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Alcorn McBride Binloop User’s Manual

Page 17

Controlling the Binloop

To ensure that the Binloop can meet the needs of almost any application,
it has been designed with several different control interfaces. These
interfaces include:

1. Serial (RS-232)

2. MIDI

3. Ethernet

4. Parallel

5. Timecode

Serial Control (RS-232)

The Binloop provides a dedicated

Show Control

RS-232 port to allow

external RS-232 devices to control the product. For added flexibility, this
port can be configured to use a variety of serial protocols. Here’s a table
that outlines the differences between these protocols:

Protocol

Baud Rate

Description

Alcorn 9-bit

9600

For use with Alcorn Show
Controllers.

AMI/Pioneer

9600

Generic ASCII-based protocol
intended for use by almost any
serial control device.

MIDI

38400

For use with MIDI Show Control
systems.

Debug

38400

Debug output only. Not used for
control.

Once you determine which protocol is best for your system, you must
configure the

Show Control

port for one of these 4 protocols. This can

be done using the front-panel Menu Wheel, or by downloading a
configuration from the Binloop Configuration software. When you are
ready to control the Binloop, you must connect a NULL RS-232 cable
between the controlling device and the Binloop’s

Show Control

port.

Once you have done this, read on to the

Control

Protocols

section of

this manual to obtain the full list of commands you can send to the
Binloop.

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Summary of Contents for Digital Binloop

Page 1: ...Digital Binloop and Video Binloop User s Manual ...

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Page 3: ...fication Alcorn McBride products are not intended for use in applications where a malfunction can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury Customers using or selling Alcorn McBride products for use in such applications do so at their own risk and agree to fully indemnify Alcorn McBride for any damages resulting from such improper use or sale Alcorn McBride Inc reserves the right to make...

Page 4: ...Alcorn McBride Binloop User s Manual Page iv ...

Page 5: ...e Test File 6 ABOUT THE BINLOOP 7 What is the Binloop 7 What s inside the Binloop 7 The Card Cage 8 The Controller Card 8 The Reproducer Cards 8 The CobraNet Card 9 How the Binloop Works 10 Control System 11 A V Sync System 12 SMPTE Interface 13 CONTROLLING THE BINLOOP 17 Serial Control RS 232 17 MIDI Control 18 Ethernet Control 18 Parallel Control 19 Parallel Inputs 19 Parallel Outputs 20 Using t...

Page 6: ...Get Set SMPTE Restart Mode 31 Get Set SMPTE Idle Mode 31 Get Set Video Format 32 Get Set Synchronous Play Delay 32 Search Clip 33 Play Resume 33 Loop Resume 33 Play Clip 34 Play Loop Clip 34 Synchronously Play Clip 35 Synchronously Play Loop Clip 35 Play Next 36 Loop Next 36 Stop Playback 37 Still Playback 37 Pause Playback 37 Mute Unmute Video 38 Mute Unmute Audio 38 Play Independent Audio Only 3...

Page 7: ...61 Help Menu 62 Timecode Trigger List 63 A Word About Trigger Latency 66 COBRANET 67 Description 67 Details 67 CobraNet Y Cable 67 Reproducer Configuration 68 CobraNet Configuration 69 CobraNet Advanced Configuration 70 Bundle 71 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION 73 Controls and Indicators 73 Unit Status LED s 73 Control Buttons 74 Display and Menu Wheel 75 Reproducer Status LED 76 Reproducer Test Button 76 Co...

Page 8: ...0 INSTALLATION GUIDELINES 91 Grounding and System Performance 91 A Word on Temperature 92 Output Connections 93 Compact Flash Media Reliability 93 Removing a Card from the Cage 93 SPECIFICATIONS 95 Physical 95 Control Information 95 Video 95 Audio 96 SMPTE 96 APPLICATION NOTES 97 Note 1 Automatically Play on Power Up 97 Preparation 97 Connecting to the Binloop 97 Modifying the Binloop Configuratio...

Page 9: ...ng Ethernet 109 Preparation 109 Changing the Network Settings of your PC 110 Configuring the Network Settings of the Binloop 111 Connecting over Ethernet with the Binloop Software 112 APPENDIX A TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDES 115 APPENDIX B COMPACT FLASH MEDIA CAPACITIES 117 APPENDIX C UPDATING FIRMWARE 119 Reproducer Card Firmware 119 Controller Card Firmware 120 APPENDIX D MENU WHEEL MAP 123 INDEX 125 ...

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Page 11: ...ardware Later sections contain more detailed information on programming and operation including how to integrate your Binloop into a control system and the various hardware configuration options that you ll need to set up Technical Support Should questions or issues come up which are not covered in this User s Manual please do not hesitate to contact us We are here to help You can contact us On Th...

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Page 13: ...SE DON T THROW AWAY THIS MANUAL Installation Instructions Note It is always ideal to use power protection such as surge protection and or an uninterruptible power supply to ensure a reliable power source for the Binloop The Binloop is designed to be installed in an equipment rack It is recommended that you leave an empty space 1U above and below the unit for free air circulation and install it in ...

Page 14: ... Flash devices out there with different specs and compatibility issues We recommend SanDisk cards because we can guarantee that they work in all of our Compact Flash products Also it s important to mention that Compact Flash cards come in a variety of capacities To help you select a size that suits your needs be sure to read over Appendix B Compact Flash Media Capacities Compact Flash Card Reader ...

Page 15: ... this is normal While holding the Test Button insert the Compact Flash card into the Compact Flash socket of channel 1 Wait a second or two for the status LED to turn orange to indicate that the card is being formatted When the status LED turns off the formatting is complete You may now remove the card Loading the Test File Now that the Compact Flash has been properly formatted we re ready to load...

