Posts: 30
Joined: Jan 2019
Reputation:
2
I've searched this forum for the type of media player I'm looking for, but searching for CEC is not possible. So here's my question:
I'm looking for a media player that has the following features:
- 4K HDR / Dolby Vision playback (x265, x264)
- lossless audio formats like DTS-HD, DTS-X, Atmos, TrueHD
- controllable with TV remote (LG C7 magic remote) through CEC
My setup will be: media player connected with HDMI to Atmos capable receiver, then that receiver is connected to my TV also with HDMI (and ARC)
So far, I've found the Minix U9-H and the Vero 4K+.
Both should support all video and audio formats, but I'm looking for some advice on whether it's possible to use my TV's remote with CEC.
Which mediaplayer will do this with my setup? Or does anyone have another suggestion?
Posts: 9,033
Joined: Feb 2012
Reputation:
551
2019-01-06, 03:49
(This post was last modified: 2019-01-06, 03:51 by wrxtasy.)
Basically the Linux based OS's - OSMC, LibreELEC and CoreELEC will give you Kodi user configurable HDMI-CEC control.
They include a Linux community coded - Pulse8 libCEC library that gives you all sorts of user configurable CEC options.
If you want want 4K HDR look at the AMLogic S905D or S912 devices, because they have Gigabit Ethernet.
You are correct, Plug n Play = Vero4K+
DIY = MINIX U9 running LibreELEC or CoreELEC.
Both will give you what you want.
Both devices control my AVR's volume using their respective Wireless remotes via HDMI CEC.
In fact that is preferred because Kodi control is snappier that way vs using the TV remote and controlling Kodi via CEC.
The U9 can also turn OFF / ON both my Yamaha AVR and TV using HDMI CEC control.
I find the MINIX A2 lite Wireless keyboard remote real handy for long term Kodi use simply because you get to learn and use Kodi keyboard shortcuts.
That remote will plug into anything.
The newer MINIX A3 lite remote had mini wake up from (battery saving) sleep issues just after you pick it up. Most users prefer the A2 lite that had no such issues.
The Vero 4K+ has no power OFF / ON only a standby mode.
No media player on the market can playback dual layer 4K DolbyVision Bluray Rips, even the Apple TV 4K. That is all proprietary Dolby tech.
Posts: 14,213
Joined: Nov 2009
Reputation:
707
Klojum
Lost connection
Posts: 14,213
The bigger challenge is that every TV manufacturer has its own ideas on how to implement their version of CEC. They each also have their own name for CEC, which should give you some idea. Things may have improved over time, but I'm not convinced yet.
Posts: 6,743
Joined: Oct 2008
Reputation:
317
noggin
Posting Freak
Posts: 6,743
2019-01-06, 11:07
(This post was last modified: 2019-01-06, 11:59 by noggin.)
Beware AMLogic devices and CEC though - almost all of them (apart from the ODroid C2 and Vero 4/4K possibly) - have a major issue with CEC that causes them to 'jam' CEC control for all other devices connected to a TV and/or AVR, which also stops ARC working (as it uses CEC to negotiate I believe)
Even when 'shutdown', but powered, they still stop other devices correctly using CEC, and thus stop them controlling volume, switching TVs over to 'their' HDMI input, and stop TVs sending ARC audio to AVRs. This is a very real problem in every day usage. The only solution is to physically remove the power connection or HDMI connection from the device.
The Minix U9H has this issue, as has every no-name AMLogic device I've used, and it's very annoying - particularly as the Minix U9H has well implemented remote control power on and off functionality (allowing you to power it up from 'shutdown' via the remote control). Even when 'off' the Minix U9H stops other devices properly using CEC.
In this case my Sky HD box, Apple TV 4K, nVidia Shield TV, and UHD Blu-ray player can no longer switch my TV over to their HDMI inputs, and my Sony TV won't send ARC audio from it's internal tuner, smart TV apps, or other directly connected HDMI sources (like the Sky box) to my AVR, with Minix U9H connected to a power supply/HDMI.
Apparently this is a well known AMLogic uBoot issue? ISTR that the C2 has a different uBoot which doesn't do it. I can't remember if the Vero 4K has the same issues. (I'll test and report back)
Raspberry Pis don't do it and Pulse8 USB-connected HDMI CEC inserters don't do it. Neither does any other CEC device I have (Apple TV 4K, nVidia Shield TV, Fire TV etc.)
Posts: 30
Joined: Jan 2019
Reputation:
2
Thanks for the answers. So if I understand it correctly, I'll be wanting the Vero 4K+. Unfortunately, it's currently out of stock on the official website. So I'll have to be patient.
Posts: 1,600
Joined: Dec 2009
Reputation:
124
If your sound system supports CEC, yes.