[Google Chromecast] Asphyx:
Big difference between adding a Transistor or two to a chip that will make a contact to switch to the current input or Power On than it is to put an entire set of them that can do much more complex functions. Just the TV compatibility alone would add to the price.

I agree it should be possible to do easily but these things all need to be added to the silicon which would make it cost more.

This is SOP for any new device you're trying to get adopted. The Next gen will probably add a ton of things to inspire upgrading to it.

Remember the Nexus7 (2012) came with no Rear Facing Camera or LTE to keep the price down as well....

Fast Forward to 2013 and Nexus 7 (2013) has BOTH included!

This version we have now is a proof of concept device, Gets us hooked and serves as a starter platform to get 3rd Party support for it's innovative streaming methods.

And now that is done so the 3rd parties can start making it useful while Google thinks up what the next generation can do that the first gen doesn't do but probably should!

Just a matter of time of you ask me...And don't be surprised to see some Chromecast functionality built into your smart TV that has the full blown IR and CEC support your looking for.

Here is a list of all the functions CEC does most of which have no useful application regarding Chromecast until such time as they decide using Chromecast as an IP Remote device is something they really want to do. And most are not applicable other than play stop and pause.

One Touch Play allows devices to switch the TV to use it as the active source when playback starts (Currently Supported I believe)

System Standby enables users to switch multiple devices to standby mode with the press of one button

Preset Transfer transfers the tuner channel setup to another TV set

One Touch Record allows users to record whatever is currently being shown on the HDTV screen on a selected recording device

Timer Programming allows users to use the electronic program guides (EPGs) that are built into many HDTVs and set-top-boxes to program the timer in recording devices like PVRs and DVRs

System Information checks all components for bus addresses and configuration

Deck Control allows a component to interrogate and control the operation (play, pause, rewind etc.), of a playback component (Blu-ray or HD DVD player or a Camcorder, etc.) (This is what your looking for I sure wouldn't mind having this)

Tuner Control allows a component to control the tuner of another component

OSD Display uses the OSD of the TV set to display text

Device Menu Control allows a component to control the menu system of another component by passing through the user interface (UI) commands

Routing Control controls the switching of signal sources (Currently Supported)

Remote Control Pass Through allows remote control commands to be passed through to other devices within the system (I want THIS!)

Device OSD Name Transfer transfers the preferred device names to the TV set

System Audio Control allows the volume of an AV receiver, integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier to be controlled using any remote control from a suitably equipped device(s) in the system (You and I would BOTH like this!)