Page 16: ...th the Binloop audio or video test clip into the Compact Flash socket of channel 1 3 Power up the Binloop 4 Wait for the Binloop to finish initializing You can determine this by watching status display and the READY status LED 5 Press the channel 1 test button The channel 1 status LED should turn green to indicate that the clip is playing At this point channel 1 should be outputting video and or a...

Page 17: ...complex applications this product can be controlled externally by SMPTE EBU timecode MIDI RS 232 Ethernet or contact closures That being said the Binloop is not your everyday multi channel media player Its ability to provide synchronous playback impeccable precision and a variety of easy to use control interfaces requires unique system architecture The purpose of this section is to familiarize you...

Page 18: ...e Binloop with the ability to either Generate or Read SMPTE timecode It also has the ability to store a list of SMPTE triggers that can be precisely executed at specified times To maintain synchronization between Binloop components this card also supplies all audio and video sync signals to the Reproducer cards The Reproducer Cards The main function of each Reproducer is to play video files from a...

Page 19: ...d with the CobraNet option you can distribute the stereo audio outputs of up to 16 reproducers that s 32 channels of audio over a CobraNet network When this option is installed an additional RJ 45 Ethernet jack is located on the back of the Binloop cage For more information about CobraNet including how to configure and use this feature refer to the CobraNet section of this manual ...

Page 20: ...t comprise the Binloop let s get more familiar with how those components actually work together The diagram below outlines the different components we ve covered as well as their functional relationship with one another The sections that follow will cover the various systems you see in this diagram so please use it as a visual reference ...

Page 21: ... command to play video 1 on reproducer 1 It must interpret this command and then send the appropriate control signal to the reproducer to make it happen Another common example would be using the Parallel control port to start the SMPTE generator The Control system would sense a contact closure on the Parallel control port and then instruct the SMPTE Interface to start generating timecode You can r...

Page 22: ...le to you Setting Options Video Format NTSC PAL Sample Rate 32kHz 44 1kHz 48kHz 96kHz These settings can be configured using the Menu Wheel interface on the front of the Binloop as well as the Binloop Configuration software External V Sync The A V Sync system always generates the A V clocks regardless of whether or not an external sync source is present If you refer to the diagram earlier in this ...

Page 23: ...l time of SMPTE generator when it is first enabled Start Time The time that the SMPTE generator returns to after it reaches the End Time when looping End Time The time when the SMPTE generator either stops or loops back to the Start Time Loop Mode Determines whether the SMPTE generator loops continuously from Start to End Time Powerup Mode Determines whether SMPTE is Enabled or Disabled when the B...

Page 24: ...nloop s A V Sync system is configured for NTSC 29 97fps the SMPTE module can generate 29 97fps timecode that is perfectly synchronous This means that each tick of the SMPTE clock will coincide with the beginning of each video frame even after a long period of time This feature is useful when you want the SMPTE clock to remain in perfect sync with a video presentation or with an external video sync...

Page 25: ...te of the SMPTE Output when the SMPTE Interface is Stopped If the Idle Mode is configured to mute SMPTE the SMPTE output will be silent when the SMPTE clock is stopped If the Idle Mode is configured for SMPTE to be active the SMPTE Output will continuously repeat the timecode value where the clock stopped running on the SMPTE Output Self Gen Mode If external SMPTE drops out the SMPTE reader will a...

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Page 27: ...iption Alcorn 9 bit 9600 For use with Alcorn Show Controllers AMI Pioneer 9600 Generic ASCII based protocol intended for use by almost any serial control device MIDI 38400 For use with MIDI Show Control systems Debug 38400 Debug output only Not used for control Once you determine which protocol is best for your system you must configure the Show Control port for one of these 4 protocols This can b...

Page 28: ...ds to go in one piece The good news is that you do not have to understand those complexities As a matter of fact you only need to know the following information to send a UDP message Destination IP Address This needs to be the IP address of the Binloop you intend to control The default IP address of the Binloop is 192 168 0 254 Destination Port This value needs to be the UDP port that the Binloop ...

Page 29: ...ducers Mute Audio 13 14 Mute Audio on all reproducers Play Group 1 20 GND Play and Loop clip 1 on Group 1 Play Group 2 21 GND Play and Loop clip 2 on Group 2 Play Group 3 22 GND Play and Loop clip 3 on Group 3 Play Group 4 23 GND Play and Loop clip 4 on Group 4 Play Group 5 24 GND Play and Loop clip 5 on Group 5 Play Group 6 25 GND Play and Loop clip 6 on Group 6 Play Group 7 26 GND Play and Loop ...

Page 30: ...e Group Control Inputs The Binloop has contact closure inputs on the rear panel that can be used to command groups of Reproducers to Play or Stop When used on their own these 8 Play Group inputs cause the associated group to play and loop the associate file For example activating the Play Group 2 input will cause all reproducers assigned to group 2 to play and loop file 2 Activating Play Group 4 w...

Page 31: ... using the SMPTE Control inputs is to configure the Binloop to generate SMPTE program a playback trigger in the SMPTE Trigger Table and start SMPTE using the Start SMPTE input When the timecode reaches the programmed trigger time playback begins Single Reproducers Groups of Reproducers or All Reproducers can be triggered It s all in how you program the trigger Using the Mute Input The Parallel Con...

Page 32: ... powers up You could then create a Play command that gets triggered by the timecode shortly after it starts running The result is that the Binloop automatically starts playing after power up with no external control required The other benefit to this interface is precision Each command s SMPTE execution time is accurate down to the frame For example you could make a video start playing at exactly ...

