I have a unique situation where there are two TV's in one area that need to always turn on together and display the same source. The source will be an AppleTV and would really like to just use the AppleTV remote. Has anyone ever tried this with one AppleTV hooked to two TV's and will CEC turn both TV's on/off? Any thoughts on another way to do this. Will be a new AppleTV and new TV's, brand not yet selected. Trying to avoid going to a control system if possible.

Can't imagine it might work, no reason to believe it could be reliable.

Kramer and Key Digital specifically say CEC only works on output one of their 1 in, 2 out hdmi distribution amplifiers.

I would check with HDFury. They might have something that can work with CEC that way.

Are these TVs going to be close to each other to where they'll use the same outlet? If so and if the CEC doesn't work, then choosing a TV that will turn back ON when the power comes back. Some TVs still require a power button press when power at the outlet is restored. For those that turn back on on their own, you can use a switched outlet, surge protector or smart plug. And just leave the TV's inputs on the same input.

If they are not going to be close. Then I suppose two smart plugs that are controlled by the same remote.

KOT

Use a HDMI TV Controller for signal sensing of the ATV, but utilize either IR or RS232 for the control.

[Link: extron.com]

Atlona makes one as well.

This will probably fall under "I beat my head against the wall because it feels so good when I stop".

If you can find a HDMI splitter that will pass CEC (through both ports) then yes, it will work. We have a sports bar set up this way now with TV's that are back to back. CEC commands come from the control system to a 1x2 HDMI splitter. Both TVs turn off and on as desired.

This system has been in place for 9ish years now and back then a lot of the HDMI splitters passed CEC commands. For some reason manufacturers now block CEC commands in hdmi splitters.

We have had a couple go bad over the years and had to implement IR control of the displays where we have had to replace a couple of the HDMI splitters over the years.

If you do find some that work, I would love to know about it so I could stock up on a few for maintaing the sports bar.

I believe CEC is latin for "unreliable".

IIRC, it means 'Caca Et Caca'.

To enable the CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) feature on Apple TV, you need to connect both TVs to the Apple TV via HDMI and ensure that the CEC feature is enabled on both TVs. When you use the Apple TV remote to control, CEC can help you turn on/off both TVs at the same time. However, this may depend on the compatibility of the TV and the specific Apple TV you choose. If unsuccessful, it may be necessary to consider other solutions such as using a different control system.