Digital Video Machine User's Manual DVM-7400
Document Revision 2.0 August 24, 2009 Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained in this manual, and the reliability of the Alcorn McBride DVM7400 Digital Video Machine hardware and software. Errors can sometimes go undetected, however. If you find one, please bring it to our attention so that we can correct it for others. Alcorn McBride welcomes comments and suggestions on the content and layout of its documentation.
Table of Contents WELCOME!............................................................................................................................................................5 STANDARD FEATURES ............................................................................................................................................6 OPTIONAL FEATURES .............................................................................................................................................
Set Sync-On-Green...................................................................................................................................... 28 Set Brightness .............................................................................................................................................. 28 Set Contrast ................................................................................................................................................. 29 Set Saturation....................
DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 SURROUND SOUND .................................................................................................................69 DVM Hardware Requirements ......................................................................................................................69 COMPACT FLASH MEDIA .......................................................................................................................................69 Formatting the Compact Flash..............................
Welcome! Thank you for purchasing The Alcorn McBride Digital Video Machine™ DVM7400. The Digital Video Machine, or DVM for short, is designed to be an ultra reliable video playback source for permanent installations. It can provide hours of superb digital video and audio. We’ve tried to think of everything you’d need in a stand-alone video player – three types of video outputs, four types of audio outputs, and numerous control interfaces make the DVM incredibly flexible.
Standard Features The Digital Video Machine DVM7400 offers a wide variety of standard features including: • High resolution MPEG-2 Video at up to 15 Mbps • Plays from solid state Compact Flash media • Scheduled playback from built-in Real Time clock • Operates from 12VDC to 24VDC (power supply included) • GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) triggering capability • Composite video output on RCA connector • Unbalanced Stereo analog audio on RCA connectors • 720 x 480 (NTSC) or 720 x 576 (PAL) Re
Technical Support You can obtain information about specifying, installing, configuring, updating and programming your Alcorn McBride Digital Video Machine from several sources: For… Contact… When?… Firmware Updates http://www.alcorn.com/support Any Time Knowledge Base http://www.alcorn.com/kb Any Time E-mail Support support@alcorn.
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Getting Started Throughout this manual you will find detailed discussions on all the features of the product. But below are a few points to get you going with the Digital Video Machine right out of the box! Playing a Test Video Every DVM comes with a Compact Flash card that is preloaded with an Alcorn McBride test clip. The card is already installed in the DVM’s Compact Flash socket. To get the DVM to play this test clip, please follow these step-by-step directions.
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Controls and Indicators The Digital Video Machine provides controls that can accommodate a wide variety of installations. The front panel incorporates a test button, status indicator, and a Compact Flash Socket. The rear panel provides the composite video, unbalanced audio outputs, and control connectors. Depending on which option cards are installed, the rear panel can also contain speaker-level outputs, balanced audio, digital audio, digital video, component video, video sync, or Ethernet.
Test Button The test button will not trigger playlists. It will only trigger videos that are named using the VIDxxxxx.MPG convention. A push-button is located on the front of the unit. This button is used to “test” play the unit and will play the lowest number video file on the media. For example, if the media contained the files VID00001.MPG and VID00002.MPG, VID00001.MPG would be triggered by the test button. The test button is also used to format the Compact Flash card.
Voltage / Contact Closure The first key in the 4-key bank selects between voltage inputs or contact closures for the discrete controls. More information on these inputs may be found in the section entitled Rear Panel Connectors. For contact closure mode, set this key to the ON position. Voltage Contacts Restore Factory Defaults Be sure to return this key to the ON position once the defaults have been restored. Failing to do so will result in the DVM restoring the defaults every time it powers on.
Ground Lift In the event of AC hum, video banding, or other noise caused by potential ground loops the first key on the 2-key DIP switch, may be opened to isolate the DVM’s ground from its chassis. To implement a ground lift, turn this switch OFF. Open Closed Serial Port Mode Refer to the GPS section in this manual for details. For normal serial port control, turn ON the second key on the 4-key DIP switch. To enable GPS mouse operation, turn this switch OFF.
Serial Port: DB-9 Connector A serial cable is provided with each Digital Video Machine. This input is a standard DB-9 male RS-232C connector. The purpose of this port is to connect to a PC or other control device using a straight-through (not null-modem) 9pin cable. The connector pin assignments are listed in the table below. Pin Function 2 TXD (data from DVM) 3 RXD (data to DVM) 5 GND Volume Control To increase the volume level, rotate the knob clockwise.