Page 33: ...he most commonly used commands in detail The protocol is ASCII based Upper or lower case characters can be used interchangeably All commands and responses are terminated with the Carriage Return character This character is represented by the hexadecimal value 0x0D Get Firmware Version Description This command will return the controller firmware version number Command V Response DBAP4 Vx xx Example...

Page 34: ...e R Example Command 1ID Response R Get Command ID Response xx Example Command ID Response 1 Get Set IP address Description This command will get or set the unit IP address Parameters xxx xxx xxx xxx represents a standard IPv4 IP address Get Command IP Response xxx xxx xxx xxx Example Command IP Response 192 168 0 254 Set Command xxx xxx xxx xxxIP Response R Example Command 192 168 0 254IP Response...

Page 35: ...ample Command SM Response 255 255 255 0 Set Command xxx xxx xxx xxxSM Response R Example Command 255 255 255 0SM Response R Get Set Gateway address Description This command will get or set the IP address of the network gateway Parameters xxx xxx xxx xxx is a standard IPv4 IP gateway address Get Command GW Response xxx xxx xxx xxx Example Command GW Response 192 168 0 1 Set Command xxx xxx xxx xxxG...

Page 36: ...e Comments If the SMPTE module is configured to Generate this command will cause the SMPTE clock to stop at its current time If the SMPTE module is configured to Read this command will cause the SMPTE clock to stop running and ignore any incoming time code Command DS Response R Pause SMPTE Description This command will pause the SMPTE clock at the next loop point Comments This command only applies...

Page 37: ...h mm ss ff Example Command CT Response 01 59 59 30 Set Command hh mm ss ffCT Response R Example Command 01 59 59 30CT Response R Get Set SMPTE Mode Description This command will get or set the operating mode of the SMPTE module Parameters x mode number 0 read 1 generate 2 generate with V sync Get Command SO Response x Example Command SO Response 2 Set Command xSO Response R Example Command 2SO Res...

Page 38: ... 30 fps Get Command FR Response x Example Command FR Response 5 Set Command xFR Response R Example Command 5FR Response R Get Set SMPTE Preroll time Description This command will get or set the SMPTE preroll time Parameters hh hours mm minutes ss seconds ff frames Get Command PT Response hh mm ss ff Example Command PT Response 00 01 30 10 Set Command hh mm ss ffPT Response R Example Command 00 01 ...

Page 39: ...m ss ff Example Command RT Response 00 00 01 00 Set Command hh mm ss ffRT Response R Example Command 00 00 01 00RT Response R Get Set SMPTE End time Description This command will get or set the SMPTE end time Parameters hh hours mm minutes ss seconds ff frames Get Command ET Response hh mm ss ff Example Command ET Response 01 00 00 00 Set Command hh mm ss ffET Response R Example Command 01 00 00 0...

Page 40: ...bled on power up Get Command LM Response x Example Command LM Response 1 Set Command xLM Response R Example Command 1LM Response R Get Set SMPTE Powerup Mode Description This command will get or set the current SMPTE power up mode Parameters x mode number 0 SMPTE Disabled on power up 1 SMPTE Enabled on power up Get Command PM Response x Example Command PM Response 1 Set Command xPM Response R Exam...

Page 41: ...Enabled on power up Get Command RM Response x Example Command RM Response 1 Set Command xRM Response R Example Command 1RM Response R Get Set SMPTE Idle Mode Description This command will get or set the current SMPTE idle mode Parameters x mode number 0 SMPTE output is active when idle 1 Mute SMPTE output when idle Get Command IM Response x Example Command IM Response 1 Set Command xIM Response R ...

Page 42: ...ription This command configures the synchronous play delay of the Binloop reproducers By default this delay is 16 frames but this setting allows you to override that default if necessary Be warned that decreasing this delay too much will result in synchronization problems The reproducers must have adequate time to load the video or audio clip before it is capable of starting playback Parameters nn...

Page 43: ... This command will start playing a clip that was previously loaded by a Search Clip command This command will also resume playback when the reproducer has been stilled or paused Command aaaPL Parameters aaa is the address of the card s you want to process the command Rxx Reproducer address between R1 R16 Gxx Group address between G1 G13 Wildcard address for all reproducers Response R Example Searc...

Page 44: ...should use the Synchronous Play command for a consistent synchronized start of playback Using a Search command along with a timed Play Resume command works well for synchronous playback too Examples Play File 3 on Reproducer 1 3R1PL Play File 4 on Group 2 4G2PL Play File 52 on All Reproducers 52 PL Play Loop Clip Description This command functions exactly like the Play Clip command except that the...

Page 45: ...ducers to ensure that they all start playing synchronously Examples Synchronously Play File 2 on Group 1 2G1SP Synchronously Play File 2 on All Reproducers 2 SP Synchronously Play Loop Clip Description This command functions like the Synchronously Play Clip command except that the clip loops once the end of the clip is reached Command nnnnaaaSL Parameters nnnn is an ASCII file number between 0 102...

Page 46: ... of the card s you want to process the command Rxx Reproducer address between R1 R16 Gxx Group address between G1 G13 Wildcard address for all reproducers Response R Example Play File 2 on Reproducer 1 2R1PL Queue File 3 to play after file 2 finishes 3R1PN Loop Next Description This command functions exactly like the Play Next command except that the queued file loops after it finishes playing Com...

Page 47: ... video frame will remain on screen Command aaaST Parameters aaa is the address of the card s you want to process the command Rxx Reproducer address between R1 R16 Gxx Group address between G1 G13 Wildcard address for all reproducers Response R Example Still Reproducer 1 R1ST Resume Reproducer 1 R1PL Pause Playback Description This command works exactly like the Still command except that the video ...

