.
 A device shall ignore an <Abort> message which is broadcast.

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CEC 13

Version 1.3a

CEC Features Description

This section describes the message transfer and additional details for a number of common features enabled
by CEC. Note that where a feature is supported, all messages within that feature should be implemented.

CEC 13.1

One Touch Play

CEC 13.1.1

Messages

The following messages are used for the One Touch Play feature:
<Active Source>, <Image View On>, <Text View On>

CEC 13.1.2

Feature Description

The One Touch Play feature allows a device to be played and become the active source with a single button
press.
A device shall send the message <Image View On> to the TV only when it needs to indicate that its output
should be displayed on the screen. If the TV is in a Text Display state (e.g. Teletext) it should switch to the
Image Display state. If a menu is being displayed on the TV it should remain on screen.
A device may alternatively send the message <Text View On>. This message has the same functionality as
<Image View On> with the addition that any menus that the TV is displaying should be removed.

Playback
Device

TV

User presses Play

<Image View On>
broadcast to all
devices including TV

<Active Source>

If Required:
TV powers on;
TV enters the Image
Display state

Switches to
relevant HDMI
connector

CEC Figure 9 A typical scenario illustrating the One Touch Play feature

When a source needs to display its output on the TV, it should send an <Image View On> message
whenever it sends an <Active Source> message, as the source is not aware of the current Standby status of
the TV.
The source shall send the associated <Active Source> message only when it has some stable video for
display to the user.
If the TV is brought out of the Standby state by an <Image View On> message, it should buffer <Active
Source> messages received while it is powering up so that it may select the correct input (if necessary). If

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this is not possible, or none were received, then it should enquire which device is the active source by
sending a <Request Active Source> message.
Whenever a device becomes the new source device it shall broadcast an <Active Source> message. The
currently active source device loses its active source status and should then take appropriate action, for
example, it may pause if it is playing media.
Note: there is a special case when a TV switches to its internal tuner or to another non-HDMI source (eg Y/C,
or a SCART socket on European market sets). In this case, it is the TV which broadcasts the
<Active Source> message with address 0.0.0.0.
Note that it is mandatory for a source to implement at least one of <Image View On> or <Text View On>.

CEC 13.1.3

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

When sending this Message

From this HDMI Version

1.3 or 1.2a Device

To this HDMI Version

1.3a Device

Possible behaviour

<Image View On>

Any source

TV

The TV may not keep its current menu

on the screen

<Text View On>

Any source

TV

The TV may not remove its current

menu on the screen

<Active Source>

Any source

Any

The use of <Active Source> by

devices before 1.3a was
recommended, not mandatory.

CEC 13.2

Routing Control

CEC 13.2.1

Messages

The following messages are used for the Routing Control feature:
<Active Source>, <Inactive Source>, <Request Active Source>, <Set Stream Path>, <Routing Change>,
<Routing Information>

CEC 13.2.2

Feature Description

This feature is used to control the routing of the HDMI network, by controlling CEC Switches. In general
whenever a device starts being streamed to the TV it shall send an <Active Source> message (see OneTouch Play in section CEC 13.1).
On receiving an <Active Source> message, CEC Switches between the device and the TV shall become
active (if necessary) and switch (if required) to ensure that there is an active path from the device at the
physical address specified to the TV. Devices which have other functionality and which also incorporate a
CEC Switch, such as a amplifier with several HDMI inputs, need only bring the Switch part out of the Standby
state as a response to the <Active Source> message, leaving the other functionality (eg amplifier) still in the
Standby state.

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If a device (other than a CEC Switch) is currently the active source, then it shall lose its active source status
on receiving an <Active Source> message from another device and should act accordingly, for example it
may pause if it is playing media.
When a device comes out of standby or a (mains) off state, it may broadcast a <Request Active Source>
message to discover if any other device is currently acting as the active source, see One Touch Play in
section CEC 13.1. On receiving a <Request Active Source> message, the active source device shall respond
by broadcasting an <Active Source> message. A particular instance of this rule is when a TV comes out of
standby some time after its source device(s). In this case it may not know the currently active source and it
may not know which is the relevant connector to use (if the TV has multiple HDMI connectors), because it
was in standby or powering up when the device sent its <Active Source> message. Here, the
<Request Active Source> and the corresponding <Active Source> response are used to identify the relevant
connector.
When the System Audio Control feature is started by an Amplifier (eg as a result of a local user command on
the Amplifier), the <Request Active Source> shall be sent by the Amplifier to discover the currently active
source in order present the relevant sound for the video (see CEC 13.15). This is not necessary when the
System Audio Control feature is not active.
The user may select a device to view via the TV user interface. In contrast to the <Active Source> message
(which is sent by the current active source to the TV), the <Set Stream Path> is sent by the TV to the source
device to request it to broadcast its path using an <Active Source> message. In this case, the TV should
broadcast a <Set Stream Path> message with the physical address of the device it wants to display as a
parameter. Any CEC Switches between the device and TV shall switch (if required) to ensure the device is on
the active AV path. This feature also ensures that non-CEC-compliant devices in the network can be
switched to, if for instance they have been manually set up in the TV menu. A CEC device at the location
specified by the <Set Stream Path> message should come out of standby (if necessary). If and when it has
stable video to display, it shall broadcast an <Active Source> message and begin streaming its output.
Note: there is a special case when a TV switches to its internal tuner or to another non-HDMI source (eg Y/C,
or a SCART socket on European market sets). In this case, it is the TV which broadcasts the
<Active Source> message with address 0.0.0.0.
When the user has specifically sent the currently active device only to standby (eg as the result of a user
action using the devices local control, such as its own remote controller), it should send an
<Inactive Source> message with its own Physical Address as an operand. It is a manufacturer decision to
decide the TVs response: it may, for example, display its own internal tuner, or select another device for
display. In these cases, the TV should send a new <Active Source> message with its own physical address
(0.0.0.0, when displaying its own internal tuner), or send a <Set Stream Path> to a new device for display.
Note that an <Inactive Source> message can also be sent when the Source Device has no video to be
presented to the user, even if the device is not in the standby state.
In the case that the user manually switches a CEC Switch it shall broadcast a <Routing Change> message
(see below for exceptions with non-HDMI sources). This will inform all devices in the network that the current
active route below the Switch has changed. The device that has been deselected by a Switch loses its active
source status and enables it, for instance, to pause if it is playing media.
If a CEC Switch is at the new position indicated by the <Routing Change> message then it shall broadcast a
<Routing Information> message with the physical address of its current active path. If a CEC Switch at the
new position receives a <Routing Information> message then it shall broadcast a <Routing Information>
message to indicate its current active path. In this way the all CEC Switches are aware of the route to the
new source and the last <Routing Information> message contains the complete route (address) to the new
source.

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When using non-HDMI sources:

x If a CEC Switch has non-HDMI inputs and the currently selected input is a non-HDMI source,
the CEC Switch should not send a <Routing Information> message in response to a
<Routing Change> or <Routing Information> message. For example, if the CEC Switch is
already using an analogue input, then the CEC Switch should not send a <Routing
Information> message in response to a <Routing Change> or <Routing Information>
message.
x

If a device (such as a TV or amplifier) with a CEC Switch is changed by the user from an
HDMI source to a non-HDMI source (eg to the internal TV tuner or external SPDIF input on
an Amplifier), then it should not send a <Routing Change> message.

x

When switching from a non-HDMI source to an HDMI source, then the device should send a
<Routing Change> message to determine the HDMI path below the Switch.

Optionally, if the TV detects that the active source device has been de-selected by changing the Switch it
may either switch to an internal service or may send a <Set Stream Path> message to the device at the new
location to indicate that it should become the new active source. In this case, the TV shall wait for a minimum
of 7 nominal data bit periods and a recommended maximum of 500ms before reacting to a <Routing
Change> or <Routing Information> message to allow CEC Switches to relay any <Routing Information>
messages that are required.
The following diagram shows an example of the message flow when a user manually switches a CEC Switch.
(CEC Switches are shown filled).

0.0.0.0

Switched Manually

1.0.0.0

1.1.0.0

<Routing Information> [1.2.1.1]

1.2.1.1

<Routing Change> [1.1.0.0] [1.2.0.0]

1.2.0.0

1.2.1.0

<Routing Information> [1.2.1.0]

1.2.2.0

1.2.1.2

CEC Figure 10 Example message flow, when a CEC Switch is manually switched

CEC 13.2.3

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

The <Inactive Source> message is new in version 1.3a.

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CEC 13.3

Version 1.3a

System Standby

CEC 13.3.1

Messages

The following message is used for the System Standby feature:

<Standby>

CEC 13.3.2

Feature Description

The broadcast message <Standby> can be used to switch all CEC devices to standby. A typical scenario
where the user sets a the whole system to standby is shown below:

TV

Device 1 Device 2 Device 3

All devices go
to Standby

user selects System Standby

<Standby> (broadcast address)

CEC Figure 11 A typical scenario for the broadcast (system) Standby feature

The whole system may be set to standby by broadcasting the <Standby> message. It is manufacturer
dependent on how to differentiate between a standby message for a single device, e.g. a STB, and System
Standby message (broadcast to the whole system). For example, the system or broadcast <Standby>
message may be sent as the result of a long press on the local or remote control standby button.
A device can switch another single device into standby by sending the message <Standby> as a directly
addressed message to it.

TV

user selects specific Standby

Device
Single device
goes to
Standby
<Standby> (specific device address)

CEC Figure 12 A typical scenario for the Standby feature to a specific device

A <Standby> message is not a toggle and can only send a device to the Standby state: other messages shall
be used to activate a device, i.e. bring a device out of the Standby state.
A <Standby> message should not interrupt any background tasks such as a recording - see Timed Recording,
section CEC 13.5.3.

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Devices can ignore <Standby> messages if they are in a state where going into standby is not the
appropriate action or due to device limitations it is not possible to go to the Standby state. For example:
 The device is recording;
 The device only has a mechanical power switch;
 It only provides limited facilities for external control of its power;
 The Standby function is disabled;
 It is a device, such as a PC, which is performing other functions that should be left running;
 High priority services, such as the reception of emergency announcements or similar, shall continue.

CEC 13.3.3

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

When sending this Message

From this HDMI Version

1.3a Device

To this HDMI Version

1.2a or 1.3 Device

Possible behaviour

<Standby>

Any

Source or recorder

When a <Standby> message is sent

during a recording:
- the target might not ignore the
<Standby> message;
- the target might not go to the
Standby state after a recording.
(These were manufacturer decisions
clarified in 1.3a.)

CEC 13.4

One Touch Record

CEC 13.4.1

Messages

The following messages are used for the One Touch Record feature:
<Record Off>, <Record On>, <Record Status>, <Record TV Screen>

CEC 13.4.2

Feature Description

This feature allows the user to easily start a recording of the source that is being displayed on the TV, just by
selecting a Recording Device and giving the record command. It is not always possible to carry out a One
Touch Record as it depends on what source is currently being displayed. It is primarily used for the instant
recording of a tuner service, or the recording of another device (e.g. Camcorder) connected externally to the
Recording Device
Either the TV or the Recording Device may initiate the One Touch Record Feature, for example by selecting
a menu option on the TV or by pressing record on the Recording Device.

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Recording
Device

Version 1.3a

TV

User presses
One Touch Record
<Record TV Screen>
TV is displaying
a tuner Service
<Record On> ["Digital Service Identification"]
<Record On> [Analogue Service]
<Record Status> ["Recording Digital Service"]
<Record Status> ["Recording Analogue Service"]

CEC Figure 13 A typical scenario for the One Touch Record feature

In the event of the Recording Device initiating the feature, it should send a <Record TV Screen> message to
the TV. On receipt of the <Record TV Screen> message by the TV, or if the user initiates the One Touch
Record feature via the TV, the TV shall react as follows:
 If the TV is currently displaying an internal tuner service, it shall respond with a <Record On> [Digital
Service] [Digital Service Identification] message or a <Record On> [Analogue Service] [Analogue
Broadcast Type] [Analogue Frequency] [Broadcast System] message.
 If the Recording Device is the current active source device, then the TV shall respond with a
<Record On> [Own source] message.
 If the TV is currently displaying an external input and it knows the Physical Address of the external source
(eg it has a map of which external devices are connected), then the TV may send a <Record
On>[External Physical Address] message. The TV may alternatively send a <Record On>[External Plug
Number] message if it knows the relevant plug number on the recorder for the external source.
 If the TV is currently displaying some other source, it shall respond with a <Feature Abort> [Cannot
provide source] message, or do nothing if initiated via the TV.
On receipt of a <Record On> message the Recording Device shall act as follows:
 If [Digital Service] or [Analogue Service] is indicated and the device can record that service using the
information that was sent, the device shall change to that service and start recording. If the device does
not have the indicated type of tuner, then it should respond with a <Record Status> with an operand of
[No recording unable to record Digital Service] or [No recording unable to record Analogue
Service].
If the recorder has a suitable tuner, but is not able to select a service because the requested parameters
are invalid or out of the range of the tuner, then it should return No recording Unable to select required
service.
 If [Own source] is indicated, then it shall attempt to record whatever it is currently displaying, e.g. an
external connection such as a camcorder or the service it is currently tuned to.
 If [External Plug] or [External Physical Address] is indicated, the recorder should switch to the
connector indicated by the External Plug number, or the connector which has the input from the device
identified by the external Physical Address, and return a status of Recording External input. If [External
Plug] or the [External Physical Address] is invalid, the device should return No recording invalid
External plug number or No recording invalid External Physical Address respectively.

