Installation guide

Programming AMX Controllers for a Kaleidescape System
Page 33
Controlling the same zone with multiple virtual devices
In some installations, it is necessary to control a single zone with multiple devices
such as touch panels and remotes. This is especially useful for SATP control where
a second virtual device can support touch panels with differing numbers of lines.
The virtual devices can browse independently — a user can be searching among
albums with the first device while another user can be viewing Now Playing
information with a second virtual device. Both users are controlling the same zone.
Although this method works for OSD control, the processor becomes needlessly
burdened. The movie zone only has a single video zone output and can only show
one OSD. If two virtual devices both controlled the OSD, these devices just show
the same information.
All ID commands must be unique so that the module can keep the command and
response streams distinct. To create a second virtual device to control the same
zone and keep the ID unique, assign a sequence number. The sequence number
can be /1 through /9 and if omitted, the sequence number is assumed to be /1.
For example, to use two virtual devices to control Music Player 3, Zone 1, define the
first with 'ID 03.1' (/1 is assumed) and the second with 'ID 03.1/2'.
send_command KPLAYER1, 'ID 02' //Theater OSD
send_command KPLAYER2, 'ID 03' //Family room OSD
send_command KPLAYER3, 'ID 03.01' //Family room SATP small
send_command KPLAYER4, 'ID 03.01/2' //Family room SATP large
Now, a separate number of lines for KPlayer3 and KPlayer4 can be defined.
send_command KPLAYER3, 'LINES 8' //for small touch panels
send_command KPLAYER4, 'LINES 16' //for large touch panels
Power control
Whether to connect to a component via RS-232 or TCP/IP might be determined by
how the power state of the component is managed. Both connection types support
power off (ENTER STANDBY) commands, but not all components can respond to a
power on (LEAVE STANDBY) command over TCP/IP. Power on commands work for
all M500, 1080p, Music and Movie Players receiving the command from an RS-232
connection.
Note: Mini players, Alto, and Cinema One (2
nd
generation) do not have an
RS-232 control port.
Power control for the Movie Player (KPLAYER-2000, KPLAYER-2500)
Early model Movie Players cannot be powered on over a TCP/IP connection. When
the Movie Player is put into standby mode, the Ethernet port shuts down and the
player cannot receive TCP/IP communications. Movie Players connected directly to
the controller via the RS-232 control port can be powered on.