Network-to-key control
Receive supported commands through Ethernet and reproduce the corresponding keystrokes on the local Windows computer.
Remote control for shortcut-driven software
Give the Application a Network Interface.
AV-Key is a lightweight Windows utility that listens for Ethernet commands and converts them into keystrokes. It adds remote control to presentation, media and production applications without requiring the target application to expose an API.
UDP controlCompanion readyMulti-workstation operation
AV-KeyNetwork commands translated into local application control
COMPANIONCUSTOM UDPKEYSTROKE REPEATERFOCUS CONTROLBACKUP WORKSTATIONS
How AV-Key works
A practical bridge between the control surface and the application.
The sending device does not need direct knowledge of PowerPoint, a media player or another target application. It only needs to send the command that AV-Key will translate into the intended keyboard action.
Companion or controller
→
UDP command over Ethernet
→
AV-Key listener
→
Windows keystroke
→
Target application action
Operational features
Small utility. Broad production usefulness.
AV-Key can operate as a simple listener, a multi-computer keystroke repeater or a focused application-control endpoint.
Master and slave modes
Broadcast locally generated keystrokes from a master instance to supporting or backup AV-Key listeners.
Companion and custom UDP
Trigger AV-Key through Bitfocus Companion or applications and hardware capable of sending the supported ASCII command protocol.
Keep the target ready
AV-Key Plus can return keyboard focus to a designated running program whenever a remote command arrives.
Simple configuration
Control the behavior from the Windows tray.
AV-Key remains out of the operator's way while its tray menu provides access to operating mode, focus selection, focus lock and network port configuration.
Select the operating mode
Choose AVP/AV-Key protocol operation or place multiple systems into repeater master and slave roles.
Select the target program
AV-Key Plus can identify a currently running application and restore its focus when a control command is received.
Match the network port
Set the listener port to match Companion, a custom controller and any other AV-Key instances participating in the workflow.
Free and Plus
Start with the listener. Expand when the workflow demands it.
The free version covers basic Companion control and keystroke transmission. AV-Key Plus removes the small-network restriction and adds the features needed for persistent application focus and custom protocol workflows.
AV-Key Free
- Compatible with Bitfocus Companion
- Transmit local keystrokes
- Operate up to two AV-Key instances on the same network
- No time-limited usage period
AV-Key Plus
- Run more than two instances on the same network
- Assign a program to receive focus when commands arrive
- Lock a selected program as the source of repeated local keystrokes
- Receive custom ASCII AVKEY and AVTEXT protocol strings
- Forward formatted text strings into supported document editors
Where AV-Key fits
Remote control without waiting for native integration.
AV-Key is most useful when an essential application already supports keyboard shortcuts but offers no reliable way for the production system to trigger them over the network.
- Advance presentation slides from a show-control surface
- Control supporting applications on backup or remote workstations
- Relay Perfect Cue, UPR or keyboard actions to multiple systems
- Build custom production controllers around simple UDP command strings
- Keep the selected presentation or playback application ready for every cue
Windowless utilityConfiguration remains available from the system tray
Download AV-Key
Add network control to the application today.
Request the free installer from IEW Solutions, then use Companion or another compatible UDP sender to begin triggering shortcut-driven applications.
Need media playback too?
Pair control utility with a professional playout system.
Explore Legion II and Legion EC for cue-based media playback, output routing and integrated production control.