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The Recording Device shall respond with the message <Record Status> to indicate if recording has begun, or
a reason why recording has failed. If the recording failed to start, the TV should inform the user, with the
reason, or take other appropriate action. Note that it may take several seconds before a recorder is able to
send an accurate <Record Status> after receiving a <Record On> message.
A recording initiated by a <Record On> message may be stopped at any time by sending a <Record Off>
message. The Recording Device should then stop recording immediately. The recorder may optionally send a
<Record Status> message in response to a <Record Off> message. In this case, the recorder may indicate
that the recording was terminated normally by the <Record Off> message, or that the recording had already
terminated, eg because there was insufficient space available on the media.
When a recorder is making a recording, the system <Standby> message should not interrupt a recording in
progress. If the recorder receives a <Standby> message during the recording, it should react to the
<Standby> message when the recording has finished unless it is the Active Source at the end of the
recording.
The TV should ignore a <Record TV Screen> message that comes from a non-Recording Device address,
however it shall accept the message from a Reserved address (a future device type).

CEC 13.4.3

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

When sending this Message

From this HDMI Version

1.3a Device

To this HDMI Version

1.2a or 1.3 Device

Possible behaviour

<Record ON>

TV

Recording Device

<Feature Abort>, when specifying a

[Record Source] other than Own
Source

<Record Status > after a

<Record Off> message

Recording Device

TV

<Feature Abort> as sending a

<Record Status> in this case is new in
1.3a

When sending this Message

From this HDMI Version

1.2a or 1.3 Device

To this HDMI Version

1.3aDevice

Possible behaviour

<Record ON>

TV

Recording Device

<Feature Abort> as <Record ON> is

optional in 1.3a

CEC 13.5

Timer Programming

CEC 13.5.1

Messages

The following messages are used for the Timer Programming feature:
<Clear Analogue Timer>, <Clear Digital Timer>, <Clear External Timer>, <Set Analogue Timer>,
<Set Digital Timer>, <Set External Timer>, <Set Timer Program Title>, <Timer Cleared Status>, <Timer
Status>

CEC 13.5.2

Feature Description

This feature allows a device (e.g. the TV) to set a timer recording on a Recording Device. It may for example
be used to set timer blocks of a Recording Device via a TV menu or via an EPG.

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A device, such as the TV, may set or clear an individual timer block of a Recording Device. The Recording
Device will respond to indicate if the timer was successfully set/cleared.
A timer block is set in the Recording Device by sending it a <Set Analogue Timer>, <Set Digital Timer> or a
<Set External Timer> message, according to the type of service to be recorded.

TV

Recording Device

selects programme to record via TV EPG

<Set Analogue Timer> or
<Set Digital Timer>
<Timer Status>
optional
<Set Timer Programme Title>

...
selects to clear previous recording via TV EPG
<Clear Analogue Timer> or
<Clear Digital Timer>
<Timer Cleared Status>

CEC Figure 14 A typical scenario for setting a Timer Record Block

The Recording Device shall respond to the TV to indicate that a Timer was successfully programmed with a
<Timer Status> message. For instance, there may be a conflict with an existing Timer, or the tuner in the
Recording Device might not be of the correct Type (eg transmission system and/or CA).
The Recording Device may optionally include an estimate of the duration available on the media when:
 There is not, or may not be, sufficient space available for recording; or
 The timer was not successfully programmed because the event already exists.
Note that duration estimate may not be accurate with variable bitrate recordings, such as with a broadcast TV
stream.
It is also possible to transfer the program title of a timer block (where for instance a timer is set via an EPG).
To achieve this a device may send a <Set Timer Program Title> message directly after sending <Set
Analogue Timer>, <Set Digital Timer> or <Set External Timer>. The Recording Device may then store the
program title along with the timer information. If the Recording Device does not support program titles, then it
shall Feature Abort an incoming <Set Timer Program Title> message.
When a recorder is making a recording, the system <Standby> message should not interrupt a recording in
progress. If the recorder receives a <Standby> message during the recording, it should react to the
<Standby> message when the recording has finished unless it is the Active Source at the end of the
recording.

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CEC 13.5.3

Version 1.3a

Performing a Timed Recording using another device as source

When recording using another source device, eg recording a separate STB, the signal connection to the
recorder will be made using another link such as an analogue connection or a SCART lead.
The <Set External Timer> message can be used to set a Timer in a Recording Device so that it uses an
external (non-HDMI) connection as the source. There are two methods of specifying which connector the
recorder should use: External Plug and External Physical Address, as specified in [External Source
Specifier]:
 When External Plug has been specified, the recorder switches to the indicated plug number. Note that,
in this case, the user (or an application in the TV) will have to supply the relevant External Plug number.
 When External Physical Address has been specified, the recorder switches to the relevant connector for
the external device identified by the External Physical Address. Note that, in this case, the mapping of
External Physical Address to recorder input connector is stored in the Recording Device. This mapping is
usually made at installation time.
When the Recording Device starts a timed recording, it shall send a <Record On> message to the external
tuner (STB) with the relevant operand to select the required service (analogue, digital or own source).
Operation of this message is as described in the One Touch Record feature (see section CEC 13.4) and will
cause the external device to come out of the Standby state if necessary. In this case, it shall do so silently
without sending any <Image View On> or <Active Source> messages and shall provide an output on the
separate link (eg SCART).
If the recorder initiated a recording using a <Record On> message to an external source, it shall also send a
<Record Off> message to that source when the recording has finished, or when the recorder was unable to
complete a recording for any reason (eg it has run out of media).
If the Source Device receives a <Standby> message during the recording, it shall ignore it for the duration of
the recording and go to the Standby state after it has completed the recording (ie after receiving the <Record
Off> message), unless it is the Active Source at the end of the recording.

CEC 13.5.4

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

This feature was introduced in HDMI version 1.3a. Devices conforming to HDMI version 1.3 or earlier will
<Feature Abort> all messages sent by an Initiator for this feature.

CEC 13.6

System Information

CEC 13.6.1

Messages

The following messages are used for the System Information feature:
<CEC Version>, <Get CEC Version>, <Get Menu Language>, <Give Physical Address>, <Polling Message>,
<Report Physical Address>, <Set Menu Language>.

CEC 13.6.2

Feature Description

This feature allows devices to automatically use the same OSD and Menu language settings as the TV and
also for a TV to discover the current language when it is being installed.
When a source device is powered on, it should send a <Get Menu Language> message to the TV. The TV
shall then respond as shown below with a <Set Menu Language> message.

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Device

Version 1.3a

TV
<Get Menu Language>

<Set Menu Language>

CEC Figure 15 Message exchange when getting the TVs menu Language

When the user changes a menu language setting on the TV, it shall send a <Set Menu Language> message
containing the currently selected menu [Language], as shown below.

TV

Device
Device uses
new Language

user selects new menu language

<Set Menu Language> [Language]

CEC Figure 16 A typical scenario when a menu language setting within the TV is modified

On receipt of the <Set Menu Language> message, the device shall attempt to use the newly selected
[Language] for Menus and OSDs.
Note that a device might receive a <Set Menu Language> message even when the language has not been
changed. A device shall ignore any of the above messages that come from an initiator address other than 0
(the TV).
During the installation of a TV, the <Get Menu Language> message may be sent by the TV to another device
to discover what language has been set on that device.
When identifying a language, the Bibliographic codes of ISO/FDIS 639-2 [ref 1n] shall be used.
In the case of Chinese, codes "zho" and "chi" are used. Where a device supports both Simple and Traditional
characters, "zho" should be used for Simple characters and "chi" for Traditional characters. Where a device
only supports one set (either Simple or Traditional), then the other code should default to the same character
set. For example, if a device only supports Simple characters ("zho") it should also use these when the
language is set to "chi" (Traditional).
A device can ask another device to indicate which version of CEC the target device supports, by sending a
<Get CEC Version> message. The target device responds with a <CEC Version> message, which includes
the relevant [CEC Version] operand. Note that the CEC version supported shall correspond with the relevant
HDMI version, ie a device claiming support for CEC version 1.3a shall also support HDMI 1.3a.

CEC 13.6.3

Additional Information

The <Polling Message> is used to detect the presence or absence of a device within the system, see 6.1.3. It
is also used for allocating logical addresses as detailed in CEC 10.2.1.

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The <Report Physical Address> message is used by a device to broadcast its physical address to all other
devices in the system. By using the logical and physical addresses, any other device is able to derive the
physical connectivity of the network. A device may request the physical address of another device by sending
a directly addressed <Give Physical Address> message to it.

CEC 13.6.4

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

<Get CEC Version> and <CEC Version> are new messages for CEC Version 1.3a.

CEC 13.7

Deck Control

CEC 13.7.1

Messages

The following messages are used for the Deck Control feature:
<Deck Status>, <Give Deck Status>, <Deck Control>, <Play>

CEC 13.7.2

Feature Description

This feature allows a Playback Device (a deck or disc player or recorder) to be controlled by another device
(e.g. the TV). Messages are also provided to allow a device to find out the status of the Deck; this allows, for
example, a TV to keep its user interface synchronized with the status of the Deck.
A device may query the status of a deck with the <Give Deck Status> command. The deck should respond
with a <Deck Status> message.
A device may control a Deck with the <Play> and <Deck Control> messages. These messages may be
initiated after a user command. The Deck shall act upon the command that it receives within the messages
<Play> and <Deck Control>. It is the equivalent of the user selecting the command local to the Deck. If the
deck cannot carry out the command (e.g. it has no media when trying to play) it should respond with a
<Feature Abort> [Not in correct mode to respond] message.
If the deck is in standby and receives a <Deck Control> [Eject] or <Play> [Play Forward] message, it
should power on and act on the message. It is up to the manufacturer to decide if the device should power
on when receiving any other <Deck Control> or <Play> messages.

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TV

Version 1.3a

Playback Device ('Deck')

<Give Deck Status> ["On"]

<Deck Status> ["Stop"]

Selects 'Play' via TV UI
<Play> ["Forward"]

<Deck Status> ["Play"]

Selects 'Next Chapter' via TV UI
<Deck Control> ["Skip Forward"]

<Deck Status> ["Skip Forward"]

CEC Figure 17 A typical scenario for the Deck Control feature

The effect of the <Play> [Play Mode] operands "Fast Forward xx" and "Fast Reverse xx" will depend on the
target device. For a disc-based sytem (eg DVD, Hard Disk), these will usually produce a picture at the
required speed and direction. However, for a tape deck, the previous deck state may affect how this message
is executed so that a picture may not always be available.
The effect of the <Deck Control> [Deck Control Mode] operands "Skip xx" will also depend on the target
device. For a disc-based system, this will cause the disc to skip to the next Chapter. For a tape, this will
cause the tape to go to the next marker without displaying a picture.

CEC 13.7.3

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

There are no differences between a CEC version 1.3a device and a device implementing earlier versions of
CEC.

CEC 13.8

Tuner Control

CEC 13.8.1

Messages

The following message are used for the Tuner Control feature:
<Give Tuner Device Status>, <Record On>, <Select Analogue Service>, <Select Digital Service>. <Tuner
Step Decrement>, <Tuner Step Increment>, <Tuner Device Status>

CEC 13.8.2

Feature Description

This feature allows a device (e.g. the TV) to control another CEC devices tuner.

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TV

Version 1.3a

Device

user selects next higher (or lower)

service from the programme list
<Tuner Step Increment (or decrement)>

CEC Figure 18 A typical scenario for selecting a new Service

A device can control a CEC Devices tuner using the <Tuner Step Increment> and <Tuner Step Decrement>
messages. If a device receives the <Tuner Step Increment> or <Tuner Step Decrement> message then it
should select the next highest or next lowest service in its service list. The tuner device can interpret the
messages as it chooses, for example, it may only cycle through channels included in the users list of
favorites.
A device can select a digital service on a tuner device by sending the <Select Digital Service> message. The
tuner device shall then attempt to tune to that digital service and stream its output on the HDMI connection. If
the specified digital service is not supported on the device then it should send a <Feature Abort> [Invalid
operand] message. If the tuner device cannot select that digital service (e.g. if it is recording), it should
respond with a <Feature Abort> [Refused] message. In a similar way, an analogue service may also be
selected using the <Select Analogue Service> message.
A device may query the status of a tuner device by sending a <Give Tuner Device Status> message. The
tuner device shall respond by sending a <Tuner Device Status> message indicating if it is currently displaying
its tuner and the service that is currently selected.
A <Record On> message may be sent to a tuner when making an external recording. For details, see CEC
13.5.3.

CEC 13.8.3

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

<Select Analogue Service> is a new message for CEC Version 1.3a.

CEC 13.9

Vendor Specific Commands

CEC 13.9.1

Messages

The following messages are used for the Vendor Specific Commands feature:
<Device Vendor ID>, <Give Device Vendor ID>, <Vendor Command>, <Vendor Command With ID>,
<Vendor Remote Button Down>, <Vendor Remote Button Up>

CEC 13.9.2

Feature Description

This feature allows a set of vendor specific commands to be used to communicate between devices.

