LG SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC), how it Works and how to Enable it

LG uses the brand name SIMPLINK for its implementation of HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) technology. It allows multiple devices connected to the TV via HDMI to be controlled using a single remote control. For example, with the LG TV remote, you can adjust the volume of a connected sound system, control playback on a Blu-ray player, and perform other basic operations.

SIMPLINK also enables automatic power management for compatible connected devices. When the TV is turned on, supported devices can automatically wake from standby, and when the TV is turned off, they can automatically switch to standby mode.

The technology is widely used for connecting TVs to soundbars, AV receivers, and Blu-ray players. SIMPLINK must also be enabled on the TV for the Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature to work. For HDMI-CEC to function correctly, the HDMI cable must support CEC. Control signals are transmitted through a dedicated conductor connected to pin 13 of the HDMI connector.

SIMPLINK and how It works

When HDMI was developed, it included support for the Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) protocol. However, the concept of CEC dates back to the era of analog television. It was originally designed for the SCART interface, a universal analog connector intended to combine multiple audio and video connections between devices such as TVs and VCRs into a single interface. Despite its potential, SCART-based CEC was not widely adopted, mainly because relatively few devices were connected to TVs at the time and many manufacturers were reluctant to implement the feature.

With the rise of digital TVs and the increasing number of devices connected via HDMI, CEC became much more useful. In 2006, LG trademarked the name SIMPLINK and introduced a dedicated logo for the technology. Rather than simply indicating that a TV supports HDMI-CEC, LG gave the feature its own recognizable brand name. As a result, SIMPLINK became closely associated with LG’s implementation of HDMI-CEC and began appearing on LG TVs and other compatible LG devices.

SIMPLINK allows the TV and connected devices to exchange control commands through the HDMI connection. Both the TV and compatible devices contain CEC transceivers that send and receive electrical signals through a dedicated conductor in the HDMI cable. These signals are interpreted by the device’s processor and converted into commands such as power control, volume adjustment, input switching, and playback control.

SIMPLINK may need to be enabled manually in the LG TV settings. First, make sure that all connected devices support HDMI-CEC. Then enable SIMPLINK on the TV and, if necessary, activate the corresponding HDMI-CEC function on the connected devices. To check that everything is working correctly, turn off the TV. Compatible devices connected through SIMPLINK should also switch to standby. When the TV is turned on again, supported devices may automatically wake up as well.

How to enable SIMPLINK on your LG TV

To enable SIMPLINK, first connect the external device, such as a soundbar or set-top box, to the TV using an HDMI cable. Then press the Settings button on the remote control and open System → External Devices → HDMI Settings. Select SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC) and set it to On.

After enabling SIMPLINK, turn on the connected device. The TV should automatically switch to the corresponding HDMI input. If the device is not detected automatically, you can select it manually using the remote control.

SIMPLINK works with compatible HDMI devices that support HDMI-CEC. LG also specifies that a High Speed HDMI cable with CEC support is required. The HDMI connector uses a 13-pin configuration, including the conductor used for CEC communication between devices.

If you want to use an external audio device through ARC/eARC, connect it to the TV’s HDMI (eARC/ARC) port. Then set the audio output to HDMI (ARC) and make sure SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC) is enabled. The exact menu names and remote-control buttons may vary depending on the TV model and region.

SIMPLINK can provide several functions, including automatic playback when a media device starts, control of connected devices using the TV remote, and automatic power synchronization. For example, turning off the TV can also turn off compatible devices connected through SIMPLINK, while turning on a SIMPLINK device can automatically wake the TV on supported models.