Pin Function Pin Function 1 Resume 20 Ground 2 Still 21 Ground 3 Stop 22 Ground 4 Loop 23 Ground 5 File Select 1 24 Ground 6 File Select 2 25 Ground 7 File Select 4 26 Ground 8 File Select 8 27 Ground 9 Playing Output (contact 1) 28 Playing Output (contact 2) 10 Fault Output (contact 1) 29 Fault Output (contact 2) 11 Resume (voltage input) 30 5 VDC output, 100 mA max.
Optional Modules The Digital Video Machine always comes equipped with all of the standard outputs and control interfaces shown at the beginning of the Controls and Indicators section. However, the DVM also has a variety of options that can be installed at the factory to increase its capabilities. Amplifier Option (/A) Be sure to pay attention to the speaker polarity while making connections. This version of the Digital Video Machine provides two discrete channels of amplified audio for powering speakers.
Professional Video Option (/P) The S/PDIF output is a standard IEC-958 signal containing either Stereo (2channel) or Dolby Digital AC3 (5.1 Channel) audio. The sync output is NOT a passive connection to the sync input. It actually generates a Composite sync signal. When the Digital Video Machine is ordered with the Professional Video option, it will provide a component video output on an HD15 connector.
HD-15 Pinout If Sync-On-Green is enabled while in the RGB colorspace mode, the H-Sync and V-Sync signals will be disabled. RGB Mode Pinout YUV Mode Pinout Component Video Option (/R) When using RGB colorspace, you have the option to enable or disable Sync-OnGreen. This setting can be changed using remote commands. This option provides the DVM-7400 with a component video output on an HD-15 connector. This format can be set to either YUV or RGB using the colorspace command defined in the Command Protocol.
Digital Video Option (/D) The S/PDIF output is a standard IEC-958 signal containing either Stereo (2channel) or Digital AC3 (5.1 Channel) audio. The sync output is NOT a passive connection to the sync input. It actually generates a Composite sync signal. A Digital Video Machine equipped with this option provides SMPTE259M digital video on a BNC connector. In addition, this option provides the DVM with the ability to synchronize to an external video sync source using the sync input.
Ethernet Module (/E) . The Digital Video Machine can be ordered with an optional Ethernet Module adding control and file transfer capabilities over a standard Ethernet connection. The Ethernet interface is provided on a standard RJ-45 jack. Two LED’s indicate Ethernet status as shown below. The Green LED should be on whenever an active Ethernet connection is detected, and the Yellow LED flashes whenever Ethernet activity occurs.
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Command Protocol The Serial., Ethernet., Playlist., Scheduler., and GPS. control interfaces all use 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 DVM as well. This section discusses the most commonly used commands in detail. The protocol is ASCII-based. Upper or lower case characters can be used interchangeably.
Play Description: This command causes the DVM to play the file specified with the Select File command. If a clip is stilled or paused, this command resumes playback. If this command is issued while a Playlist is being played, the DVM will advance to the next Playlist entry. This command sends a response when it is executed, and another when the playback is complete.
Loop File Description: This command is the same as the Loop command, except that the file number or name is included in the command. This means that no prior Select File command is required. Command bytes: nnnnnLP or “”LP Parameters: nnnnn is the ASCII file number between 0-99999. is an ASCII file name surrounded by quotation marks. Message Response: R Examples: Loop file 215: Loop file 4: Loop file alcorn.mpg: 215LP 4LP or “vid00004.mpg”LP “alcorn.
Still Description: This command causes the DVM to still frame. Playback will resume from this position when another Play command is issued. 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. Command bytes: ST Message Response: R Comments: If a Select File or Play File command is issued while in Still mode, it will no longer be possible to resume playback from the stilled point.
Set volume level to 50%: 50%AD Video Control Description: This command causes the DVM to mute or unmute the video. Command bytes: nVD Parameters: n is 0 (Black) or 1 (Image). Message Response: R Active Mode Request Description: This command causes the DVM to report its Active Operating Mode.
Configuration Commands Set Colorspace Description: This command configures the colorspace format for the component video output of the DVM. You can configure this output to use either the RGB or YUV colorspace formats. Command Bytes: nVC Parameters: n is a numeric value that represents the colorspace. 0=RGB, 1=YUV Message Response: R Comments: This command only applies to DVM’s with either the Professional Video(/P) or Component Video(/R) options installed.