Page 48: ... G1 G13 Wildcard address for all reproducers Response R Example Mute Video on Reproducer 1 0R1VD Unmute Video on Reproducer 1 1R1VD Mute Unmute Audio Description This command controls muting on the audio outputs of the Binloop When muted all audio outputs are silent When unmuted the audio outputs are normal Command naaaAD Parameters n is a number between 0 1 that represents the mute state 0 Muted ...

Page 49: ...x Group address between G1 G13 Wildcard address for all reproducers c is an ASCII character representing the channel L Left Channel R Right Channel Response R Example Play File 2 on Left Channel of Reproducer 1 2R1LPI Loop Independent Audio Only Description This command functions exactly like the Play Independent command except that the file loops after it finishes playing Command nnnnaaacLI Param...

Page 50: ...L Left Channel R Right Channel Response R Get Set Video Colorspace Description This command configures the colorspace of the analog component video output of the specified reproducer s Parameters n is a number between 0 1 that represents the colorspace setting 0 RGsB 1 YPbPr aaa is the address of the card s you want to process the command Rxx Reproducer address between R1 R16 Gxx Group address bet...

Page 51: ...ion This command requests the playback status of the specified reproducer If the specified reproducer is not installed in the Binloop there will be no response Keep in mind that using this command will briefly tie up the Reproducer communication interface so it is not recommended for use immediately before or after time sensitive commands like Synchronous Play This command requires DBAP4 Controlle...

Page 52: ...nded for use immediately before or after time sensitive commands like Synchronous Play This command requires DBAP4 Controller firmware V1 17 or newer and Repro16V or Repro24D firmware V1 61 or newer If a clip is not playing the response will only be a Carriage Return 0x0D character Command aaa C Parameters aaa is the address of the card s you want to process the command Rxx Reproducer address betw...

Page 53: ...uses a single Universal Real Time System Exclusive ID number sub ID 1 02H for all Show commands transmissions from Controller to Controlled Device In this version of MIDI Show Control command responses from Controlled Devices to Controller are specified in order to optimize bandwidth requirements system response time and system reliability in the event of communication difficulties with one or mor...

Page 54: ...en 05 to Pause Video video output goes black 15 to Start SMPTE 16 to Idle SMPTE 17 to Reset SMPTE 18 to Pause SMPTE Tmsb Tlsb track ID 30 30 31 35 for Reproducers 1 through 16 respectively group ID 35 30 36 32 for Groups 1 through 13 respectively all tracks ID 36 33 for accessing all Reproducers in the Binloop Pmod 31 Normal Play 34 Independent Play Right Channel 37 Independent Play Left Channel C...

Page 55: ...h15 hf7 7 Reset SMPTE hf0 h7f h7f h02 h7f h17 hf7 Using the MIDI Show Control protocol the Binloop can play clips numbered from 1 to 511 i e VID00001 MPG to VID00511 MPG These files can either be played from the beginning and stop at the end or they can be commanded to play and loop at the end Looping files play continuously seamlessly starting over at the beginning from the end until commanded to...

Page 56: ...ual Page 46 Acknowledge Message Format In response to a MIDI command the Binloop will send an acknowledge message The format of the acknowledge message is as follows F0 7F ID msc F7 Data Byte Entry Description ID unit address 9 msc 02 ...

Page 57: ...to program SMPTE timecode triggers for applications where you want the Binloop to operate without any external control system Requirements The Binloop software requires that you have PC running Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista This PC must have either an Ethernet port and or an RS 232 Serial port so that it may communicate with the Binloop Installing the Binloop Software This software can be ...

Page 58: ...on you are ready to use the Binloop Configuration software to program and communicate with the your Binloop Connecting with Ethernet Ethernet is also a common method of interfacing the Binloop software to the Binloop This requires a PC to be connected to the Binloop directly or over a network using a CAT5 or better rated Ethernet cable If you want to connect directly to the Binloop from your PC no...

Page 59: ...uring the installation The program can also be launched from the Windows Start menu from the Programs Alcorn McBride Inc folder When the program opens you ll see this window Before we get started you ll need to configure your PC s connection with the Binloop To do this click on the icon at the top of the Binloop window A window will appear that will allow you to choose your preferred connection me...

Page 60: ...ddress in the provided box Once you have setup the appropriate connection click the OK button to close this window To make sure that the connection is working properly click on the icon at the top of the Binloop window This will open the Unit Configuration window you see below Click on the Detect button If the connection is working properly the Version box will display the current version of the B...

Page 61: ...ed in the Getting Started section of this manual before moving on 1 Make sure that Reproducer 1 has a flash card loaded with a video file named as clip 1 i e VID00001 MPG 2 Make sure that the Binloop your video display and your audio system are powered on 3 Select Binloop Reproducer Controls from the menu of the Binloop Software This window serves as an interface for manually controlling the Binlo...

Page 62: ...ault values and an empty timecode trigger list Open The second selection is Open which pops up a window allowing you to open a previously saved file containing all of your program settings Previously stored files are recalled by browsing to the correct directory location and selecting the saved file name Clicking on OK without selecting a file does not initiate any action Clicking on Cancel closes...

Page 63: ...ng a new name into the File name box Print Setup The Printer Setup selection allows you to select and configure your printer Once you ve programmed some timecode triggers explained later in this chapter options for printing the table appear in this menu Print The Print selection prints the timecode trigger list contained in the AMB file that you re currently viewing Print Preview The Print Preview...

Page 64: ...of reproducers in the Binloop The Digital Binloop and Video Binloop both have 16 slots Control Port Protocol The Control Port Protocol determines the protocol that is used on the Show Control Port This settings can be either Alcorn Show Control Alcorn 9 bit MIDI ASCII Pioneer AMI and Debug For more information on these protocols please refer to the Control Protocols section of this manual Unit Num...

