AVRCP

AVRCP, or Audio/Video Remote Control Profile, is a Bluetooth profile that enables a controller device to remotely control media playback on a target device over a Bluetooth connection. The profile defines two roles: the controller (CT), which sends commands, and the target (TG), which receives commands and reports status. Common playback commands include play, pause, stop, fast forward, rewind, and skip to next or previous tracks, as well as volume adjustments and mute control. The profile also supports notifications of playback status and basic metadata about the currently playing item.

In addition to basic playback control, AVRCP provides metadata exchange so a controller can retrieve information such as title, artist, and album. In later revisions, the profile also supports optional browsing of the target’s media library to locate and select items. Browsing is not universally implemented across all devices, and its availability depends on the profile version and device capabilities.

AVRCP is widely used in Bluetooth audio setups, including headphones, wireless speakers, car stereos, televisions, and mobile devices. It typically operates alongside the A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) that streams the audio; AVRCP handles the control channel, enabling remote operation of playback without interrupting the audio stream. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) maintains the AVRCP specification, and device interoperability is pursued through standardized versions and conformance testing.