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A device that supports vendor specific commands shall store a Vendor ID. A device shall broadcast a
<Device Vendor ID> message after a successful initialization and address allocation to inform all other
devices of its vendor ID. A device may request the Vendor ID of another device by sending a <Give Device
Vendor ID> message to it. The follower shall respond by broadcasting a <Device Vendor ID> message. In
this way any device can determine the vendor of another device.
A device shall attempt to transmit a directly addressed <Vendor Command> to another device only if it has
obtained or received the Vendor ID of that device and it recognizes that Vendor ID. A device should only
send a <Vendor Command> if it has previously sent a <Device Vendor ID> message.
A follower device may accept a <Vendor Command> from an initiator of the same Vendor ID. With the
agreement of the vendors involved, it is also possible for a device to accept a <Vendor Command> from
devices made by other vendors. The follower may accept a <Vendor Command> only if the initiators Vendor
ID matches a Vendor ID on the followers internal list of acceptable Vendor IDs. It should ignore all messages
coming from devices with Vendor IDs which it does not recognize.
If an initiator device wants to send a <Vendor Command> and it does not know the Vendor ID of the follower
device, the initiator device shall send a <Give Device Vendor ID> message to the follower device before it
sends the <Vendor Command>. The follower device may respond to the received <Vendor Command>. It
should only respond without previously sending a <Give Device Vendor ID> message if the follower device
already knows the Vendor ID of the initiating device.
The <Vendor Command With ID> message may be broadcast as well as directly addressed. This differs from
the <Vendor Command> in that the first 3 bytes of the payload carry a Vendor ID which identifies the vendor
or entity which defined the command. Devices which receive the <Vendor Command With ID> and which do
not accept the Vendor ID contained in the command shall ignore this command and shall respond with a
<Feature Abort> if the message was directly addressed to that receiving device.
It is possible to send vendor specific remote control commands using the <Vendor Remote Button Down>
and <Vendor Remote Button Up> messages.

TV

Device

presses RC button
<Vendor Remote Button Down>
releases RC button
<Vendor Remote Button Up>

CEC Figure 19 The messages sent in the Vendor Specific Commands feature

In addition it is possible to send other (non remote control key) vendor specific messages using the <Vendor
Command> and <Vendor Command With ID> messages. The message parameter(s) can be used to
communicate any additional (vendor defined) messages and data.

CEC 13.9.3

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

<Vendor Command With ID> is a new message for CEC Version 1.3a.

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In CEC Version 1.3a, by agreement of the vendors involved, <Vendor Command> messages may be used by
devices which do not have the same Vendor ID.

CEC 13.10

OSD Display

CEC 13.10.1

Messages

The following message is used for the OSD Display feature:

<Set OSD String>

CEC 13.10.2

Feature Description

This feature allows a device to transfer a text string to the TV for On Screen Display. The <Set OSD String>
message is used to transfer the text string to the TV.
A text string may be displayed for a default period (i.e. 5 seconds) or until explicitly cleared. In the latter case
the device should send another <Set OSD String> message to clear the text when it is appropriate.
The TV should display the whole string unless it is in an unsuitable state, in which case it should generate a
<Feature Abort> message.
If a new <Set OSD String> message is received when an OSD String is already being displayed, it should
overwrite the existing string. OSD Strings generated locally within the TV may also overwrite any messages
sent via the <Set OSD String> message.

CEC 13.10.3

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

There are no differences between a CEC version 1.3a device and a device implementing earlier versions of
CEC.

CEC 13.11

Device OSD Name Transfer

CEC 13.11.1

Messages

The following messages are used for the Device OSD Name Transfer feature:
<Give OSD Name>, <Set OSD Name>

CEC 13.11.2

Feature Description

This feature is used to request the preferred name of a device to be used in any on screen display (e.g.
menus), which reference that device. A device (e.g. the TV) may request another devices name by sending a
directly addressed <Give OSD Name> message to it. If the device supports this feature it shall respond with a
<Set OSD Name> message. The devices name should then be stored and used in any future on screen
references to it.

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A TV may send a <Give OSD Name> message whenever it discovers a new device that has been connected.

CEC 13.11.3

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

A TV conforming to CEC Version 1.3a may not send a <Give OSD Name> message when it discovers a new
device.

CEC 13.12

Device Menu Control

CEC 13.12.1

Messages

The following messages are used for the Device Menu Control feature:
<User Control Pressed>, <User Control Released>, <Menu Request>, <Menu Status>

CEC 13.12.2

Feature Description

This feature allows device menus to be controlled via the TV remote control as if it was using its own remote
control and allow the TV to be aware when another device has a menu on its display.
A device shall indicate that it is displaying a menu by sending a <Menu Status> [Activated] message to the
TV. If the device leaves the menu it shall send a <Menu Status> [Deactivated] message to the TV. The TV
should then handle incoming remote control commands internally (as it would normally).
The message <User Control Pressed> can be used to send incoming Remote Control commands from the
TV to a device that it is displaying a menu. The <User Control Released> message should be sent on release
of the RC button. If a device fails to acknowledge any <User Control Pressed> or <User Control Released>
message when in the providing menu state, the TV can assume that it has been removed from the system
and act accordingly. For more information on <User Control> see the Remote Control Pass Through feature
description (CEC 13.13).
The TV may initiate a devices menu by sending a <Menu Request> [Activate] command. It may
subsequently remove the menu by sending a <Menu Request> [Deactivate] message. The TV may also
query a devices menu status by sending a <Menu Request> [Query]. The menu device shall always
respond with a <Menu Status> command when it receives a <Menu Request>.
A new active source device shall send a <Menu Status> [Activated] message to the TV if it is displaying a
menu. The TV shall assume that a new active source is not in a menu unless it receives this message after
the <Active Source> message. The TV shall ignore a <Menu Status> message coming from a device that is
not the current active source. A source device shall only send <Menu Status> commands when it is the
current active source.

CEC 13.12.3

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

There are no differences between a CEC version 1.3a device and a device implementing earlier versions of
CEC.

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CEC 13.13

Version 1.3a

Remote Control Pass Through

CEC 13.13.1

Messages

The following messages are used for the Remote Control Pass Through feature:
<User Control Pressed>, <User Control Released>

CEC 13.13.2

Feature Description

This feature is used to pass remote control commands received by one device (typically the TV) through to
another device in the network. This feature will typically be used in situations where a TV offers a remote
control with additional modes for controlling other devices within the system. The TV will receive the RC
command and pass the command through to the appropriate device within the system. In a system where
there is more than one of a particular device type present, the initiator should decide (as locally specified) a
default device to pass remote control commands to.
The initiator will send a <User Control Pressed> message when the remote control button is pressed. When
the button is released a <User Control Released> message should be sent by the initiator. The initiator
should not send repeated <User Control Pressed> messages for the same button press.
The initiator may send further <User Control Pressed> messages without interleaving <User Control
Released> messages if a new button press occurs quickly after a button release. This has the same effect as
sending a <User Control Released> for the first button.
If a follower has received a <User Control Pressed> message and it did not receive a <User Control
Released> message (or another <User Control Pressed> message with a different [UI Command] ) within
500ms, then it is recommended that the receiving device should assume that the button has been released
and act accordingly.
A device that has initiated a <User Control Pressed> message shall ensure that it sends a <User Control
Released> message before going into standby. In the event that the initiator of the message is powered
off/disconnected before sending a <User Control Released> message, the follower will never receive the
<User Control Released> message.
The <User Control Pressed> and <User Control Released> messages indicate that the user has pressed or
released the relevant button on their remote control. The receiving device determines the response to these
messages. For the non-Deterministic functions, the response may be device-dependant.
This method should not be used for sending commands other than true remote control pass through to
another device as the actions taken by the other device are not defined in a consistent way.

CEC 13.13.3

Deterministic UI Functions

In CEC Table 27, codes 0x60 to 0x6D are identified as Functions. Unlike the other codes, which just pass
remote control presses to the target (often with manufacturer-specific results), the Functions are deterministic,
ie they specify exactly the state after executing these commands. Several of these also have further
operands, specifying the function in more detail, immediately following the relevant [UI Command] operand.
For further information on the additional operands below, refer to Table 26.

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CEC Table 6 Deterministic UI Functions

UI Command
Code

User Operation

Function

Additional Operands

0x60

Play Function

Specifies Play mode

0x61

Pause-Play Function

Pauses playback. If
repeated, the device shall
remain in the paused state.

Start recording. If repeated,

the device shall remain in
the record state without
interrupting the recording.

Pauses the recording. If

repeated, the device shall
remain paused.

Stops the media. If

repeated, the device shall
remain stopped.

0x62

0x63

0x64

Record Function

Pause-Record Function

Stop Function

[Play Mode]

Notes
1, 2

0x65

Mute Function

Mutes audio output. If

repeated, the audio shall
stay muted.

0x66

Restore Volume

Restores audio output to

the value before it was
muted.

0x67

Tune Function

Identifies a broadcast
channel number

[Channel Identifier]

0x68

Select Media Function

Selects one Media within a

device

[UI Function Media]

0x69

Select A/V Input Function

Selects an A/V input

[UI Function Select A/V input]

1, 2

0x6A

Select Audio Input Function

Selects an Audio input

[UI Function Select Audio input]

1, 2

0x6B

Power Toggle Function

Toggles the devices power

state (On / Standby)

0x6C

Power Off Function

Puts the device into the

Standby state. If repeated,
the device stays in the
Standby state.

0x6D

Power On Function

1, 2
1, 2

Puts the device into the On

(non-Standby) state. If
repeated, the device stays
in the active state

Notes:
1
Functions with additional operands may also be used without the additional operand: in this case the
behavior is manufacturer-specific.
2
During a recording or timed recording, a device may ask the user for confirmation of this action
before executing it.

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CEC 13.13.4

Version 1.3a

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

CEC Version 1.3a added [Record Stop], [Record Pause], [Power Off Function], [Power On Function] and
[Data] UI commands. It also clarified the earlier [Power Function] to be [Power Toggle Function] (0x6B).

CEC 13.14

Give Device Power Status

CEC 13.14.1

Messages

The following messages are used for the Give Device Power Status feature:
<Give Device Power Status>, <Report Power Status>

CEC 13.14.2

Feature Description

Several messages, such as <Image View On> and <Play>, bring another device out of standby. The
<Give Device Power Status> message is used to determine the current power status of a target device. The
target device responds with a <Report Power Status> message containing the Power Status operand.

Recording
Device

TV

User selects
"Switch to DVR"
<Give Device Power Status>
<Report Power Status>[ Standby]
<User Control Pressed>[ Power]

Device
starts to
Powers
on
power On

<Give Device Power Status>

<Report Power Status>
[In transition Standby to On ]

<Give Device Power Status>

Device
Powers on
fully On

<Report Power Status>[ On]

Switches to
relevant
relavent HDMI
connector

<Set Stream Path>

[Physical Address of DVR]
<Active Source>

CEC Figure 20 A typical scenario for to discover the power status of a target device

Some devices, such as a Recording Device, may take some time before they have fully transitioned to the On
state. A requesting device may poll the target device to determine when that device is fully On. In this case,
the requesting device shall not send a <Give Device Power Status> message more frequently than once

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every 0.5 seconds. It is not recommended that a requesting device polls another device until the first device
has transitioned to a stable state.

CEC 13.14.3

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

When sending this Message

From this HDMI Version

1.3a Device

To this HDMI Version

1.2a or 1.3 Device

Possible behaviour

<Give Device Power Status>

Any

Any (except CEC

Switches)

Device may <Feature Abort> as this

was optional in 1.3 and before

CEC 13.15

System Audio Control

CEC 13.15.1

Messages

The following messages are used for the System Audio Control feature:
<Give Audio Status>, <Give System Audio Mode Status>, <Report Audio Status>, <Set System Audio Mode>,
<System Audio Mode Request>, <System Audio Mode Status>, <User Control Pressed>, <User Control
Released>.

CEC 13.15.2

Feature Description

This feature allows an audio amplifier to provide the audio for a source that is being displayed on a TV. When
in this mode, the amplifier uses the same source as the video and provides the volume control function,
instead of the TV, which mutes its speakers.
The feature can be initiated from a device (eg TV or STB) or the amplifier. In the case of initiation by a device
other than the amplifier, that device sends an <System Audio Mode Request> to the amplifier, with the
physical address of the device that it wants to use as a source as an operand. Note that the Physical Address
may be the TV or STB itself. The amplifier comes out of standby (if necessary) and switches to the relevant
input connector (see below concerning alternative connections). The amplifier shall then respond by sending
a <Set System Audio Mode> [On] see note below about addressing mode (direct or broadcast) of this
command.

User initiates
feature on TV,
or STB (if it has
volume control
buttons)

TV or
STB

Amplifier
<System Audio Mode Request> [Physical Address]

Comes out of Standby if necessary

Switches to relevant input for device
at [Physical Address]

Mutes
speakers
<Set System Audio Mode> [On]

CEC Figure 21 A typical scenario for initiating the System Audio Control feature from a TV or STB

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When the feature is initiated from the amplifier, it shall come out of standby (if necessary) and then shall
discover which device is the currently active source, by broadcasting a <Request Active Source> message
(note that it is not necessary for the amplifier to send a <Request Active Source> message if System Audio
Control is not required). The active device shall respond with an <Active Source> message with its physical
address and the amplifier then selects the relevant input for that device. The amplifier then starts the feature
by sending <Set System Audio Mode> [On] message.
The <Set System Audio Mode> [On] message shall initially be directly addressed to the TV when a device
other than the TV (eg amplifier or STB) has initiated the feature. This also allows the amplifier to discover if
the TV implements the System Audio Mode feature. If the TV replies with a <Feature Abort> [Unrecognized
Opcode] message (ie, it does not implement this message), then the amplifier shall not proceed further with
the feature. If the TV does not <Feature Abort> the message, then the amplifier broadcasts a
<Set System Audio Mode> [On] message to inform any other devices (eg STBs) that the feature has been
started. Further <Set System Audio Mode> [On] messages may use the broadcast address, until the amplifier
is put into the standby state. It is not recommended for the amplifier to store the fact that a TV supports this
feature since this does not allow the amplifier to detect if the TV has been changed to a device that does not
support this feature.
STB

TV

Amplifier

Initiated by Amplifier

Comes out of Standby if necessary

STB is
active
source

<Request Active Source> (broadcast)

<Active Source> [Physical Address of STB]
Switches to relevant input for device
at [Physical Address]
<Set System Audio Mode> [On]

CEC Figure 22 A typical scenario for initiating the System Audio Control feature from an amplifier

When the TV receives the <Set System Audio Mode> [On] message, it mutes its speakers.
Stopping the feature can be initiated from the amplifier or other device. When the non-amplifier device (eg TV
or STB) wants to stop the feature, it sends a <System Audio Mode Request> without a parameter to the
amplifier. The amplifier shall respond by broadcasting a <Set System Audio Mode> [Off]. The amplifier can
terminate the feature by broadcasting a <Set System Audio Mode> [Off].
When the TV receives the <Set System Audio Mode> [Off] message, it un-mutes its speakers.
Implementation of this feature shall be restricted to an amplifier and other devices that have volume control
buttons such as a TV or STB.
When the System Audio Mode is On, the volume can be set using the volume control of the amplifier or other
devices which have a volume control, such as the TV or a STB, using either the relevant user remote control
or local controls on the device (eg physical Volume + / - keys or a rotary style control).

