User’s Guide Including the DVM2/L, DVM2/V, and DVM2/D by Alcorn McBride Inc.
Document Revision 2.8 February 2006 Copyright 1996-2004 Alcorn McBride, Inc. All rights reserved. Digital Video Machine 2, Digital Video Machine 2/L, Digital Video Machine 2/V, DVM2, DVM2/L, DVM2/V, DVM2/D, DVM2/DL and the other Machine product line names are trademarks of Alcorn McBride Inc. Windows is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation. Sony and Pioneer are trademarks of their respective owners.
Contents Welcome! ................................................................................ 1 Features ....................................................................................................................... 2 DVM2/L and DVM2/V ................................................................................................... 2 Technical Support ........................................................................................................ 3 Getting Started ..................
Serial Control ........................................................................29 Pioneer / AMI Serial Protocol......................................................................................29 Select File ...................................................................................................................30 Play .............................................................................................................................30 Loop Play ...............................
Select File................................................................................................................... 45 MIDI Show Control ..................................................................................................... 46 Go............................................................................................................................... 46 Stop .........................................................................................................................
DVM2 Operating System Requirements.....................................................................75 Schedule File Format..................................................................................................75 Scheduler Command Summary..................................................................................76 Power-Up Behavior.....................................................................................................77 Seamless Transitions..................................
Audio Stream ID (SID).............................................................................................. 102 Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Multiplexing ................................................................... 102 Operational Notes .............................................................. 103 Specifications ..................................................................... 105 Video ...................................................................................................
Welcome Welcome! Thank you for purchasing The Alcorn McBride Digital Video Machine 2™. The Digital Video Machine 2 replaces laser disc and VTR machines in permanent video playback installations. It provides over one hour of superb digital video and 2 channels of audio. We’ve tried to think of everything you’d need in a stand-alone video player – three types of video outputs, three types of audio outputs, and half a dozen different control interfaces make the DVM2 incredibly flexible.
Features The Digital Video Machine 2 offers a wide range of features including: • • • • • • • • • • • • • Plays high resolution MPEG-2 Video. Composite, S-Video, RGB and YUV outputs. Plays over one hour of video from internal drive. 2 Channels of digital audio available as Balanced, Unbalanced, or S/PDIF. Dolby 5.1 Digital Surround Sound bitstream output 720 x 480 (NTSC) or 720 x 576 (PAL) Resolution Converts NTSC to PAL and PAL to NTSC. Stores over 500 Clips per drive.
Welcome Technical Support You can obtain information about specifying, installing, configuring, updating and programming your Alcorn McBride Digital Video Machine 2 from several sources in the table below. For… Welcome! Contact… When?… Telephone Support (407) 296-5800 M-F 9am–6pm (EST) Fax Support (407) 296-5801 M-F 9am-6pm (EST) Knowledge Base http://www.alcorn.com/kb Any Time e-mail Support support@alcorn.com Any Time Software/Firmware Updates http://www.alcorn.
Getting Started Getting Started How Do I tell the Current Status of the DVM2? Your DVM2 has 7 status LED’ s on the front panel. Shown below are the locations of these LED’ s, and this manual has a table in the Front Panel section describing what each one of these means. How Do I Make the DVM2 Play a File Right From the Factory? The DVM2 comes with 6 demo video clips already on the hard drive! Make sure the red DIP Switch #1 is ON, so it is in contact closure mode.
How Do I Configure the DVM2? The quickest way to configure options like NTSC/PAL, Voltage or Contact Closure control, serial port protocol, etc… is to use the red DIP Switch on the back of the DVM2. See the Configuration DIP Switch section in the manual. (You can also use the DVM2’ s web interface to edit those and other options like the password, IP address, date and time. You’ ll need to configure your TCP/IP settings on your computer to do this. See the section Networking Your DVM2 to do this.
Getting Started TCP/IP settings on your computer to use this guide. Please refer to the Networking Your DVM2 section of this manual. It’ s a good rule of thumb to keep the demo clips on your DVM2. You can rename them and then, if ever necessary, use them later to debug potential problems in the field. DOS FTP usually comes on your PC, which is why we provide this guide. If using the DOS FTP program doesn’ t work out for you, download from the Internet an FTP program (like WS_FTP or Cute FTP).
(The following steps assume the factory set user name and password.) Type admin. Press Enter. If it doesn’ t ask you for the username for longer than 30 seconds, something’ s probably wrong. Recheck your TCP/IP settings with in the Networking Your DVM2 section. Type password. (It won’ t show the password you’ re typing). Press Enter. It will say you’ re not logged in for some reason, or it will say you’ re accepted. Type help to see a menu of commands. To see what’ s on the DVM2’ s drive, type ls.
