Feature request for HDMI-CEC support on future Framework Desktop models?

Framework Desktop
1

I would like request a feature to be added to Framework Desktop and other upcoming mini-PCs with a HDMI output port and that is for you do att HDMI-CEC support to all future models.

HDMI-CEC is a serial-protocol that can be users over onve of the HDMI port pins to control Televisions, audio-recievers, and HDMI-switches.

This is normally available as a feature on Linux-based HTPC (Home Theater PC) computers as well as the upcoming new “Steam Machine” computer with SteamOS from Valve (as Linux OS has built in CEC support).

This feature is therefor epecially wanted on any mini-PCs that can be used as game-consoles with SteamOS or as a HTPC (Home Theater PC) with example Kodi media center.

To technically achieve this you really need a MCU (microcontroller unit) like an ESP32 or Atmel that has a GPIO pins connected to the HDMI-CEC pins (for CEC out and CEC in ports).

Note that on a modern computer you probably want to use an ESP32 MCU instead of an older Atmel because it will encurange easier development from the end-user community.

Then on that microcontroller you use some kind of Arduino library hich implements the HDMI CEC wire protocol which allows communication with HDMI CEC capable devices

See examples these open-source projects on GitHub with libraries that could be used to implement a CEC firmeware for an MCU.

2 Likes
2

That seems like a waste if you have a perfectly good embedded controller on the board that could do that

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3

I agree this should be part of the EC.

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4

Then again seeing how slowly issues with the ec get fixed having a separate user programmable mcu handling that may have some value. A full blown esp32 is massive overkill though.

5

I suggest you file a feature request here so that the engineers on that tracker can comment on the request: GitHub - FrameworkComputer/SoftwareFirmwareIssueTracker: Public Issue Tracker for Firmware Issues related to Framework Products

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6

Two more threads; maybe the mods want to merge them to better gauge interest.

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7

AFAIK Framework Desktop supports CEC on motherboard’s HDMI 2.1 port on hardware level (the only PC I know to do this, besides Steam Machine). It is not enabled in firmware though. The main reason (again, AFAIK) is that the Framework team does not see this as a high-priority task.
The availability of the feature on the hardware level was discussed in other forum posts (see comment above). Even Framework team member joined the discussion at some point.

P.S. I agree with everything you say, except I believe that HDMI CEC feature should be controlled through EC interface.

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8

What chip are the CEC pins on the hdmi connected to?