Page 65: ...to communicate to the Binloop It defaults to Offline SMPTE Start You can also set a Custom Preroll Time where SMPTE Generation can begin earlier the first time it is started This window presents you with a Start button for starting the SMPTE interface This window will change depending on whether you have the SMPTE interface configured to Generate or Read SMPTE ...

Page 66: ...ated with the Binloop s SMPTE interface Frame Rate This is the Frame Rate used for generating SMPTE The choices are 23 976 24 25 29 97 30 drop and 30 frames per second Read External SMPTE This button configures the SMPTE interface to Read incoming SMPTE from the SMPTE In connector Generate SMPTE This button configures the SMPTE interface to Generate timecode This timecode is used internally to pro...

Page 67: ...nerating or Reading timecode as soon as the system reaches the Ready state Preroll Time This is the timecode value at which the SMPTE generator will begin when first started Start Time This is the time at which SMPTE timecode will loop back to when it is looping or when a restart condition has occurred End Time This is the time at which SMPTE will stop or loop depending on the Loop setting Loop SM...

Page 68: ...e correct way to name and number files The Segment refers to the particular video or audio file that you want to play It is a number referring to the file number on the media Search You can Search a video file so that when you click Play it will begin playing immediately Entering an time in the adjacent box will search to an offset within the video or audio file The default value of 00 00 00 00 wi...

Page 69: ...o and video to be muted respectively When video is muted the video outputs are black Un Mute Audio Un Mute Video These buttons cause the audio and video to be un muted respectively Media Utilities Important You should always Format the media in the Binloop before you use it This button accesses another window that allows you to Format the compact flash media on the selected Reproducer Formatting w...

Page 70: ...ducers 5 6 7 and 8 to be members of Group 1 Status You can determine that current playing status of each Reproducer by opening the Status window When this window opens select Refresh and after a brief moment each Reproducer will report their current status A timeout message appears if no Reproducer is installed in the slot Any errors that exist will be reported in the lower part of this window ...

Page 71: ...grammed timecode triggers A confirmation window will appear Upload Configuration This option allows you to retrieve the configuration from a Binloop view it within the Binloop software When you click the Upload Configuration button you will be presented with a window asking you to select your Binloop and Reproducer type View Menu The View button allows you to turn on or off the Tool Bar at the top...

Page 72: ...Alcorn McBride Binloop User s Manual Page 62 Help Menu The Help sub menu shows a window containing current revision information ...

Page 73: ...s you to program precisely timed commands that are triggered based on the Binloop s timecode clock It has a row of button at the top that allow you to Add Duplicate Edit or Delete triggers Add Clicking Add brings up a window that allows you to add a trigger Time This is the timecode value at which you want the trigger to occur Triggers Window ...

Page 74: ...equence Send a Start Sequence command to an Alcorn McBride Show Controller out of the Show Control Port Show Control Port must be set to Alcorn 9 bit Set Variable Send a Set Variable command to an Alcorn McBride Show Controller out of the Show Control Port Show Control Port must be set to Alcorn 9 bit Loop Check this box if you want the Play trigger to be a Play and Loop command where playback wil...

Page 75: ...ocate the correct point within the file For that reason you should always use the Search command and you should always allow for adequate search time before sending the Play command in synchronous applications Stereo or Mono versus Independent This setting is used for audio only playback from the left or right channel If you use the default setting of Stereo or Mono audio and video clips play norm...

Page 76: ...ommand is normally used for applications that require multiple channels of video that are unrelated to one another like individual kiosks etc Synchronized Play Latency The exact amount of latency time will depend on the SMPTE frame rate being used When using Play commands from the Timecode trigger list it is highly recommended that the SMPTE clock is locked to V Sync This ensures that the timecode...

Page 77: ...packets and network infrastructure controllers hubs repeaters switches cabling etc CobraNet Y Cable There are two separate CobraNet interface components to the CobraNet card The first set of Binloop reproducers 1 8 are on one of the CobraNet interfaces The second set of reproducers 9 16 are connected to the second slave CobraNet interface These two separate CobraNet interfaces are merged into a si...

Page 78: ...s Manual Page 68 Note the second slave CobraNet interface for reproducers 9 16 must be connected to the same CobraNet network as the first master CobraNet interface for reproducers 1 8 for proper operation Reproducer Configuration ...

Page 79: ...braNet hardware Upon locating the CobraNet interface the hardware will report back the revision number for identification purposes A Note about Downloading the CobraNet configuration When downloading the CobraNet configuration please first disconnect the CobraNet interface otherwise the configuration download may timeout and fail ...

Page 80: ...oded resolution of the audio source 20 or 24 bits are the standard options Latency This option allows the operator to set the maximum delay tolerated in the communications channel Conductor Priority This establishes the point of control for the communications session Bundle Assignments The bundle number is assigned to the communications channel as well as the audio channels to be carried with in t...

Page 81: ...ect with the receiving unit Many audio channels can be transmitted within a bundle Bundle numbers 0 255 are defined as Multicast point to many channels and bundles 256 65279 are Unicast or point to point transmissions For additional information on CobraNet contact Cirrus Logic support at the link below http www cirrus com en support cobranet ...

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Page 83: ...cted a fault condition VSync Red The unit is has detected an external video sync source and is locked to it Gen Red The unit is actively generating SMPTE timecode Ready Red The unit is ready to accept commands This LED should almost always be on Run Red This indicator is illuminated whenever the SMPTE output is active Pause Red This LED is illuminated during SMPTE generation when the Pause button ...