Set Contrast Description: This command configures the Contrast of the DVM’s video outputs. Command Bytes: nnnCO Parameters: nnn is a numeric value between 0-100 that represents the Contrast setting. 50 is the default setting. Message Response: R Set Saturation Description: This command configures the Saturation of the DVM’s video outputs. Command Bytes: nnnSA Parameters: nnn is a numeric value between 0-100 that represents the Saturation setting. 50 is the default setting.
Set Test Pattern Description: The DVM is capable of generating several built-in test patterns for diagnosing video problems and/or optimizing display settings. This command causes the DVM to display those patterns. Command Bytes: nTP Parameters: n is a numeric value between 0-7 that represents the Test Pattern mode.
Set password to “Stretch”: StretchPW Miscellaneous Commands Format Media Description: This command causes the DVM to format the Compact Flash card media that is installed in the Compact Flash socket. This will erase the contents of the flash card!!! Command Bytes: FO Parameters: None Message Response: R Comments: The Message Response is received when the format is complete. Cards that are 2GB in size or less are formatted using the FAT16 file system.
Set Device ID Description: This command is used to configure the Device ID of the DVM. The Device ID is typically used to individually address DVM’s that share the same control line. Command Bytes: nID Parameters: n is a numeric value between 0 and 126 that represents the Device ID Message Response: R Examples: Set the Device ID to 4: 4ID Software Reset Description: This command will reset the DVM, just as if the power were cycled.
Set Relay Outputs Description: This command allows you to manually control the 2 relay outputs on the DVM’s Parallel control connector. Command Bytes: RL Parameters: is one or more characters that define which relay to control, and what state it should be in.
Command Error Codes Any R response will be replaced by a message of the form Enn (where nn represents the error code) if an error occurs. The error codes are listed in the following table. Error Code E00 E04 E06 E11 Description Communication Error Feature Not Available Invalid Argument Media Not Present E12 Search Error E99 Fatal System Error 34 What to Do: Check your serial settings Have you entered the correct command? Check for avail.
Command Protocol Summary The following tables list all of the commands that are supported by the DVM. Additional playlist commands can be found in the Playlist Control section of this manual.
Configuration Command List Description Set Colorspace Get Colorspace Set Sync-on-Green Get Sync-on-Green Set Brightness Get Brightness Set Contrast Get Contrast Set Saturation Get Saturation Set Aspect Ratio Video Configuration Commands Command Bytes Response nVC R VC n nSG R SG n nnnBN R BN nnn nnnCO R CO nnn nnnSA R SA nnn nAP R Get Aspect Ratio AP b Set Test Pattern nTP R Description Set IP Address Set Subnet Mask Set Gateway Get IP Address Get Gateway Address Get Subnet Mask Set FTP User Name E
Description Set Time Zone Scheduler & GPS Commands Command Bytes Response nTZ R Get Time Zone TZ n Set Longitude nLO R Get Longitude Set Latitude LO nLA n R Get Latitude Set Date LA mm/dd/yyyyDA n R Get Date Set Time Get Time Set DST Support DA hh:mm:ssTI TI nSD mm/dd/yy R hh:mm:ss R Get DST support SD n Set DST Type Get DST Type nnnDT DT R nnn Description Format Media Miscellaneous Commands Command Bytes Response FO R upon completion Set Baud Rate nBR R SendString Set Device ID
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Serial Control Be sure that the DVM’s Serial Port Mode DIP switch is in the Normal (On) position if you intend to use RS-232 control. The Digital Video Machine can be controlled using the male DB-9 RS-232 connector on the rear panel. If you are interfacing to the DVM with a PC or other type of controller, you will need to use a straight-through DB-9 Female to DB-9 Female serial cable. For your convenience, this cable has been included with your DVM.
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Ethernet Control If your Digital Video Machine is equipped with the optional Ethernet feature, you can control the DVM using a standard Ethernet Protocol called UDP (User Datagram Protocol). UDP is a very simple Ethernet protocol that allows an Ethernet device to transmit a generic string of data to another Ethernet device. Since UDP is such a broad standard, UDP packets can be generated by a large variety of controllers and PC applications.
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Playlist Control Playlists provide a mechanism for the Digital Video Machine to automatically execute commands in a predefined sequence. Playlists often allow the DVM to be used to perform complex functions that would normally require an external controller. Since Playlists can execute any of the commands listed in the Command Protocol section, they can perform a variety of functions.
