A method and a device for controlling the state of a device including means for transferring an audiovisual source and means for reproducing an audio signal, the device being connected to a television set by means of an HDMI connection in accordance with an HDMI specification version 2.0 or higher. The device is in an operating mode as an audiovisual source or for reproducing an audio signal coming from the HDMI connection. The device: receives a change command, goes into the mode of reproducing an audio signal coming from the HDMI connection if it is in the audiovisual source mode, checks whether an audio signal coming from the HDMI connection is present and, if so, reproduces the audio signal coming from the HDMI connection by the means for reproducing an audio signal.