Page 84: ...ble when the Binloop is configured to generate and loop SMPTE Pushing this button causes the SMPTE generation to pause the next time the configured End Time the loop point is reached After this button is pressed the Pause status LED will illuminate Reset If the Binloop is configured to generate timecode pushing this button halts the generation If the Binloop is configured to read external timecode...

Page 85: ...d frames In the event that there is no current timecode value meaning timecode is not currently being read or generated this time will be displayed as dashes like the following example In addition to providing system status the display can also be used in conjunction with the nearby Menu Wheel to access the configuration settings of the Binloop To enter this menu simply press in the menu wheel Not...

Page 86: ...has a test button located directly above the Compact Flash socket As you can probably tell from the name this button is intended only for testing purposes and not for normal operational control When this button is pressed the reproducer reacts differently depending on its current state Note File Number 1 is VID00001 XXX or SND00001 XXX Please refer to the Media Files chapter in this manual for fur...

Page 87: ...Wht x 32 Unbalanced Stereo Audio Outputs Right Left Show Control DB 9 M RS 232 to Control System Programmer Port DB 9 M RS 232 to Programmer VSYNC BNC Female Blackburst Video Sync Input SMPTE DB9 F SMPTE Input Output MIDI In DIN5 F MIDI In MIDI Out DIN5 F MIDI Out Parallel Control DB37 F Control and I O Balanced Outputs 1 4 5 8 9 12 13 16 DB25 F x 4 Balanced Stereo Audio Outputs AES EBU S PDIF I O...

Page 88: ...Alcorn McBride Binloop User s Manual Page 78 Digital Binloop and Video Binloop Rear Panel ...

Page 89: ... 7 26 15 7 26 8 8 27 16 8 27 Balanced Audio Each of these connectors contains balanced analog audio outputs for groups of four Reproducers Refer to the table below Balanced Output Reproducer Slot Left Right Analog Gnd 1 1 2 14 15 3 16 2 4 5 17 18 6 19 3 7 8 20 21 9 22 1 4 4 10 11 23 24 12 25 5 1 2 14 15 3 16 6 4 5 17 18 6 19 7 7 8 20 21 9 22 5 8 8 10 11 23 24 12 25 9 1 2 14 15 3 16 10 4 5 17 18 6 ...

Page 90: ...The composite video CVBS connector is always active no matter how the component video output is configured Show Control Port The Show Control serial port is intended for applications where the Binloop is to be controlled remotely via an RS 232 capable control system This could be an Alcorn McBride show controller a PC or practically any device with an RS 232 serial port Since this interface is des...

Page 91: ...etwork This interface can be used by the Binloop Configuration software to control the Binloop as well as download new configurations For other methods of Ethernet control this interface also provides a simple control interface that uses the Pioneer AMI protocol over the common Ethernet protocol called UDP For more information on how to use the Ethernet interface of the Binloop please read the sec...

Page 92: ...erence for all audio and video generated within the Binloop For more details about using external video sync with the Binloop refer to the A V Sync System chapter in the About the Binloop section of this manual SMPTE The SMPTE connector provides both an input and output for the SMPTE interface of the Binloop The balanced input is 600 ohm transformer isolated and will accept levels between 1 5 Vpp ...

Page 93: ... 8 SMPTE Start input 9 SMPTE Pause input 10 SMPTE Pause input 11 SMPTE Stop input 12 SMPTE Stop input 13 Mute input 14 Mute input 15 VCC 5VDC supplied by Binloop power supply 16 GND 17 GND 18 GND 19 GND 20 Play and Loop clip 1 of group 1 21 Play and Loop clip 2 of group 2 22 Play and Loop clip 3 of group 3 23 Play and Loop clip 4 of group 4 24 Play and Loop clip 5 of group 5 25 Play and Loop clip ...

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Page 95: ...M Audio Only The audio only formats are easy to explain They are simply audio files that are created using the associated uncompressed audio format These files can hold up to 2 channels of audio information Stereo and can have a variety of other parameters which are discussed later in the Audio Formats portion of this section An MPEG2 Program Stream is a little more involved but is necessary to pl...

Page 96: ...e extension For example the Binloop will identify a file with an extension of MPG as an MPEG2 Program Stream containing video and audio A file with the extension of SFD would be treated as a 16 bit Mono Raw PCM audio file The file number is determined by the 5 digit nnnnn portion of the file name The Binloop supports files that are assigned numbers between 0 and 1023 so this part of the filename i...

Page 97: ... 13818 The following table summarizes the recommended encoding parameters for creating MPEG 2 video that is compatible with the Binloop Setting Values Profile Main Level Main Max Bitrate 15Mbps 15000kbps Resolutions 480p 480i 720x480 576p 576i 720x576 Framerates NTSC Interlaced 29 97fps NTSC Progressive 29 97fps 59 94fps PAL Interlaced 25fps PAL Progressive 25fps 50fps Aspect Ratios 16 9 4 3 Chrom...

Page 98: ...ere are the audio formats that you are permitted to use within the MPEG2 Program Stream 1 MPEG Audio 2 Dolby Digital Audio AC3 MPEG Audio Specification Parameter Options Format MPEG 1 Layer I II MPEG 2 Layer II Mode Stereo Mono Sample Rate 32kHz 44 1kHz 48kHz Max Bitrate 384kbps Emphasis Off For synchronization the Binloop uses a global sample rate clock used throughout the entire system This mean...

Page 99: ...ormat WAV AIFF Raw PCM Mode Stereo Mono Sample Rate 32kHz 44 1kHz 48kHz 96kHz Quantization 16 bit 24 bit For synchronization the Binloop uses a global sample rate clock used throughout the entire system This means that it is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL that the sample rate used to encode files matches the sample rate configuration of the Binloop cage A mismatch between the two will result in improper audi...