Getting Started To copy playlist 0 to the DVM2 from your hard drive, type put ply00000.lst. Press Enter. When the FTP> prompt is shown again, you know the transfer is complete. Type ls. Press Enter. Playlist 0 is now shown on the DVM2’ s hard drive (not shown—see above). To exit DOS FTP, type quit. Press Enter. To exit DOS, type exit and press Enter. Take it from here. Be careful, and understand the commands that you’ re using before doing anything crazy.
10 Getting Started
Front Panel Front Panel LEDs The Digital Video Machine 2 provides 7 LED indicators.
Removable Hard Drive Bay The front of the DVM2 also contains the Removable Hard Drive Bay. This feature allows you to change your videos from your PC. You can even keep alternate removable drives to instantly switch program material. Simply place the drive in your PC’ s Removable Hard Drive Bay (sold separately) and copy the new videos to the drive. You can also delete any videos that you wish.
Rear Panel The Digital Video Machine 2 rear panel provides connections for all of the audio and video outputs, control cables, and power. There are also two banks of configuration switches located here. Power Switch Rear Panel The DVM2 is “ On” when this switch is in the “ Up” position, labeled “ |” . NOTE: When power cycling the DVM2, please wait 5 seconds before turning power back on. Power Connector The power input connector is a 5 pin circular DIN connector with the following pinout.
Ground Lift and Video Termination Switches This two-position DIP switch is located between the Sync BNCs and the RCA jacks. The “ Down” position of the switches is “ On” . Position Function Factory Default 1 Ground Lift “ Off” (Circuit ground not connected to chassis.) 2 75 Ohm Termination “ Off” (no termination) To prevent AC hum or video noise arising from ground loops, position “ 1” of this switch is shipped in the open position to isolate the Digital Video Machine 2’ s ground from its chassis.
¾ Voltage / Contact Closure This switch selects between voltage inputs or contact closures for the discrete controls. In the “ Off” position, a voltage applied between the discrete input pins on the DB-37 parallel control connector will assert that input. In the “ On” position, contact closures may be used to assert the input. More information on these inputs may be found in the section entitled Discrete Control Connector.
Note: All protocol connectors on the DVM2 are internally combined into one port. Selecting a new protocol effectively causes all connectors to listen for that protocol, therefore, only one device should be communicating through these connectors at a time. ¾ Password Reset This switch allows you to reset the User Name, Password, and IP address of your DVM2 to their default values in the event that they are lost.
Pioneer LDP Connector (RS-232P) This Female DB-15 connector is pin compatible with that found on Pioneer Laser Disc players such as the LD-V8000. Pioneer emulation is selected using the configuration DIP switch or Web Page setup.
Sony LDP Connector (RS-232S) This Female DB-25 connector is used to communicate with the DVM2 using RS-232 and a standard straight-through serial cable or a standard DB-9 to DB25 conversion cable. Sony emulation is selected using the configuration DIP switch or Web Page setup.
MIDI Connector Rear Panel This Female 5-pin DIN connector allows the DVM2 to be controlled using MIDI messages to select and play files. The standard MIDI cable may be connected to the MIDI In connector. The messages coincide with standard MIDI Show Control messages and MIDI Machine Control messages, which are detailed in the MIDI Serial Protocol section of this manual. MIDI operation is selected using the configuration DIP switch or Web Page setup.
Discrete Control Connector Be sure to configure the Digital Video Machine 2 for contact closures or voltage inputs before connecting any wires to it. This Female DB-37 connector provides all of the signals needed to control the Digital Video Machine 2 using discrete inputs. The first fifteen files of the Digital Video Machine 2 may be played, looped, paused or stopped using the eight parallel inputs located on this connector.
8 4 2 1 File Off Off Off Off None Off Off Off On 1 Off Off On Off 2 Off Off On On 3 Off On Off Off 4 Off On Off On 5 Off On On Off 6 Off On On On 7 On Off Off Off 8 On Off Off On 9 On Off On Off 10 On Off On On 11 On On Off Off 12 On On Off On 13 On On On Off 14 On On On On 15 Rear Panel The table below shows the binary combinations possible, and what file they select: For example, connecting pins 8 and 27 together with t
Using a terminal block to hold the diodes makes the wiring neater.
Voltage inputs, such as from a PLC, could be wired this way: Voltage 1 Contacts 2 3 4 5 6 7 Rear Panel I/O CONNECTOR 1 20 2 21 3 22 4 23 5 24 6 25 7 26 8 27 9 28 10 29 11 30 12 31 13 32 14 33 15 34 16 35 17 36 18 37 19 8 On PLC 24 Volt Output 1 24 Volt Output 2 24 Volt Output 4 24 Volt Output 8 Ground Reference CONNECTOR DB37 Diodes are not needed, since the PLC can actuate any combination of lines desired. Parallel Outputs Two status outputs are provided.
