Quick Overview
- 1#1: Q-SYS Designer - Drag-and-drop software for designing, configuring, and controlling networked AV systems including audio, video, and IP-based device control using Lua scripting.
- 2#2: Crestron SIMPL Windows - Industry-standard programming software for creating custom control programs for Crestron IP-enabled AV processors and touchpanels.
- 3#3: AMX NetLinx Studio - Integrated development environment for programming NetLinx controllers to manage IP devices in commercial AV environments.
- 4#4: Extron Global Scripter - Python-based scripting tool for configuring and controlling Extron IP Link devices and AV systems over networks.
- 5#5: Control4 Composer Pro - Professional configuration software for designing smart home automation systems with extensive IP driver integration.
- 6#6: RTI Designer - Graphical programming software for RTI control processors handling IP-based AV, lighting, and climate control.
- 7#7: Savant Pro Composer - Design tool for creating customized IP control interfaces and automations in luxury smart home environments.
- 8#8: URC Composer - Software for programming URC controllers to integrate and control IP-enabled home theater and automation devices.
- 9#9: Kramer K-Config - Configuration software for setting up Kramer AV-over-IP systems and controlling matrix switchers via network protocols.
- 10#10: Atlona OMS - Cloud-based management software for configuring, monitoring, and controlling Atlona IP/AV distribution systems.
Tools were selected based on robust feature sets (including IP device integration and scripting flexibility), user experience (intuitive design and learning curves), and overall value (reliability, vendor support), ensuring they meet the needs of modern control environments.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines key IP control software tools, featuring Q-SYS Designer, Crestron SIMPL Windows, AMX NetLinx Studio, and other industry leaders, to highlight their distinct capabilities, usability, and integration strengths. It equips readers with insights to match tools with specific project needs, ensuring informed decisions for AV or building management systems.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Q-SYS Designer Drag-and-drop software for designing, configuring, and controlling networked AV systems including audio, video, and IP-based device control using Lua scripting. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 | Crestron SIMPL Windows Industry-standard programming software for creating custom control programs for Crestron IP-enabled AV processors and touchpanels. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | AMX NetLinx Studio Integrated development environment for programming NetLinx controllers to manage IP devices in commercial AV environments. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Extron Global Scripter Python-based scripting tool for configuring and controlling Extron IP Link devices and AV systems over networks. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | Control4 Composer Pro Professional configuration software for designing smart home automation systems with extensive IP driver integration. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | RTI Designer Graphical programming software for RTI control processors handling IP-based AV, lighting, and climate control. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Savant Pro Composer Design tool for creating customized IP control interfaces and automations in luxury smart home environments. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | URC Composer Software for programming URC controllers to integrate and control IP-enabled home theater and automation devices. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Kramer K-Config Configuration software for setting up Kramer AV-over-IP systems and controlling matrix switchers via network protocols. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Atlona OMS Cloud-based management software for configuring, monitoring, and controlling Atlona IP/AV distribution systems. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
Drag-and-drop software for designing, configuring, and controlling networked AV systems including audio, video, and IP-based device control using Lua scripting.
Industry-standard programming software for creating custom control programs for Crestron IP-enabled AV processors and touchpanels.
Integrated development environment for programming NetLinx controllers to manage IP devices in commercial AV environments.
Python-based scripting tool for configuring and controlling Extron IP Link devices and AV systems over networks.
Professional configuration software for designing smart home automation systems with extensive IP driver integration.
Graphical programming software for RTI control processors handling IP-based AV, lighting, and climate control.
Design tool for creating customized IP control interfaces and automations in luxury smart home environments.
Software for programming URC controllers to integrate and control IP-enabled home theater and automation devices.
Configuration software for setting up Kramer AV-over-IP systems and controlling matrix switchers via network protocols.
Cloud-based management software for configuring, monitoring, and controlling Atlona IP/AV distribution systems.
