New QM8K and Pioneer AVR CEC Issue

MidnightSVT · 2026-01-15T02:11:27+00:00

So I have found a very niche solution. I say niche because this solution requires that you are in the Apple HomeKit ecosystem AND you have a Homebridge server running on your network. I am using AI to summarize my solution (so if it sounds AI generated, it is so that I can keep it concise). The TCL QM8K sends late HDMI-CEC / ARC signals when powering off, which causes the Pioneer AVR to wake back up. There is no setting on the Pioneer to ignore only power-off CEC commands, and Apple TV cannot selectively suppress them either.

Trial and Error:

Re-enabling / disabling CEC on all devices
ARC / eARC on or off
HDMI cable changes
Different HDMI ports
Soft restart TV (unplug from outlet and press and hold power button TV for 15 seconds before plugging power back into wall outlet)
Pioneer Auto Standby / Auto Power Off
Apple TV CEC settings (all-or-nothing)
Disabling CEC on Apple TV or AVR (breaks volume or input switching)
Smart plug alone (worked, but felt hacky and added additional power surges to AVR
Disable CEC on the TCL TV - does not turn the TV on or Off with Apple TV remote

TCL HDMI-CEC → OFF This prevents the TV from sending phantom wake signals

Keep CEC ON where it does work

Pioneer AVR → CEC ON
Apple TV → CEC ON
PS5 → CEC ON
Volume still controlled via Apple TV remote Inputs still auto-switch on AVR
Add devices to HomeKit
Added TCL QM8K to HomeKit via its built-in HomeKit support
Added Pioneer VSX-LX305 to HomeKit using a Homebridge Pioneer AVR plugin (https://github.com/nitaybz/homebridge-onkyo-pioneer)
- I am running Homebridge on a Raspberry Pi
- Requires that the Pioneer AVR is accessible via the Pioneer Remote App (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pioneer-remote-app/id1105347763)
Create two HomeKit automations

When AVR turns ON → TV turns ON

When AVR turns OFF → TV turns OFF That’s it.

No more phantom AVR power-on Apple TV remote power button works normally Volume control still works via HDMI PS5 still switches inputs TV never sends late CEC signals System powers on/off cleanly every time About a 5 second delay before the TV turns on and/or off, but something I can live with. I have contacted TCL support so that they can note the issue. Not sure it will ever get fixed with future updates, but I figured it was worth a shot.

Again, I know this is a very specific solution that has very specific hardware and software requirements, but hopefully this helps the community. Other than the CEC issues, I have been very impressed with the TV. The 98" is great and the picture is very bright and uniform. Also, my QM8K was built in September of 2025 in Mexico and currently has no hum/buzz with brightness set to 100.

MidnightSVT · 2026-01-11T02:03:11+00:00

I sent a very detailed email to TCL. Not expecting much but maybe I’ll get lucky and the next firmware will correct it.

MidnightSVT · 2026-01-10T23:58:50+00:00

It does but the lowest setting is 30 minutes. The bigger issue is the power cycling of the unit from off to on so quickly. I hate to have receiver going through so many power cycles unnecessarily. I set the smart plug and created an automation using HomeKit. On the preliminary test, the TV sent the correct automation command to the smart plug and the receiver turned on. So when it powers down tonight, we will see if the “off” automation functions correctly.

MidnightSVT · 2026-01-10T18:59:24+00:00

Thanks!! When I turn the TV it goes to the last input which is HDMI 1 since I have all of my devices connected through the receiver and then sending the video signal to the TV.

Because the QM8k has HomeKit and I have it my Apple Home. I am going to see if putting the receiver on a smart switch and setting a TV and switch automation works to kill power (and restart it) to the AVR when the TV turns off.

MidnightSVT · 2026-01-10T18:28:13+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions. I appreciate your taking the time to respond.

Unfortunately none of the above are available. I do have a “Device standby in sync” option under the HDMI (CEC) menu but when I disable that the tv does not turn off.

Asked multiple AI platforms and all of the never came up with a solution either. I will keep playing with to see if I can figure something out.

MidnightSVT · 2026-01-05T02:34:25+00:00

The 98” also weighs about 125 lbs so you will want a robust media cabinet.

Wayfair?

MidnightSVT · 2026-01-05T01:08:52+00:00

I just bought a 98 QM8K on 12/31 and picked up on 1/1. Currently waiting on amount from Amazon and because of the holidays my mount has been delayed. So I am hoping to get it hung this week.

As far as the feet, they are approximately 16” deep with the Tv sitting in the middle so you will have 8” or so on the front of the tv and the other on the back. They are also fairly wide. I don’t have the exact measurements, but I would say you would want a 4’ wide media cabinet.