Composite Video Connectors Two are provided, one RCA-type phono jack (colored yellow), and one BNC connector. Each is individually buffered, and can drive a 75-Ohm load. Sync Generator Output Connector (DVM2 only) This output provides a standard 4.1-volt p-p composite sync signal for synchronizing external equipment. Using this connector, the DVM2 can be used as the master sync source, eliminating the need for a separate sync generator1.
Balanced Audio Connector (DVM2 only) This DB-25 Male connector provides balanced versions of the audio channels. Full-scale output level is +4dBm. The pinout of this connector is: LEFT MAINLEFT MAIN+ SHIELD SHIELD RIGHT MAINRIGHT MAIN+ SHIELD SHIELD NC NC SHIELD SHIELD NC NC SHIELD SHIELD SHIELD SHIELD SHIELD SHIELD SHIELD SHIELD SHIELD SHIELD SHIELD Rear Panel 1 14 2 15 3 16 4 17 5 18 6 19 7 20 8 21 9 22 10 23 11 24 12 25 13 BALANCED AUDIO DB25 Note: Auxiliary Outputs are not currently implemented.
S-Video (Y-C) Connector This mini DIN connector provides standard S-Video (component Y-C) video output. To activate this connector, set both Video Select Switches (Switches #7&8) to the “ On” position. The pinout of this connector is: GROUND 1 Y 2 - - - - 4 3 GROUND C RGB (VGA) Connector (DVM2 only) This HDB-15 Female connector provides RGB video plus H-Sync and V-Sync compatible with interlaced VGA monitors.
YUV Output The Digital Video Machine 2 also supports YUV output through the RGB connector. When the DVM2 is in YUV mode, pin 1 is “ Y” , pin 2 is “ U” and pin 3 is “ V” . Ethernet Connector Rear Panel This RJ-45 connector provides connection for a standard 10-Base T Ethernet cable. This cable would normally be connected to a hub, but may also be connected directly to a PC’ s Ethernet card using an Ethernet null, or “ crossconnect” cable, which is included with the DVM2.
28
Serial Control Pioneer / AMI Serial Protocol The most versatile serial protocol of the DVM2 is the Pioneer/Alcorn McBride Enhanced protocol. This protocol implements nearly all of the Pioneer Laser Disc player command set, but adds commands to access advanced features of the DVM2 such as multiple drives. This section discusses the most commonly used commands in detail, and then lists the entire Pioneer/Alcorn McBride Inc. protocol in tabular form.
Select File Description: This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to select the specified A/V clip or Playlist. Once this command is sent, the next Play command causes the specified file to play from the beginning. The unit defaults to file #1 at powerup, unless an autoexec file exists. When receiving this command, the Digital Video Machine 2 always looks for the file on the currently selected drive.
Loop Play Description: This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to play the file specified by the Select File command and loop back to the beginning. If the file is a Playlist, all of the clips in the Playlist will be played and then the entire Playlist will be restarted. Command bytes: [@]LP Message Response: R Description: This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to still frame.
Active Mode Request Description: This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to report its Active Operating Mode. Command bytes: [@]?P Message Response: P0n where n is 1 (Stopped), 3(Searched), 4 (Playing), 5 (Stilled) or 6 (Paused) Description: Chapter Request This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to report its Active Chapter.
Device ID Request Description: This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to report its current Device ID. Command bytes: [@]ID Message Response: Device ID String Firmware Version Request Description: This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to report its Operating System revision number. Command bytes: [@]?V Message Response: Version String Description: This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to set its IP address.
Description: Gateway Address Request This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to get its Gateway address. Command bytes: [@]GW Message Response: Gateway IP String Subnet Mask Set Description: This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to set its Subnet Mask address. You can also do this via the web interface. Command bytes: [@]nnn.nnn.nnn.
Loop Next Description: This command causes the selected file to be "queued" for looping playback at the completion of the current activity. If a file is currently playing, the queued transition to the selected file will be seamless. If a file is currently looping, the transition will occur at the next loop point.
Pioneer/AMI Protocol Summary The following table shows the complete Digital Video Machine 2 serial protocol, including the Pioneer LDP compatible commands and AMI extensions. Using these commands, an external controller or PC can accomplish extremely complex tasks. Throughout the following table, means carriage return, a byte with the hexadecimal value of 0D. Brackets, [ ], denote optional message bytes.
