Specifications

16 ExtroNews 14.1 January – March 2003
Emulation software isn’t new; it’s been
available in Extron products since the early
1990s. Prior to its inclusion, an A/V
professional configuring equipment for
multiple rooms would go to great lengths to
complete the job. For example, a 20-room
training center with the same equipment in
each would require that professional to
configure all 20 units individually. Or, at an
approximate cost of $100 per hour, a
programmer would do the job. If each room
needed two hours of configuration, a 40-
hour week was spent on just that task, and
at a cost of $100 per hour…you get the idea.
It was expensive, time-consuming, and labor-
intensive.
Fast forward to the next decade and the
creation of emulation mode in control
software. The A/V professional can configure
the same job in much less time and at a great
savings in time and money. (Plus, that
programmer would now cost around $150
per hour!)
How Emulation Software Works
Let’s look at the use of emulation software
in the Extron MLC 206 MediaLink Controller.
In case you’re not familiar with the MLC 206,
the MLC 206 serves as a universal system
control panel with commands for a VCR,
DVD, and a projector consolidated into one
unit. It’s frequently used in one-projector
environments, such as a classroom. Its
simplicity makes presentations easy for
anyone to operate. With one-button
functionality, the MLC 206 can also control
Emulation software capabilities vary with
the product you’re configuring, but can
include selecting switcher and control
modules, and designating command strings,
ties, and pre-sets (for recalling predetermined
configurations). The capabilities increase with
the product’s complexity. Due to its features
and benefits, emulation software is one of
the most useful and beneficial tools available
for A/V professionals.
Undeniable Benefits
Because preconfiguration can be
completed without the hardware present,
and without access to the installation site,
A/V professionals benefit in several ways.
With emulation software, a preconfigured
file provides:
• Time Savings – You can configure the
software at your own convenience on
your PC—just download the software
from www.extron.com.
• Reusability - Create one file for replication
in several rooms, or save it as a backup for
restoration or troubleshooting.
• Education – Train yourselves and others
on the product at your leisure.
• Support – An Extron applications
engineer can troubleshoot over the phone
by walking through your setup or viewing
a saved file.
• Flexibility – Save several configurations
when the environment is uncertain.
• Tur nkey Installation – Create the file
offsite, and then upload to the unit in
minutes.
The Extron MLC 206 Emulation Software
Simplifying Installation Through Preconfiguration
W
hen installing A/V equipment, what would you consider your
most useful and time-saving tool?
Consider emulation software—and other Extron-created tools—to help
you complete the job using the least amount of time and labor.
Emulation software allows you to complete a significant portion of
your job away from the installation site and without the equipment
present. It allows you to preconfigure an A/V unit—such as a switcher,
matrix, or other MediaLink control unit—before the unit is shipped to
your door.
TECH CORNER
room functions such as lighting and screen
settings, projector power, input switching
and volume control. The MLC 206 is part of
the Extron MediaLink system and can be
combined with a MediaLink switcher when
more inputs are needed.
To begin, you don’t need the actual
product in hand, just the control software.
You can download this free of charge from
the Extron Web site, www.extron.com, in the
Download section. Once the software is
installed and opened on your PC, select
“emulate” instead of a serial port, and
you’re on your way.
In the MLC 206, up to four control
modules, as well as all MediaLink switchers,
can be set up. Emulation mode also provides
projector setup and configuration. The setup
is intensive due to the amount of information
to input, and emulation mode provides an
advantage of programming the unit in
segments and saving the file for further
modification at the user’s convenience. In
addition, items such as projector codes must
be exact, so the user may need to exit and
return to the program several times when
gathering information.
Five screens must be programmed in the
MLC 206. The User Mode screen emulates the
front panel of the MLC 206, where you can
select inputs, control projector power and
volume, and toggle relays. The Switcher
Configuration screen allows you to adjust all
audio options, including level, bass, and treble;
Extron MLC 206 Controller