Disclaimer Control4® makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents or use of this manual, and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Control4 reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes to its content, at any time, without obligation to notify any person or entity of such revisions or changes.
Contents Preface About This Guide........................................... 1 Notes, Tips, Cautions, and Warnings .... 1 Additional Resources ............................. 2 Chapter 1 Introduction to Media Controller .................... 3 Role in a Control4 System ..................... 3 Features and Benefits............................ 4 Requirements ........................................ 4 Supported Devices ................................ 5 What’s in the Box ...................................
Connect AV Devices to One Another .. 23 Relocate the WiFi Antenna .................. 24 Set Up Logical Connections ................ 24 Check Setup Using On-Screen Display25 Chapter 3 Use Media Controller................................... 27 User Interfaces .................................... 27 On-Screen Navigator ...................... 27 System Remote Control with LCD .. 28 Media Controller Front Display ....... 29 View or Edit Setup Information ............ 30 Play a CD................................
PREFACE About This Guide Notes, Tips, Cautions, and Warnings Media Controller Installation and User Guide Note, Tip, Caution, and Warning paragraphs draw your attention to safe practices and additional information which may help you avoid losing data or time. NOTE: These contain notes on related information about the current topic. TIP: These provide tips that may save you time or effort.
Additional Resources The following resources are available to provide you with additional support. 2 ` Your authorized Control4 representative or reseller. ` Control4 Web Site: http://www.Control4.
CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Media Controller This chapter introduces a Control4 home system and explains the important role a Media Controller plays in that system. Role in a Control4 System Control4 systems are uniquely configured for every customer and every site. Your system may be simple or complex, depending on what you want the system to control. An essential component in every Control4 home system is a controller, such as Media Controller, that acts as the brain of the system.
Features and Benefits Music Server ` 80 GB hard drive ` Multiple input options ` Multi-room audio ` Digital audio streaming ` Gracenote® and Muze® ` Customized playlists Powerful Home Automation Controller ` Complete control of IR, contact, relay, and serial connections to control the whole house ` ZigBee mesh networking (802.15.4), WiFi (802.
Supported Devices For any controller purchased through Control4, see the web site http://www.mycontrol4.com to obtain a list of what you can add to your system. NOTE: For a complete list of supported devices and solutions, see “Products” at http://www.Control4.com What’s in the Box The following hardware and software is required and included in your Control4 Media Controller box. ` Control4 Media Controller with On-Screen Navigator user interface.
audio features, Media Controller also manages lighting, temperature, and other home automation subsystems. For audio distribution, it allows you to define pre-amplifier audio play zones (up to 3 analog and many digital) and enables digital distributuon. (Note: Digital audio zones require a network connection—such as Ethernet or WiFi—to function.) The Media Controller provides media management. It also provides control of connected devices.
Front View with Door Opened 1...................2................3............4........5.....6........7.......8 1. Front display area—For displaying settings, playlist sections, title sections, media information, receiver status, and system menus. 2. Buttons—Provides the user-input method for options displayed in the front panel user interface. 3. CD-RW drive—For importing CDs into the system or playing CDs. 4.
Back View 1. Serial 1-2—Standard serial ports: RS-232 only for up to 2 projectors or other serial I/O devices, which includes hardware flow control. 2. Serial 3-4—Configurable serial ports: RS232, RS-422, or RS-485 for a projector or other serial I/O devices. 3. Contacts 1-6—Plugable Terminal Block connector for up to 6 dry contact closure, or logic input connections, such as door switches or motion sensors. 4.
6. IR Out 1-8—3.5 mm phone jacks for up to 8 IR sticky emitters that can be placed over IR readers on media players, TVs, or other targets to transmit IR signal from Media Controller to the target. 7. Video Sense Loop In-Out (pairs) 1-4— Composite port pairs for up to 4 video sources, such as DVD players or VCRs, that allow the system to detect the On/Off status of devices that use the same IR code for both On and Off commands. 8. Ethernet—RJ-45 for a 10/100 Baset Ethernet connection. 9.
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CHAPTER 2 Set Up the System This chapter explains how to set up the Control4 home control system. It includes making hardware connections. The essential tasks are: 1.Plan Your Equipment Layout 2.Connect to a Monitor or TV 3.Connect to the Network 4.Connect Devices 5.Connect AV Devices to One Another 6.Relocate the WiFi Antenna 7.Set Up Logical Connections 8.