/6 > ,'!#@,3 &5! > ,'!#@QQQ QQQ QQQ QQ Q,3 &5! > ,'!#@/6 &5! *DWHZD\ $GGUHVV 5HTXHVW > ,'!#@*: &5! *DWHZD\ $GGUHVV 6HW > ,'!#@QQQ QQQ QQQ QQ Q*: 5! > ,'!#@60 &5! > ,'!#@QQQ QQQ QQQ QQ Q60 5! ´ILOHQDPH H[Wµ'/ &5! 6XEQHW 0DVN 5HTXHVW 6XEQHW 0DVN 6HW 'HOHWH )LOH 5HQDPH )LOH $XGLR 5DWH &RPPDQGV 6RIW 5HERRW ´ROGILOHQDPH H[WµµQHZILOHQD PH H[Wµ51 &5! [$5 &5! > ,'!#@;; &5! DGGUHVVLQJ LV VXSSRUWHG QRW IUDPHV RU WLPH 9HUVLRQ VWULQJ &5! ,3 6WULQJ &5! 5 &5! Q ,3 DGGUHVV HQW
Sony LDP Serial Protocol (DVM2 only) The Digital Video Machine 2 may also be controlled using the Sony Laser Disc Player Serial Protocol. The Digital Video Machine 2 may be controlled using Sony LDP serial RS-232 messages via the DB-25 Sony LDP connector (RS-232S) on the rear of the unit. The data format is user-defined, however it is typically: 4800 baud, 8 bits/byte, no parity, with one stop bit. These settings are determined by the configuration DIP switch or Web Page Setup.
The details of these commands are listed below. The “ H” following each command indicates that the command bytes are in hexadecimal. Select File Description: This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to select the specified A/V clip, sound or Playlist. Once this command is sent, the next Play command causes the specified file to play from the beginning. The unit defaults to file #1 at power-up, unless an autoexec file exists.
Still Description: This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to still frame. Play will resume from where it left off whenever another Play command is issued unless a Select File command is issued, in which case the new file will play from the beginning. Because the video image is held in a digital buffer, the still frame will be rock solid, and may be held indefinitely without media wear.
Video Mute Description: This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to mute the video output while continuing to play audio. Use the Video Unmute command to resume video output.
Sony Professional Serial Protocol (DVM2 only) The Digital Video Machine 2 may also be controlled using the Sony Professional Serial Protocol, also known as “ Sony 9-Pin.” The Digital Video Machine 2 may be controlled using Sony 9-Pin serial RS-422 messages via the DB-9 Female Sony 422 connector on the rear of the unit. The data format is user-defined, however it is typically: 38400 baud, 8 bits/byte, odd parity, with one stop bit.
Select file 4: 24H 31H 04H 00H 00H 00H 59H This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to play the file specified by the most recent “ Select File” command. The unit defaults to clip 1 at powerup if no autoexec file exists. If a clip is stilled, this command resumes play. If this command is issued while a Playlist is being played, the Digital Video Machine 2 will skip to the next clip in the Playlist and play it.
MIDI Serial Protocol (DVM2 only) The Digital Video Machine 2 may also be controlled using MIDI Machine Control or MIDI Show Control, via the 5-Pin DIN Programming Connector on the rear of the unit. The data format is 31250, N, 8, 1: 31250 baud, 8 bits/byte, no parity, with one stop bit. MIDI operation is selected using the configuration DIP switch or Web Page setup.
Stop Description: This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to halt video playback. Command Bytes: F0H 7FH ID 06H 01H F7H where ID represents the target device ID. Example: Stop device 03: F0H 7FH 03H 06H 01H F7H Description: This command causes the Digital Video Machine 2 to play the file specified by the most recent “ Select File” command. The unit defaults to clip 1 at powerup if no autoexec file exists.
MIDI Show Control Serial commands that may be used with the MIDI Show Control protocol are: Command Function Go Play the specified file Stop Stop video playback The format for a MIDI Show Control message is: F0H 7FH 02H F7H Where: = 7FH for wildcard.
Terminal Mode The Digital Video Machine 2 broadcasts unit information every 5 seconds via the serial port. It does not accept serial commands in this mode. This allows you to see the current status of the unit, or even debug serial connection. (Requires os version .97 or later. Os updates available at www.alcorn.com.) Error Codes Serial Control The Digital Video Machine 2 error codes are the same for each serial protocol. Refer to the Error Codes in the Pioneer / AMI Serial Protocol section.
Transferring Files into the DVM2 There are several ways to get files (videos, playlists, schedules, etc.) into the DVM2. The first method involves connecting to the DVM2 from your PC or Local Area Network using a network card and the Ethernet port on the back of the DVM2. The second method involves installing a removable drive bay (sold separately) in your PC and copying the files to the removable drive.
