Turn an Android Tablet Into Your AV Control Panel
You do not need a dedicated control processor or a custom touch panel to run a room. With AV control software, an ordinary Android tablet becomes a full control panel that powers projectors, switches sources, adjusts audio, and dims lights — over your local network and serial connections.
This guide shows how it works and how to set it up with SoftControl, which runs natively on Android 8.0+ and Windows.
Why a Tablet Instead of a Hardware Panel
- No processor to buy. The tablet runs the control software directly — no $3,000+ control box.
- Use a device you own. Any modern Android tablet becomes the panel.
- Edit it yourself. Build the interface by drag-and-drop, change it on the spot — no programming, no dealer.
- Wireless and portable. Walk the room while controlling it over Wi-Fi.
- Works offline. Commands travel over the local network, so no internet is required.
What You Can Control From the Tablet
Over standard protocols, the tablet drives:
- Projectors — power, input, status (PJLink or RS-232)
- Displays & LED walls — power and source (TCP)
- Audio — power, source, volume on networked amplifiers
- Lighting & relays — on/off and scenes via relay modules
- Screens & curtains — motorized up/down
- PCs & players — power on via Wake-on-LAN, content control
Step-by-Step Setup
- Install the app. Download SoftControl for Android and launch it.
- Connect to the network. Put the tablet on the same LAN as your devices.
- Add devices and commands. For each device, set its protocol (TCP/UDP/PJLink/serial), IP/port, and command text.
- Build the panel. Drag buttons and sliders onto a page in the visual editor — no code.
- Create one-touch scenes. Group several commands into a single button, e.g. "Start" or "Shut down". (See one-touch open/close.)
- Test and use. Tap a button; the tablet sends the command over the network. Done.
For serial devices, connect via a network-to-serial adapter (serial-over-TCP) so the tablet can reach them over Wi-Fi.
Tips for Reliable Tablet Control
- Use a dedicated tablet for permanent installs and disable unrelated apps/updates.
- Keep the control network isolated for stability and security.
- Mount the tablet on a wall dock for a fixed control point, or keep it portable for walkthroughs.
- Back up your configuration so you can restore it instantly on a replacement device.
FAQ
Can I control a projector from an Android tablet?
Yes. With AV control software, the tablet sends PJLink or RS-232 commands to power the projector, switch inputs, and read status — no separate remote needed.
Do I need a control processor to use a tablet?
No. The control software runs on the tablet itself, so the tablet is the controller. A hardware processor is only needed for complex video matrix or DSP audio tasks.
Does it work without internet?
Yes. Commands travel over your local network, so the system works fully offline.
Make Your Tablet the Control Panel
SoftControl runs natively on Android and Windows — build a control panel by drag-and-drop, no processor, no programming. Download and trial free, no registration.
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