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Amplifier

TV
User changes
volume on TV using
remote control or
local control.
TV sends <User
Control Pressed>
or <User Control
Released>
messages to Amp

Version 1.3a

<User Control Pressed> [Volume Up | Volume Down]

<User Control Released>

CEC Figure 23 Typical Operation of the volume control

Whenever the volume is changed by one of the above methods and the System Audio Mode is On, the
device that received the Users volume commands sends out a <User Control Pressed> with the relevant
[Volume Up] or [Volume Down] operand to the amplifier. When the User releases the control, the device
sends a <User Control Released> message to the amplifier. For further information on the User Control
messages, see CEC 13.13.
Note that the behavior of the system volume will be determined by the behavior of the amplifiers volume
control.
When the user requires to mute or unmute the amplifiers speakers while the System Audio Mode is On, the
device (such as a TV or STB) sends a User Control message with an operand of [Mute]. The behavior of the
mute message is determined by the amplifier.
The <Give Audio Status> and <Report Audio Status> messages are mainly used so that the TV can display
the audio status of the external amplifier, for instance the current Mute status or a Volume bar display. The
<Give Audio Status > message is used to ask for the current audio status of a target amplifier. The target
device responds with a <Report Audio Status> message containing the Audio Status operand.
After the relevant <User Control Pressed> message has been sent to adjust the volume, the amplifier may
send <Report Audio Status> messages so that the TV may display a moving bar as the volume changes. In
this case, it is not recommended to send a <Report Audio Status> message more frequently than once every
500ms.
When the amplifier is muted or un-muted, it should send a <Report Audio Status> message so that the TV
may display the mute status.
While System Audio Mode is On:
x the TV or source shall not change their own internal volume levels;
x the amplifiers local and remote controls shall also be active and able to control its volume.
If the System Audio Mode is On, then the amplifier shall send a <Set System Audio Mode>[Off] message just
before it goes into the Standby state in order to restore the volume function back to the TV. If the amplifier is
brought out of standby by a <System Audio Mode Request> from a TV or source, the System Audio Mode
shall become On; otherwise the System Audio Mode is Off.
When a TV or other source which implements the System Audio Control feature joins the system or comes
out of standby, it shall request the current System Audio Mode status by sending a
<Give System Audio Mode Status>. The amplifier, if active (ie out of the Standby state), shall respond with a
<System Audio Mode Status> message indicating the current status. The TV or source shall behave
according to the current System Audio Mode status, as described in the paragraphs above.

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A TV will connect its audio to the amplifier via an alternative connection link such as analogue or S/PDIF.
This is because the TV is at the end of an HDMI chain and so audio from the TV to the amplifier must be
carried by the alternative link. It is also possible that other devices may connect their audio to the amplifier
using an alternative link. In these cases it is the responsibility of the amplifier to switch to the device identified
at a specified physical address (as indicated in an <System Audio Mode Request> or an <Active Source>
message) and map that address to the actual connection in use, ie an HDMI connector or an alternative
connector. In the case of a TV, the physical address of 0.0.0.0 will need to be mapped to the relevant
alternative connector on the amplifier (eg analogue or S/PDIF). These mappings are usually made at
installation time when the user identifies which connector and connection on the amplifier is used for each
device.

CEC 13.15.3

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

This feature was introduced in HDMI version 1.3a. Devices conforming to HDMI version 1.3 or earlier will
<Feature Abort> all messages sent by an Initiator for this feature.

CEC 13.16

Audio Rate Control

CEC 13.16.1

Messages

The following messages are used for the Audio Rate Control Feature:
<Set Audio Rate>

CEC 13.16.2

Feature Description

This feature allows the audio playback rate of a Source Device to be controlled by another device, e.g. an
Audio System. A device may control the audio rate from a Source Device by sending a directly addressed
<Set Audio Rate> message. Audio Rate Control is an exclusive function so that the Source Device can only
be controlled by the one device that sent the <Set Audio Rate> message which started the Audio Rate
Controlled function. It shall ignore any <Set Audio Rate> messages from other devices whilst it is in that state.
The audio rate controlled state is left when the controlling device sends a <Set Audio Rate> message with
[Audio Rate] = Rate Control Off to the Source Device. The controlling device should send a
<Set Audio Rate> command at least once every 2 seconds for active sensing. If a <Set Audio Rate>
message is not received within 2 seconds or the status of the Source Device changes internally, then the
Source Device shall quit the audio rate controlled mode. There are two control ranges, Wide and Narrow.
When set to a specific range, the Source Device shall keep audio data streaming continuously even during a
rate change transition, eg from Standard Rate to Fast Rate.

CEC 13.16.3

Behaviour with Earlier Versions

This feature was introduced in HDMI version 1.3a. Devices conforming to HDMI version 1.3 or earlier will
<Feature Abort> all messages sent by an Initiator for this feature.

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CEC 14

Version 1.3a

Device States

This section shows how CEC messages can change the states of a device.

CEC 14.1.1

Device States

The following is a list of states that each device type can be in. Each device should be in one and only one
state for each line shown below.
All Devices:

On, Standby, Off

TV:

Image Display, Menu Display, Text Display

Device Menu Active, Device Menu Inactive

Recording Device:

Recording, Not Recording

Playback Device:

Deck Active, Deck Inactive

Menu Providing Device:

Device Menu Active, Device Menu Inactive

CEC 14.1.2

State Changes

The following diagrams show the state transitions that are caused as a direct result of a device receiving a
CEC message. Transitions between states that are not caused as a result of CEC messages are generally
not shown, except where no CEC message can cause that transition.

CEC 14.1.3

All Devices
<Standby>

On

Standby

Any message which can bring a device out of standby, e.g. <Image View On>

CEC 14.1.4

TV
<Image View On>, <Text View On>

Text Display

Image Display

User Selects Teletext, EPG etc.

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<Text View On>

Menu Display

Image Display

User Selects Menu

<Menu Status> ["Activated"]

Device Menu
Active

Device Menu
Inactive

<Menu Status> ["Deactivated"]

CEC 14.1.5

Recording Device
<Record On> (Recording Possible)

Not Recording

Recording

<Record Off>

CEC 14.1.6

Playback Device

<Deck Control> ["Skip Fwd / Wind"], <Deck Control> ["Skip Back / Rewind"]
(Device Dependant and Media Available)

<Play> (Media Available)

Deck Inactive

Deck Active
<Deck Control> ["Skip Fwd / Wind"],
<Deck Control> ["Skip Back / Rewind"]
<Deck Control> ["Stop"], <Deck Control> ["Eject"]

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CEC 14.1.7

Version 1.3a

Menu Providing Device

<Menu Request> ["Activated"]

Device Menu
Inactive

Device Menu
Active

<Menu Request> ["Deactivated"]

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CEC 15

Version 1.3a

Message Descriptions

The section defines the individual messages used in CEC. It describes them and defines their parameters
and expected responses. As CEC has no session layer, this section and the operands section (CEC 17)
effectively define the complete messaging system. Tables CEC Table 7 to CEC Table 20 show which
messages are mandatory. If a manufacturer implements any of the optional messages, then they shall be
implemented as described in CEC 13.
The following list describes each heading within the message tables CEC Table 7 to Table 23.
 Opcode The name used to identify the message.
 Value The unique identifier for the message.
 Description A brief description of the message.
 Parameters The set of parameters used by the message, refer to CEC Table 26 for individual
descriptions.
 Parameter Description A brief description of the parameters that the message uses.
 Response Describes how a device should respond on receipt of the message.
 Directly Addressed Indicates if the message may be directly addressed.
 Broadcast Indicates if the message may be broadcast.
 Mandatory Indicates if it is mandatory for a device to react and respond on receipt of the message.
Note that where a message is indicated as being mandatory for All devices, this excludes devices which
act only as a CEC Switch.
Within the table some cells are intentionally left blank; this indicates that there are no associated
requirements for the Opcode described.

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CEC Table 7 Message Descriptions for the One Touch Play Feature
Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

Response

<Active Source> 1

0x82

Used by a new source

to indicate that it has
started to transmit a
stream OR used in
response to a
<Request Active
Source>

[Physical Address]

The physical address of

the device.

A current active source

should take appropriate
action.
TV should switch to the
appropriate input.
Any CEC switches
between source and root
shall switch to the
appropriate input and
come out of standby if
necessary.

<Image View On>

0x04

Sent by a source
device to the TV
whenever it enters the
active state
(alternatively it may
send <Text View On>).

None

Turn on (if not on). If in

Text Display state then
the TV enters Image
Display state.
Note: Should not change
TV menu or PIP status.

<Text View On>

0x0D

As <Image View On>,

but should also remove
any text, menus and
PIP windows from the
TVs display.

None

As <Image View On>, but

should remove PIPs and
menus from the screen.
The TV enters Image
Display state regardless
of its previous state.

Directly
addressed

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

All
sources

TV, CEC
Switches

All
sources
shall
implement
at least
one of
<Image
View On>
or <Text
View On>

TV

All
sources
shall
implement
at least
one of
<Image
View On>
or <Text
View On>

TV

This message is also used in the Routing Control Feature

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CEC Table 8 Message Descriptions for the Routing Control Feature

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

Response

<Active Source> 2

0x82

Used by a new source

to indicate that it has
started to transmit a
stream OR used in
response to a
<Request Active
Source>

[Physical Address]

The physical address of

the device.

A current active source

should take appropriate
action.
TV should switch to the
appropriate input.
Any CEC switches
between source and root
shall switch to the
appropriate input and
come out of standby if
necessary.

<Inactive Source>

0x9D

Used by the currently

active source to inform
the TV that it has no
video to be presented
to the user, or is going
into standby as the
result of a local user
command on the
device.

[Physical Address]

The physical address of

the device.

The TV may display its

own internal tuner and
shall send an <Active
Source> with the address
of the TV; or
The TV may send <Set
Stream Path> to another
device for display.

<Request Active
Source>

0x85

Used by a new device

to discover the status
of the system.

None

<Active Source> from the

present active source.

Directly
addressed

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

All
sources

TV, CEC
Switches

This message is also used in the One Touch Play Feature

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All,
except
for CEC
Switches
and
devices
which
cannot
become a
source.

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Broadcast

Mandatory
for Follower

CEC
Switches
and TV
(with 2 or
more
HDMI
inputs)

CEC
Switches

If a CEC Switch is at the

specified address it shall
send a <Routing
Information> message to
indicate its current active
path.

CEC
Switches

CEC
Switches

Any CEC switches

between the TV and the
source device shall switch
inputs according to the
path defined in [Physical
Address]. A CEC device
at the new address
should come out of
standby, stream its output
and broadcast an <Active
Source> message.

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

Response

<Routing Change>

0x80

Sent by a CEC Switch

when it is manually
switched to inform all
other devices on the
network that the active
route below the switch
has changed.

[Original Address]
[New Address]

The previous address

that the switch was
switched to and the
new address it has
been moved to.

If a CEC Switch is at the

new address, it sends a
<Routing Information>
message to indicate its
current active route.

<Routing
Information>

0x81

Sent by a CEC Switch

to indicate the active
route below the switch.

[Physical Address]

The current active route

to the sink in the CEC
Switch.

<Set Stream Path>

0x86

Used by the TV to
request a streaming
path from the specified
physical address.

[Physical Address]

The physical address of

the source device.

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Directly
addressed

Mandatory
for Initiator

Opcode

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CEC
Switches

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CEC Table 9 Message Descriptions for the Standby Feature

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

<Standby>

0x36

Switches one or all

devices into standby
mode. Can be used as
a broadcast message
or be addressed to a
specific device.

None

Parameter description

Response
Switch the device into
3
standby.

Directly
addressed

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

TV
(Broadcast
Address)

All

Ignore the message if

already in standby.

See section CEC 13.3

for important notes on
the use of this message

Can be ignored if actively engaged in a recording or providing a source stream for a recording. See also CEC 13.3 for other exceptions.

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CEC Table 10 Message Descriptions for the One Touch Record Feature
Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

<Record Off>

0x0B

Requests a device to
stop a recording.

None

Parameter description

Exit Recording state.

<Record On>

0x09

Attempt to record the

specified source.

[Record Source]

Source to record, either

analogue service,
digital service, external
source or own source
(ie currently selected
source).

<Record Status>

0x0A

Used by a Recording
Device to inform the
initiator of the message
<Record On> about its
status.