50 Transferring Files into the DVM2
Networking Your DVM2 The Ethernet connection is a useful tool for transferring video and other files to and from the unit. It is also useful for transferring feature updates and controlling and monitoring the DVM2. Ethernet is a physical medium for transferring data. TCP/IP is used to transmit the data over the Ethernet. TCP/IP is a common “ protocol” for transmitting data on local Ethernet connections (Intranet) and also global connections (Internet). The DVM2 allows both.
Connecting to the DVM2 directly from a PC If you are not connecting to the DVM2 from your Local Area Network (LAN), the Internet, or an Ethernet hub, you should follow these instructions: 52 1. Plug one end of the red “ Null-Ethernet” cable that came with your DVM2 into the Ethernet port on the rear of the DVM2. 2. Plug the other end of the red “ Null-Ethernet” cable into the Ethernet port on your computer. 3.
8. Your computer will require you to reboot to change the settings. Click the Yes button to do so. 9. Once your computer has finished rebooting, launch a Web Browser (Netscape, Internet Explorer, etc.). 10. In the address box, type “ http://” followed by the IP address of your DVM2. If this is your first time connecting to your DVM2, or you have not changed the IP address, the correct entry should be: http://192.168.0.254 11.
Connecting to the DVM2 Over a Local Area Network (LAN) or the Internet Note: This process can only be accomplished once you have already connected to the DVM2 directly and have changed the default IP address to an address approved by your Network Administrator. To connect to the DVM2 over a LAN or the Internet: 1. Connect one end of a 10-Base-T Ethernet cable to the Ethernet connector on the DVM2. DO NOT USE THE SUPPLIED RED “NULLETHERNET” CABLE. 2.
DHCP Support Now your DVM2 can dynamically get its IP address from the network by using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Your dvm2 comes default with an IP address of 192.168.0.254. So you’ll need to turn on the DHCP feature to take advantage of it. The DHCP feature does not collect the Gateway and Subnet Mask information, so you will need to fill that in either serially or via the web page.
However, if you intend to connect the DVM2 to a Local Area Network or to the Internet, it will be necessary to change the IP Address. To obtain a new IP address, contact your Network Administrator or your Internet Service Provider. When you have obtained your new IP address, simply enter the new address in the New IP Address field and click the Change button. Write the new IP address down. Upon clicking Change, you will immediately be rerouted to the DVM2 at its new IP Address.
Set Date and Time When you receive your DVM2, the time should be consistent with the current time on the Eastern coast of the United States (where Alcorn McBride is located). The DVM2’ s Real Time Clock has a battery back-up so that if power is removed from your DVM2, it will be able to keep the time. If your DVM2 is to be located elsewhere, it will be necessary to change the hours (and possibly the date) of the Real Time Clock.
To set up the port: • • 58 Choose the correct Format in the pull-down box for S-Video, RGB, or YUV. Press the Change button to save the changes. To cancel changes, press the Cancel button.
Manual The Manual page is simply an on-line representation of this manual. Release Notes Networking Your DVM2 The Release Notes page contains applicable information about the current Operating System release.
Update Operating System Alcorn McBride periodically adds enhancements to its products. These Operating System updates can be downloaded to your DVM2 to add new features if you wish. The DVM2 retains 2 copies of its Operating System: the Current version and the Previous version. This allows you to switch between the versions if you wish to.
Forgotten Password or IP Address? If you have forgotten your User Name, Password and/or IP Address, you will not be able to connect to your machine remotely to solve the problem. You will be required to toggle the Password Reset switch (Switch #6) on the rear panel of the DVM2 and power-cycle the unit to return the User Name, Password, and IP Address to their defaults. After turning on the Password Reset switch, simply power-cycle the DVM2.
Ethernet Control Control up to 127 DVM2s at once over a standard Ethernet network! Now you can use a powerful subset of commands from the Pioneer/AMI serial protocol to control multiple DVM2s at once that are connected to a standard Ethernet network. By sending UDP (User Datagram Protocol) packets across a network, you can communicate with and control up to 127 DVM2s simultaneously or independently.
serial protocol command. For example, A DVM2 Control Message containing the Command bytes 7@?V would cause the DVM2 on the network with Unit ID 7 to send back a UDP packet containing its version information. Please see the Pioneer / AMI Serial Protocol section for detailed information about the rest of the command set.
UDP Message Layer The control source sends UDP Packets to the DVM2. A UDP Packet contains information about the packet source (IP Address, Port number) as well as definable user data. The user data contains the entire DVM2 Control Message including all AMINet specific bytes. These packets should be sent to the broadcast IP Address (0xFFFFFF) with UDP port number 2639. Control Message Response The DVM2 will normally send back a response to each Control Message it receives.
