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Story: I decided to build myself powerful HTPC using top modern "bleeding-edge" hardware, I mean LGA1150 with Haswell (Desktop 4th Generation Intel Core Processor Family). And because an easy way of remote controlling is very important to me, I'm interested in HDMI CEC support and using just one remote for controlling the TV/projector and the HTPC.

Goal: The simplest theoretical way to do that is find LGA1150 motherboard with integrated HDMI CEC support, unlike some Intel LGA1155 (H61, H77) boards which requires additional header to be connected (Pulse-Eight headers).

Problem: Google does not help you much nowadays. So which board supports HDMI CEC? How to realize this? Keep reeding...

Note: since I'm not oriented to AMD, this is just research about Intel's CPU and desktop boards.

StBlade
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dmnc
  • 528

3 Answers3

3

Resolute finding:

Intel Haswell processors has no HDMI CEC support as you can find in this 4th gen. Core CPU datasheet.

So there are three ways out:

  1. Build the HTPC with older hardware (LGA1155) and use HTPC header.
  2. Use USB-CEC adapter (for example this one from Pulse-Eight).
  3. Forgot about just one remote (it's ok with projectors but not with TV) and use special case with remote or use CIR solution.

If someone is interested in the components:

Chosen hardware specification (it may vary depending on the availability on the market):

  • CPU: Core i5-4570T or Core i3-4330T (max. DTP 35W both)
  • MOBO with H87 chipset:
    • ASRock H87M PRO4
    • or Intel DH87RL (but it's a brother of DH87MC which I own and which is very bad board)
  • RAM: KHX16C9K2/16X (or another tested/compatibile with selected mobo and CPU)
  • CASE: SilverStone Lascala SST-LC16B-M with remote and iMon VFD (i choose option 3)
  • other stuff (Fortron Aurum Xilenser 400, Coolermaster GeminII M4, Enermax UCTB8P fans, Blue-Ray drive and some of my 3,5" HDDs)

Chosen software:

  • LibreELEC media center - it's XMBC appliance, which I'd like very much (instead of classic XMBC distributions)
dmnc
  • 528
1

The latest Intel NUC's have HDMI CEC support:

  1. Onboard support (for power on/off only)

        Intel NUC HDMI CEC BIOS configuration

  1. And a header in case you want to do more via Kodi, for example with an adapter:

        Intel NUC CEC header

You can also back-port HDMI CEC to any PC (not only NUC) using this adapter.

rustyx
  • 1,118
-2

Break free from hardware specific solution and get a Harmony Remote. This enables you to pick an IR receiver of your choice. If you only have only two components might be overkill.

I used a USB IR receiver from eBay and control Kodi, Media portal etc using Harmony Remote which also does my TV and amp.

Rationale If aim is to control both devices then you don't need to restrict yourself to CEC. You could use this alternate approach.

fswings
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