Getting Started with the Pulse-Eight USB-CEC Adapter

Modified on Mon, 27 Apr at 8:56 PM

This guide will help you understand what the USB-CEC Adapter does, get it set up, and choose the right configuration for your needs.

What Does the USB-CEC Adapter Do?

The USB-CEC Adapter connects your PC to your TV via HDMI and allows them to control each other using the HDMI-CEC standard. Once set up, you can:

Automatically turn your TV on when your PC starts or wakes
Automatically turn your TV off when your PC shuts down or sleeps
Use your TV remote to control media software on your PC (Kodi, Plex, etc.)
Send custom commands to your TV from scripts or automation software

For a full explanation of HDMI-CEC and what the adapter does, see: What is the Pulse-Eight CEC Adapter and libcec?

Step 1 — Connect the Hardware

Plug the USB-CEC Adapter into a USB port on your PC.

Connect an HDMI cable from your PC's HDMI output to the adapter's HDMI input.

Connect a second HDMI cable from the adapter's HDMI output to your TV's HDMI input.

Power on your TV and ensure CEC is enabled. The setting may be called Anynet+ (Samsung), SimpLink (LG), Bravia Sync (Sony), or VIERA Link (Panasonic) depending on your TV brand.

Using 4K? The adapter supports 4K@60Hz 4:2:0 in-line. If you experience signal issues at higher resolutions, a two-cable setup keeps the adapter out of the signal path while retaining full CEC control. See: USB-CEC Adapter — 4K Resolution

Step 2 — Install libcec

libcec is the software that enables the adapter to communicate with your TV. Install it for your operating system:

Windows

How to install libcec (Windows) — download and run the installer, make sure all components are ticked during installation.

Raspberry Pi

CEC Adapter — Using libcec with a Raspberry Pi — no adapter needed, libcec uses the Pi's built-in HDMI CEC hardware.

macOS

CEC Adapter — Setting Up libcec on macOS — install via MacPorts or build from source.

Linux

CEC Adapter — Setting Up libcec on Linux — build from source on Debian/Ubuntu.

Step 3 — Test the Connection

Before setting up any automation, confirm the adapter is working correctly by running tv_on.cmd (Windows) or echo "on 0" | cec-client -s -d 1 (Linux/macOS) manually. If your TV turns on, everything is working correctly. If not, see: CEC Adapter — Not Being Detected

Step 4 — Choose Your Setup Method

There are several ways to use the adapter depending on what you want to achieve. See the comparison guide to choose the right one for your needs:

Which TV power control method should I use?

Compares CEC-Tray, Standby Monitor, Windows Commands, and Task Scheduler — explains the differences and helps you pick the right approach.

Need help?
Email: cs@pulse-eight.com | Submit a support ticket