Q-SYS Designer
enterpriseDrag-and-drop software for designing, configuring, and controlling networked AV systems including audio, video, and IP-based device control using Lua scripting.
Schematic-based drag-and-drop programming combined with Lua scripting for intuitive yet highly customizable IP device control.
Q-SYS Designer is a powerful, free software platform from QSC for designing, configuring, and managing professional AV control systems over IP networks. It allows users to build custom control logic using a drag-and-drop interface, Lua scripting, and integration with thousands of IP-enabled devices via plugins. The software supports real-time emulation, deployment to Q-SYS Core processors, and cloud-based monitoring, making it ideal for scalable pro AV installations.
Pros
- Vast ecosystem with 2,000+ device plugins for seamless IP control
- Integrated emulation for hardware-free testing and debugging
- Scalable from small rooms to enterprise-wide deployments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex projects
- Requires proprietary Q-SYS hardware for deployment
- Primarily Windows-based workflow
Best For
Professional AV integrators and system designers handling large-scale IP-controlled audio, video, and building automation projects.
Pricing
Software is free; requires Q-SYS Core processors (starting ~$2,500) with capacity-based licensing for processing power.
Crestron SIMPL Windows
enterpriseIndustry-standard programming software for creating custom control programs for Crestron IP-enabled AV processors and touchpanels.
Vast ecosystem of pre-built IP symbol libraries and user-contributed modules for rapid, reliable device integration
Crestron SIMPL Windows is the flagship programming environment for developing custom control logic in Crestron automation systems, enabling precise IP-based control of AV equipment, lighting, HVAC, and networked devices. It uses a graphical drag-and-drop interface with symbols and modules to build programs that run on Crestron processors, supporting protocols like TCP/IP, UDP, SSH, and HTTP for seamless integration. As an industry standard for professional AV integrators, it excels in creating scalable, reliable IP control solutions for enterprise environments.
Pros
- Extensive library of IP modules and drivers for thousands of devices
- Powerful debugging tools including VTPro-E simulation and error logging
- Rock-solid stability for mission-critical enterprise deployments
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring Crestron certification for proficiency
- Outdated Windows-only interface feels clunky compared to modern IDEs
- Locked to Crestron hardware, limiting standalone IP control use
Best For
Professional AV system integrators and programmers building complex, custom IP control systems within the Crestron ecosystem.
Pricing
Free for authorized Crestron partners and certified programmers; requires dealer enrollment and certification.
AMX NetLinx Studio
enterpriseIntegrated development environment for programming NetLinx controllers to manage IP devices in commercial AV environments.
NetLinx Simulator for fully emulating controller behavior and testing IP device integrations without physical hardware
AMX NetLinx Studio is a robust integrated development environment (IDE) designed for programming AMX NetLinx controllers, enabling precise IP-based control of AV systems, lighting, HVAC, and other networked devices. It provides tools for writing, compiling, debugging, and simulating custom control logic using the NetLinx programming language. Ideal for professional integrators, it supports extensive device integration through a vast library of predefined drivers for IP devices from major manufacturers.
Pros
- Comprehensive device database with thousands of IP device drivers
- Powerful integrated debugger and simulator for hardware-free testing
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level AV and building automation projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring programming knowledge
- Windows-only compatibility limits accessibility
- Tied to AMX NetLinx hardware ecosystem
Best For
Professional AV integrators and system programmers handling complex, custom IP control systems in commercial environments.
Pricing
Free to download and use; requires AMX NetLinx controllers (hardware pricing varies from $500+).
Extron Global Scripter
enterprisePython-based scripting tool for configuring and controlling Extron IP Link devices and AV systems over networks.
Distributed multi-processor control via Global Scripter Bundle for scaling across large AV systems
Extron Global Scripter is a free, robust scripting environment for programming Extron's IP Link Pro Series AV control processors. It uses a Python-like language to create custom scripts for device control, user interfaces, scheduling, and event handling over IP networks. The tool includes a visual UI designer, extensive device driver library, and support for multi-processor distributed control, making it ideal for complex AV installations.