Special Playlist Commands In addition to regular Digital Video Machine commands listed in the Command Protocol section, there are a few commands that apply only to Playlists. These single-character commands further modify the behavior of the Playlists. These characters and their functions are listed in the following table: Char Meaning U Uninterruptible. Causes the Digital Video Machine to ignore the Resume input and serial Play until the playlist becomes interruptible once again. I Interruptible.
Example Playlists i,1PL,6LP,37PL,415PL,5PL,60PL,< The list can be arranged all on the same line, as shown above, or vertically as shown below. I 1PL 6LP 37PL ;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. 5PL < The first command in the playist is the “I” command.
Using Playlist Builder For convenience, Alcorn McBride provides a free Windows application for making playlists using a graphical interface. This program is called Playlist Builder, and it can be downloaded from the software section the Alcorn McBride website at http://www.alcorn.com. Here is a step-by-step guide to get started making playlists with Playlist Builder. 46 1. Open the Playlist Builder application 2. Select the DVM-7400 in the list of supported devices and click OK. 3.
Scheduler Control If you plan on using the Scheduler, you should verify that the DVM’s time and date are set correctly. The Digital Video Machine has a built-in real-time clock, which can be used to trigger events based on time and/or date. For example, the DVM could play a video at 3:00PM on January 15th 2009. The DVM accomplishes this type of task using a feature called the Scheduler.
Example 1 T:13:46 D:01/1/2010 E:COMMAND 1:"1PL" This is the simplest possible example because it contains the minimum number of fields needed to execute a scheduled event. Notice that the example occupies only one line of text, and that each field is separated by a space. In order, this is exactly what each field means.
Example 4 T:1:00 D:11-28-02 R:4 P:Thursday S:November E:COMMAND 1:"1PL” The only thing that is new with this example is the Set field: Repeat Set(S): November A set defines a certain range of valid repeat periods. For this example, only the Thursdays in November are eligible for this event. When a Set is used in an event, the Repeat Number takes on a different meaning. Instead of being a multiplier of the Repeat Period, it and the Repeat Period become an index of the set.
A: End Date The End Date is the month, day, and year your event stops being active. See the D: Start Date section for syntax. Examples: D:01.01.2001 D:01/01/2001 D:01-1-2001 R: Repeat Number The Repeat Number acts differently depending on what other fields it is used with: • With no Repeat Set field present. • With a Repeat Set field present: 1. With no Repeat Set field present: This is the most common usage of the Repeat Number. It acts as a multiplier of the Repeat Period.
Minute Hour Day Year Notes: Month is not a valid period. If you want to make a monthly schedule, use a combination of repeat number, period and set to do so. See the example in the Repeat Number section for details. You can also specify sunrise or sunset. In order to take advantage of sunrise/sunset calculations in the DVM, you need to determine you longitude, latitude, and time zone. All three of these settings can be configured remotely using the Command Protocol of the DVM.
Schedule Builder For convenience, Alcorn McBride provides a free Windows application for making schedules using a graphical interface. This program is called Schedule Builder, and it can be downloaded from the software section the Alcorn McBride website at http://www.alcorn.com. Here is a step-by-step guide to get started making schedules with Schedule Builder. 52 1. Open the Schedule Builder application 2. Select the DVM-7400 in the list of supported devices and click OK. 3.
6. If you only want the command to be executed once, just click OK. However, if you want the command to be repeated (say every hour or every day) you can specify that in the repeat box on the right side of the screen. For the sake of this example, we are going to repeat this command every hour. 7. Click OK and the event will be added to the schedule. 7. In this screen, you are free to Add/Edit/Delete Scheduled events as needed. 8.
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GPS Control Overview The Digital Video Machine can automatically trigger videos whenever it enters into a predetermined geographical area. With this feature you can easily design a “No Operator-Intervention Required” A/V system on a tour bus or tram that automatically plays pre-recorded spiels or videos whenever it enters a specified area. Enable the GPS mode of operation by turning DIP switch #2 of the 2-key DIP switch block OFF (UP).
GPS Builder What is GPS Builder? GPS Builder is a graphical tool used to create GPS Playlists for the Digital Video Machine. To accomplish this, GPS Builder has some features that make this process a snap: If you need to change the DVM baud rate to match the GPS input, you can use an autoexec playlist that contains a “BR” command followed by a “1PL” command (where your GPS playlist is PLY00001.GPS) 56 • Direct Support for GPS Input – GPS Builder automatically detects any NMEA 0183 GPS input source.
