Why does my TV switch to a different device when trying to use my Roku® streaming player?
When your Roku streaming player along with other devices like a cable box or Blu-ray™ player are connected via HDMI® with CEC enabled, it is possible that communication between the devices becomes unstable. Should this happen, your TV may get confused and switch to a different device when you try and control your Roku streaming player with your Roku remote.
What is HDMI?
| HDMI, or High-Definition Multimedia Interface®, is the standard for connecting video and audio equipment. In addition to delivering both the audio and video signals, a single HDMI cable also allows devices to communicate via CEC. |
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What is CEC?
CEC, or Consumer Electronics Control, is a feature of the HDMI standard that allows your HDMI-connected devices to work better together. By exchanging information such as the current volume, which device is providing audio and video, and which remote-control buttons are pressed, devices can often be controlled over HDMI with a single remote control.
CEC is known by several manufacturer-specific trade names; for example, Sony Bravia Sync, LG SimpLink, and Samsung Anynet+. Other manufacturers like Hitachi and Vizio use the standard term HDMI-CEC or CEC.
Some Roku players support a CEC feature called 1-touch play that tells your TV to automatically switch its active source/input to your Roku player when any button on your Roku remote is pressed.
- Note: If your Roku remote has volume up and volume down buttons, pressing either button will not trigger 1-touch play.
What to do if your TV is switching to a different source
If your TV is switching its active source/input to another device when you attempt to control your Roku player, try one or more of the following suggestions until a resolution is found.
- Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable. Unplug both ends of the HDMI cable that connects your Roku player and your TV. Wait several seconds and then firmly reattach both ends of the HDMI cable, making sure to use the same HDMI port on your TV.
If the behavior continues, move to the next suggestion.
- Try another HDMI input on your TV. Disconnect the HDMI cable from your TV and firmly connect it to another HDMI input and test. It is possible that the behavior is not present on all HDMI inputs.
If you continue to see another device when controlling your Roku player, move to the next suggestion.
- Power cycle your Roku player and your TV. Unplug the power cord from both your Roku player and your TV. After several moments, plug the cords back in and power on both devices. Test again.
If you continue to see the behavior, move to the next suggestion.
- Connect your Roku player directly to your TV if you are using an AVR. If your Roku player is connected to your TV through an HDMI input on your audio/video receiver (AVR), try removing your Roku player from the AVR and connect it directly to an available HDMI input on your TV.
If you continue to see the behavior, move to the next suggestion.
- Update the TV firmware. Make sure your TV is connected to the internet and update the firmware. If you need help, contact the manufacturer of your TV.
Finally, if the behavior is still happening, try the last suggestion.
- Disable 1-touch play. On your Roku player, open the settings and disable 1-touch play using the steps below.
- Select Home
on your Roku remote - Scroll and select Settings
- Select System
- Select Control other devices
- Uncheck 1-touch play if the box is checked
- Note: If 1-touch play is not enabled, disable CEC on your TV instead. Contact the manufacturer if you are unable to locate the CEC settings on your TV.
- Power cycle your Roku player
- Select Home