Pros
- Extensive library of pre-built drivers for over 1,000 AV devices
- Visual UI builder accelerates interface development
- Free software with excellent value when paired with Extron hardware
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced scripting
- Primarily optimized for Extron ecosystem, limiting broad compatibility
- Requires Extron IP Link Pro hardware to deploy
Best For
AV system integrators focused on Extron hardware who need powerful, customizable IP control for professional installations.
Pricing
Free software download; deployment requires Extron IP Link Pro processors (starting around $1,500+ depending on model).
Control4 Composer Pro
enterpriseProfessional configuration software for designing smart home automation systems with extensive IP driver integration.
Comprehensive IP driver database supporting thousands of third-party devices for plug-and-play control
Control4 Composer Pro is the professional-grade configuration software for the Control4 smart home automation platform, allowing certified integrators to program and manage IP-controlled devices like AV receivers, TVs, lights, and security systems. It features a drag-and-drop interface for building custom control logic, extensive driver support for seamless IP communication, and tools for system diagnostics and troubleshooting. Primarily used in residential and light commercial installations, it integrates deeply with Control4 hardware for reliable centralized control.
Pros
- Massive library of over 12,000 IP drivers for broad device compatibility
- Powerful visual programming tools with macro support and custom scripting
- Integrated diagnostics and remote management for efficient installations
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring mandatory certification and training
- Locked into Control4 ecosystem, limiting standalone IP control use
- High upfront costs including licensing and dealer program fees
Best For
Certified Control4 integrators handling mid-to-high-end residential smart home projects needing robust IP control for AV and automation devices.
Pricing
Requires Control4 dealer authorization and certification; Composer Pro license ~$995 one-time per seat, plus annual Composer Cloud subscription ~$300/user.
RTI Designer
enterpriseGraphical programming software for RTI control processors handling IP-based AV, lighting, and climate control.
Virtual Model simulation for testing IP configurations without physical hardware
RTI Designer is a comprehensive configuration software from Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) for programming IP-based control systems in AV installations. It enables drag-and-drop design of custom user interfaces, scripting for advanced automation, and integration with thousands of IP devices via a robust driver library. The tool supports complex multi-room control, TCP/UDP protocols, and seamless operation with RTI processors and touchpanels.
Pros
- Extensive library of pre-built drivers for IP devices
- Powerful drag-and-drop GUI builder with simulation
- Strong scripting for custom IP control logic
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced scripting
- Requires RTI hardware for deployment
- Limited third-party ecosystem support
Best For
Professional AV integrators handling custom residential or commercial installations with RTI controllers.
Pricing
Free software download; requires RTI hardware (processors from ~$800, touchpanels from ~$500).
Savant Pro Composer
enterpriseDesign tool for creating customized IP control interfaces and automations in luxury smart home environments.
Blueprint Composer interface for visual, no-code programming of complex IP control flows
Savant Pro Composer is a professional-grade configuration software designed for integrators to build and deploy sophisticated IP-based control systems within the Savant ecosystem. It enables drag-and-drop programming of user interfaces, automation logic, and integration with thousands of IP-enabled devices for AV, lighting, shading, and security. The tool excels in creating scalable, cloud-connected smart home experiences tailored for luxury installations.
Pros
- Extensive library of IP drivers for seamless third-party device integration
- Powerful Blueprint drag-and-drop interface for rapid automation design
- Robust cloud hosting and remote management capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring Savant certification
- Primarily optimized for Savant hardware ecosystem
- High overall system costs limit appeal for budget projects
Best For
Professional AV integrators building high-end residential and commercial Savant-based smart home systems.
Pricing
Free for certified Savant Pro integrators; bundled with hardware licenses starting at several thousand dollars per installation.
