CEC is required to allow communication/commands between the TV and your processor. It is likely that CEC communication/coordination is needed to back-feed the Dolby Digital stream from the TV to your processor. The pin 14 audio return channel on the HDMI cable is not just a "single use wire" like S/PDIF coax. It's a combined audio return channel / ethernet / HEAC / misc. communications wire.
Anthem: Latest bugs, er, Genesis
Anthem has updated the room correction software, but getting it working is a stupid PITA due to lack of documentation. To get it working you have to go into the Web interface and turn on automatic as well as BETA updates. Then let it finish the firmware upgrade process.
Super counter intuitive because the first time I did a FW upgrade I could NOT use the web, had to do it via the remote/TV menu. This time you can ONLY do it via the Web.
The only major improvement I can see is the built-in distance setting which is hopefully more accurate than using a tape measure. Based on prior testing, tape measures were off 4" or so from correctly aligned. Long story, but in any event, this feature is now built in. Good luck.