Complete Software Solution for Unattended Automation of Complex AV Systems

Description

Control Point (CP) software is a complete solution that connects to all kinds of external devices such as signal matrix routers, displays, media servers, audio processors or any device with an RS-232, infrared or ethernet control interface. The CP client is a virtual control panel that allows non-programmers to customize the look and function of control buttons. CP client also allows non-programmers to create custom macros and scripts, manage or define external event triggers, and perform on the fly scheduling for complete unattended automation of complex audiovisual systems. Typical users include casinos, race tracks, educational campuses, hospitality, sports and entertainment venues, corporate conference rooms, cable TV head-ends and broadcasters.

Functional Design

CP software has two components: CP client and CP server. The client-server architecture of CP provides the flexibility and scalability needed for any size facility regardless of location by utilizing the web.

The CP server can manage any number of external devices as long as they are accessible by a direct physical link from the CP server PC I/O port or remotely through ethernet device servers across the LAN or WAN. Each device is uniquely addressed by a user selectable name, such as ‘AV Router’. The server maintains a record of each device’s status.

The CP client runs on any PC that has network access to the CP server – including Wi-Fi connections. This design allows multiple concurrent CP client connections to a single CP server and management of all connected target hardware devices. All changes
automatically update the CP server status record and are immediately broadcast to all connected CP clients. Newly connecting CP clients are automatically updated to current status. An outstanding feature of the CP client is its highly customizable and rich graphical display that allows you to create virtual panels tailored just for you. The CP client uses pages that are populated with individual control buttons. All pages and buttons are customizable for each client and not limited in quantity. Buttons may represent a command, a device or both, and can execute simple actions or complex macros. Device buttons display status information to aid in confirmed operating control.

Features

• Rich graphical virtual panel interface
• Highly customizable virtual panels
• Sophisticated Scheduler
• No programming skills required
• Complete unattended automation
• Advance macro functions
• Real time status for each device
• Configurable external event trigger (allows for Emergency Alert System (EAS) style programming)
• Client-server network compatible design
• Support for multiple concurrent clients
• Instant broadcast to all targets
• Optional control hardware for infrared control across RF or IP networks
• Comprehensive event logs and traffic reports
• Pre-built IR and serial libraries

Users

• Casinos
• Racetracks
• Hotels
• Cruise Ships
• Schools
• Multi-Media Rooms
• Sports Bars

Wireless A/V System Control

Description

Combine the versatility of Control Point’s new Master Automation Software (CP2.0) with the untethered flexibility of a wireless touchscreen tablet for a result that gives users the ability to control all AV system devices across wireless LANs at the tap of a finger. Featuring a user-friendly interface designed for one handed operation, users of all skill levels are able to take control of Audio Video operations quickly and effortlessly.

Adding a WiFi touchscreen tablet to any system offers many advantages over a purely server based system. This method of interaction allows simultaneous control and monitoring of all AV system operations. Having the option of being physically present at any AV installation or audio zone makes this combination perfect for performing system checks and troubleshooting. Implementation of multiple wireless tablets allow for flexible distribution of AV control to any number of locations or users throughout a facility. The CP2.0 project on each device is custom built based on client needs, allowing varying levels of control; from complete system access, to allowing control of limited devices. CP2.0 application settings such as “Kiosk” mode make exiting the application on a tablet or PC an admin privilege by requiring a keystroke and password to exit the full screen instance of the application. By blocking access to device, application or network settings the need to troubleshoot user error is eliminated and the device can be used for AV control only.

The lines of communication are secure and open between all PCs and tablets running the same CP2.0 project file. With an automated device status sync for all instances of CP2.0, users see a visual representation of changes made from any client keeping all A/V system information updated and accurate. Instantaneously, multiple users can control elements of the same system and know device status such as power, source and more whether it be a TV, an audio zone, a projector, or any other A/V network device. Control Point uses tablets that are lightweight with a high resolution that also have the processing power to run a fully functional CP2.0 project reliably 24 hours a day.

Network Infrared Control Device

Description

The irNet-IP is a standalone network device that receives data packets across an ethernet network from a host PC running Control Point’s automation software. The packets are encoded infrared commands that have been captured and stored as files on the Control Point client PC. Each irNet-IP is uniquely addressed and will only respond to data packets that conform to the encoded format and include the irNet-IP device’s address. On receipt, these datagrams are reconstructed into the original infrared signal and transmitted to the receiving IR device via an IR emitter plugged into the 3.5mm output port of the irNet-IP unit.