Physical and Logical Connections In a Media Controller system, physical and logical connections are required in order to control, navigate, and use the system as designed. This section describes, in general terms, how to set up the physical connections required for Media Controller and all of the devices associated with it. You should also refer to any device-specific documentation for additional installation instructions.
Sample Setup Diagrams Figure 2-1.
Figure 2-2.
Figure 2-3.
Determine Best Video Option There are four Video Out format options to choose from, but only one option at a time can be used. The system default is Composite/S-Video. If you have multiple connection options for a video component, you need to determine the best connection available. Table 2-1 provides a list of video connection options that are ranked according to quality of video performance: Table 2-1.
Table 2-2. Media Controller Connection Worksheet Connection Options and Typical Use Serial 1-2—Standard (male) ports: RS-232 only for up to 2 projectors or other serial I/O devices. Reserved for: 1. 2. Serial 3-4— 1. Configurable ports that make use of Plugable Terminal Block connectors: RS232, RS-422, or RS-485 for a projector or other serial I/O devices. Refer to your device’s installation manual for specific instructions. 2. Contacts—Mini Plugable 1.
Connection Options and Typical Use IR Out—3.5 mm jacks for up to 8 IR sticky emitters that can be placed over IR readers on media players, TVs, or other targets to transmit infrared control signals from Media Controller to the target . Reserved for: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Video Sense Loop— Composite port In-Out pairs for up to 4 video sources, such as DVD players or VCRs, that allow the system to detect the On/Off status of devices that use the same IR code for both On and Off commands. 1.
Connection Options and Typical Use Audio Out—RCA (LeftRight) pairs for stereo channel output for up to 3 stereo linelevel outputs. Video Out— Reserved for: 1. 2. 3. 1. Choose one option (Composite, SVideo, Component, or VGA) for displaying navigation menus and media databases on a monitor or TV (not for viewing movies). Power—AC Input (IEC Power Cord) Included power cord only Connect to a Monitor or TV 1.
Connect to the Network If you are using an Ethernet connection for Media Controller, plug the data cable from the home network connection into the Media Controller RJ-45 port (labeled “Ethernet”) and the network port in your wall or at the network hub or switch. Connect Devices For the hardware you want included in the system, connect the applicable devices to Media Controller (including such things as contact sensors, relays, IR sensors, and some AV equipment, such as an audio amplifier or switch).
To connect a device to a Plugable Terminal Block: 1. Insert one of the wires required for your device into the appropriate opening in the Plugable Terminal Block you reserved for that device (refer to Table 2-2 on page 17). For example, if you were adding an IR motion sensor, you would connect the motion sensor power input to +12v, its ground connector GND, and its output to SIG. 2. Lower the opening’s latch until it locks the wire in place. 3. Repeat Steps 1-2 for all wires required for your device.
Table 2-4. Configure RS-232 (Standard Serial Cable) for Configurable Port Function DB9 Pin Phoenix Connector Transmit 2 TX (1) Receive 3 RX (3) Ground 5 GND (9) Add IR Receiver Capabilities to Remote Locations To add a remote infrared (IR) receiver to your Media Controller: 1. Place your IR receiver “In” end at the remote location needed. 2. Discreetly run the wires from the remote location to the back of the Media Controller. 3.
Set Up IR-Signal Generation to Control Third-Party Devices Your system may contain third-party products that ship with IR (infrared) remote controls. To provide a way for Media Controller to control a device that only recognizes IR commands, complete the following setup. 1. Plug the 3.5 mm connector end of one of the 8 IR stick-on emitters provided into an IR Out port on the Media Controller. 2.
2. Connect Video devices to one another. For example, if you intend to play DVDs directly from a DVD player to your TV, connect the DVD player’s Video Out to the TV’s Video In. Relocate the WiFi Antenna The WiFi antenna is installed behind the Media Controller front panel door. If Media Controller is installed in an allmetal rack with front metal doors, then WiFi may not function very well. In this case, the WiFi antenna may be relocated outside of the rack.To relocate it: 1.