Main Spreadsheet The program uses a spreadsheet layout with horizontal rows that represent specific tasks for the DVM to execute, and vertical columns that contain the various parameters associated with the particular task. Clicking the small buttons to the right of each cell will provide further help with that cell’s contents. The following explains each column in detail. Command The Command column contains the command to be executed at a particular Longitude and Latitude (if specified).
Comments Both the Approx Location and Comments field are solely for the purpose of describing the location and function of each GPS point. They are not used by the DVM. Map Display If an Internet connection is present, you can view the location of your GPS point on a map. Click on the map tab at the bottom of your screen. Select the GPS point you wish to view on the map my clicking its row in the spreadsheet.
Connecting a GPS Sensor to a PC In order for GPS Builder to detect latitude and longitude, a GPS sensor must be connected to a serial port. Below is a connection diagram for the GPS Kit that can be purchased as an accessory with your Digital Video Machine. This diagram shows what is currently the most common GPS cable interface for PC. This interface uses a standard RS-232 connector to send GPS strings to your PC’s serial port. The Blue PS/2 port is only used to supply power to the GPS Sensor.
GPS sensors need a “line-of-sight” to the sky in order to receive strong satellite signals. For the sake of reliability, operation indoors or in long underground tunnels is not recommended. 6. You’re now ready to begin entering GPS trigger points. Get in your vehicle! Place the GPS sensor on the roof (or other mounting location recommended by the GPS sensor manufacturer). Click on the first entry in your GPS playlist. Drive to the first desired trigger point and hit the Space Bar when you reach it.
The DVM is compatible with any serial GPS sensor which outputs a NMEA-0183 data stream at default 4800 baud. You can change the baud rate using the BR command in your GPS playlist. The diagram below shows the proper connection using the Alcorn McBride GPS Kit. The DVM will steadily blink the Green LED whenever an active GPS input is detected. Unless you are launching a GPS Playlist by other means (ie. Playlist, Ethernet, etc.), make sure that your GPS playlist is named “PLY00000.GPS”.
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Parallel Control Parallel Inputs Be sure to configure the Parallel Input mode DIP-switch before connecting any wires. The Digital Video Machine can be controlled using either contact closures or voltage inputs on the female DB-37 Control Connector. DIP-switch number 1 on the 4-key DIP-switch bank selects between the two input types. Voltage inputs are rated for 24 VDC. The table below describes the function of each input.
The table below shows the binary combinations possible, and what file they play: 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 For example, connecting pins 8 and 27 together with the Voltage / C
DB37 Contact Closure Diode Network Diagram for 15 Clips 2 2 1 1 1 2 Clip 1 1 2 Clip 2 1 2 Clip 3 1 2 Clip 4 SYMBOLS: 1 2 SWITCH 2 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 1 1N4148 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 Clip 5 1 2 Clip 6 1 2 Clip 7 Ground 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 Clip 8 1 2 Clip 9 1 2 Clip 10 1 2 Clip 11 1 1 1 2 Clip 12 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 Cl
Voltage inputs, such as from a PLC, could be wired this way: 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 Contacts Voltage Switch set to voltage 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. They are dry contact closures rated at 24 VDC and 0.
File Types and Storage The Digital Video Machine plays MPEG-2 video files. These files must have a “.MPG” extension. Please refer to the Required File Name Formats section of this manual for details on file naming conventions. What Is An MPG File? MPG is short for MPEG, which stands for Motion Picture Experts Group, the organization that codified the audio/video compression scheme used in the DVM.
MPEG-2 Formats The MPEG-2 Program Stream The DVM only supports files up to 2GB in size. See File System Limitations section for more information. The DVM only plays MPEG-2 Program Streams. This stream is a Variable or Constant bitrate stream containing both audio and video information. 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.
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound The DVM supports output of Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound bitstreams as well as standard 2 channel MPEG audio. The DVM will automatically detect which type of stream is present in the MPEG file, and output the audio accordingly. NOTE: The DVM will NOT down-mix AC3 audio streams. Whenever a Dolby Digital bitstream is present in an MPEG clip, the analog audio outputs of the DVM are disabled.