[Record Status
Info]

The recording status of

the device.

Request by the
Recording Device to
record the presently
displayed source.

None

<Record TV
Screen>

0x0F

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Response

Enter Recording state

and start recording if
possible. Send the
initiator <Record Status>.

Directly
addressed

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

Device
Initiating a
recording

Recording
Device if
<Record
On>

Recording
Device if
implementing

<Record
On>
Initiate a recording using
the <Record On>
message, or send a
<Feature Abort> [Cannot
provide source] if the
presently displayed
source is not recordable.

implementing

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Device
Initiating a
recording

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

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CEC Table 11 Message Descriptions for the Timer Programming Feature

Directly
addressed

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

Response

<Clear Analogue
Timer>

0x33

Used to clear an
Analogue timer block of
a device.

See <Set
Analogue Timer>
message.

See <Set Analogue

Timer> message.

Clear timer block if

possible, then respond
with <Timer Cleared
Status>

<Clear Digital
Timer>

0x99

Used to clear a Digital

timer block of a device.

See <Set Digital

Timer> message

See <Set Digital Timer>

message

Clear timer block if

possible, then respond
with <Timer Cleared
Status> message.

<Clear External
Timer>

0xA1

Used to clear an
External timer block of
a device.

See <Set External

Timer> message

See <Set External

Timer> message

Clear timer block if

possible, then respond
with <Timer Cleared
Status> message.

<Set Analogue
Timer>

0x34

Used to set a single

timer block on an
Analogue Recording
Device.

[Day of Month]
[Month of Year]
[Start Time]
[Duration]
[Recording
Sequence]
[Analogue
Broadcast Type]
[Analogue
Frequency]
[Broadcast
System]

A complete set of
Analogue timer
information for one
recording.

<Timer Status> message.

<Set Digital Timer>

0x97

Used to set a single

timer block on a Digital
Recording Device.

[Day of Month]
[Month of Year]
[Start Time]
[Duration]
[Recording
Sequence]
[Digital Service
Identification]

A complete set of
Digital timer information
for one recording.

<Timer Status> message.

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

Page CEC-55 of 97

Mandatory
for Follower

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

Directly
addressed

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

Response

<Set External
Timer>

0xA2

Used to set a single

timer block to record
from an external
device.

[Day of Month]
[Month of Year]
[Start Time]
[Duration]
[Recording
Sequence]
[External Source
Specifier]
[External Plug] |
[External Physical
Address]

A complete set of
External timer
information for one
recording.

<Timer Status> message.

<Set Timer Program

Title>

0x67

Used to set the name

of a program
associated with a timer
block. Sent directly
after sending a <Set
Analogue Timer> or
<Set Digital Timer>
message. The name is
then associated with
that timer block.

[Program Title
String]

Program title

Recording device stores

title for future reference.
Ignore message if it is not
the immediate next
message from this initiator
following a <Set Analogue
Timer> or <Set Digital
Timer> message.

<Timer Cleared
Status>

0x43

Used to give the status

of a <Clear Analogue
Timer>, <Clear Digital
Timer> or <Clear
External Timer>
message.

[Timer Cleared
Status Data]

Indicates if the timer

was cleared
successfully.

If the message indicates

that the timer was not
cleared because there
was no matching entry,
the device should remove
the timer block locally.

<Timer Status>

0x35

Used to send timer

status to the initiator of
a <Set Timer>
message.

[Timer Status Data]

Indicates the timer

status

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Mandatory
for Initiator

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC Table 12 Message Descriptions for the System Information Feature

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

<CEC Version>

0x9E

Used to indicate the

supported CEC
version, in response to
a <Get CEC Version>

[CEC Version]

A value indicating the

supported CEC Version

<Get CEC Version>

0x9F

Used by a device to
enquire which version
of CEC the target
supports

None

<Give Physical
Address>

0x83

A request to a device to
return its physical
address.

<Get Menu
Language>

0x91

Sent by a device
capable of character
generation (for OSD
and Menus) to a TV in
order to discover the
currently selected
Menu language. Also
used by a TV during
installation to discover
the currently set menu
language of other
devices.

Response

Directly
addressed

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

The source responds with

a <CEC Version>
message indicating the
CEC version

None

<Report Physical
Address>

All,
except for
CEC
Switches
using
logical
address
15

None

The addressed device

responds with a <Set
Menu Language>
message

TV with
OSD /
Menu
generation
capabilities

This message is also used in the Vendor Specific Command Feature - see CEC Table 15 for requirements
This message is also used in the Vendor Specific Command Feature - see CEC Table 15 for requirements
6
This message is also used in the Vendor Specific Command Feature - see CEC Table 15 for requirements
7
This message is also used in the Vendor Specific Command Feature - see CEC Table 15 for requirements
5

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Opcode

value

Version 1.3a

Description

Parameters

Used by any device for

device discovery
similar to ping in other
protocols.

None

<Report Physical
Address>

0x84

Used to inform all other

devices of the mapping
between physical and
logical address of the
initiator.

[Physical Address]
[Device Type]

The devices physical

address within the
cluster.

<Set Menu
Language>

0x32

Used by a TV or
another device to
indicate the menu
language.

[Language]

The users menu

language choice.

<Polling Message>

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Parameter description

Response
Shall set a low level ACK.

Set the menu language as

specified, if possible.

Directly
addressed

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

All except
for CEC
Switches

All except
for CEC
switches

All

TV

TV

All,
except for
TV, CEC
Switches
and
devices
without
OSD/
Menu
generation
capabilities

Page CEC-58 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC Table 13 Message Descriptions for the Deck Control Feature

Directly
addressed

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

Response

<Deck Control>

0x42

Used to control a
devices media
functions.

[Deck Control
Mode]

The deck control

requested.

Perform the specified

actions, or return a
<Feature Abort>
message. It is device
dependent whether or not
a Skip Forward/Wind or
Skip Backward /Rewind
command is legal when in
the Deck Inactive state. If
the device is in standby
and receives an eject
command, it should power
on and eject its media.

<Deck Status>

0x1B

Used to provide a
decks status to the
initiator of the <Give
Deck Status>
message.

[Deck Info]

Information on the
devices current status.

<Give Deck Status>

0x1A

Used to request the

status of a device,
regardless of whether
or not it is the current
active source.

[Status Request]

Allows the initiator to

request the status once
or on all future state
changes. Or to cancel a
previous <Give Deck
Status> [On] request.

<Deck Status>

<Play>

0x41

Used to control the

playback behaviour of
a source device.

[Play Mode]

Play mode required.

Perform the specified

actions, or return a
<Feature Abort>
message. If media is
available the device
enters Deck Active state.
If the device is in standby,
has media available and
the parameter is [Play
Forward] it should power
on.

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Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC Table 14 Message Descriptions for the Tuner Control Feature

Directly
addressed

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

Response

<Give Tuner Device

Status>

0x08

Used to request the

status of a tuner
device.

[Status Request]

Allows the initiator to

request the status once
or on all future state
changes, or to cancel a
previous <Give Tuner
Device Status> [On]
message.

Respond with a <Tuner

Device Status> message,
or stop reporting changes
on receipt of the [Off]
message.

<Select Analogue
Service>

0x92

Directly selects an
Analogue TV service

[Analogue
Broadcast Type]
[Analogue
Frequency]
[Broadcast
System]

Defines Broadcast
Type, Frequency and
System for an Analogue
TV service

Change to the selected

analogue service and
stream its output on the
HDMI connection. If the
tuner device is not
capable of selecting this
service, respond with a
<Feature Abort>

<Select Digital
Service>

0x93

Directly selects a
Digital TV, Radio or
Data Broadcast Service

[Digital Service
Identification]

Defines Digital TV
system and necessary
data to specify a
service

Change to the selected

digital service and stream
its output on the HDMI
connection. If the tuner
device is not capable of
selecting this service,
respond with a <Feature
Abort>

<Tuner Device
Status>

0x07

Use by a tuner device

to provide its status to
the initiator of the
<Give Tuner Device
Status> message.

[Tuner Device Info]

Information on the tuner

devices current status.

<Tuner Step
Decrement>

0x06

Used to tune to next

lowest service in a
tuners service list. Can
be used for PIP.

None

Follower tunes to next

lowest service in its
service list.

<Tuner Step
Increment>

0x05

Used to tune to next

highest service in a
tuners service list. Can
be used for PIP.

None

Follower tunes to next

highest service in its
service list.

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Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

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Mandatory
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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC Table 15 Message Descriptions for the Vendor Specific Commands Feature
Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

<CEC Version> 8

0x9E

Used to indicate the

supported CEC
version, in response to
a <Get CEC Version>

[CEC Version]

A value indicating the

supported CEC Version

<Device Vendor ID>

0x87

Reports the vendor ID

of this device.

[Vendor ID]

The vendor ID of the

device.

<Get CEC Version> 9

0x9F

Used by a device to
enquire which version
of CEC the target
supports

None

8
9

Response

Directly
addressed

Broadcast

Any other interested

device may store the
vendor ID of the device.

The source responds with

a <CEC Version>
message indicating the
CEC version

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

All devices
that want to
be able to
use the
<Vendor
Command>
message
from
specific
other
vendors.

All devices
that want to
be able to
use the
<Vendor
Command>
message
from
specific
other
vendors.

As needed
for
Devices
supporting
Vendor
Specific
Commands

As needed
for
Devices
supporting
Vendor
Specific
Commands

All devices
that want to
initiate a
scenario
with devices
of specific
other
vendors
using the
<Vendor
Command>
message.

All devices
that want to
be able to
use the
<Vendor
Command>
message
from
specific
other
vendors.

This message is also used in the System Information Feature

This message is also used in the System Information Feature

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

<Give Device
Vendor ID>

0x8C

Requests the Vendor

ID from a device.

None

<Vendor
Command>

0x89

Allows vendor specific

commands to be sent
between two devices.

[Vendor Specific
Data]

<Vendor Command
With ID>

0xA0

Allows vendor specific

commands to be sent
between two devices or
broadcast.

[Vendor ID]
[Vendor Specific
data]

Version 1.3a

Parameter description

Response

Directly
addressed

Broadcast

<Device Vendor ID>

Vendor specific
command or data.
The maximum length of
the [Vendor Specific
Data] in this message
shall not exceed 14
data blocks.

Vendor Specific

Vendor ID of the vendor

or entity defining the
command.

Vendor specific

Vendor Specific

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

As needed
for
Devices
which
initiate a
scenario
using the
<Vendor
Command>
message

As needed
for
Devices
supporting
Vendor
Specific
Commands

Vendor specific
command or data.
The maximum length of
[Vendor Specific Data]
in this message shall
not exceed 11 data
blocks.
<Vendor Remote
Button Down>

0x8A

Indicates that a remote

control button has been
depressed.

HDMI Licensing, LLC

[Vendor Specific
RC Code]

The vendor specific

Remote Control Code
for the key pressed. It is
recommended to keep
this to a minimum size.
The maximum length
shall not exceed 14
data blocks to avoid
saturating the bus.

Page CEC-62 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

<Vendor Remote
Button Up>

0x8B

Indicates that a remote

control button (the last
button pressed
indicated by the Vendor
Remote Button Down
message) has been
released.

None

Version 1.3a

Parameter description

Response
Vendor Specific

Directly
addressed

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

CEC Table 16 Message Descriptions for the OSD Display Feature

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

Response

<Set OSD String>

0x64

Used to send a text

message to output on a
TV.

[Display Control]
[OSD String]

Display timing.
Text to be displayed.

TV displays the message.

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Directly
addressed

Broadcast

Page CEC-63 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC Table 17 Message Descriptions for the Device OSD Transfer Feature
Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

<Give OSD Name>

0x46

Used to request the

preferred OSD name of
a device for use in
menus associated with
that device.

None

<Set OSD Name>

0x47

Used to set the

preferred OSD name of
a device for use in
menus associated with
that device.

[OSD Name]

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Parameter description

The preferred name of

the device.

Response

Directly
addressed

<Set OSD Name>

Store the name and use it

in any menus associated
with that device.

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

Page CEC-64 of 97

Mandatory
for Follower

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC Table 18 Message Descriptions for the Device Menu Control Feature
Directly
addressed

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

Response

<Menu Request>

0x8D

A request from the TV

for a device to
show/remove a menu
or to query if a device
is currently showing a
menu.

[Menu Request
Type]

Indicates if the menu

request is to activate or
deactivate the devices
menu, or to simply
query the devices menu
status.

May enter or exit the

Device Menu Active
state if the parameter was
Activate or Deactivate
Send <Menu Status> to
indicate the current status
of the devices menu.

<Menu Status>

0x8E

Used to indicate to the

TV that the device is
showing/has removed
a menu and requests
the remote control keys
to be passed though.

[Menu State]

Indicates if the device is

in the Device Menu
Active state or Device
Menu Inactive state.

If Menu State indicates

activated, TV enters
Device Menu Active
state and forwards those
Remote control
commands, shown in
Table 26, to the initiator.
If deactivated, TV enters
Device Menu Inactive
state and stops
forwarding remote control
commands.

<User Control
10
Pressed>

0x44

Used to indicate that

the user pressed a
remote control button
or switched from one
remote control button
to another.

[UI Command]

UI command issued by
user.

Update display or perform

an action, as required.

<User Control
Released> 11

0x45

Indicates that user

released a remote
control button (the last
one indicated by the
<User Control
Pressed> message)

None

Update display or perform

an action, as required.

10
11

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

This message is also used in the RC Passthrough and System Audio Features
This message is also used in the RC Passthrough and System Audio Features

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC Table 19 Message Descriptions for the Remote Control Passthrough Feature
Directly
addressed

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

Response

<User Control
Pressed> 12

0x44

Used to indicate that

the user pressed a
remote control button
or switched from one
remote control button
to another.