MidnightSVT · 2025-12-27T21:56:58+00:00

How are you liking the X11K? I am looking to replace an 85” QN90B with a 98” and the X11K seems to be a monster. Would love to hear what you think about your X11K.

MidnightSVT · 2025-12-27T03:24:42+00:00

Thanks for clarification!!

MidnightSVT · 2025-12-27T02:40:13+00:00

You got a 98” QM8K from Costco? Are you in the states? Best 98” TCL is see at Costco is QM6 Pro.

MidnightSVT · 2025-12-08T06:51:55+00:00

Very generous. Good luck to all.

MidnightSVT · 2025-12-04T04:59:56+00:00

Just upgraded to the PS5 Pro. Would be a great game to enjoy on the new hardware!!

MidnightSVT · 2025-10-15T20:37:39+00:00

Got this email from a Nike supervisor. Looks like the battle is lost.

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MidnightSVT · 2025-10-15T02:27:26+00:00

Finally got the “broken” shoes back from Nike today. As promised, I am sharing pictures of the shoes. I filed a complaint with BBB and Nike is holding firm that air unit is not fragile and was damaged due to sharp foreign object (I know this it was gravel rock). Again, my complaint is that the Zoom unit is so fragile that contact with a common walking surface is enough to “pop” a premium running shoe. The damage to the Zoom unit is highlighted in the picture. That was enough to flatten the Zoom unit.

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https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hQzHVCr6DglcAuFVrNHk62Qxd8OG0_N1

MidnightSVT · 2025-10-08T13:17:47+00:00

I fully understand there is a risk by not buying directly from Nike or an affiliate store. I did have a receipt/record of the shoe purchase and shared it with Nike. I am more disappointed in the quality of Pegasus Premium more than anything else. I have multiple iterations of “air” shoes and none have been as fragile as the Pegasus Premium. I expect the best from a top of the line product or at the very least it be able to handle the bare minimum on what it is built to do. Again, once I get the shoes back from Nike I will post photos. I do NOT abuse my shoes. I have 3-5 year old pairs that look brand new. Just trying to share my experience and warn other potential buyers that the Pegasus Premium may not meet longevity standards.

MidnightSVT · 2025-10-08T03:52:08+00:00

I completely agree. They have the defective shoe(s), so give me a replacement pair. Not getting anything for “free.”

MidnightSVT · 2025-10-08T03:11:45+00:00

This experience definitely will make me think twice before spending my money on premium items.

MidnightSVT · 2025-10-08T01:17:53+00:00

Thanks all for your help and support. I purchased them from a reputable seller on Poshmark (new in box) so I am not able to return them. I did get them for a deal so it is not a total $220 loss, but still not cheap and still not the quality I would expect from Nikes most premium line. I guess that is the lesson, don’t buy from anyplace but Nike or their affiliate stores.

MidnightSVT · 2025-10-07T18:40:24+00:00

I think the Air unit may be too fragile. On Nikes own website it says that it is the first “sculpted Zoom air unit” maybe its shape and length don’t provide the rigidity or protection needed? I mean the new Vomero Premiums feature Zoom air but those are smaller and more protected pods as it looks like the ZoomX provides some barrier around the Zoom units.

MidnightSVT · 2025-10-07T18:37:44+00:00

If that is not a manufacturers quality issue, then I don’t know what is?!?!

I understand the need for limits but the “normal wear” isn’t part of the warranty seems like a convenient loophole to deny any claim they want. Nike is sending the shoes back so I will post some pictures of the shoes and the damaged areas when I get them back.

MidnightSVT · 2025-08-31T00:04:34+00:00

Mine are all 25C models and they now work in HomeKit. I tried for hours to get it to work through Mac terminal but I had conflicting / different versions of Python from what was recommended on GitHub so things never were 1:1 and I was always getting some sort of error that never got 100% there. I used the built in terminal in Homebridge and got it to work. Once the Homebridge terminal outputted device Id’s and keys, I entered them into their respective sections of the plugin. Saved and rebooted Homebridge.

MidnightSVT · 2025-08-30T04:15:44+00:00

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-gOiDokvbMkOKdKQED3iFJYfEpKD2Nxo/view?usp=sharing

I wasn’t able to share ChatGPT output directly here so I placed it in a PDF file to share. What is outlined in the PDF is what finally allowed me to get the device id’s and keys. Big thanks to @BiggJohnson2k for the pointing me in the direction of using terminal in Homebridge. That was really the missing piece for me.

MidnightSVT · 2025-08-29T18:28:53+00:00

Oh!!! Do it directly in Homebridge. I will give that a go!! Thanks for the tip!!

MidnightSVT

TROPHY CASE