Can I connect two devices by different manufacturers via HDMI and control them with one remote control?

Question

I am looking at purchasing a new Toshiba XF 46 TV and I also want a decent sound system to go with it. Toshiba don't seem to build sound systems so I am looking at other manufacturers.

Is it possible to control the Toshiba TV/ Other Sound System using the HDMI in the same way that Panasonic Viera or Sony Bravia links work?

Answer 1

The HDMI doesn't even come into the equation here.

Its all about the remote.

I've seen a few reciever remotes that come with some Universal control capabilities right out of the box ( TV/cablebox on-off, channel up-down, etc.) but not many.

You might want to look into buying a true universal remote.

Logi-tech / Harmony remotes are pretty sweet.

I've got one that I've had for about 5 years now, and it still works well.  It fully programable and you can even program Macro functions into it.  In other words you press the "movie" button and the TV turns on switches to the correct input, turns on the DVD player, turns on the A/V receiver and sets the correct input.  All in one swoop.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Not really. There is no technological reason why it couldn't be done, but manufacturers don't really like to play nice. Simplink, HDAVI, Viera Link, Bravia Sync, etc and not interoperable.

As previously mentioned, many universal remotes will operate both devices, but don't expect the two to communicate with each other via the HDMI.