[UI Command]

UI command issued by
user.

Update display or perform

an action, as required.

<User Control
13
Released>

0x45

Indicates that user

released a remote
control button (the last
one indicated by the
<User Control
Pressed> message)

None

Update display or perform

an action, as required.

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

CEC Table 20 Message Descriptions for the Power Status Feature

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

<Give Device Power

Status>

0x8F

Used to determine the

current power status of
a target device

None

<Report Power
Status>

0x90

Used to inform a
requesting device of
the current power
status

[Power Status]

12
13

Parameter description

Response
<Report Power Status>

The current power

status

Directly
addressed

All
(except
CEC
switches)
All
(except
CEC
switches)

This message is also used in the Device Menu Control and System Audio Features
This message is also used in the Device Menu Control and System Audio Features

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC Table 21 Message Descriptions for General Protocol messages

Directly
addressed

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

Response

<Feature Abort>

0x00

Used as a response to
indicate that the device
does not support the
requested message
type, or that it cannot
execute it at the
present time.

[Feature Opcode]
[Abort Reason]

The Opcode of the

aborted message.
The reason provides an
indication as to whether
the follower does not
support the message,
or does support the
message but cannot
respond at the present
time.

Assume that request is

not supported or has not
been actioned.

<Abort> Message

0xFF

This message is
reserved for testing
purposes.

None

A device shall never

support this message,
and shall always respond
with a <Feature Abort>
message containing any
valid value for [Abort
Reason]. CEC switches
shall not respond to this
message.

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Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

Generate
if a
message
is not
supported

All

All,
except for
CEC
switches

Page CEC-67 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC Table 22 Message Descriptions for the System Audio Control Feature
Parameter description

Response

Directly
addressed

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

<Give Audio
Status>

0x71

Requests an amplifier
to send its volume and
mute status

None

<Report Audio Status>

<Give System Audio

Mode Status>

0x7D

Requests the status of

the System Audio
Mode

None

Amplifier sends a
<System Audio Mode
Status> message
indicating status (On or
Off)

<Report Audio
Status>

0x7A

Reports an amplifiers
volume and mute
status

[Audio Status]

Volume and mute

status

<Set System Audio

Mode>

0x72

Turns the System

Audio Mode On or Off.

[System Audio
Status]

Specifies if the System

Audio Mode is On or
Off.

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

If set to On, the TV mutes

its speakers. The TV or
STB sends relevant
<User Control Pressed>
or <User Control
Released> as necessary.

If set to Off, the TV unmutes its speakers. The

TV or STB stop sending
the volume-related <User
Control Pressed> or
<User Control Released>
messages.

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Mandatory
for Follower

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

Response

<System Audio
Mode Request>

0x70

A device implementing
System Audio Control
and which has volume
control RC buttons (eg
TV or STB) requests to
use System Audio
Mode to the amplifier

[Physical Address]

Source to be used is
the device specified at
this address.

The amplifier comes out

of standby (if necessary)
and switches to the
relevant connector for
device specified by
[Physical Address]. It then
sends a <Set System
Audio Mode> [On]
message.

Directly
addressed

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

<System Audio Mode

Request> sent without a
[Physical Address]
parameter requests
termination of the feature.
In this case, the amplifier
sends a <Set System
Audio Mode> [Off]
message.
<System Audio
Mode Status>

0x7E

Reports the current

status of the System
Audio Mode

[System Audio
Status]

Current system Audio

Mode

If [On], the device

requesting this
information can send the
volume-related <User
Control Pressed> or
<User Control Released>
messages.

<User Control
14
Pressed>

0x44

Used to indicate that

the user pressed a
remote control button
or switched from one
remote control button
to another.

[UI Command] of
Volume Up,
Volume Down or
Mute

Relevant UI command
issued by user.

Increase or Decrease the

volume of the amplifier, or
mute/unmute the
amplifier.

14

This message is also used in the Device Menu Control and RC Rassthrough Features

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Mandatory
for Follower

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

<User Control
15
Released>

0x45

Indicates that user

released a remote
control button (the last
one indicated by the
<User Control
Pressed> message)

None

Version 1.3a

Parameter description

Response
Stop increasing or
decreasing the volume

Directly
addressed

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

Broadcast

Mandatory
for Initiator

Mandatory
for Follower

CEC Table 23 Message Descriptions for the Audio Rate Control Feature
Opcode

value

Description

Parameters

Parameter description

Response

<Set Audio Rate>

0x9A

Used to control audio

rate from Source
Device.

[Audio Rate]

The audio rate

requested.

Perform the specified

actions, or return
a<Feature Abort>
message.

15

Directly
addressed

This message is also used in the Device Menu Control and RC Rassthrough Features

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC 16 Message Dependencies

This section describes the dependencies between each message. This section is divided into two tables, which describe the following:
 CEC Table 24 describes the message dependencies when a device is capable of receiving a particular message (i.e. it does not <Feature
Abort> indicating an [Unrecognized opcode] in response to the message).
 CEC Table 25 describes the message dependencies when a device is capable of sending a particular message.
 Each table describes the additional messages that the device shall be capable of receiving and sending if a particular message is supported.

CEC Table 24 Message dependencies when receiving a message

If device does not <Feature
Abort> the following message:

It shall not <Feature Abort> the message(s):

<CEC Version>

It shall be able to send the message(s):

<Get CEC Version>

<Clear Analogue Timer>

<Set Analogue Timer>; and

<Clear External Timer>, <Set External Timer> if
Recording Device supports external recording

<Timer Status>, <Timer Cleared Status>;

<Clear Digital Timer>

<Set Digital Timer>; and

<Clear External Timer>, <Set External Timer> if
Recording Device supports external recording

<Timer Status>, <Timer Cleared Status>;

<Clear External Timer>

<Set External Timer>;

<Timer Status>, <Timer Cleared Status>;

<Deck Control>

<Play>

<Deck Status>

<Deck Status>

<Device Vendor ID> 16

<Play>, <Deck Control>

<Give Device Vendor ID>

<Get CEC Version>

<CEC Version>

<Get Menu Language>

<Set Menu Language>

<Give Audio Status>

<Report Audio Status>

16

This message is broadcast and there is therefore no <Feature Abort>, but devices accepting this message shall also be able to send the associated message

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

If device does not <Feature

Abort> the following message:

It shall not <Feature Abort> the message(s):

It shall be able to send the message(s):

<Give Deck Status>

<Play>, <Deck Control>

<Deck Status>

<Give Device Power Status>

<Report Power Status>

<Give Device Vendor ID>

<Device Vendor ID>

<Give OSD Name>

<Set OSD Name>

<Give Physical Address>

<Report Physical Address>

<Give System Audio Status>

<System Audio Mode Request>, <User Control

Pressed>[Volume Up | Down | Mute], <User Control
Released>

<Give Tuner Device Status>

<Image View On>

<Tuner Device Status>

<Active Source> 17

<Inactive Source>
<Menu Request>

<Set System Audio Mode>, <System Audio

Mode Status>

<User Control Pressed>, <User Control Released>

<Menu Status>

<Active Source>, <Set Stream Path>

<Menu Status>
<User Control Pressed>, <User Control Released>

<Play>

<Deck Control>

<Deck Status>

<Record Off>

<Record On>

<Record Status>

<Record On>

<Record Off>

<Record Status>

<Record Status>
<Record TV Screen>

<Record Status>

<Request Active Source>18

<Routing Change>19

<Record On>, <Record Off>

-

<Routing Information>

<Record On>, <Record Off>

<Active Source>
-

17

This message is broadcast and there is therefore no <Feature Abort>, but devices shall also accept the associated message.
This message is broadcast and there is therefore no <Feature Abort>, but devices accepting this message shall also be able to send the associated message.
19
This message is broadcast and there is therefore no <Feature Abort>, but devices shall also accept the associated message.
18

HDMI Licensing, LLC

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

If device does not <Feature

Abort> the following message:

It shall not <Feature Abort> the message(s):

<Routing Information>20

<Routing Change>

<Set Analogue Timer>

<Clear Analogue Timer>; and

<Clear External Timer> and <Set External Timer> if
device supports external recording

<Set Audio Rate>

It shall be able to send the message(s):

<Timer Status>, <Timer Cleared Status>

<Set Digital Timer>

<Clear Digital Timer>; and

<Clear External Timer> and <Set External Timer> if
device supports external recording

<Timer Status>, <Timer Cleared Status>

<Set External Timer>

<Clear External Timer>;

<Timer Status>, <Timer Cleared Status>

<Set System Audio Mode>

<System Audio Mode Status>

<System Audio Mode Request>

<User Control Pressed>[Volume Up | Down | Mute],
<User Control Released>

<Set Menu Language>

<Set OSD Name>

<Set OSD String>

<Set Stream Path>21

<Give OSD Name>

<Active Source> (not CEC Switches)

<System Audio Status>

<Set System Audio Mode>

<System Audio Mode Request>,

<User Control Pressed>[Volume Up | Down | Mute],
<User Control Released>

<System Audio Mode Request>

<Give System Audio Mode Status>,

<User Control Pressed>[Volume Up | Down | Mute],
<User Control Released>

<Set System Audio Mode>, <System Audio

Mode Status>

<Text View On>

<Active Source>

<Timer Cleared Status>

<Timer Status>

20
21

This message is broadcast and there is therefore no <Feature Abort>, but devices shall also accept the associated message.
This message is broadcast and there is therefore no <Feature Abort>, but devices accepting this message shall also be able to send the associated message.

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Page CEC-73 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

If device does not <Feature

Abort> the following message:

Version 1.3a

It shall not <Feature Abort> the message(s):

<Tuner Device Status>

It shall be able to send the message(s):

<Give Tuner Device Status>

<Timer Status>

<Timer Cleared Status>

<Tuner Step Decrement>

<Tuner Step Increment>

<Tuner Step Increment>

<Tuner Step Decrement>

<User Control Pressed>

<User Control Released>

<User Control Released>

<User Control Pressed>

<Vendor Command>

<Device Vendor ID>

<Give Device Vendor ID>

<Vendor Command With ID>22

<Device Vendor ID>

<Give Device Vendor ID>

<Vendor Remote Button Down> 23

<Vendor Remote Button Up>, <Device Vendor ID>

<Give Device Vendor ID>

<Vendor Remote Button Up> 24

<Vendor Remote Button Down>, <Device Vendor ID>

<Give Device Vendor ID>

22

This message can be broadcast and there may not be a <Feature Abort>, but devices shall also accept the associated messages and also be able to send the
associated message.
23
This message can be broadcast and there may not be a <Feature Abort>, but devices shall also accept the associated messages and also be able to send the
associated message.
24
This message can be broadcast and there may not be a <Feature Abort>, but devices shall also accept the associated messages and also be able to send the
associated message.

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Page CEC-74 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC Table 25 Message dependencies when sending a message

If device ever sends the
following message:

It shall be able to send the message(s):

<CEC Version>

It shall not <Feature Abort> the message(s):

<Get CEC Version>

<Clear Analogue Timer>

<Set Analogue Timer>; and

<Set External Timer>, <Clear External Timer> if
Recording Device supports External recording

<Timer Cleared Status>, <Timer Status>

<Clear Digital Timer>

<Set Digital Timer>; and

<Set External Timer>, <Clear External Timer> if
Recording Device supports External recording

<Timer Cleared Status>, <Timer Status>

<Clear External Timer>

<Set External Timer>

<Timer Cleared Status>, <Timer Status>

<Deck Control>

<Play>

<Deck Status>

<Give Deck Status>, <Play>, <Deck Control>

<Device Vendor ID>

<Give Device Vendor ID>

<Get CEC Version>

<CEC Version>

<Get Menu Language>

<Set Menu Language>25

<Give Deck Status>

<Play>, <Deck Control>

<Deck Status>

<Give Device Vendor ID>

<Device Vendor ID> 26

<Give OSD Name>

<Set OSD Name>

<Give Physical Address>

<Report Physical Address> 27

<Give Tuner Device Status>

<Tuner Device Status>

25

This message is broadcast and there is therefore no <Feature Abort>, but devices sending the associated message shall also be able to send this message.
This message is broadcast and there is therefore no <Feature Abort>, but devices sending the associated message shall also be able to send this message.
27
This message is broadcast and there is therefore no <Feature Abort>, but devices sending the associated message shall also be able to send this message.
26

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Page CEC-75 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

If device ever sends the

following message:

It shall be able to send the message(s):

<Image View On>

<Active Source>

<Inactive Source>
<Menu Request>

<User Control Pressed>, <User Control Released>

<Menu Status>

It shall not <Feature Abort> the message(s):

<Active Source>, <Set Stream Path>

<Menu Status>
<Menu Request>, <User Control Pressed>,
<User Control Released>

<Play>

<Deck Control>

<Record Off>

<Record On>

<Record Status>

<Record On>

<Record Off>

<Record Status>

<Record Status>
<Record TV Screen>

<Record Status>

<Record On>, <Record Off>

<Record On>, <Record Off>

<Report Audio Status>

<Give Audio Status>

<Report Power Status>

<Give Device Power Status>

<Request Active Source>

<Active Source>28

<Routing Change>

<Routing Information>

<Routing Information>

<Routing Change>

<Set Analogue Timer>

<Clear Analogue Timer>; and

<Set Digital Timer>, <Clear Digital Timer> if TV or STB
has a Digital Tuner; and
<Clear External Timer>, <Set External Timer>

<Set Audio Rate>

28

<Timer Status>, <Timer Cleared Status>

This message is broadcast and there is therefore no <Feature Abort>, but devices sending the associated message shall also be able to send this message.

