AV Ghost — Portable Device Simulator

Portable AV device simulation for control programmers

It works like gear, not like software.

AV Ghost is a dedicated bench appliance for emulating AV devices on the network, so programmers can test control systems without fighting laptop firewalls, VPNs, sleep settings, runtime installs, or port conflicts.

See the workflow Why not just an app?

Built for CORE/ReAX, Crestron, Q-SYS, Extron-style control testing, and any workflow that needs predictable TCP/Telnet/UDP device responses.

ACTIVE PROFILE Shure MXWneXt TCP 2202 · 192.168.68.116

The koolaid check

Could this be just an app? Yes. That’s exactly why the appliance matters.

The simulator engine can run on a computer. But customer laptops are messy environments: firewalls, VPNs, sleep mode, port conflicts, admin rights, endpoint security, Python installs, unsigned app warnings, and changing Wi‑Fi/IP addresses can all break an otherwise good tool.

AV Ghost moves that complexity into a purpose-built network appliance. Point your controller at its IP address like you would with real AV gear. Choose a device profile. Test.

Firewall frictionNo inbound listener battles on corporate laptops.
VPN routing weirdnessThe test target stays on the bench network.
Port conflictsProfiles control the required ports on a dedicated device.
Sleep modeThe simulator stays awake while the control system is testing.
No runtime installNo Python, Docker, drivers, or admin-rights dance for the programmer.
Physical reset pathRecover from setup/password trouble like real hardware.

What it does

A ghost device for the network bench.

Profile-based simulation

Load JSON device profiles that define ports, command matchers, state, and realistic responses.

TCP/Telnet/UDP-style testing

Designed for the kind of string command workflows AV programmers use every day.

Built-in test console

Try commands directly in the web UI before connecting CORE, ReAX, Crestron, Q-SYS, or SocketTool.

Upload vendor docs

Store API manuals and convert them into profiles through an AI-assisted workflow.

Hotspot setup fallback

If the network is messy, AV Ghost can expose its own setup network for configuration.

Backups and updates

Export data, stage updates, and preserve profiles/settings while the software evolves.

The long-term moat

The box is useful. The profile library is powerful.

AV Ghost gets better as its profile library grows: projectors, DSPs, displays, switchers, control processors, amplifiers, and AV-over-IP devices. Verified profiles can turn hours of setup into minutes of testing.

Demo workflow

From API manual to testable ghost.

  1. 1Upload or choose a profile

    Select a device personality like a display, DSP, matrix, or projector.

  2. 2AV Ghost opens the right listener

    The appliance starts the profile’s expected TCP/Telnet-style port.

  3. 3Point the control system at AV Ghost

    Use the appliance IP just like a real piece of AV gear.

  4. 4Program and test without the hardware

    Commands return realistic responses so logic can be built before the real device arrives.

Prototype in progress

Want to follow AV Ghost?

This prototype is being built for AV programmers who need a reliable bench target for control system testing. Product updates, profile library news, and early demos will live here.

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