pykaleidescape

What it is and what it does

pykaleidescape is an async Python client for the Kaleidescape System Control Protocol, designed to integrate Kaleidescape media players into larger automation systems. It provides a high-level Device abstraction that maintains synchronized state (power, playback, UI, automation settings) and exposes it through convenient dataclasses. The library is built on asyncio and uses an event-driven dispatcher pattern, so state changes and user-defined events trigger callbacks rather than requiring polling.

Typical usage involves creating a Device instance, connecting to a player over TCP, calling refresh() to sync initial state, then either issuing commands (play, pause, navigation) or registering event listeners with the dispatcher. The library handles automatic reconnection by default and includes examples for common patterns like power control, event handling, and external volume integration. It has no external runtime dependencies and supports Python 3.11 and later.

Use it for:

• Integrate a Kaleidescape player into a home automation platform via asyncio event loops.
• Build a remote control or mobile app that sends commands and displays live player state.
• Synchronize external volume control with Kaleidescape by responding to user-defined events.
• Monitor multiple Kaleidescape players in a multi-zone system and react to state changes.
• Automate movie selection and playback based on external triggers or schedules.

Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page — verify before relying

Async Python client for controlling Kaleidescape media players via the Kaleidescape System Control Protocol, with state mirroring and event-driven integration.

Yes. The library is production-stable, actively maintained, has zero dependencies, and works with current Python versions. It fills a clear niche for Kaleidescape automation. The MIT license is permissive. Install it if you own a Kaleidescape player and need programmatic control or integration with home automation; skip it otherwise.

Install

pykaleidescape on PyPI

pip install pykaleidescape

uv add pykaleidescape

poetry add pykaleidescape

Installing pykaleidescape

Before you install

Low install friction with no runtime dependencies. Active maintenance with recent commits and production-stable status across Python 3.11–3.14.

License in practice

MIT license permits free use, modification, and distribution with minimal restrictions—suitable for both personal and commercial projects.

Quickstart

pip install pykaleidescape

import asyncio
from kaleidescape import Device

async def main():
    device = Device("<host>")
    await device.connect()
    await device.refresh()
    print(f"Power state: {device.power.state}")

asyncio.run(main())

Requires Python 3.11 or later and a Kaleidescape player reachable over TCP.

Verify before relying

• Whether the library works with all Kaleidescape device models or only specific firmware versions.
• Real-world latency and reliability of automatic reconnect behavior under poor network conditions.
• Whether volume integration works with all common AVR/amplifier control protocols.

Package facts

Evidence: pykaleidescape-1.1.6-py3-none-any.whl

Tags

More Libraries packages