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Page CEC-76 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

If device ever sends the

following message:

It shall be able to send the message(s):

It shall not <Feature Abort> the message(s):

<Set Digital Timer>

<Clear Digital Timer>; and

<Set Analogue Timer>, <Clear Analogue Timer> if TV or
STB has an Analogue Tuner; and
<Clear External Timer>, <Set External Timer>

<Timer Status>, <Timer Cleared Status>

<Set External Timer>

<Clear External Timer>; and

<Set Analogue Timer>, <Clear Analogue Timer> if TV or
STB has an Analogue Tumer>; and
<Set Digital Timer>, <Clear Digital Timer> if TV or STB
has a Digital Tuner

<Timer Status>, <Timer Cleared Status>

<Set System Audio Mode>

<System Audio Mode Status>

<Give System Audio Mode Status>,

<User Control Pressed>[Volume Up | Down | Mute],
<User Control Released>

<Set Menu Language>

<Get Menu Language>

<Set OSD Name>

<Give OSD Name>

<Set Stream Path>

<Active Source> (not CEC Switches)

<System Audio Mode Status>

<Set System Audio Mode>

<Give System Audio Mode Status>, <System Audio

Mode Request>, <User Control Pressed>[Volume Up
| Down | Mute], <User Control Released>

<System Audio Mode Request>

<User Control Pressed>[Volume Up | Down | Mute],

<User Control Released>

<System Audio Mode Status>, <Set System Audio

Mode>

<Text View On>

<Active Source>

<Timer Cleared Status>

<Timer Status>

<Clear Analogue Timer>, <Clear Digital Timer>,

<Clear External Timer>

<Timer Status>

<Timer Cleared Status>

<Set Analogue Timer>, <Set Digital Timer>, <Set

External Timer>

<Tuner Device Status>

<Tuner Step Decrement>

HDMI Licensing, LLC

<Tuner Step Increment>

<Give Tuner Device Status>

-

Page CEC-77 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

If device ever sends the

following message:

It shall be able to send the message(s):

<Tuner Step Increment>

<Tuner Step Decrement>

<User Control Released>

<User Control Pressed>

<Vendor Command>

<Device Vendor ID>

<Give Device Vendor ID>

<Vendor Command With ID>

<Device Vendor ID>

<Give Device Vendor ID>

<Vendor Remote Button Down>

<Vendor Remote Button Up>, <Device Vendor ID>

<Give Device Vendor ID>

<Vendor Remote Button Up>

<Vendor Remote Button Down>, <Device Vendor ID>

<Give Device Vendor ID>

HDMI Licensing, LLC

It shall not <Feature Abort> the message(s):

Page CEC-78 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC 17 Operand Descriptions

In the following table, Operand Descriptions are ordered alphabetically. Sub-operands, which only occur in a single parent operand, are grouped
with their parent and are shown indented.
Not all operand values are shown in the table: these shall be considered as reserved.
CEC Table 26 Operand Descriptions.
Name

Range Description

[Abort Reason]

Unrecognized opcode

Not in correct mode to respond

Cannot provide source

Invalid operand

Refused

Cable

0x00

Satellite

0x01

Terrestrial

0x02

[Analogue Broadcast Type]

Length

Purpose

1 byte

Reason for a <Feature Abort> response.

1 byte

Indicates the Analogue broadcast type

[Analogue Frequency]

0x0000<N<0xFFFF
Frequency = 62.5n kHz

2 bytes

Used to specify the frequency used by an analogue tuner.

[ASCII digit]

0x30N0x39

1 byte

Subset of [ASCII] representing a printable digit character.

[ASCII]

0x20N0x7E

1 byte

Represents a printable character.

[Audio Rate]

Rate Control Off

1 byte

Control Off

Standard Rate: 100% rate

Fast Rate: Max 101% rate

Slow Rate: Min 99% rate

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Wide Range Control

(IEEE 1394 compatible)

Page CEC-79 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Name

Version 1.3a

Range Description

[Audio Status]

[Audio Mute Status]

[Audio Volume Status]

[Boolean]

[Broadcast System]

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Length

Purpose

Standard Rate: 100.0% rate

Fast Rate: Max 100.1% rate

Slow Rate: Min 99.9% rate

[Audio Mute Status]

Bit 7

1 bit

[Audio Volume Status]

Bits 6-0

7 bits

Audio Mute Off

1 bit

Used to indicate the current audio mute status of a device.

Audio Mute On

1
7 bits

Used to indicate the current audio volume status of a device.

N indicates audio playback volume, expressed as a percentage
(0% - 100%). N=0 is no sound; N=100 is maximum volume
sound level.
The linearity of the sound level is device dependent.
This value is mainly used for displaying a volume status bar on
a TV screen.

0x00N0x64

Narrow Range Control

(HDMI Transparent)

Used to indicate the current audio status of a device.

0x65N0x7E

Reserved

0x7F

Current audio volume status is unknown

False

True

0N31 See CEC Table 28

1 byte

Flag

1 byte

This specifies information about the color system, the sound

carrier and the IF-frequency

Page CEC-80 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

Name

Range Description

[CEC Version]

Version 1.1

0x00

Version 1.2

0x01

Version 1.2a

0x02

Version 1.3

0x03

Version 1.3a

0x04

[Channel Identifier]

[Channel Number Format]

[Channel Number Format]

[Major Channel Number]
[Minor Channel Number]
1-part Channel Number

0x01

2-part Channel Number

0x02

Length

Purpose

1 byte

Indicates the supported CEC version

4 bytes

Identifies a 1-part Logical or Virtual Channel Number or a

2-part Major and Minor channel combination

6 bits

Identifies Channel Format

[Major Channel Number]

If [Channel Number Format] is 2-part

Channel Number, this operand represents a
3-digit Major channel number in hexadecimal
format;
if [Channel Number Format] is 1-part
Channel Number this operand shall be
ignored.

10 bits

Major Channel Number (if Channel Number Format is 2-part)

[Minor Channel Number]

If [Channel Number Format] is 1-part

Channel Number this operand represents a
1-part Channel Number in hexadecimal
format;
If [Channel Number Format] is 2-part
Channel Number, this operand represents a
Minor channel number in hexadecimal format

16 bits

1-part Channel Number, or a Minor Channel Number (if

Channel Number Format is 2-part)

1N31

1 byte

Day of month.

[Day of Month]

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Page CEC-81 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

Name

Range Description

[Deck Control Mode]

Skip Forward / Wind

Skip Reverse / Rewind

Stop

Eject

Play

0x11

Record

0x12

Play Reverse

0x13

Still

0x14

Slow

0x15

Slow Reverse

0x16

Fast Forward

0x17

Fast Reverse

0x18

No Media

0x19

Stop

0x1A

Skip Forward / Wind

0x1B

Skip Reverse / Rewind

0x1C

Index Search Forward

0x1D

Index Search Reverse

0x1E

Other Status

0x1F

[Deck Info]

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Length

Purpose

1 byte

Used in <Deck Control>.

Note: The Skip Forward / Wind and Skip Reverse / Rewind
values are used for example in a DVD as next chapter and
previous chapter and in a VCR as wind and rewind.

1 byte

Indicates the current status of a tape or disk deck.

Page CEC-82 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

Name

Range Description

[Device Type]

TV

Recording Device

Reserved

Tuner

Playback Device

Audio System

[Digital Service Identification]

[Service Identification Method]

[Service Identification Method]

[Digital Broadcast System]
[Service Identification]
Service identified by Digital IDs

Service identified by Channel

[Digital Broadcast System]

Purpose

1 byte

Allows additional devices, above the number allowed in the

logical addressing mechanism, to indicate their device type

7 bytes

Indicates Digital Broadcast System and the parameters to

identify a specific service.

1 bit

Indicates that a service is identified by digital service IDs

Indicates that a service is identified by a logical or virtual
channel number

7 bits

ARIB generic

0x00

ATSC generic

0x01

DVB generic

0x02

ARIB

ARIB-BS

0x08

ARIB-CS

0x09

ARIB-T

0x0A

Cable

0x10

ATSC

29

Length

Indicates the Digital Broadcast System of required service.

This is present irrespective of the state of
[Service Identification Method]
29

Generic formats

Specific Formats

These formats are included for legacy devices. New devices shall use the Specific Formats starting at 0x08

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Page CEC-83 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Name

Version 1.3a

Range Description

DVB

[Service Identification]

[ARIB data]

[ATSC data]

[DVB data]

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Satellite

0x11

Terrestrial

0x12

DVB-C

0x18

DVB-S

0x19

DVB S2

0x1A

DVB-T

0x1B

[ARIB data]

Length

Purpose

6 bytes

Specifies an ARIB digital service

[ATSC data]

Specifies an ATSC digital service

[DVB data]

Specifies a DVB digital service

[Channel data]

When [Service Identification Method] is Service identified by

Channel, this indicates the channel number

Transport_stream_ID

2 bytes

The transport_stream_ID of the transport stream carrying the

required service

Service_ID

2 bytes

The service_ID of the required service

Original_Network_ID

2 bytes

The original_network_ID of the network carrying the transport

stream for the required service

Transport_stream_ID

2 bytes

The transport_stream_ID of the transport stream carrying the

required service

Program_number

2 bytes

The Program_number of the required service

Reserved (0x0000)

2 bytes

Reserved

Transport_stream_ID

2 bytes

The transport_stream_ID of the transport stream carrying the

required service

Service_ID

2 bytes

The service_ID of the required service

Page CEC-84 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Name

[Channel data]
[Display Control]

Version 1.3a

Range Description

Length

Purpose

Original_Network_ID

2 bytes

The original_network_ID of the network carrying the transport

stream for the required service

[Channel Identifier] [Reserved 2 bytes]}

6 bytes

Identifies the logical or virtual channel number of a service.

See [Channel Identifier] for details.

bit 5 bit 0 = 0

1 byte

To indicate the display mode for an on screen display

message.

Bit 7 Bit 6

[Duration]

[Duration Hours]

Display for default time

Display until cleared

Clear previous message

Reserved for future use

[Duration Hours]
[Minute]

2 bytes

0N99

1 byte

Duration hours in BCD format:

MS Byte
b3

b2

b1

LS Byte
b0

b3

b2

b1

b0

[External Physical Address]

[Physical Address]

2 bytes

Physical Address of device that is to be used as the source of

a recording.
See CEC 13.5.3 for information on external connections.

[External Plug]

Plug number, 1 N 255

1 byte

External Plug number on the Recording Device.

See CEC 13.5.3 for information on external connections.

[External Source Specifier]

External Plug

1 byte

External Physical Address

Indicates if External source is specified by the External plug

number on the Recording Device, or by the External Physical
Address of the required source

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Page CEC-85 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

Name

Range Description

Length

Purpose

[Hour]

0 N 23

1 byte

Hour in BCD format:

MS Byte
b3

b2

b1

LS Byte
b0

b3

b2

b1

b0

[Feature Opcode]

0x00 N 0xFF (n is defined in CEC Table 7

to CEC Table 23)

1 byte

Defines command to be performed.

[Language]

3 {[ASCII]} as defined in ISO/FDIS 639-2

[ref 1n]

3 bytes

Specify the language with which to interact with the user.

[Menu Request Type]

Activate

1 byte

Specifies whether to activate or deactivate a devices menu or

simply query its current menu status.

Deactivate

Query

Activated

1 byte

Specifies the state of a device menu

Deactivated

1
1 byte

Minute in BCD format:

[Menu State]

[Minute]

0N59

MS Byte
b3

b2

b1

LS Byte
b0

b3

b2

b1

b0

[Month of Year]

1N12

1 byte

Month

[New Address]

[Physical Address]

2 bytes

The physical address of the new device selected by a CEC

Switch.

[Original Address]

[Physical Address]

2 bytes

The physical address of the device de-selected by a CEC

Switch.

[OSD Name]

N {[ASCII]}, 1dN d 14

1 - 14
bytes

The devices name - to be used in On Screen Display

references to it.

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Page CEC-86 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

Name

Range Description

Length

Purpose

[OSD String]

N {[ASCII]}, 1dN d 13

1 - 13
bytes

A string to be displayed on the display.

[Physical Address]

4{[Port ID]}

2 bytes

Defines the path between the TV and a device thus giving it a

physical address within the cluster.

0x0n0xF

4 bits

Defines one hop within the physical address relating to the

physical connection of the device.

1 byte

The mode in which to play media.

[Port ID]

[Play Mode]

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Play Forward

0x24

Play Reverse

0x20

Play Still

0x25

Fast Forward Min Speed

0x05

Fast Forward Medium Speed

0x06

Fast Forward Max Speed

0x07

Fast Reverse Min Speed

0x09

Fast Reverse Medium Speed

0x0A

Fast Reverse Max Speed

0x0B

Slow Forward Min Speed

0x15

Slow Forward Medium Speed

0x16

Slow Forward Max Speed

0x17

Slow Reverse Min Speed

0x19

Slow Reverse Medium Speed

0x1A

Slow Reverse Max Speed

0x1B

Note: If a device does not support a particular play mode it

should select the closest match.

Page CEC-87 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

Name

Range Description

[Power Status]

On

0x00

Standby

0x01

In transition Standby to On

0x02

In transition On to Standby

0x03

Length

Purpose

1 byte

Used to indicate the current power status of a device.

[Program Title String]

N {[ASCII]}, 1 d N d 14

1 - 14
bytes

Program title.

