A software based digital media player that provides component interfaces allowing inspection, testing and manipulation of operational state data between the digital media player and a device or devices attached thereto. Providing an opportunity for detailed analysis of such data allows, for example, testing operation of a prototype next-generation device when the corresponding next generation digital media player hardware is non-existent or otherwise hard to acquire for testing purposes. In addition, even were the corresponding next generation digital media player available, it would not provide the same opportunity for detailed analysis as discussed and described herein.