system switchers simplify projector control - extron electronics

System Switchers Simplify Projector Control

Projector technology is evolving at a rapid pace. Several

years ago, only a handful of projector manufacturers

existed, and each made only a few different products. Today,

the projector market has grown to include several dozen

manufacturers with a whole range of product offerings.

continued on page 2

The expansion of the projectormarket has given A/V professionalsa wider range of projector optionsto choose from than ever before.There is a projector available thatwill meet the needs of virtually anyapplication. But what aboutprojector control options? Havethose control options kept up withthe pace of projector development,particularly with the increasingnumber of applications that havemore than one source for imageoutput?

Projector manufacturers initiallyanswered this question by makingtheir own, proprietary switchers.

www.extron.com

FEATURE ARTICLEOn the cover...

System Switchers

COLUMNS4 Marketing Matters:

Marketing is Everyone’s Job

5 The Extron Hotline:Extron’s Investment in Our Team Members

6 Technically Speaking...Deciphering Cable Safety Ratings and Applications

10 Rental & Staging Corner:Dillon Productions Wows TBSwith SGS

12 Unique Techniques:The Technological Forefront of Education

18 Tech Corner:Using the System 7SC for Room Control

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE14 New Products

17 Special VideoconferencingSeries

20 New News

24 Tweeker Use

However, these switchers couldonly work with and control theirown brand of projectors. Whenthere were only a few projectormanufacturers and a few projectormodels, this solution was a viableone for professionals in the A/Vindustry. But today, most A/Vdealerships stock many differentbrands of projectors and needsystem switchers that work withthem all. This is especially truewhen the original projector needsto be replaced with somethingnewer, smaller, and brighter.

Issue 12.1 January • February 2001

System 7SC(Video switcherwith built-in scaler)

2 ExtroNews 12.1 January/February 2001

S y s t e m S w i t c h e r s ( c o n t . )

System 5cr Plus SwitcherExtron’s new System 5cr Plus is a five input,

one output switcher. This unit was designedwith the smaller conference room or trainingfacility in mind. The System 5cr Plus providesa total of five inputs—two for RGBHV, twofor composite or S-video, and one that isconfigurable for composite video, S-video, orRGBHV. One of the RGBHV inputs, a 15-pinHD connector, is located on the front panel.This makes connecting a laptop very easy. Forevery video input, there is also a stereo audioinput. The System 5cr Plus also includes asmall stereo amplifier for small to mediumsized rooms.

The System 5cr Plus is compatible withmost projectors. Programming for projectorcontrol is done entirely by users in the field.Programming can be accomplished in one oftwo ways—either through IR learning or byusing the supplied control software todownload the specific projector driver fromthe Extron Web site.

IR learning makes setup and operationsimple and customizable. There is nohardwired communication link. To programthe switcher to transmit commands to aprojector, point the projector’s remote controlat the IR receiver on the front panel of theSystem 5cr Plus, and press the button fordesired command. (See Figure 2.)

The System 5cr Plus ships with controlsoftware that manages basic switching andswitcher configuration. To configure for aprojector, this software is used with projectordrivers that can be downloaded from Extron’sWeb site.

The System 5cr Plus also offers severaldifferent options for switcher and projectorcontrol: through its own front panel, using anExtron IR 40 remote control, through RS-232control software, or using an Extronmountable keypad called the SCP 100P, SCP250, or SCP/AAP A.

In addition to universal projector control, theSystem 5cr Plus has a room control feature.This feature lets users automate a singlefunction in a presentation room, such aslighting, screen settings, and lowering andraising the projector lift, making the switcheran ideal control solution for smallerapplications.

System 8 and 10 Plus SwitchersThe System 8 and 10 Plus Switchers are an

all-inclusive solution that enables multi-brandprojector control from one switching device.These switchers are designed for large-scaleA/V systems integration and stagingapplications. Both feature universal inputs(RGBHV, RGBS, RGsB, S-video, and compositevideo signals) and stereo audio switching. The two differences between the System 8 Plus and the System 10 Plus are thenumber of inputs and the bandwidth. The eight input System 8 Plus offers 300 MHz (-3dB) bandwidth, and the ten input System 10 Plus offers 250 MHz (-3dB)bandwidth .

The System 8/10 Plus communicates bi-directionally using a projector-specificcommunication adapter between the switcherand projector. The System 8/10 Plus switchersare initially configured at Extron to work with aspecific projector. Reconfiguring the System8/10 Plus switcher to work with a differentprojector can be easily accomplished in the fieldby changing rotary switches. In some instances,updating the switcher firmware may benecessary.

