8
SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The Niles iC2 System is a highly flexible tool that allows system designers to create home theater
systems that will delight customers. Simplicity in operation is at the core of the iC2 System’s
design. Features like HDMI video switching surround receivers and televisions, high-definition DSS
satellite receivers, and DVD managing media servers can make home theater systems extremely
difficult to operate. The following section explains just some of the system design features of the
Niles iC2 System.
To fully understand the system configurations, it’s important to understand the basic control sec-
tions of the HT-MSU.
IR OUTPUT PORTS
IR (Infrared) codes are stored in the HT-MSU during configuration programming. The labels of the
IR Outputs identify what source number these ports are designed to operate. SRC1 means source
1. The outputs are labeled SRC1 through SRC6, TV/7 and RCV/8. If the TV is to be controlled via
IR codes, then the IR Output TV/7 port should be used. However, if the TV will be controlled via
RS232, then the TV/7 IR output can be used to control an alternate IR source. These IR outputs are
dedicated and routed, meaning IR codes stored for source number 3 (i.e. a DVD player) can only
be emitted from the IR output port labeled SRC3. RCV/8 can be used either for the receiver in the
home theater or a source number 8.
RS232 OUTPUT PORTS
RS232 is a serial device control protocol that allows sources to be controlled via a transmit-receive
cable (See the Installation section for wiring information). RS232 codes are stored in the HT-MSU
as string codes during configuration programming. The labels of the RS232 outputs identify what
source number they are designed to operate. SRC1 means source 1. The outputs are labeled SRC1
through SRC6, TV/7 and RCV/8. If the TV is to be controlled via RS232 codes, then the RS232 TV/7
port should be used. However, if the TV will be controlled via IR, then the RS232 TV/7 port can
be used to control an alternate RS232 source. These RS232 outputs are dedicated and routed,
meaning RS232 codes stored for source number 3 (i.e. a DVD player) can only be emitted from the
RS232 output port labeled SRC3. RCV/8 can be used either for the receiver in the home theater or a
source number 8.