Check Setup Using On-Screen Display Once you have completed the physical and logical setup tasks, you should be able to access the On-Screen Navigator home page on the monitor or TV. Complete the following steps to check the setup. 1. On the remote control, press to display the OnScreen Navigator home page (or main menu) on the monitor or TV. (If screen does not display, check the power to the monitor.) 2. Press any subsystem button to jump to that subsystem’s menu, then press home page.
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CHAPTER 3 Use Media Controller This chapter introduces user interfaces available to Media Controller users and the common system tasks you can perform with Media Controller. User Interfaces The following user interfaces are available by default with Media Controller: On-Screen Navigator System Remote Control with LCD Media Controller Front Display Additional user interfaces ship with navigaton devices that are sold separately and are described in the documentation that ships with the device.
` Videos: Displays movie-playing options when a controlled DVD player or changer has been included in the system. ` Comfort: Allow you to control all comfort related devices, such as a thermostat, radiant heating, fans, curtains and blinds, and a fireplace. It can also display the current indoor temperature. ` Lights: Provides a list of rooms from which you choose to view controls for the lights and lighting scenes for that room.
remote control buttons and/or with another system navigation device. For detailed information on the remote control, refer to the System Remote Control User Guide included with your Control4 remote control. Media Controller Front Display The information that displays on the Media Controller front display depends on the action you choose with the Media Controller buttons or with some other system navigation device. ----------------------------------------------------..............Control4..................
View or Edit Setup Information To view or edit Media Controller setup information: 1. On the Media Controller front panel, press the SETUP button. The System Configuration screen is displayed: ----------------------------------------------------..............Host Setup...................... ..............DHCP Client..................... .....IP....10.11.11.??? (your IP).......... .....MSK....255.255.0.0.................... .....MAC 00:0F:FF:00:01:30............. EDIT.................................
3. When you are finished playing the CD, open the CD tray, remove the CD, and close the CD tray. Choose a Playlist Option 1. On the Media Controller front panel, open the CD tray (press the EJECT button), load a CD, and close the CD tray. The LCD should now display the CD menu. 2. Using the dial, choose Playlist (turn the dial to highlight Playlist, then press the dial). The Playlist options display: Create a new playlist Load a CD to a new or existing playlist Select a playlist to be played 3.
Understand Future Feature Support Media Controller has been prepared to support future features. As features are added and software updates become available, you will be able to use your box for such things as System Navigation, Caller ID, and Media Management. For example, the buttons on the front panel will some day provide navigation options that are currently available only in the full-featured navigation methods (such as Wireless Touch Screen or On-Screen Navigator).
CHAPTER 4 Warranty and FCC Information Warranty Important: Warranty terms may be different with the country of purchase; contact your Authorized Control4 Sales and Service office for detailed product warranty information. Limited Hardware Warranty Control4 warrants its Media Controller product to be free from defects in material and workmanship during the warranty period.
Hardware Warranty Terms READ THESE WARRANTY TERMS CAREFULLY BEFORE INSTALLING OR USING THE CONTROL4 SYSTEM OR COMPONENTS. YOUR INSTALLATION AND USE OF THE SYSTEM OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS INDICATES THAT YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS WARRANTY, RETURN THE PRODUCT TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE FOR A FULL REFUND. ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY 1. WARRANTY Control4, Corporation.
MERCHANTABILITY AND ANY WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, except that for product purchased directly by a consumer, any implied warranties are limited in duration to the term of the express warranties provided above. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. 3.
RMA will be cancelled. Any shipments received not consistent with the RMA, or after the RMA is cancelled, will be refused. Control4 is not responsible for products returned without a valid RMA number. Compliance with the requirements of this paragraph is a condition to coverage under the Warranty: If these requirements are not complied with, Control4 will have no obligation to provide any remedy for any breach of warranty. 4.
7. ADDRESS FOR NOTICES TO CONTROL4 Control4 Corporation 11734 Election Road, Suite 200 Salt Lake City, UT 84020 Fax # 801-523-3199 Telephone # 801-523-3100 This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from State to State. Software Agreement The Control4 Media Controller contains preinstalled software.
Limited Software Warranty, Liability, and Remedy Important: This Control4 Software Limited Warranty shall cover all software that is provided to you, the customer, as part of the Control4 product, including any operation system software. The Remedies provided in this document are your sole and exclusive remedies.
FCC Caution Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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