System 4LDxi Switcher with Line DoublerThe System 4LDxi is a four input, one output

projector control switcher with a built-in linedoubler. It’s ideal for environments whereconventional NTSC, PAL, or SECAM video isbeing displayed on a large screen. Four inputs

To help resolve these issues, Extron builtuniversal projector control into our entire lineof system switchers. (See Figure 1.)

Universal Projector ControlTen years ago, Extron introduced the first

universal system switchers, the System 8 &10. These switchers allowed for basic poweron/off and input switching capabilitiesbetween the switcher and any brand ofprojector. Universal Projector Control is nowa standard feature of all Extron systemswitchers including the new System 5cr Plus,System 8 and 10 Plus, System 4LDxi, and thenew System 7SC.

Extron’s system switchers offer universalcontrol for virtually every projector in themarket. To meet the needs of changingapplications, the different models in thesystem switcher line use different methods ofcommunication with the projectors, rangingfrom bi-directional RS-232 to infrared (IR).

These system switchers can all beaddressed through RS-232, includingcommands from the switcher to theprojector. This means there are advantagesto using the universal projector control inconjunction with a control system. Typically,if a control system is being used to controlthe projector, and the projector has to bereplaced, an experienced programmer will beneeded to edit or create new code. However,if projector commands are routed from thecontrol system through these switchers, thecontrol system commands will remain thesame when a new projector is installed. Tocommunicate with the new projector, allthat’s required is a quick reconfiguration ofthe switchers.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how each ofthese system switchers operates, and how easilythey can be configured for projector control.

ProjectorSystem Switcher

What kind ofprojector is

this ?

Figure 1. Extron system switchers can be configured to work with any brand of projector.

RX LEARN

Plus

INPUT 3PC

Projector's Remote

IR Learn

System 5cr Plus

Figure 2. Programming the System 5cr Plus for a projector using IR learning.

The System 7SC provides two methods ofprojector control—RS-232 or IR. There are alsotwo methods of configuring the switcher forprojector control. The first consists ofdownloading pre-configured control driversfrom the Extron Web site. Downloading thesedrivers will require use of the easy-to-usecontrol software that ships with this switcher.

For situations where more customizableprojector control is desirable, the secondmethod of configuration is available. Installerscan customize the System 7SC through IRlearning or by entering custom, uni-directionalRS-232 commands. These commands can beprogrammed to any button on the front panel.

Creating custom projector control drivers issimple with the System 7SC. All that’s neededare projector codes (found in the projectormanual), a computer, a few cables, and thesupplied control software. (See Figure 4 below.)

January/February 2001 ExtroNews 12.1 3

accept composite video, S-video, and RGBvideo. Each input also accepts stereo audio. Theswitcher’s line doubler increases the horizontalscan rate of the input signal by two times,making the output comparable to a 640 x 480VGA signal.

To control projectors through the System4LDxi, Extron engineers develop code for eachprojector on the market. When ordering aSystem 4LDxi, customers must indicate whatprojector it will be working with. The switcheris then configured for a specific projectorbefore it ships from Extron’s facility. These unitscommunicate with projectors via RS-232 usinga projector-specific communication adapter.

If a projector is replaced in an installation,this switcher can be easily upgraded in the fieldto work with the new device. Often, all that isrequired is a quick adjustment to internal rotaryswitches. In some cases, updating the switcherfirmware may be necessary. If so, Extron cansupply an appropriate firmware upgrade thatcan be plugged into the switcher (see Figure 3).

The comm adapter, which is used tophysically connect to the projector, may ormay not have to be changed to becompatible with the new projector. YourExtron Customer Support Representative willbe able to tell whether or not your existingcomm adapter will work.

System 7SC Switcher with Video ScalerThe new System 7SC is a seven input, dual

output multi-format switcher with a built-invideo scaler. This switcher is ideal for rental,staging, and permanent installations using alltypes of high-resolution video displaydevices. Six inputs are configurable forcomposite video, S-video, component, orRGB video. The seventh input on the frontpanel is a quick connection point forcomposite video, S-video, or computer-video.Each input also accepts audio.

Like Extron’s other system switchers, theSystem 7SC’s functions can all be addressedvia RS-232. This makes changing out theprojector in applications that use a controlsystem very easy. To maintain projectorcontrol, simply download a differentprojector driver to the switcher.

The System 7SC also includes two roomcontrol features. These room control featurescan be programmed to control the lighting,raising and lowering of the screen, openingand closing of the window blinds, etc. Universalprojector control coupled with the roomcontrol features makes the System 7SC an all-in-one solution for more complex applicationenvironments. (See Figure 5 above.)