Transferring Files to the DVM You can copy the files to the Compact Flash card externally, using a USB or other type of adapter for your desktop or laptop computer. If you have the Ethernet option installed, you can also transfer files using the DVM’s FTP interface. Copying Files Directly Using a PC Here is a step-by-step procedure for copying files from your PC to the Compact Flash card using a Compact Flash adaptor on your PC: 70 • You will need a PC with a Compact flash socket of some kind.
Copying Files Using an FTP Connection Note: This procedure applies only if your DVM is equipped with the optional Ethernet .Module (i.e. DVM7400/E, DVM7400/A/E, DVM7400/P/E, DVM7400/B/E, DVM7400/D/E). • Connect the DVM to an Ethernet network, or directly to a PC with an Ethernet jack and power-up the DVM. • Use a serial terminal program or AMI Terminal to program the DVM to an unused IP address on your network. If plugged directly into a PC (not on a network) you can use the default IP address of 192.
Required File Name Formats File names are represented in simple DOS 8.3 format. In other words, an eight character name, a period, and then a three-character extension. There are two ways to name your video files. VID00003.MPG is an example of a numbered file name. With this naming convention, you can use the parallel inputs to access files.
File System Limitations – 2GB File Size The Digital Video Machine uses a special implementation of the FAT32 file system. This file system is widely used, and will allow your flash cards to be accessible from any Windows based PC or MAC computer. If the File Splitter software is no longer available, please obtain the latest manual from the Alcorn McBride website, or contact technical support for the latest recommended method for splitting files. The split-file playback feature requires firmware V1.
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Synchronization If you intend to use the DVM for an application that requires video sync, be sure to order your DVM equipped with the Professional Video(/P) or Digital Video(/D) Option. One of the most powerful features of the Digital Video Machine is its ability to synchronize to an external video source.
Synchronizing Multiple DVM’s The most common application of Digital Video Machines equipped with the External Sync option is synchronizing multiple machines. When implemented properly, this capability allows several DVM’s to maintain perfect frame synchronization with one another.
Triggering Synchronized DVM’s Simultaneously If you remember the discussion at the beginning of the Synchronizing Multiple DVM’s section, you’ll recall that there are two requirements for playing synchronous video. We’ve already taken care of the first requirement in the Sharing Video Sync Between DVM’s section, so now it’s time to take care of the second part; telling the DVM’s to play simultaneously at the correct moment.
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Power Up Operation When power is first applied to the Digital Video Machine, it briefly blinks the Status LED green. It then checks to see if a new firmware file exists, or if a track or Playlist should be played, according to the following priority: • Check the Compact Flash card for an OS.NEW file. If found, the firmware is updated and the file is renamed to OS.SAV. • Launch schedule (schedule.scl) • Launch GPS Playlist #0 (PLY00000.
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Updating Firmware You can download the latest firmware upgrades for your DVM7400 Digital Video Machine from http://www.alcorn.com Follow these directions to update the DVM’s firmware: • Establish a serial connection with the DVM using PC and AMI Terminal. Use the Version button to retrieve the current firmware version back from the unit. Compare that to the version number listed on the website. If you need an upgrade, continue.
Ethernet Step by Step This Application Note will show you how to connect your DVM7400/E, AM4/E or V16Pro to a network. Some basics of Ethernet networking are covered, and an example of using the DVM7400/E in a network is provided. Network Architecture Ethernet is a high-speed serial communication standard that involves both hardware and software.
Hardware Ethernet hardware typically uses an eight-wire (four pair) cable that makes a point-to-point electrical connection. When connected to a switch, an Ethernet device is able to communicate with many other devices using the same connection. Do not let that idea bother you because setting up a small network to control your show will be easier than you think. Network Equipment Now a few words on what the difference is between systems using the network to communicate and devices that make up the network.
Addresses and Routing IP Addressing If we think about the network connections, it is necessary to understand how the devices connected know where they are and how they find each other. The method most commonly used for Ethernet networks is the Internet Protocol (IP). IP uses addresses assigned to devices in the same way your home address is used by postmen to know what mail is to go to your house.
192.168.1.100 through 192.168.1.199). As you build a bigger and bigger network make a network IP map or list, as this will save you lots of time when tracking down issues. We can now set the PC Ethernet port parameters. Network Example 1 (Point-to-Point) The point-to-point connection is the simplest network configuration. That being, your PC connected to another device like the DVM7400/E, AM4/E or V16Pro. Because we are connecting directly to another device and not to network connection equipment (i.e.
