HDMI-CEC to USB and RS-232 bridge/converter

The "Consumer Electronics Control" (CEC)�is an evolving industry standard protocol whose purpose is to simplify the operation and control of home A/V products.� This microcontroller project allows one to monitor and send�CEC hex codes on the single wire bus using a USB tty (serial-port) or RS-232 serial port.� Compatible with Windows (validated on XP, Vista and Windows 7) and Linux (validated on Ubuntu distribution) without additional host drivers.� Please note that even though a custom driver is not needed for Windows, you will still need the device�s �.inf� file to match the product�s VID and PID to the Microsoft driver (see below).

The project is built using a Microchip PIC18F87J50 processor connected to an HDMI cable and a pull-up resistor. The CEC bus is sampled every .1ms.� When a start bit is detected and a complete frame read, the contents are converted to plain text hex digits and forwarded to the host through a USB connection.� As an alternative to USB, the device also provides a RS-232 protocol interface via a 3-pin Phoenix connector.

The USB device is detected by the host as a tty serial device or port.� Reading from this port allows a program to see everything that is passed on the bus.� Writing to the port allows a program to place complete frames onto the bus.

The detailed specification of the HDMI-CEC protocol and bus can be found here.

The �.inf� file that matches the product�s VID & PID to a Microsoft driver is here.

A white paper on what this device does and how to use it can be downloaded here (pdf document).

ValkyrieTech:� To understand the HTPC Windows 7 software and features made available by ValkyrieTech, check out this feature list here (pdf document), or visit ValkyrieTech�s website for more information and support.

RC Aware:� To understand the EventGhost plugin approach available from RC Aware, visit www.rcaware.com.� Please be aware that the RCAware �HA� version is NOT compatible with ValkyrieTech, and the bridge sold on this website is NOT compatible with RCAware (conversion available from RCAware). The package available from RCAware bundles an EventGhost plugin with a custom HDMI-CEC bridge ( �HA� version), providing fully customizable HDMI-CEC control via macro editing of just about any CEC capable equipment and HTPC program including Media Center, MediaPortal, XBMC, SageTV, iTunes, DVBViwer, DVB Dream, and Cyberlink PowerDVD just to name a few.� This can even make things like control from your Android phone or tablet, iPhone or iPad possible. Also leverages a custom driver to fully support �wake from sleep functionality�, something that is not supported with the PC�s default USB-to-serial port .

This device has been demonstrated to work with TVs from Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, LG, Panasonic, and Mitsubishi.� TV CEC capabilities vary widely.� Many recent models can be powered on, off, and have the external HDMI input source chosen via CEC.

If you additional questions, please see the contact page and write us an e-mail.� If you would like to purchase and evaluate a device, please see below.

Purchase Information:

If you would like to purchase and evaluate an assembled device as pictured the cost is $67 plus $8 flat rate shipping to anywhere in the US.�� Payment accepted via PayPal ([email protected]) or via Google Checkout.� Lead time is less than a week for individual units; typically 1-2 days.� Volume orders require 8-13 weeks to fulfill.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING � These devices can be shipped international USPS for $16.� Unfortunately, that price does not include a tracking number and delivery is typically 2 weeks and as long as 6 weeks.� For $35, USPS will provide a tracking number and deliver to most places in about 5-7 days, and for $55, will send it� �Global Express� in 2-3 days.� UPS and FedEx will deliver for approximately $90 in 2-3 days.

HDMI-CEC to USB and RS-232 Bridge

Both receive and send hex-codes on the single wire CEC bus present in HDMI cables.� The USB tty (serial-port) and RS-232 serial device is compatible with both Windows and Linux without custom device drivers.� Though not officially supported, it has been demonstrated to work with OS-X.

NOTE:� To use this device as a bridge to RS-232 (9600 baud on 3-pin Phoenix connector), it must be powered via the USB port using either a connection to a PC or a USB mobile phone wall charger.

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