Specifications

in a meeting room: The MLC 206 can be set
up so that pressing input 2 causes the system
to switch from input 5 to input 2, send a video
format change command (from S-video to
RGB) to the projector, and trigger a relay to
turn the spotlight on over a podium. Now the
audience can see the laptop-based
presentation and the speaker.
As previously mentioned, IR learning is the
only function that can’t be performed while in
emulation mode. However, with the
MediaLink software and projector hardware,
the MLC 206 can learn IR commands from
virtually any IR controllable device. In its
hardwired form, RS-232 is the preferred
method of control; however, many
ultra-portable projectors can only support
IR control. IR learning can also be used with
optional IR Control Modules (IRCM) that
control source devices such as VCRs, DVD
players, and audio tape decks.
The Final Proof: Testing Your Setup
After setting up your system using
emulation software, you must, of course, test
it. There is only one way to test functionality:
with the hardware present and connected,
preferably in the actual setting. And, like the
chef who presents his culinary delight to the
aristocracy for judgement, the proof of your
work also will lie in the pudding.
The MLC 206 is just one product of many
that can be preconfigured off site. Other
Extron products that offer emulation mode
in control software are CrossPoint matrix
switchers, MediaLink products, System 5cr Plus
and System 7SC switchers, the ISS 108 and
ISS 408 seamless switchers with built-in
scalers, and MAV stereo audio matrix
switchers.
With the time and money savings,
convenience factor, and support options,
using emulation mode can be an
important tool for almost any job. A stored
file of preconfiguration setups can
significantly reduce your time onsite and
decrease errors. Installation becomes a
turnkey operation. And much of the job can
be completed from the comfort of your
own office.
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TECH CORNER
overall volume; and left/right balance. You can
also select video format and RGB delay period
(for Triple Action Switching), and reset all
controls to factory presets.
The Controller Configuration screen is
where the most important action takes place:
here, you can download Extron projector
drivers, call video inputs on the projector for
inputs 1-6, and access primary and secondary
modes. You can also perform the Macro/Link
function—a new feature that associates
macros/control buttons with each other so that
one button can control the commands of two.
In emulation mode, the only inaccessible
function of this screen is IR learning—the
hardware must be present to complete
this task.
Next is the Advanced Projector
Configuration screen, where you can program
RS-232 commands for the display device.
Extron creates and administers a wide selection
of commonly used projector control drivers.
These RS-232 drivers are essential for the MLC
206 to effectively communicate with a display
device. They enable the MLC 206 to control
basic projector functions such as power, input
selection, and volume adjustment. You can
create your own drivers or go to the Extron
Web site to download drivers for the latest and
most popular projectors.
In environments where more
customizable projector control is needed,
integrators can easily create their own
uni-directional RS-232 driver. RS-232
commands can be programmed to any
button using a projector manual and
MediaLink control software. With a list
of commands, users can easily configure
the MLC 206 to work with virtually
any projector.
Finally, the Relay & Miscellaneous Options
screen allows you to set the projector’s
shut-off time, associate relays, and access
factory resets.
More Helpful Features
Emulation software plays a large role in
simplifying the setup of the MLC 206.
Additional features allow you to complete
even more tasks in a short time: Macro/Link
association and IR learning.
The Macro/Link function is the latest
feature to be added to the MediaLink
Control Program software (version 2.0). It
facilitates the ability to create multiple
commands with one-button control. Once
two buttons are associated, you can press
one button to trigger its own functions and
all the commands associated with the other
button. Consider this example of a speaker
Controller Configuration Screen: MediaLink Control Software allows users to program the
MLC 206 and other MediaLink products in emulation mode without the unit present.