Page 100: ...d File Splitter which can be downloaded at http www filesplitter org Using this method a large file can be separated into several segments which a reproducer can treat as a single coherent video file Here s how it works Let s say that you have encoded a 5GB video file Program Stream that you want to play in the Binloop First you will need to use a utility like File Splitter to divide this file int...

Page 101: ... must be a part of the recording itself Hum is a far more common problem than hiss and is unfortunately a far more difficult problem to correct Hum is fundamentally caused because the audio signal becomes contaminated or more often referenced to noise from the 60 Hz AC line Improper grounding almost always causes this but the question is where Hum may be caused by grounding errors present anywhere...

Page 102: ...le neutrals sourced from the center of the isolation transformer and an isolated ground It is essential that this isolated ground be just that isolated It should be referenced to the isolated neutral and nothing else Any connection to the building s mechanical ground will wreak havoc with the system This connection can occur through such inadvertent means as tying the power to the cabinets through...

Page 103: ...ly rare however Nonetheless it is always prudent to properly backup all of the audio and video data contained in your Binloop This can easily be done by simply copying the data to a PC hard drive or by making CDR or Data DVD R backups Like any other computer system your sound and video files for the Binloop should be treated as critical data Successful operation of your installation depends on thi...

Page 104: ...rd should be facing the power supply on the left GENTLY push the card toward the back end of the unit until you feel the pins lock into place DO NOT FORCE THE CARD IN 7 To Remove the Card Find the card that needs to be replaced GENTLY pull the card toward you At first you will feel some resistance as you pull the card from its connectors in the back After the card has been detached it will slide e...

Page 105: ...s Playing Muted 1 per Reproducer Power Fault V Sync Gen Ready Run Pause Stop Mute VFD Display 2 x 16 Characters Parallel Inputs Play Loop Stop for 8 groups Start SMPTE Pause SMPTE Stop Opto Isolated Parallel Outputs Ready Running Fault dry contact relay outputs Show Control Serial RS 232C Settings vary by protocol Programmer Port Serial RS 232C at 9600 baud 9th bit parity Video Formats MPEG 2 Prog...

Page 106: ...dB Signal to Noise 120 dB Below Full Scale when muted THD N 97dB Track Skew Less than 100 nanoseconds Sync Format NTSC at 29 97 Hz or PAL at 25 Hz Supported for Audio playback only no video Only supported by the Repro24D reproducer card installed in the Digital Binloop HD SMPTE Frame Rates 23 976 24 25 29 97 30 drop or 30 Trigger Skew 23 µSec max Lock Range 20 Timing Stability 7 ppm Dropout Tolera...

Page 107: ...2 If you do not have this software or you need guidance with connecting your PC to the Binloop refer to the Binloop Configuration Software section before continuing with this example Connecting to the Binloop To get started launch the Binloop software and verify that you have established a connection with the PC to the Binloop An easy way to do this is to upload the configuration from the Binloop ...

Page 108: ... a certain value a trigger will instruct the Binloop reproducers to play a video When the video is finished the SMPTE clock will loop back to its starting value and cause this process to repeat indefinitely Unit Configuration Let s begin by configuring some of the basic Binloop settings In the Binloop software navigate to the Unit Configuration screen To do this select Binloop Settings Unit from t...

Page 109: ...nfigure is the range of time that the SMPTE interface will generate First set the Preroll Time to 00 59 55 00 and the Start Time to 01 00 00 00 For this example the End Time value needs to coincide with the end of the video If you loaded the test clip mentioned in the Playing a Test File section the length of the video is 40 seconds or 00 00 40 00 One might conclude that the End Time would then be...

Page 110: ... at the top left of the trigger list window The following window will appear First we need to enter the SMPTE time when we want this trigger to occur Enter 01 00 00 00 in the Time box Select Play as the Action and make sure the Loop option is disabled In the Location box select All Reproducers Next verify that the Segment is set to 1 this assumes that you have named your video as video 1 as instru...

Page 111: ...e configuration currently in the Binloop When you proceed the following progress window will appear to show you the real time progress of the download The configuration we just created is now stored in the Binloop To verify that it works turn the Binloop off and then back on again After it finished initializing the SMPTE clock will start running at 00 59 55 00 When the clock reaches 01 00 00 00 a ...

Page 112: ...p in mind that although we re using an InterActivator in this example all of our controllers would be programmed using the exact same method Preparation This application note requires that you have video clips loaded onto the Binloop If this is not the case then follow the procedures found in the Playing A Test File section before going any further This section will take you through the steps need...

Page 113: ...d be accomplished by deleting triggers from the Trigger List configuring the SMPTE clock to be idle or both If you need assistance doing these things you can use the previous application note as a guide on changing the Binloop s configuration Programming the Show Controller Alcorn McBride Show Controllers are designed to be programmed initially by a PC and then operate independently of the PC once...

Page 114: ... the show controller Click on Resources Ports to bring up the port configuration Start by changing the name of port1 to Binloop so that we can easily identify this connection in the script programming Next right click in the Protocol column of the Binloop port and select Protocol Wizard The following screen will appear prompting you to select the protocol for the device connected to this port Sele...

Page 115: ...e now created a sequence that we will eventually program to start playing a file in the Binloop Before we get to that part let s first configure this sequence to be triggered by pressing Button 1 of the InterActivator To do this right click on the PlayClip sequence and select Start none This will open a window that will allow you to specify a trigger to start the PlayClip sequence Select button1 a...

Page 116: ...ation or data parameters to work For example the Play event needs to know which Binloop to talk to there might be more than one which reproducer to control and what file to play To determine what information to enter in each column you can always right click and select Event Wizard for guidance Here s an explanation of the event fields as well as how you should fill them out for this application T...

