Technological advancements mean that we can now connect our devices with each other and access them from a single point. Take your smart TV, for example. Most smart TVs allow you to connect a soundbar, game console, and just about anything using an HDMI connection to the device.
But thanks to this easy connectivity, it's not uncommon to have multiple remotes on your TV stand. But which controls which device? And then there is the high probability that you will lose one or more.
But with Samsung's Anynet+, such worries could become a thing of the past. This article explains exactly what Anynet+ is, how to use it, and the prerequisites for using it.
What is Anynet+ for?
Imagine being able to control all your home entertainment devices from a single point? Well, you're in luck because Samsung's Anynet+ is designed to do just that. It allows you to use your TV remote to control certain features of HDMI devices connected to your TV.
What is Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)
The Anynet+ function allows you to control devices connected to the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), via a "Consumer Electronics Control" (CEC) device.
In other words, the connection standard of simultaneously transmitting video and audio from your streaming device – connected and displayed on your TV (e.g. HDMI devices) – is controlled from with a single remote control (CEC).
What is Anynet+ on a Samsung TV
The Anynet+ function controls HDMI devices connected to your Samsung TV. It can only be used with Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) compatible Samsung devices. Look for the Anynet+ logo on your Samsung device to be sure.
To control your devices from your remote, the device's active source must be set to "TV".
How to Disable Anynet+ on a Samsung TV
Since the feature is built-in, it cannot be removed. However, you can disable Anynet+ by doing the following:
- On your remote, long press the “Right” button.
- Continue to hold until “OFF – ANYNET+” appears on your screen.
Additional FAQs
How do I enable HDMI on my Samsung TV?
Before you begin, take a look at Samsung's Anynet+ activation prerequisites for a successful setup:
• Make sure the devices you want to connect and control support HDMI-CEC. The Anynet+ logo will be displayed somewhere on the device.
• Your devices must be connected to your TV using an HDMI cable that supports Anynet+. Not all HDMI cables support HDMI-CEC, so be sure to check.
• If your remote does not work at first, try setting the device as an Anynet+ compatible device again.
• The Anynet+ function can control up to 12 compatible external devices and up to three of the same type.
• Anynet+ can only control one home theater system.
• To access 5.1 channel audio from a device, connect it to your TV using an HDMI cable, then connect a 5.1 home theater directly to the digital audio output connector on the device.
• If any of your external devices are enabled for both Universal Remote and Anynet+, they can only be controlled with Universal Remote.
To enable Anynet+ on your Samsung TV:
1. Using your Samsung TV remote, press the 'Home' button to access the 'Eden Menu' at the bottom of your screen.
2. Select “Settings” then “General”.
3. From the middle menu list, choose the “External Device Manager” option.
4. Highlight the 'Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)' option, then press Enter on your remote to toggle the feature on/off.
5. Connect one of your HDMI-CEC compatible devices using an HDMI cable that supports HDMI-CEC, then turn on the device.
The device will automatically connect to your TV. After a successful connection, you will be able to access the menu of the device and control it using your TV remote.
How to erase the settings of a universal remote?
If your devices are controlled with a universal remote, they will still be controlled that way even after being enabled for Anynet+. To terminate this connection, via the remote control, erase the codes used to identify your device. Here's how:
1. Remove the batteries from the remote control.
2. Leave the battery compartment empty for at least two minutes. This will drain the energy stored in the capacitor which keeps the memory intact.
3. For four seconds, long press the power button to help drain all stored energy.
4. Press the power button again to verify that the LED does not turn on.
All codes saved to operate the device will now be erased.
Take control of your remotes
Remotes kind of tend to end up in places we don't remember putting them. In an attempt to keep them handy, we can try putting them back in one place, or even sticking them to the sofa with velcro attached to the back.
Fortunately, Samsung's Anynet+ feature is designed to put an end to that inconvenience. The Anynet+ feature means you can connect all your HDMI-CEC compatible devices to your Samsung TV and control them using your TV's remote control. Now you only have to worry about losing a remote.
What strange places have your remotes ended up in? Let us know in the comments section below.