Digital control, processing and signal distribution networks have revolutionized the AV systems industry for the better. Yet, many AV networking systems do not have the ability to control disparate external hardware components that lack network interface capabilities. Key Digital hardware sharing the TCP/IP network can be configured to monitor a defined port, intercept and translate the text stream and deliver it to the target device via IR or RS-232. The bi-directional ports can also receive data, such as a command acknowledgement or status report, and return it to the source network.