In plain language
Instead of blinking an infrared code at a device and hoping, a controller opens a network connection and sends text. Two command shapes cover almost everything: set x y writes a value, get x reads one.
Why it matters in your setup
The difference that matters is feedback. Infrared is one-way, so a control system never knows whether the command landed and has to assume. IP control returns the actual state, which is what makes reliable automation possible — a macro can check what happened and react.
It also works from anywhere on the network, through walls and around corners, and it survives a device being placed inside a closed cabinet.
What the DR HDMI 8K does with it
The DR HDMI 8K can be driven entirely over IP, Telnet or HTTP: EDID mode, individual video and audio flags, hot plug, reboot and status reads. Default port 2201, lowercase commands, and an IP interrupts option for control systems that need the device to report changes rather than being polled.
Need the hardware?
Open the DR HDMI 8K product page on HDfury.uk.