WOW! I love this. First, we are 100% a NOOB.
We have VM Workstation installed on our Mac. A quick look at various install options, and while Windows and Linux show VMware options, not the case for Mac. What the heck? We downloaded the Linux version of the *.vmdk file, and after setting it up in VM Workstation on our Mac, it worked like a champ and found the various automation “stuff” we have at this point.
For now, we are running with all the default configs for Homekit, Sonos, Arlo, Hue and getting ready to add Roku.
For us, sort of a test run. We are currently building a new house and plan to fully automate the new “shack.” For the next couple of months (until the new home is ready), we will be playing/learning more about this solution.
Tip of the hat to all the developers and folks involved - WAY more than we ever expected!