UDP Protocol Summary The following table shows the complete Digital Video Machine 2 UDP protocol. Using these commands, an external controller or PC can accomplish extremely complex tasks. Throughout the following table, means carriage return, a byte with the hexadecimal value of 0D. Brackets, [ ], denote optional message bytes. For a more detailed description of these commands refer to the Pioneer/AMI Protocol section earlier in this book.
Ethernet Control Notes: In the event of an invalid command, an error response will be transmitted. The DVM2 responds to the Play command with R when received, but does not provide an additional when the clip ends, like the serial protocol.
68 Ethernet Control
Playlists Playlists provide a mechanism for the Digital Video Machine 2 to automatically play a collection of clips in a predefined sequence. Playlists often allow the Digital Video Machine 2 to be used to perform complex functions that would normally require an external controller. Playlists can perform functions as simple as looping a single clip, or as complex as user prompted pacing of the playback. Overview Playlists hold the key to the power of the Digital Video Machine 2.
Playlist Command Summary The Playlist is mainly a list of the clip numbers that are to be played. Clip numbers are entered as one to three ASCII digits, and are separated by any “ white space” characters or punctuation (other than the command characters listed below). Special command characters further modify the behavior of the Digital Video Machine 2. These characters are: Char 70 Meaning L Loop next clip.
Commands may be entered into the Playlist in either upper or lower case. All text following a semicolon (;) is interpreted as comments, until the next carriage return. You may put anything you want in comments, including the special command characters normally used in the Playlist. The discrete Resume input and serial Play command change functions when using a Playlist.
Example Playlist i,1,L6,37,w,-,415,+,5,60 < The Playlist is a list of numbers representing the file numbers of video or audio clips. The list can also contain special control codes or symbols to govern playback. The list can be arranged all on the same line, as shown above, or vertically as shown below. I 1 L6 37 w 415 + 5 60 < ;You can comment your Playlist file by using ;semicolons. All text after a semicolon is ;ignored until the end of the line where a ;carriage return is encountered.
Seamless Playlists Moving between MPEG-1, MPEG-2, NTSC, and PAL video formats must be done in Segmented Playback mode. In Seamless Playback mode, the DVM2 will seamlessly transition from one video clip to another in a playlist. It is important to understand the usage of this mode as well as Segmented Playback mode. The Playlist Command Summary earlier in this section describes the behavior of the ‘S’ and ‘G’ commands in detail.
74 Playlists
Real Time Scheduler The DVM2’ s Real Time Scheduler is an amazingly powerful tool for automating your videos. This section will enable you to take full advantage of these easy-to-use features. DVM2 Hardware Requirements If you purchased your DVM2 prior to December of 1999, you will probably need a hardware update in order to use the Real Time Scheduler. If you do not intend to use the scheduler, no hardware update is required. Alcorn McBride will perform any necessary hardware update at no charge.
Scheduler Command Summary The following table lists the commands that can be used in the schedule.csv file. Command Description Comments M or m Start Monday Section Every day of the schedule must begin with a day of week command. Each time and file number pair following a day of week command will be scheduled for that day of the week until another day of week command is found.
Power-Up Behavior At power up, the DVM2 begins playback of any playlist zero (ply00000.lst) or video zero (vid00000.mpg) that is in the root directory of the drive. After this, the schedule is loaded. The scheduler incorporates a “ look back” feature, which allows the schedule to continue to operate, even after a power loss. It does this in several ways: If an item was scheduled for the fifteen-minute block in which the unit was powered up, that item is immediately scheduled for playback.
Example Schedules The following schedule plays file number 10 every day at 8:00 AM except on Saturday and Sunday. M 800, 10 T 800, 10 W 800, 10 H 800, 10 F 800, 10 The next example shows the use of comments in a schedule. This schedule plays playlist 2078 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM and plays playlist 1078 at the same times on Tuesday and Thursday. On weekends, there is a loop started in playlist 78 at 9:00 AM each day.
Advanced Scheduler Commands The Scheduler now has the ability to launch activities in the DVM2 besides playback of video clips and playlists. Load a New Schedule Schedules are one week long, so what if you want to load a new one for the next week? Simply use the following naming convention for your schedule files: SCHxxxxx.CSV where xxxxx is a number from 00000 to 99999. Then use the command format below to load your new schedule. Example: ;Sunday load SCH00002.CSV at 10pm.
W 745,P00003 ;Wednesday launch ftp00003.txt CD Update (DVM2/D version only) Check for a CD and update the contents of the directory at a certain time of the week. Instead of manually rebooting your DVM2D, you can schedule a CD check every Saturday at 3am in the morning. Have your store owner drop in the new CD and walk away. That night the DVM2 checks for a new CD at 3am. If it finds one, it updates the files according to the command0.