Extron’s system switchers provide auniversal solution to projector control.Whatever the application, these switchersmake universal projector control a snap.

Align Notches

IC Chip w/ Projector Code

Screen Control

ProjectorControl

RGB/Video

Audio

Lights/Room Control

System 7SCVCRDVD Player

DocumentCamera

Laptop

Computer

SYSTEM 7SC

COMPUTER

S-VIDEO

L

R

VIDEO

AUDIOINPUT 7

CONTROL

IR

DISPLAY RXLEARN

TX

RX

DETAIL

CONT

BRIGHT

TINT

COLOR

NEXT

ADJUST

VOLUME

MENU

DISP

PWR

DISP

MUTE

MODEROOM

1

ROOM

2

12

34

56

7

ComputerProjector User Manual

Projector Control CodeSwitcher Projector

PWR ON: 02 00 01 00PWR ON: 02 00 01 00

SYSTEM 7SC

COMPUTERS-VIDEO

L R

VIDEO AUDIOINPUT 7

CONTROL

IRDISPLAY

VOLUME

RX LEARN

TXRX

ADJUSTDETAIL

NEXT

CONT

MENU

BRIGHTTINTCOLORDISPPWR

DISPMUTE

MODE ROOM1

ROOM2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Figure 3. Updating firmware in Extron's systemswitchers is a snap.

Figure 5. Universal projectorcontrol with room control features makes the System 7SCan all in-one solution for complex applications.

Figure 4. Creating custom projector control drivers with the System 7SC.


The role that marketing plays in business isoften misunderstood and its functionsoverlooked in the daily priority shuffle we allface in these busy times. Just as surely asmarket conditions continually change, somust we monitor and adapt our mixture ofmarketing strategies to keep pace andremain on the competitive edge. In itssimplest form, marketing is the act of sellingin a market. Many areas fall into this realm,but it can be generalized as activities anorganization does to attract customers, addvalue, and develop methods of servingcustomer needs. Clearly this is something weall have a vested interest in.

The extent to which you match yourorganization’s products and services to yourcustomers’ needs often becomes the essenceof how your customer perceives you andranks you among your competitors. Haveyou ever wondered if the things younormally do make a difference to yourcustomers? Are you sure that you are usingthe best resources? Are there ways to

enhance your systems? This column willsuggest methods and techniques you canuse to address these and other issues.

Connecting the services and value youcreate to the needs of your customer in thebest and most efficient way should alwaysbe high on a professional’s list. We must allcontinually evaluate our effectiveness in thisarea and enhance our ability to gainknowledge, utilize resources, create value,and deliver it effectively to whichever marketwe focus on. This new column will discussmatters related to the effective marketing ofprofessional A/V systems, whether thatinvolves understanding your resources,communicating better with your customers,working more efficiently, or increasing thevalue you deliver to your customer. Extronbelieves in the value added to theprofessional A/V market by A/Vprofessionals and we hope that issues communicated through this column will convince you that Marketing does matter.

Welcome to the newest feature in ExtroNews. The Marketing

Matters column will focus on keeping you informed of

information, tools, and issues that are meaningful and useful to you in

your efforts to market your organization’s value to the fullest.

Marketing is Everyone’s Job

by Lee Dodson, Vice President of Marketing

M A R K E T I N G M A T T E R S

And the Winner Is….Results of Extron’s Annual Newsletter Survey for 2000

All of us here at Extron would like to extend a big thank you to the overwhelmingnumber of people who took the time to participate in our Annual Newsletter Surveycontest. This year’s respondents provided an enormous amount of valuable feedback,such as which sections of the newsletter are most useful to you and what kinds ofadditional resources you’d like to see added. We will use your comments to makeongoing improvements to the type of information offered to you through ExtroNews.

And now for the news everyone is waiting for—the name of the survey respondentchosen at random to win an Extron VTG 200 Video Test Generator…the winner is Scott Miller with Industrial Audio/Video, Inc. in Houston, TX. Congratulations, Scott!

Investment in our support teams beginswith an intensive internal training programcomprised of presentations, discussions, andhands-on exercises. Specialized Extron staffmembers run our internal training program,so each sales and technical supportrepresentative gains the necessary depth ofknowledge to provide you with theinformation you need when you call theExtron customer service phone number(800.633.9876 in the USA, +800.EXTRON.S3in Europe, and +65.383.4400 in Asia). Extroncustomer support employees are trained tounderstand a wide range of A/V subjects,from technical concepts to practical system design.

