HDMI CEC to turn TV on with system boot

[Zurginator]

So I recently bought one of these, in order to get my TV to turn on with my PC. The problem is since it uses a Windows app it won't kick the TV on until about 30 seconds after I log-in, and since the TV is my primary monitor that means I have to log-in blind.

Is there an option I can use to move the CEC signal further up the chain so I can see my log-on screen?


TV is a Sony x800d in case there are any special things it can do in that regard.

 

[criccio]

I can't really help you with your question but is there a reason why you don't just keep the remote on your desk and use that?

 

[Zurginator]

That's what I did prior to the adapter, but I would prefer to automate that process. I hate having extra 'stuff' on my desk, and due to the layout of things I have to aim the remote in a fairly specific way to get the TV to pick up the signal.

 

[NoxTek]

Workaround options:

1. Have your PC auto-login upon bootup. To do this, hit windows key + R to bring up the run dialogue, and enter 'control userpasswords2' in the blank. Click 'OK' to run the command and bring up the old legacy login options dialogue box.
Untick the box for 'Users must enter a username and password to use this computer' and click Apply. On the next screen you'll be prompted to enter the Windows account username and password for the account you want to auto-login as.

Now whenever you power on your PC it will automatically log you in and boot right to the desktop and consequentially your HDMI-CEC adapter will load it's drivers and turn on the TV.

2. If you don't like the idwa of having your PC boot without asking for a login and password, you could do step 1. above and then setup a shortcut in the startup options to lock the PC using the command 'rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation'. This would basically boot into windows and your account long enough for the HDMI-CEC USB adapter to run it's software/drivers and do it's thing, and then go back to a secured login prompt.

Dodgy, but I'd think it should work.

The only other option I could think of would be to drop the idea of CEC altogether and wire up some crazy IR blaster device to send a power on signal to the TV whenever you press the power button on the PC.

It really is stupid that GPU manufacturers haven't built in support for HDMI CEC in their cards to date.

 

[Zurginator]

I didn't know that option for locking the computer, so thanks for the info as I'll probably try it. I had briefly considered just going password free, but I'd much rather keep things locked. My other idea was picking up a Windows Hello camera so that logging in blind wouldn't be as big of an issue.

 

[Pabaisa]

Just buy master/slave power strip. That is it. My samsung 4k TV (as well as G19 keyboard and bunch of external devices) turns on/off automatically that way together with pc (it turns off when pc hits sleep mode too). Pretty much never use actual remote. It saves electricity too (g19 for example uses 5W on stanby, external hard drive enclose uses even more. Subwoofer... 30W >.<).

 

[Nenu]

Set up a scheduled task to run the app when the PC boots.
http://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-create-task-basic-task-wizard

 

[Zurginator]

Scheduled task works wonderfully!

Thanks to everyone for helping me set things up (and once again proving that I know nothing).

 

[Mr_Armageddon]

Thanks for the idea about using a Master Controlled power strip.

I am using a 40in 4K Samsung TV above my 38in Dell Ultrawide. If I forgot to turn it on via the remote when powering on the PC, all of my windows and browsers would get shifted around.

Now it powers on automatically right after the PC wakes up, works perfectly, and no applications to configure.

 

[GnatGoSplat]

Master/Slave power strip is a great idea! Samsung 43" working great with that method. Already had a master/slave power strip for my speakers and USB hubs, but never tried plugging my TV into it assuming the TV would default to powered off state when power is removed and reapplied. Apparently it remembers last state, I had no idea!

No luck on my Sharp/Hisense 43" though. It does default to powered off state if it loses power while powered on.