Page 117: ...act Flash cards so it s important to specify which clip to play Enter the number 1 in this field We have now created an event that will command the Binloop to play file 1 on Reproducer 1 as soon as the PlayFile sequence is started You can now close the PlayFile Event list and return to viewing the Sequence list Downloading the Script to the Show Controller Our script is now finished and ready to c...

Page 118: ...g the Show Control Script At this point the script is now running on the show controller You can now press Button 1 on the front of the show controller to play video 1 on reproducer 1 of the Binloop Immediately after you press the button you will see the serial LED 1 blink to indicate that the controller is sending a serial message on RS 232 Port 1 You will then see the green status LED of Reprodu...

Page 119: ...are installed on a PC and that the PC is connected to the Binloop via Ethernet If you do not have this software refer to the Binloop Configuration Software section before continuing with this example As for the Ethernet connection itself there are two ways to do this The most common way is to use standard Ethernet patch cables and a network switch or hub When you connect the PC and the Binloop to ...

Page 120: ...PC s Ethernet connection will appear in this list and is usually named Local Area Connection Keep in mind that you may have several network connections so it s important that you select the connection that is connected to the Binloop 2 Right click on this connection and select Properties Click on the Internet Protocol TCP IP item them click the Properties button 3 When the TCP IP properties window...

Page 121: ...he factory default network settings which are as follows IP Address 192 168 0 254 Subnet Mask 255 255 255 0 Gateway 192 168 0 1 If you believe that these settings may have been altered you should verify them using the front panel menu wheel interface of the Binloop Browse to the Network Setup screen and make sure that all of the settings match these values ...

Page 122: ...the Binloop Begin by launching the Binloop Software When the program is loaded open the Connection Settings screen by clicking on the icon or selecting Binloop Settings Connection Select Ethernet as the communication method and verify the default address of 192 168 0 254 is in the Binloop IP Address box When you select Ethernet the following message may appear If it does select Yes and then click ...

Page 123: ...he version box should fill with the current firmware version of the Binloop s controller card If you wish you may click Upload to transfer the Binloop s configuration to your PC over the Ethernet connection You can also use all of the features of the Binloop software to change configuration settings and control the Binloop over Ethernet ...

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Page 125: ...ys lit Reproducer does not respond a Reproducer microprocessor hung up due to hot carding of CF cards a Cycle power on unit 2 Component video output is discolored on your display i e GREEN BLUE a Component Video output wired incorrectly b Faulty or loose cables b Color space configured incorrectly for display a Check cables b Change Colorspace configuration for affected reproducer c Change Colorsp...

Page 126: ...dio output connection to Digital Binloop HD 3 Audio Output distorted on single reproducer card a Audio output wired incorrectly one end of balanced output might be shorted to ground b Faulty reproducer a Rewire balanced audio output connection Leave output disconnected for connection to unbalanced inputs 4 Audio Output distorted multiple outputs a Same as 3 above b Interconnect ground loop c Fault...

Page 127: ...e is 2GB A computer will not allow you to copy a file larger than this to the flash card If your application requires a longer playback time than a 2GB limitation will allow the best solution is to create separate files and seam them together using the Play Next command MPEG2 Video 8Mbps CBR High Quality Compact Flash Size Approx Capacity Gigabytes Minutes 1 18 2 36 4 72 8 144 16 288 32 576 64 115...

Page 128: ...120 800 720 360 16 2240 1600 1440 720 32 4480 3200 2880 1440 64 8960 6400 5760 2880 Only supported by Repro24D Digital Binloop Uncompressed Audio 24 bit Stereo Compact Flash Size Gigabytes Capacity Minutes 32k 44 1k 48k 96k 1 90 66 60 30 2 180 132 120 60 4 360 264 240 120 8 720 528 480 240 16 1440 1056 960 480 32 2880 2112 1920 960 64 5760 4224 3840 1920 Only supported by Repro24D Digital Binloop ...

Page 129: ...r you wish to update 4 Copy the OS NEW file from the downloaded update to the Compact Flash Card using a card reader 5 Re insert the Compact Flash Card into the Reproducer 6 Power on the Binloop 7 The reproducer s status LED will turn ORANGE to indicate that it is updating the firmware 8 Wait for LED to turn off indicating that the firmware update is complete 9 When you reach this point you re don...

Page 130: ...e Binloop top button with play icon next to it 6 Verify that the display now reads Firmware Update Mode 7 Connect a straight thru RS 232 cable between a PC and the Binloop s Programmer serial port 8 Launch the Binloop Config software 9 From the Binloop software menu select Help Update Firmware 10 Select DBAP4 Standard Controller as the component to update 11 Choose the COM port for the PC serial p...

Page 131: ...verify that the Binloop responds with SMPTE Vx xx 20 Click the Browse button and browse to the folder extracted in step 2 Select the SMPTECOR HEX file and click Open 21 Click on the Update button at the bottom of the window and wait for the update to complete You have now successfully updated the Control System and the SMPTE Interface of the DBAP4 controller card to the latest versions ...

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Page 133: ...Alcorn McBride Binloop User s Manual Page 123 Appendix D Menu Wheel Map ...

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Page 135: ...ty 93 Media Utilities Format 59 Menu Wheel 75 Message Format 44 MIDI In 77 81 MIDI Out 77 82 Mute 73 74 83 95 NTSC 96 PAL 96 Parallel Control 77 pause 73 Pause 83 95 Play 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Play Next Seamless Playback 59 Power 3 4 83 92 115 Print 53 Program port 81 Protocol 23 81 Ready 48 73 83 95 Rear Panel 92 Reproducer Status LED 76 Reproducer Test Button 76 R...

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