kessler-av

kessler-av

Python library for controlling a Kramer media switch that uses Protocol 2000 over a TCP connection.

It's primarily intended for use as a device driver for a Home Assistant integration.

USAGE

from kesslerav import get_media_switch

device_url = '10.0.0.1'
media_switch = get_media_switch(device_url)

media_switch.select_source(3) # Change to input 3
media_switch.lock() # Lock front panel
media_switch.unlock() # Unlock front panel
media_switch.update() # Refreshes device state

See src/kesslerav/media_switch.py for full MediaSwitch capabilities.

Device URL format

The URL takes the form of <scheme>://<host>:<port>#<protocol> with all but host being optional.

Default scheme is tcp, with a default port of 5000.

Default protocol is Protocol 2000 (identifier: protocol2k.)

Examples:

• 10.0.0.1 -> Scheme: tcp, Host: 10.0.0.1, Port: 5000, Protocol: protocol2k
• localhost:1337 -> Scheme: tcp, Host: localhost, Port: 1337, Protocol: protocol2k
• localhost:1337#protocol2000 -> Scheme: tcp, Host: localhost, Port: 1337, Protocol: protocol2k
• tcp://10.0.0.1 -> Scheme: tcp, Host: 10.0.0.1, Port: 5000, Protocol: protocol2k
• tcp://switch.local:8080 -> Scheme: tcp, Host: switch.local, Port: 8080, Protocol: protocol2k
• tcp://localhost:8080#protocol2k Scheme: tcp, Host: localhost, Port: 8080, Protocol: protocol2k

Limitations

The library was tested and developed using a Kramer VS-161HDMI switch, but should work for any Kramer switch using Protocol 2000.

It does not currently support:

• Matrix switch operations, since I don't have a device to test with
• UDP communication, since I don't have a device to test with
• Serial communication, since TCP is the more likely control mechanism for home automation purposes

The library has extension points for adding the support above should an opportunity or need to do so arise.

Development workflow

Python environment

Workflow scripts assume a working Python environment, including pip.

Remember to be kind to yourself and use a virtual environment.

python3 -m venv env
env/bin/activate

Setup

Install development and runtime dependencies. This also installs the library as an editable path, so that it can be loaded in the REPL and pytest.

script/setup

Tests

Run unit tests:

script/test

Tests can also be continuously run while developing with:

ptw .

Build

To build distributables:

script/build

Build artifacts will be placed in the dist directory.

Publishing

Build the distribution.

script/build

Publish the library to TestPyPI.

script/publish_test

Publish the library to PyPI.

script/publish

Why kessler-av?

In Seinfeld, the character Cosmo Kramer was based on comedian Kenny Kramer. In the shows pilot episode, the producers hadn't gotten permission to use Kramer's name, so the character was called Kessler instead.

This library controls Kramer A/V's media switches, but doesn't have permission to use their trademarked name. As a result, it seemed fitting to name it kessler-av.