Setting Up Your Tv Remote with Localnode

Media

Beginner

5 min read

Published: May 7, 2026

If you connected your LocalNode directly to your TV via HDMI, you don't need a separate keyboard or mouse to navigate Jellyfin. You can use your existing TV remote thanks to a technology called HDMI-CEC.

Overview

HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a feature built into almost all modern televisions. It allows your TV to pass remote control commands (like Up, Down, Left, Right, OK, and Back) through the HDMI cable to the LocalNode.

Step 1: Check your HDMI connection

Ensure your LocalNode is powered on.
Ensure the HDMI cable is firmly seated in the back of the LocalNode and in your TV.
Note which HDMI port number you plugged it into on your TV (e.g., HDMI 2).
Switch your TV to that input so you can see the LocalNode screen.

Step 2: Enable HDMI-CEC on your TV

Most TV manufacturers disable HDMI-CEC by default, and unfortunately, they all use different marketing names for it. You will need to find this setting in your TV's main settings menu and turn it on.

Samsung: Anynet+
LG: SimpLink
Sony: BRAVIA Sync
Vizio: CEC
TCL / Roku TV: Control other devices (CEC)
Panasonic: Viera Link

Using your TV remote, open your TV's main Settings menu.
Navigate to the System, General, or External Device Manager settings.
Find the CEC option (using the brand name listed above).
Toggle the setting to On.
If there is a sub-setting called "Device Auto Power Off" or "Device Control", turn that on as well.

Illustration pending

LG webOS SimpLink / HDMI-CEC toggle used so TV remotes can control CEC-capable devices connected over HDMI.

LG labels and menus vary by model year—refer to your TV manual or LG's support site for SimpLink / HDMI-CEC wording.

💡 Tip: Sometimes TVs require you to run a "Device Search" inside the CEC menu to detect the LocalNode. If you see a scan button, press it.

Step 3: Test the remote

Point your TV remote at your TV (not the LocalNode).
Press the directional arrow keys. You should see the highlight cursor moving around the Jellyfin interface on the screen.
Press the OK or Select button to enter a menu.
Press the Back or Return button to go back.

⚠️ Warning: Not all HDMI cables support CEC. If you are using a very old or very cheap HDMI cable, it might lack the necessary pin connection. If the setting is on but the remote still does not work, try swapping the HDMI cable.

Next Steps

Need help? Email hello@localnode.tech or visit localnode.tech/contact.

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Step 2: Enable HDMI-CEC on your TV

Most TV manufacturers disable HDMI-CEC by default, and unfortunately, they all use different marketing names for it. You will need to find this setting in your TV's main settings menu and turn it on.

Samsung: Anynet+

LG: SimpLink

Sony: BRAVIA Sync

Vizio: CEC

TCL / Roku TV: Control other devices (CEC)

Panasonic: Viera Link

Using your TV remote, open your TV's main Settings menu.

Navigate to the System, General, or External Device Manager settings.

Find the CEC option (using the brand name listed above).

Toggle the setting to On.

If there is a sub-setting called "Device Auto Power Off" or "Device Control", turn that on as well.

Illustration pending

LG webOS SimpLink / HDMI-CEC toggle used so TV remotes can control CEC-capable devices connected over HDMI.

LG labels and menus vary by model year—refer to your TV manual or LG's support site for SimpLink / HDMI-CEC wording.

💡 Tip: Sometimes TVs require you to run a "Device Search" inside the CEC menu to detect the LocalNode. If you see a scan button, press it.

Step 3: Test the remote

Point your TV remote at your TV (not the LocalNode).

Press the directional arrow keys. You should see the highlight cursor moving around the Jellyfin interface on the screen.

Press the OK or Select button to enter a menu.

Press the Back or Return button to go back.

Setting Up Your Tv Remote with Localnode

Overview

Step 1: Check your HDMI connection

Step 2: Enable HDMI-CEC on your TV

Step 3: Test the remote

Next Steps

Was this helpful?

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Overview

Step 1: Check your HDMI connection

Step 2: Enable HDMI-CEC on your TV

Step 3: Test the remote

Next Steps