What Is Toshiba HDMI Control?
By David Lipscomb
An important element of the High Definition Multimedia Interface, or HDMI protocol is CEC. The Consumer Electronics Control system enables multiple HDMI-equipped devices to interact, sharing features, resolution, and control data along the cables. Like most companies, Toshiba offers its own HDMI control system using CEC, called REGZA-Link. Toshiba's REGZA-Link extends to the brand's laptops, Blu-ray players, and televisions, in addition to competitor's equipment.
CEC Overview
CEC is the HDMI standard that allows multiple HDMI components to automatically set themselves up, after each device in the chain recognizes the others' capabilities. Examples include screen resolution, network settings, and surround sound capabilities. CEC also offers control of all these devices from one of the components' remote controls, reducing the need to invest in a separate universal remote.
Interoperability
Unlike many proprietary CEC systems, REGZA-Link works with other CEC-enabled devices. All that is necessary is to verify on the hardware's packaging or spec sheet that the model you are looking at is CEC controller-ready. This is important, allowing the selection of gear that best suits your needs without being tethered to a specific brand for a single feature.
Setup
REGZA-Link is dependent on having a compatible Toshiba television serving as the controller. In addition to the television serving as the controlling hub of the system, you can also use the TV's remote to control compatible equipment. Transport functions such as play, pause and record, power on/off, and other discovery and control functions. Each component is connected to the hub directly, through an A/V receiver, or an HDMI switch. As long as the compatible device ends up at the display, REGZA-Link is active.
Replacing Universal Remotes
REGZA-Link offers a certain degree of automation, in addition to simple control. Turning on your DVD recorder, for example, switches the receiver and television to the correct inputs automatically. Selecting Blu-ray playback switches inputs while opening the tray on your player. If you don't want to listen to your home theater, turning the receiver off reverts audio to the television's speakers. These conveniences may eliminate the need for a new universal remote control in your home theater environment.
Writer Bio
David Lipscomb is a professional writer and public relations practitioner. Lipscomb brings more than a decade of experience in the consumer electronics and advertising industries. Lipscomb holds a degree in public relations from Webster University.