Command Description Comments Nnnnnn Load a new schedule This uses the new naming convention for schedules. (see above) Pn[nnnn] Start FTP client file ftpnnnnn.txt See FTP Client section above C Update from a CD This extends the CD update feature of DVM2/D models from doing an update at reboot to doing an update at a scheduled time. X Reboot Reboots the unit. Summary Scheduler The DVM2 Scheduler is obviously very powerful. Even we haven’ t figured out all of the things it can be used for.
82 Real Time Scheduler
File Names File Names File names are represented in simple DOS 8.3 format – in other words, an eightcharacter name, a period, and then a three-character extension. The name is typically made up of eight characters specifying the type (VID for audio/video file, PLY for Playlist), and the number of the file (5 digits from 00000 to 99999). The three-character extension is used to tell the Digital Video Machine 2 the data format of the file. Supported formats are shown in the table below. Extension Format .
To avoid confusion, don’t duplicate file numbers. File numbers are used to identify which file is to be played in response to Select File serial commands or rear panel file selection parallel inputs. File numbers contained on a drive should be unique, regardless of the file type. In other words, you shouldn’ t have PLY00002.LST and VID00002.MPG on the same drive. The two files should have different numbers. If more than one file has the same number, the first file found in the directory will be used.
The later DVM2s’ also ship with a new Examples Directory on their harddrives. It contains examples of how to set up commonly used playlists, schedules, and FTP client scripts. It also contains a set of video clips you can use to test out your schedules and playlists. In fact, some of the schedules we have created for you already refer to these videos for your convenience. The videos have a black background and a white number "1" through "12".
Soft Reboot This performs a reboot just like the one achieved when recycling power. DVM2 Hardware Requirements The DVM2 requires a hardware upgrade to implement the soft reboot option. If you try the serial or web reboot commands below and the hardware is NOT upgraded yet, you’ll get an informational message telling you that you need to have it upgraded for the feature.
FTP Client The DVM2 now supports an FTP client that gets initiated by the scheduler, as described below. It operates by reading in a text file, which has an FTP script inside of it. The filename convention is ftpxxxxx.txt. Here’ s and example of one: ftp00003.txt CONNECT 216.122.40.9 dvm2client1 password TYPE I GET vid00001.mpg vid00001.
To update the contents of the internal drive from the optional DVDROM drive, use a Command File. A Command File is a simple yet powerful way to automatically update the contents of one or many Digital Video Machine 2’ s in the field, without using a laptop or other external device.
During a media update, the green LED on the left, front panel will continue to flash just as it was before the update began. The yellow LED just below the green will begin to flash along with it in an alternating pattern. Once the update has completed, the DVM2 will finish the “ Traffic Light” LED sequence. After this sequence, it is safe to remove the CD/DVD-ROM disk from the drive.
Example Applications The later DVM2s’ also ship with a new Examples Directory on their harddrives. It contains examples of how to set up commonly used playlists, schedules, and FTP client scripts. It also contains a set of video clips you can use to test out your schedules and playlists. In fact, some of the schedules we have created for you already refer to these videos for your convenience. The videos have a black background and a white number "1" through "12".
92 Example Applications
The following table contains a listing of the cables shown in the previous diagram for the Projection Display example: From To A DVM2, RGBS Connector (HDB15 Female), pin 1 (Red) Projector, RGBHV Input, Red (BNC/HDB15) B DVM2, RGBS Connector (HDB15 Female), pin 2 (Green) Projector, RGBHV Input, Green (BNC/HDB15) C DVM2, RGBS Connector (HDB15 Female), pin 3 (Blue) Projector, RGBHV Input, Blue (BNC/HDB15) D DVM2, RGBS Connector (HDB15 Female), pin 13 (H-Sync) Projector, RGBHV Input, H-Sync (BNC/HD
Kiosk The DVM2 can also be used to operate a kiosk in a retail or themed environment.
The following table contains a listing of the cables shown in the previous diagram for the Kiosk example: Cable From To DVM2, Audio Output Left (RCA) Powered Speaker, Input B Button 1, Contact 1, through Diodes DVM2, Discrete Control Connector (DB37) pin 5 (File Select 1) Button 1, Contact 2 DVM2, Discrete Control Connector (DB37) pin 27 (Ground) Button 2, Contact 1, through Diodes DVM2, Discrete Control Connector (DB37) pin 6 (File Select 2) Button 2, Contact 2 DVM2, Discrete Control Connector
Video Wall The DVM2 can also be used as the video source for a Video Wall.
