SMLIGHT HDMI-CEC Controller

SMLIGHT SLWF-08: HDMI-CEC Smart Controller

The SMLIGHT SLWF-08 is a compact hardware controller that enables communication with any HDMI-CEC compatible device. It allows you to both send commands and monitor device states through platforms like Home Assistant using ESPHome firmware.

Check Compatibility First

Before setup, ensure your media device supports HDMI-CEC. Most modern devices (from the last 5–10 years) do, but it’s always best to confirm with your model’s documentation.

What the SLWF-08 Can Do (with ESPHome)

• Send HDMI-CEC commands (e.g., power on/off, volume control, mute, input selection, etc.)

• Receive HDMI-CEC info from your devices

• Perform a variety of other CEC commands

Basic Configuration

• For detailed information on ESPHome HDMI-CEC integration: https://github.com/Palakis/esphome-native-hdmi-cec
• ESPHome HDMI-CEC Component Settings:
  • CEC pin: GPIO14
  • By default, firmware with basic settings is flashed based on this YAML: https://github.com/smlight-tech/slwf-08

To utilize most control commands, we recommend customizing the ESPHome YAML and rebuilding the firmware to fit your specific device needs.

Updating the Device:

1. OTA (Over-the-Air):

• Please use the standard ESPHome functionality.

2. Flashing over USB:

a. Press the FLH button to enter boot mode.

b. Connect a USB-C cable between the SLWF-08 and your PC.

c. Flash using a tool like the ESPHome Web Flasher.

d. Make sure you’ve installed the necessary CH9102 USB/UART drivers: Driver Installation Guide

Bonus Feature: WS2812B Control in ESPHome

In addition to the CEC pin, the device provides a level shifter and control pin for addressable LED strips (e.g., WS2812B). You can connect an LED strip to this pin and use it as ambient backlighting behind your screen/TV. To integrate WS2812B LED control, please use this component: https://esphome.io/components/light/neopixelbus

ESPHome Example Configuration:

light:
  - platform: neopixelbus
    type: GRB
    variant: WS2812X
    pin: GPIO12
    num_leds: 60
    name: "TV backlight"

Tasmota HDMI-CEC Settings:

• GPIO14: HDMI CEC
• You do not need I2C SDA and SCL settings since those are used when connecting the controller between two devices (e.g., TV and media player). I2C facilitates communication in this scenario. When connected directly to HDMI, I2C is not used.

WS2812B Control in Tasmota

Use GPIO12 for WS2812B control. The level shifter makes it easy to use LED strips in your Tasmota setup. Tasmota WS2812B Integration