[Record Source]

{[Record Source Type]} |

{[Record Source Type] [Digital Service
Identification]} |
{[Record Source Type] [Analogue Broadcast
Type] [Analogue Frequency] [Broadcast
System]} |
{[Record Source Type] [External Plug]} |
{[Record Source Type] [External Physical
Address]}

1 to 8
bytes
(depends
on
source)

To define the source for a recording.

Own source

1 byte

Allows the record source to be specified for a recording.

Digital Service

Analogue Service

External Plug

External Physical Address

Recording currently selected

source

0x01

1 byte

Indicates the status of a recording.

Recording Digital Service

0x02

Recording Analogue Service

0x03

Recording External input

0x04

[Record Source Type]

[Record Status Info]

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Page CEC-88 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Name

Version 1.3a

Range Description

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Length

Purpose

No recording unable to record

Digital Service

0x05

No suitable tuner.

No recording unable to record

Analogue Service

0x06

No suitable tuner.

No recording unable to select

required service

0x07

Has suitable tuner, but the requested parameters are invalid or

out of range for that tuner.

No recording invalid External

plug number

0x09

No recording invalid External

Physical Address

0x0A

No recording CA system not

supported

0x0B

No Recording No or
Insufficient CA Entitlements

0x0C

No recording Not allowed to

copy source

0x0D

No recording No further copies

allowed

0x0E

No recording no media

0x10

No recording playing

0x11

No recording already
recording

0x12

No recording media protected

0x13

No recording no source signal

0x14

No recording media problem

0x15

Source is copy never.

Page CEC-89 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Name

Version 1.3a

Range Description

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Purpose

No recording not enough

space available

0x16

No recording Parental Lock

On

0x17

Recording terminated normally

0x1A

Can optionally be sent in response to a <Record Off>

message.

Recording has already

terminated

0x1B

Can optionally be sent in response to a <Record Off>

message.

No recording other reason

0x1F

[Recording Sequence]

[Reserved Bit]

Length

b6b0

8 bits

Indicates if recording is repeated and, if so, on which days.

For repeated recordings, the recording sequence value is the
bitwise OR of the days when recordings are required.

Sunday

0b0000001

Monday

0b0000010

Tuesday

0b0000100

[Recording Sequence] shall be set to 0x00 when the recording

is not repeated.

Wednesday

0b0001000

Bit 7 is reserved and shall be set to zero.

Thursday

0b0010000

Friday

0b0100000

Saturday

0b1000000

Once only

0b0000000

Bit 7, reserved

1 bit

Used as padding bit for future extensions.

Page CEC-90 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

Name

Range Description

[Status Request]

On

Off

Once

[Start Time]

[Time]

[System Audio Status]

Off

On

[Time]

[Hour][Minute]

[Timer Cleared Status Data]

Timer not cleared recording

0x00

Timer not cleared no

matching

0x01

Timer not cleared no info

available

0x02

Timer cleared

0x80

[Timer Status Data]

[Timer Overlap Warning]

[Media Info]

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[Timer overlap warning] [Media Info]

[Timer Programmed Info]
No overlap

Timer blocks overlap

Media present and not

protected

0b00

Media present, but protected

0b01

Media not present

0b10

Future Use

0b11

Length

Purpose

1 byte

Contains the status request mode which can be report once or

on all future state changes or reporting off.

2 bytes

Indicates the start time for a timer based recording.

1 byte

Specifies if the System Audio Mode is On or Off

2 bytes

Time of day

1 byte

Indicates status in a <Timer Cleared Status> message.

1 byte or
3 bytes

Used by a recoding device to respond to the initiator of a <Set

Timer> message.

1 bit

Indicates if there is another timer block already set which

overlaps with this new recording request.

2 bits

Indicates if removable media is present and its write protect

state.

Page CEC-91 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Name
[Timer Programmed Info]

Version 1.3a

Range Description

Length

Purpose

{[Programmed Indicator]}
{[Programmed Info] [Duration Available]} |
{[Not Programmed Error Info]
[Duration Available]}

5 bits or
21 bits

Gives information about how and if the programming request

has been done. [Programmed Indicator] is used as a selector
for the second parameter.
[Duration Available] can be optionally returned when:
- [Programmed Info] is Not enough space available or May
not be enough space available; or
- [Not Programmed Info] is Duplicate: already programmed
Note that the length depends on whether [Duration Available] is
appended

[Programmed Indicator]

[Programmed Info]

[Not Programmed Error Info]

HDMI Licensing, LLC

Not programmed

Programmed

Future Use

0b0xxx

Enough space available for

recording

0b1000

Not enough space available for

recording

0b1001

May not be enough space

available

0b1011

No Media info available

0b1010

Future Use

0b0000

No free timer available

0b0001

Date out of range

0b0010

Recording Sequence error

0b0011

Invalid External Plug Number

0b0100

1 bit

Selector for [Timer Programmed Info].

4 bits

Information indicating any non-fatal issues with the

programming request.

4 bits

Reason for programming failure.

Recording device does not support this recording sequence, or

invalid data

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Name

Version 1.3a

Range Description

[Duration Available]

[Tuner Device Info]

[Recording Flag]

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Length

Purpose

Invalid External Physical

Address

0b0101

CA system not supported

0b0110

No or insufficient CA
Entitlements

0b0111

No or insufficient CA entitlements

Does not support resolution

0b1000

Tuner does not support HD or recorder does not support HD

Parental Lock on

0b1001

Clock Failure

0b1010

Reserved for Future Use

0b1011 to
0b1101

Duplicate: already programmed

0b1110

A timer block with identical details (of time and service) has
already been programmed

[Duration]

2 bytes

Optional parameter: Contains an estimate of the space left on

the media, expressed as a time. This parameter may be
returned when:
- [Programmed Info] is Not enough space available; or
- [Not Programmed Info] is Duplicate: already programmed

[Recording Flag][Tuner Display Info]

{[Analogue Broadcast Type] [Analogue
Frequency][Broadcast System]} |
[Digital Service Identification]}

5 bytes
(analogue
service);
8 bytes
(digital
service)

Indicates information about the tuner. Indicates the analogue or

digital service that the tuner is set to, regardless of whether or
not it is currently displaying the tuner. [Tuner Display Info] also
indicates the data in the following bytes.

Not being used for recording

1 bit

Indicates if the tuner is being used as a source of a recording

Being used for recording

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Name

Version 1.3a

Range Description
[Tuner Display Info]

Displaying Digital Tuner

Not displaying Tuner

Displaying Analogue tuner

Length

Purpose

7 bits

Indicates if the device is currently displaying its tuner or not (it

may for example be displaying an external source or media).

[UI Command]

0x00n0xFF (n is defined in Table 27)

1 byte

Indicates the remote control button pressed.

Note that some [UI Command] messages also have further
operands following see Table 6.

[UI Function Media]

Media number 1 N 255

N=0: Media number = current Media number
+ 1.
If current Media number = maximum number
in a device, then Media number =1.

1 byte

Number of the Media

[UI Function Select A/V input]

A/V input number 1 N 255

N=0: A/V input number = current A/V input
number + 1.
If current A/V input number = maximum
number in a device, then A/V input number =1.

1 byte

Number of the A/V input

[UI Function Select Audio input]

Audio input number 1 N 255

N=0: Audio input number = current Audio
input number + 1.
If current Audio input number = maximum
number in a device, then Audio input number = 1.

1 byte

Number of the Audio input

[Vendor ID]

0x000000N0xFFFFFF (n is the 24-bit

unique company ID [ref. 3i] obtained from the
IEEE Registration Authority Committee
(RAC)).

3 bytes

Identifier for a specific Vendor.

[Vendor Specific Data]

Vendor specific command or data, as defined

by the manufacturer.

14
bytes

The maximum length shall not exceed 14 data blocks to avoid

saturating the bus.

[Vendor Specific RC Code]

Remote Control code, as defined by the

manufacturer

14
bytes

It is recommended to keep this as small as possible to improve

speed of response, as seen by the user.
The maximum length shall not exceed 14 data blocks.

Notes: Items are transmitted in the order shown in the description.

All bit descriptions are sent most significant bit first (i.e. first bit described is sent first)

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC Table 27 User Control Codes

Operation id

User Operation

Operation id

0x00

Select

User Operation

Operation id

0x01
0x02
0x03
0x04
0x05
0x06
0x07
0x08
0x09
0x0A
0x0B
0x0C
0x0D
0x0E - 0x1F
0x20 - 0x29
0x2A
0x2B
0x2C
0x2D - 0x2E
0x2F
0x30
0x31
0x32
0x33
0x34

Up
Down
Left
Right
Right-Up
Right-Down
Left-Up
Left-Down
Root Menu see Note 2
Setup Menu
Contents Menu
Favorite Menu
Exit
Reserved
Numbers 0-9
Dot
Enter
Clear
Reserved
Next Favorite
Channel Up
Channel Down
Previous Channel
Sound Select
Input Select

User Operation

0x35

Display Information

0x55

Initial Configuration

0x36
0x37
0x38
0x39 - 0x3F
0x40
0x41
0x42
0x43
0x44
0x45
0x46
0x47
0x48
0x49
0x4A
0x4B
0x4C
0x4D
0x4E
0x4F
0x50
0x51
0x52
0x53
0x54

Help
Page Up
Page Down
Reserved
Power
Volume Up
Volume Down
Mute
Play
Stop
Pause
Record
Rewind
Fast forward
Eject
Forward
Backward
Stop-Record
Pause-Record
Reserved
Angle
Sub picture
Video on Demand
Electronic Program Guide
Timer Programming

0x56 - 0x5F
0x60
0x61
0x62
0x63
0x64
0x65
0x66
0x67
0x68
0x69
0x6A
0x6B
0x6C
0x6D
0x6E 0x70
0x71
0x72
0x73
0x74
0x75
0x76
0x77 0xFF

Reserved
Play Function
Pause-Play Function
Record Function
Pause-Record Function
Stop Function
Mute Function
Restore Volume Function
Tune Function
Select Media Function
Select A/V Input Function
Select Audio Input Function
Power Toggle Function
Power Off Function
Power On Function
Reserved
F1 (Blue)
F2 (Red)
F3 (Green)
F4 (Yellow)
F5
Data see Note 3
Reserved

Note 1: The elements identified in bold are the only ones which are forwarded as part of the device menu control feature.
Note 2: This is the initial display that a device shows. It is device-dependent and can be, for example, a contents menu, setup menu, favorite menu
or other menu. The actual menu displayed may also depend on the devices current state.
Note 3: This is used, for example, to enter or leave a digital TV data broadcast application.

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Page CEC-95 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

Version 1.3a

CEC Table 28 Broadcast System

System

Value

Bits
43210

Sound
Carrier

Sound
Modulation

Video
Modulation

Vertical
Frequency

Color subcarrier

PAL B/G

00000

5.5 MHz

FM

neg

50 Hz

4.43 MHz

SECAM L

00001

6.5 MHz

AM

Pos

50 Hz

30

PAL M

00010

4.5 MHz

FM

neg

60 Hz

3.5756MHz

NTSC M

00011

4.5 MHz

FM

neg

60 Hz

3.5795MHz

PAL I

00100

6.0 MHz

FM

neg

50 Hz

4.43 MHz

SECAM DK

00101

6.5 MHz

FM

neg

50 Hz

30

SECAM B/G

00110

5.5 MHz

FM

neg

50 Hz

30

SECAM L

00111

6.5 MHz

AM

pos

50 Hz

30

PAL DK

01000

6.5 MHz

FM

neg

50 Hz

4.43 MHz

Future use

01001

..

..

..

Future use

30

11110

Other System 31

31

11111

30
31

Color sub-carriers SECAM: fOB 4.25 MHz, fOR 4.406 MHz

The system is not defined. The receiving device decides locally what to do.

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Page CEC-96 of 97

High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification

CEC Appendix A

Version 1.3a

Non-CEC Switch (Informative)

There are two types of non-CEC Switches, those which have only one EDID for all source devices (or simply
reflect the sink EDID), and those which have a separate EDID for all source devices. The rules for the
operation of these two types of Switch are different:
Note that the use of non-CEC Switches is deprecated, see CEC 11.

CEC A1

Switches with One EDID

A non-CEC-compliant Switch may have a single child_address, which is always occupied by the currently
switched device. Any other connected devices will have no hot plug signal and will therefore have an
unallocated physical address (and can use only the unregistered logical address). These devices will,
however, still see CEC messages as they will be connected to the CEC line and they may react to some
broadcast messages in the normal way (e.g. standby).
When a Switch de-selects a device, that device will detect the removal of the hot plug signal to indicate that
its physical AV connection has been removed. It should immediately clear its physical and logical addresses.
Each source device below the Switch will detect the removal of the hot plug signal to indicate they are no
longer on the active AV Path and clear their addresses accordingly.
When a Switch selects a device, that device will detect the hot plug signal. It can then obtain a valid physical
address from its sink and subsequently a logical address. The device should activate the hot plug signal to its
source (child) devices (if any) to indicate that they should now request a physical address.
Non CEC Switch deselects device ("Hot Plug" signal removed) /
clear physical and logical address

HDMI connection unplugged ("Hot Plug" signal removed) /

clear physical and logical address

Connected

Unconnected

HDMI connection plugged in ("Hot Plug" signal detected) /

query sink for physical address

Non CEC Switch selects device ("Hot Plug" signal detected) /

query sink for physical address

CEC Figure A1 A devices behavior when it is beneath a 1 EDID non-CEC Switch.

CEC A2

Switches with Multiple EDIDs

These should operate as CEC Switches except that they do not send messages on, or monitor, the CEC line.

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Page CEC-97 of 97