User profile for user: LMDevlin
LMDevlin Author
User level: Level 1
1 points

Apple TV 4K 2022 and Xbox Series X interfering with each other (HDMI-CEC)

I've had an Apple TV 4K (2022 Ethernet model) for around six months. Out of the box it has been running so that it turns on my TV when I push the power button on the Siri Remote, and likewise when I hold down the power button, it turns off both the Apple TV and the TV.


A couple of days ago I got an Xbox Series X, and connected it to the same TV. Out of the box the Xbox does not have HDMI-CEC enabled, so I enabled it so I could have my TV turn on when the Xbox turns on.


Since enabling this, I have noticed while using the Xbox that the input source will sometimes change to the Apple TV without being prompted and, when I try and change the source back to the Xbox using the TV remote, it will just switch back.


If I disable HDMI-CEC on the Xbox, or disable it on the Apple TV, the issue is resolved - but that means that I can only use HDMI-CEC to power the TV up or down on one of these devices at a time.


I have seen mention a couple of times on Reddit of perhaps the Xbox and the Apple TV sharing the same HDMI-CEC address, but this seems unsubstantiated, and with no real resolution.


I have a Philips 65OLED706/12 TV running Google TV.


Can anyone on here suggest a potential solution that means I can keep HDMI-CEC enabled on both without this random switching of inputs happening?

Apple TV 4K

Posted on Aug 7, 2023 09:17 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Urquhart1244
Urquhart1244
User level: Level 10
145,698 points

Posted on Aug 8, 2023 01:37 AM

This is a limitation of CEC. Unfortunately, it isn’t more sophisticated than this.


  1. Devices often have an on|off setting for CEC, but there is no further configuration on how to react under certain circumstances. This may have results that differ from what the user intended.
  2. If CEC gives you frustrating behavior, then the only alternative is to turn it off on some or all devices.
  3. CEC is not the same for each brand or device or model. Manufacturers can make different decisions on how to implement it, or any conceivable subset of the available standardized CEC functions (nothing is mandatory). Check for the latest TV firmware to get any fixes that may have been done after initial release.
  4. Devices (e.g. TVs) may decide how to handle similar CEC signals from two devices, e.g. when both connected devices want to be the new selected input source. It might be about timing (first device or last device to bring this signal). It might be about the HDMI port number in use - that could be a function of the hub device (TV); not something in the CEC signal itself. Also refer back to (3). It varies, unfortunately.
View in context

Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Urquhart1244
Urquhart1244
User level: Level 10
145,698 points

Aug 8, 2023 01:37 AM in response to LMDevlin

This is a limitation of CEC. Unfortunately, it isn’t more sophisticated than this.


  1. Devices often have an on|off setting for CEC, but there is no further configuration on how to react under certain circumstances. This may have results that differ from what the user intended.
  2. If CEC gives you frustrating behavior, then the only alternative is to turn it off on some or all devices.
  3. CEC is not the same for each brand or device or model. Manufacturers can make different decisions on how to implement it, or any conceivable subset of the available standardized CEC functions (nothing is mandatory). Check for the latest TV firmware to get any fixes that may have been done after initial release.
  4. Devices (e.g. TVs) may decide how to handle similar CEC signals from two devices, e.g. when both connected devices want to be the new selected input source. It might be about timing (first device or last device to bring this signal). It might be about the HDMI port number in use - that could be a function of the hub device (TV); not something in the CEC signal itself. Also refer back to (3). It varies, unfortunately.
Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Apple TV 4K 2022 and Xbox Series X interfering with each other (HDMI-CEC)

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up