The following table contains a listing of the cables shown in the previous diagram for the Video Wall example: Cable From To V16+, Serial Ports 1-12 (DB9 Male) DVM2, Pioneer Port (DB15 Female) M-R Audio Amplifier Speakers S DVM2 #1, Sync Output (BNC) Video Distribution Amplifier, Input (BNC) S1 Video Distribution Amplifier, Output #1 (BNC) DVM2 #1-4 Sync Input (BNC) – Daisychain from C-Sync Loop to Sync In of next DVM2 S2 Video Distribution Amplifier, Output #2 (BNC) DVM2 #5-8, V16+ Sync Inp
98 Example Applications
Making Videos What Is An MPG File? The Digital Video Machine 2 plays MPG files that contain digital video encoded in high-resolution by an algorithm known as “ MPEG-2” . Many encoding systems produce MPG files, but not all MPG files may be played on the DVM2. Many MPG files are designed for playback in a small window on a PC, or for transfer over the internet. These MPG files are generally of very low resolution at slow frame rates.
MPEG-2 Formats The MPEG-2 Program Stream The DVM2 plays MPEG-2 Program Streams. This stream is a Variable or Constant bitrate stream containing both audio and video. In order to achieve playback of video only, you must encode an elementary stream of silent audio that will be combined with your elementary video stream to create a program stream. A program stream is not the same as a DVD VOB file. The DVM2 does not play VOB files.
Audio Behavior Power-Up Operation Audio Formats After this power-up operation, all files will be played using these parameters, unless the parameters are manually set using the AR command, or unless the autodetect feature is turned on. Please note that when autodetect is on, the playback of every file will be delayed by a fraction of a second while the DVM2 determines its audio settings. Set Audio Rate: 0AR 1AR 2AR 3AR 4AR 5AR Autodetect On Sample Rate = 32KHz Sample Rate = 44.
Dolby Digital bitstreams default to an audio rate to 48KHz. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound The DVM2 supports output of Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound bitstreams as well as standard 2 channel MPEG audio. The DVM2 does not default to Dolby Digital mode, so read the Audio Formats section to understand how the unit treats them differently and how to put the DVM2 into Dolby Digital Bistream mode. DVM2 Hardware Requirements The DVM2 outputs a Dolby Digital 5.
Operational Notes File Size Limitation Op. Notes The DVM2 has a FAT32 operating system, and as a result for earlier versions of the operating system the unit cannot handle videos that are larger than 2GB in size. With the release of .70. it can handle up to 4GB file sizes. If you need to play material that results in a file larger than 4GB, split it into pieces and use a seamless playlist.
Specifications Video 720 x 480 (NTSC), 720 x 576 (PAL) resolution 704 x 480 (NTSC), 704 x 576 (PAL) resolution Up to 10.0 Mbits/sec (including audio) 25 fps (PAL), 29.97 fps (NTSC) 4:2:0 Audio 16 bit stereo linear sampling 44.1KHz or 48KHz sample rate or AC3 20-20KHz Frequency Response Unbalanced, 2V P-P max into 20K Balanced Playback Time 2.4 hours (10.2 GB) IDE drive (10 Megabit/sec) Response Time Specs Less than 33 msec, however video playback response depends upon encoding.
Switches and Indicators Front panel - 7 LEDs for Status. Rear panel – Dual piano switches for Ground Lift, 75 Ohm Termination. Rear panel – Eight DIP switches for Contact Closure/Voltage Inputs, PAL/NTSC, Serial Protocol Select, Password Reset, Video Select. Connectors Rear Panel: DB-9F Sony RS-422 serial I/O connector. DB-37F parallel and serial I/O connector. DB-15F Pioneer Serial I/O connector. DB-25F Sony LDP Serial I/O connector. DB-25M Balanced Audio Outputs connector.
Index A Active Mode Request ....................................................................32 Addressable Commands ................................................................29 AMINet .........................................................................................63 Audio.......................................................................................98, 99 Audio Control................................................................................31 autoexec.......................
DOS.............................................................................................. 81 DVD ............................................................................................. 87 E Enable video ................................................................................. 68 encoding ....................................................................................... 97 error codes ....................................................................................
LED Meaning................................................................................11 Loop ..................................................................................31, 36, 68 LST................................................................................................81 M MIDI............................................................1, 2, 15, 19, 44, 57, 104 MPEG..............................................................................................6 MPEG-1 ..................
RGB.............................................................................. 2, 16, 26, 57 RS-232.............................................................................. 29, 38, 42 RS-422............................................................................................ 2 S Sample Rate.................................................................... 32, 98, 103 Seamless ....................................................................................... 75 Seamless Playlist ......
Y Index YUV ......................................................................