With a footprint slightly larger than a pack of gum, the irNet-IP is ideally suited for transparent coupling of A/V components. It seamlessly integrates with Control Point’s automation software using HTTP communication to create reliable, low latency connections to a multitude of devices simultaneously.

Companion Applications

Configure devices and Convert, Learn and Test IR commands via irNetConvert, irNetHelp, irNetLearner and irNetTest applications

Specifications

• Network transport protocol: New web-based control using HTTP commands with JSON payload data
• External emitter IR port: 3.5 mm jack
• Power: 5V DC @ 250 mA (USB micro adapter)
• Dimensions: L x W x H 2.58”x1.22”x0.82”
• Built-in web server for administration
• LED panel indicators: Power, network activity and link

Download the Spec Sheet

eNet-IR

Description

The eNet-IR is a standalone network device that receives data packets across an ethernet network from a host PC running Control Point software. The packets are encoded infrared commands that have been captured and stored as files on the host. Each eNet-IR is uniquely addressed and will only respond to data packets that conform to the encoded format and include the eNet-IR device’s address. On receipt, these datagrams are reconstructed into the original infrared signal and sent out to an emitter LED attached to the output port of the eNet-IR unit.

Specifications

• Network transport protocol: UDP
• Device addressing: MAC addressing with reserved space
• Network addressing: standard ethernet class B, C or D
• External emitter LED port: 3.5 mm jack
• Power: 9 VDC @ 200 Ma
• Dimensions: (L x W x H) 2 3/8” x 2 3/8” x 1 1/8”
• Built in web server for administration
• LED panel indicators: Power, ACK, IR output activity, LAN activity.

RF Receiver and IR Data Decoder

Description

The RFIR-RX receiver unit connects to the RF distribution system through its coaxial input connector. A coaxial loop-through connector passes the RF information out for connection to an external device, such as a TV CATV input. The receiver unit is tuned to the carrier frequency of the RFIR-TX transmitter and the RFIR-RX decodes the transmitter’s data packets as they arrive. Each receiver unit is uniquely addressed and will only act on data packets that match its address. Addresses are configured by adjusting three rotary dials inside the unit. Each dial is set from 0 to 9. This allows for a total of 1,000 addresses. Special order requests allow up to 10,000 addresses. Once a valid data packet arrives with the correct address, the receiver unit converts the signal back to the original infrared signal and sends it out to a standard IR emitter diode for delivery to the target device.

Specifications

• Receiver frequency: tuned at 418 MHz (cable channel 56)
• RF signal I/O connector: F-type 75 ohm coaxial jack
• Loop through insertion loss: ~ 2 DB at 75 oms.
• IR emitter connection port: 3.5 mm mini mono jack.
• Power: 15 VDC @ 200 Ma
• Dimensions: (L x W x H) 5 3/8” x 3 3/4” x 1.0”
• On Power auto boot and self test.
• Power indicator: Red LED
• Activity indicator: Green LED
• Clam shell snap off front cover for tool free access to internal settings

RF Modulated IR Control Transmitter

Description

The RFIR-TX is an infrared signal control processor/transmitter that encodes infrared data signals into discrete packets that are communicated over RF distribution networks and is compatible with both analog and digital (QAM) networks. The RFIR-TX connects to a host PC by standard RS-232 COM serial port interface. Infrared control signals are captured through the RFIR-TX learning port and are stored on the host PC as files. These files are sent to the transmitter from the host PC’s serial port connection. Once the RFIR-TX receives these data files, they are encoded into individual packets for transport across the RF network using a specially designated carrier frequency. These packets are captured and decoded by the companion receiver unit (RFIR-RX) which processes them back to the original infrared signal and sends them out to an IR emitter diode attached to the target device’s infrared sensor.

Specifications

• Sends digital information at 418 MHz (cable channel 56).
• Connects to the control PC by standard RS-232 DB-9 connector mounted on the transmitter unit’s back panel.
• Baud rate 9600, 8, none, 1 protocol.
• Two separate F-connectors mounted on the transmitter back panel provide concurrent RF outputs.
• Delivers +56 Dbmv into 75 ohm from each of these RF output connectors for use with a CATV or MATV combiner.
• Signal attenuation up to 20 DB for each RF output is provided via back panel
  adjustments.
• A separate test output provides a fixed +36Dbmv.
• Front panel includes a power indicator, a data activity indicator and an integrated IR learner with indicators.
• Housed in a single RU high standard 19 inch rack mountable chassis.