Fix Portal TV's HDMI-CEC so it doesn't block other devices
I have two devices whose HDMI-CEC abilities don't work while the Portal TV is plugged into the same TV. These problems occur whether or not HDMI-CEC is enabled in the Portal TV settings.
Normally when I cast a video to my Chromecast, the TV automatically turns on and switches to the correct input. But when the Portal TV is also plugged into my TV, the Chromecast fails to control the TV -- I have to manually turn it on and change inputs to get to the Chromecast. Unplugging the Portal TV restores the correct Chromecast behavior.
Similarly, when running the command "echo pow 0 | cec-client -s -d 1" on my Raspberry Pi, it normally returns "power status: on" or "standby" depending on whether the TV is on or off. This is useful for automating TV functions for my family. However, when the Portal TV is also connected to the TV, this command simply returns "power status: unknown" regardless of the actual TV power status. Again, unplugging the Portal TV lets the Raspberry Pi read the correct TV power status.
It looks like I am not the only person who has encountered these issues:
https://www.reddit.com/r/FacebookPortal/comments/jzf67n/portal_tv_cancel_others_hdmi_ports_on_tv/
While we enjoy video calling with the Portal TV, this problem makes it harder to use our TV while the Portal TV is plugged in, and we are seriously considering switching to an alternative method for video calls if this problem is not fixed.
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Nikhil Wagh commented
I have same issue. Support replace my device but after replacement noticed the same issue.
After factory reset works for few days and goes back to same issue.
ARC/CEC stop working. -
Matt Muir commented
I have to leave my portal tv hdmi lead unplugged unless I'm using it as almost every time I turn my Samsung tv on with portal tv connected it changes to the hdmi source that my Samsung soundbar is connected to. I have no such issues when the portal isn't plugged in.
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Adrian Arnese
commented
Same problem here. CEC is broken with Portal TV, it's as though FB wants the device to be the dominant device in your setup...
To get around it you need to disable one of the pins in the HDMI cable connected to the device:
https://www.reddit.com/r/FacebookPortal/comments/lqc78i/100_working_fix_for_echo_on_portal_tv/
https://i.imgur.com/gNCJ8vT.jpg -
Stephen Finlay commented
I have the same problem when the Portal TV is connected to my new Sony Bravia A80J TV. Seems to be intermittent problem, works for a while after reconnecting the Portal TV but very annoying. Have now removed the Portal TV and will just use FaceTime
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Ashwin
commented
I have the exact same problem. When I connect the Portal TV to my 2019 LG 86" TV, the HDMI-CEC and ARC to my AV receiver stops working. I hope we can see some kind of a fix soon.
Has anyone else had any luck with a solution for this?
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Kiom17
commented
Seems to solve the problem : https://www.reddit.com/r/FacebookPortal/comments/lqc78i/100_working_fix_for_echo_on_portal_tv/
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Woody
commented
This is what support said to me today
Just take out the other devices and it will work fine
NOT GOOD -
Woody
commented
Yes I had this problem I sent 4 back to amazon
Did you forget to text it out before you sold it
You have done fantastic work with the Oculus Quest -
Lee Baumgartel commented
This. I really want to use portal as a solution for my grandpa to talk to his kids in other countries, but it’s CEC just isn’t working. He has a FireTVCube which I think I’m going to have as the main device because Portal’s Alexa isn’t working, but if it’s interfering with the FireTVCube then… we’re back at square one. :/
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Mark Jones
commented
Same problem here - am assuming this is a hardware issue given no one from FB has bothered to respond (obviously customer service is very low on the Portal team's priority list).
Best workaround I've seen is to order an HDMI adapter that isolates the CEC pin between the Portal TV and the HDMI socket of the television.
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Ben Ritchie commented
**** yeah this is a pain **********
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Piyush Bajaj commented
Can the support team of Portal TV please respond to this issue?