URC Composer
enterpriseSoftware for programming URC controllers to integrate and control IP-enabled home theater and automation devices.
Extensive, regularly updated database of thousands of device drivers for seamless IP and serial control
URC Composer is a professional-grade programming software from URC Automation designed for configuring their controllers to manage IP-based devices, AV equipment, lighting, and home automation systems. It features a drag-and-drop interface for creating custom user interfaces, macros, and control logic using TCP/IP, UDP, IR, and RS232 protocols. Primarily targeted at certified installers, it excels in reliable, custom residential and commercial AV integrations with extensive device compatibility.
Pros
- Vast library of pre-built device drivers for quick IP and IR control setups
- Robust support for TCP/UDP commands and multi-protocol integration
- Reliable performance in professional installations with strong dealer support
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring formal training or certification
- Locked into URC hardware ecosystem, limiting flexibility
- Outdated interface compared to modern web-based alternatives
Best For
Professional AV integrators and custom installers focused on reliable residential automation systems.
Pricing
Free software for authorized URC dealers; requires URC controllers starting at $500+ per unit.
Kramer K-Config
enterpriseConfiguration software for setting up Kramer AV-over-IP systems and controlling matrix switchers via network protocols.
Bulk configuration wizard for simultaneous setup of multiple Kramer devices on the same network
Kramer K-Config is a free desktop software application designed for configuring and controlling Kramer AV devices over IP networks. It provides tools for device discovery, firmware updates, network configuration, and basic control of switchers, scalers, and other Kramer hardware. Ideal for AV integrators, it simplifies setup in professional installations but is limited to Kramer's ecosystem.
Pros
- Completely free with no licensing costs
- Intuitive interface for quick device discovery and bulk configuration
- Seamless integration with Kramer AV hardware ecosystem
Cons
- Proprietary to Kramer devices only, no third-party support
- Limited advanced scripting or automation compared to universal IP controllers
- Primarily Windows-focused with occasional Mac compatibility issues
Best For
AV professionals and integrators focused on Kramer equipment deployments in conference rooms, classrooms, and live events.
Pricing
Free to download and use indefinitely.
Atlona OMS
enterpriseCloud-based management software for configuring, monitoring, and controlling Atlona IP/AV distribution systems.
Unified OmniStream AV-over-IP management dashboard for seamless, low-latency control across distributed systems
Atlona OMS (Operation Management Software) is a web-based platform designed for centralized control and monitoring of Atlona AV over IP systems. It enables IP-based management of devices like switchers, extenders, and displays across multiple rooms, with features including scheduling, user access control, and real-time diagnostics. Primarily tailored for Atlona hardware ecosystems, it simplifies AV deployment in professional environments like corporate offices and education.
Pros
- Deep integration with Atlona AV-over-IP hardware for reliable control
- Scalable dashboard for managing large multi-room deployments
- Built-in analytics and automation for proactive maintenance
Cons
- Limited native support for non-Atlona third-party devices
- Setup requires familiarity with Atlona ecosystem and networking
- Advanced features may incur additional licensing costs
Best For
AV integrators and IT teams managing Atlona-centric installations in mid-to-large enterprise or educational settings.
Pricing
Subscription-based model starting at around $10-20 per room/month, with enterprise licensing available upon request; often bundled with Atlona hardware purchases.
Conclusion
Q-SYS Designer claims the top spot with its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and Lua scripting, excelling in designing and controlling diverse networked AV systems. Crestron SIMPL Windows, a strong second, stands out with its industry-standard programming for Crestron IP-enabled processors, while AMX NetLinx Studio rounds out the top three, offering robust integration for commercial AV setups. These tools demonstrate the breadth of modern IP control, highlighting solutions for everything from small projects to large-scale environments.
Explore Q-SYS Designer to unlock seamless, customizable IP control—whether for home theaters, conference rooms, or complex systems. Its blend of ease and power makes it the perfect starting point for anyone seeking reliable, advanced control software.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison