Eli5: I have a Google home, and a Chromecast plugged into a 2014 Samsung TV. How is the Google home able to shut off my TV on command?

Question

I couldn’t find my remote going to bed. So I asked Google to shut off the TV and it did. WTF? The Chromecast is just plugged into the HDMI and the TV is 5 years old. No way that functionality should link up.

In: Technology

Answer 1

The HDMI standard allows for multiple data streams. In addition to the video and audio, it can also send/receive control signals. In addition to powering the TV on and off, you can probably do other things, such as control the volume, change channels, etc. Try it!