DDC-CI Control Bridge vs Monitor Switch
DDC-CI Control Bridge
github.comMonitor Switch
github.comSide by side
| Figure | DDC-CI Control Bridge | Monitor Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Monitor Control Software | 7.6 (#9) | 8.0 (#6) |
| Deployment | The README describes local stdio setup and remote HTTP/SSE access from other machines on a network. | It runs on a Raspberry Pi connected to the monitor’s HDMI input and is installed with an Ansible playbook. |
| Home Assistant | Supports Home Assistant auto-discovery through the MQTT Discovery Protocol. | The service uses MQTT discovery to expose profile features as Home Assistant entities, including selectors, sliders, and sensors. |
| License | The repository identifies the project as MIT licensed. | The repository identifies the project as MIT licensed. |
| Limitations | The README notes that some monitor VCP codes may be read-only and that supported codes vary by monitor. | Switching to a computer that is off can show a black screen, and the service cannot detect that condition in advance. |
| Monitor controls | The MCP tools include reading and writing VCP codes, getting and setting brightness, and rescanning monitors and capabilities. | It can expose monitor controls including brightness, contrast, volume, mute, picture mode, colour temperature, RGB gain, and black level. |
| Purpose | The project controls monitor brightness, contrast, power, and input through DDC/CI. | Monitor Switch changes a monitor’s input source using DDC/CI, controlled through HTTP, a web UI, or Home Assistant. |
Plans
In their own words
DDC-CI Control Bridge
DDC-CI Control Bridge is a free project for controlling compatible monitors through DDC/CI. It can manage brightness, contrast, power, and input, and offers command-line or API access. Its Model Context Protocol server provides resources and tools for AI or agent integration, including reading and writing VCP codes, setting brightness from 0 to 100, and rescanning monitors and capabilities. An MQTT client connects it to automation systems. Listed integrations include Home Assistant auto-discovery, openHAB, Node-RED, Domoticz, and generic MQTT platforms. The project is available as an npm package or as standalone executables for Windows, Linux, and macOS. MCP can run locally over stdio or provide remote HTTP/SSE access to other machines on a network. Authentication requires the DDC_API_KEY environment variable. The project is MIT licensed and invites contributions through GitHub issues or pull requests. A monitor must support DDC/CI with the feature enabled in its on-screen settings. On Linux, access may require i2c-dev and membership in the i2c group. Some VCP codes are read-only, and supported codes vary by monitor.
Monitor Switch
Monitor Switch is an MIT-licensed service for switching a monitor’s input and controlling its DDC/CI features through a browser interface, HTTP API, scripts, or Home Assistant. It is designed for people who use one monitor with multiple computers, including when the computer currently displayed is asleep or off. Where a monitor exposes the controls, the service can adjust brightness, contrast, volume, mute, picture mode, colour temperature, RGB gain, and black level. It can also read usage hours, firmware level, refresh rates, and power state. Editable profiles set monitor values and can replace incorrect capability detection. For Home Assistant, MQTT discovery presents profile features as entities such as selectors, sliders, and sensors. The service runs on a Raspberry Pi connected to the monitor by HDMI; setup requires Raspberry Pi OS and SSH, and installation uses an Ansible playbook. The project is described as usable but not yet released. Hardware verification is reported only for a Samsung Odyssey G9 with a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W; other monitors have not been verified.