Developing an AV HTTP Controller - Part I

This Christmas I'm inspired to provide a solution for my parents house. They have a number of AV receivers in the home connected to a variety of speakers. Years ago the idea was to be able to deliver a whole home audio solution. That goal was kind of accomplished, but has not been easy to use.

As I've become more of a student of APIs and protocols, I have become confident the my ability to create something that will unify these appliances and finally deliver something that is usable:

Welcome to Part I: