m o d u l e o r d e r i n g g u i d e
81
Key Features
Newton Modular Control System
C o m p r e h e n s i v e, C o n s o l i d a t e d C o n t r o l f o r
M o d u l a r P r o d u c t s
The shift to digital infrastructures has brought with it increasingly complex
signal-processing paths. The Newton modular control system gives you fast,
multi-knob, Ethernet-based access to Grass Valley modular products in a
processing channel.
Two abilities distinguish the Newton system from other approaches
to modular control: the separation of system-level configuration tasks
from operational ones, thus minimizing the potential for on-air mistakes;
and the ability to group modular products—regardless of their physical
locations—into a logical signal path (or channel) that you can easily access
and manipulate.
Using the Newton system, you can instantly access the Grass Valley
Gecko, GeckoFlex, and Kameleon modular products in a particular signal
path—even if they’re in completely different racks or facilities. You can
adjust module parameters from a rack-mounted Newton control panel or a
software control panel running on a standard Windows PC. There’s even a
button for locking out the control panel to prevent accidental changes.
The Newton system also includes the Grass Valley NetConfig software.
Using it, you can assign IP addresses to Gecko, GeckoFlex, and Kameleon
frames for easy network identification and set initial operational parameters.
Additionally, the NetConfig application works with the Encore
™
router control
system and Grass Valley routers.
By separating configuration and operational tasks, the Newton system can
simplify your workflows significantly. Instead of painstakingly attaching a serial
cable to the back of every modular product you need to initialize, you can use
NetConfig to set baseline functional operational parameters over a network.
Operators can make adjustments to those parameters using Newton control
panels, without having to wade through complex configuration menus.
The Newton system features two control panels: a rack-mounted version
and a software-based version. You can have any combination of these
panels on your network in any number. You configure these panels using a
configuration plug-in application tool on the NetConfig application; you can
also use this tool to restrict channel-path and device access on a panel-by-
panel basis.
The Newton modular control system supports optional integration with
the Grass Valley Encore router control system. It’s a great way to quickly
switch sources and adjust signal parameters within configured processing
channels.
You can also use the Newton system to monitor destinations on the
routing system so that, when a source changes, the modules in the
appropriate input signal-processing channel automatically appear on the
Newton control panel.
To help maximize uptime, the Gecko, GeckoFlex, and Kameleon products
support the Grass Valley NetCentral application for Simple Network
Management Protocol (SNMP)-based monitoring.
Ethernet-based control of Grass Valley
•
Gecko, GeckoFlex, and Kameleon modular
products
Control panels:
•
—
Compact 1 RU rack mount panel
—
PC soft-panel application with same
functionality
—
No limit to the number of panels on a
network
—
Operation independent of configuration
Includes NetConfig application and
•
configuration plug-in tool for:
—
Network-wide device configuration
—
Control panel configuration
Control panel functions:
•
—
Four user-configurable control knobs to
update device parameters
—
Twelve soft keys for quick recall of user-
configurable parameters
—
Simple up/down, left/right navigation
—
Each panel supports 128 channels with
12 setups each
—
Clearly visible status of controlled devices
—
Enable button locally disconnects knobs
and buttons from devices
—
Identify button reveals identity of
controlled devices
Additional hardware panel features:
•
—
Easy-to-read green display w/adjustable
intensity
—
Combination of soft buttons and
dedicated function buttons with
adjustable backlighting intensity
Requires only two simple connections:
•
RJ-45 Ethernet and IEC AC mains
Optional Encore routing control system
•
integration:
—
Source selection with automatic source
delegation
—
Destination status monitoring