• You computer must be rebooted to change the IP parameters. You can follow the map below if you prefer. 86 Manual Rev 1.
Device Configuration The configuration of the Alcorn devices should be setup by default to 192.168.0.254. That is all of them will have the same address so they must be reconfigured. If changes are needed or if parameters need to be verified, then go thru the following steps to understand how to configure the port parameters. The default parameters are: IP address: 192.168.000.254 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.000 Gateway: 192.168.000.
the items just described. The DVM7400 will need to be power cycled to complete the configuration. Repeat these steps for all the devices you wish to connect to the network. Be sure all devices have a unique IP address or your network will not work. The port connections do not matter and can be changed at any time with out having to readdress any of the devices. Try It Out Now that the hardware is setup, the next step is to begin to communicate with all the devices you have added.
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Troubleshooting Guide / FAQ If you don’t find an answer to your question here, have a look at our Knowledge Base at http://www.alcorn.com/kb/index.html. We’re always updating it with new answers and useful information! Q: I have several files on my Digital Video Machine. When I try to play one of them, a different file plays. A: All file names and numbers should be unique. You should not have, for instance, two files named VID00005.MPG, or have a file named VID00003.MPG, along with a PLY00003.LST.
A: The DVM is capable of playing MPEG2 clips with a maximum bitrate of 15mbps, however the Compact Flash card must be fast enough to do this. Try using a newer compact flash card, or a compact flash card that is rated for higher transfer speeds. If you are unable to do so, try lowering the bit-rate of your MPEG encoding. Q: I am trying to play an MPEG file on the DVM. I hear audio, but the video output just looks like a bunch of random colors and blocks.
copying process with the new Compact Flash Card, and try to play the file. • 92 Manual Rev 1.5 Is the unit damaged? If you can put another Digital Video Machine in the circuit, you can rule out the possibilities of a damaged unit. Remember to use the same Compact Flash card.
Mechanical Information Mechanical Dimensions Alcorn McBride Digital Video Machine DVM-7400 User’s Manual Rev 1.
Surface Mounting Surface Mount Kit, Part Number 230-100979 Qty 2 6 94 Part Number 306-100711 500-000566 Description Mounting Flange Screw, 6-32 x 3/8, Pan Head, Black Ox, SS Alcorn McBride Digital Video Machine DVM-7400 User’s Manual Rev 1.
Rack Mounting You can mount one or two DVM7400 Digital Video Machines in a 1U rack mount space. Rack Mount Kit, 1 Unit, Part Number 302-101062 Rack Mount Kit, 2 Unit, Part Number 302-101060 Alcorn McBride Digital Video Machine DVM-7400 User’s Manual Rev 1.
96 Alcorn McBride Digital Video Machine DVM-7400 User’s Manual Rev 1.
Specifications Video 720 x 480 (NTSC), 720 x 576 (PAL) resolution 704 x 480 (NTSC), 704 x 576 (PAL) resolution Up to 15.0 Mbits/sec (including audio) 25 fps (PAL), 29.97 fps (NTSC) 4:2:0 Audio DAC Resolution: Deviation from Linear phase: Total Harmonic Distortion: Dynamic Range (A-weighted): Inter-channel Isolation: Inter-channel Gain Mismatch: Frequency Response: Maximum Phase Non-Linearity: Line Out Level: Balanced Output (optional) Amplifier Output (optional) 16 bits +/-0.5dB 0.003% 94dB 90dB 0.
Physical 9.3339” x 7.0000” x 1.7190” (DxWxH) 4 lbs o o o o 0 C (32 F) to 38 C (100 F), free air circulation. 0-90% relative humidity, non-condensing 20 g max Vibration (with removable Compact Flash Card) Part Numbers DVM7400 Digital Video Machine with 100/250Volts 50/60 Hz, 3A switcher , Part Number 230-100978.
Index AC Hum ................................................................................................................................................................14 Active Mode Request......................................................................................................................................27, 35 Addressable Commands.......................................................................................................................................23 Amplifier.........
LST............................................................................................................................................................. 72, 90 MPG ..................................................................................................................................................... 67, 72, 90 SCL ..................................................................................................................................................................
PLC.................................................................................................................................................................15, 65 Power.......................................................................................................................................................... 6, 14, 97 Power Up ..............................................................................................................................................................