The internal Extron training program is onlythe beginning of Extron’s commitment to ouremployees. Extron team members frequentlyparticipate in ongoing education and trainingto keep them up to speed with the latesttechnologies and product innovations.Additional A/V training involves ICIA(International Communications IndustriesAssociation) certification programs.


Extron Customer Support Representativesprovide service and technical assistance tosupport your projects. Available 24/7 foraround-the-clock troubleshooting support,they can help you select the appropriateproducts for a specific application, work withyou to design complete systems, and offeryou detailed CAD drawings of systemapplications. Extron team members acquiretheir A/V understanding through Extron’sinvestment in employee education.

It all begins with the coreof Extron: our corporatephilosophy of “Service,Support, and Solutions—S3.” Members of the

Extron team undergo in-depth training to help them

deliver the level of customerservice you expect from Extron.

At Extron, we firmly believe thatknowledge is vital in the A/V industry. This iswhy we provide comprehensive training toour team members.

Extron’s investment in sales and technical support is as important to us

as it is to you. Extron provides valuable industry information through

a number of resources. One of the most critical resources is our sales and

technical support staff.

Extron’s Investment in Our Team Members

T H E E X T R O N H O T L I N E

by Jeff Gibson, Vice President of Sales

Extron is the first ICIA member manufacturing company to beawarded the prestigious Certified Member status. ICIA Membercompanies qualify for Certified Member status if 50 percent oftheir sales or technical staff, or 20 employees achieve the ICIACertified Technology Specialist designation, the ICIA CertifiedAudio Visual Sales Professional designation, or one of ICIA’s moreadvanced certifications. At the time the award was given, Extronhad over 25 employees that met the certification requirement.

For more information about the Certified Member Awardprogram, visit ICIA’s Web site at www.icia.org/education.


The building authorities (usually countyor city) in your locality adopt standards andcodes to which construction must conformfor the overall good and safety of thecommunity. Remember that regardless ofnational codes and standards, the localbuilding authorities have the last word onwhat is considered acceptable buildingand wiring practice in your area.

For both high voltage and low voltageelectrical wiring, all building authoritiesadopt standards from the NationalElectrical Code, or NEC. The NEC is acollection of requirements for electricalwiring and appliances that safeguardagainst electrical fire and electrocution. Acommittee under the supervision of theNational Fire Protection Association, NFPA,creates the NEC. The NEC is but one codedocument among many created by theNFPA. Go to www.nfpa.org for moreinformation. I think it’s important to bringup the difference between a standard anda code. A standard is a level ofperformance that may be adopted as anoption, but a code is a mandate imposedby some authority.

“I’ll take CABLES for 50, please.”All signal cable used for computer

networks, telephone, video, audio, and

Deciphering Cable Safety Ratings andApplications

T E C H N I C A L L Y S P E A K I N G . . .

by Steve Somers, Vice President of Engineering

Have you ever found yourself confused or unsure of the type of wire

or cable to use in a project as it relates to local codes and safety

requirements? What do the various cable safety ratings mean? What

materials and characteristics make one cable less flammable than

another? What is meant by halogen-free cable? Is plenum cable cheaper

to run than cable in conduit? I’m going to try to answer these and

hopefully many other questions about cable fire safety and application.

control applications of less than 50 volts isconsidered low voltage cabling. Lowvoltage cabling is categorized into thefollowing five basic groups within theNational Electrical Code (NEC):

Cable Type: Use:

CM Communications

CL2, CL3 Class 2, Class 3 remote-control, signaling,and power-limited cables

FPL Power-limited fire protective signaling cables

MP Multipurpose cable

PLTC Power-limited tray cable

Fire safety ratings under the NEC areconducted according to a common groupof flame retardancy tests, which makes thecable markings similar across all of thesedesignations. The NEC’s cable substitutionhierarchy for fire safety is shown in Table 1. Video, audio, and low voltagecontrol cables fall into Class 2 typically dueto the available power limits set in the NEC. All computer network andtelecommunications cabling falls into theCM class. CM and CL2 categories of cablingare of primary concern in the A/V industry.


So, What’s All This Cable SafetyRating Stuff Anyhow?

So, what does all the safety alphabetsoup mean? Table 2 (on following page)is a handy applications table that will helpyou organize the cable markingdesignations mentally.

Plenum-rated cables (suffix “P”) are atthe top of the cable safety food chainbecause they are constructed of materialshaving very low “fire load.” Fire load is theterm used to describe how much fuel agiven material provides a fire. A lower fireload rating means that the material ismore fire resistant and produces lesssmoke, which accounts for most fire-related deaths. Cables obtain theplenum rating upon successfully passingUL 910, Test for Flame-Propagation andSmoke-Density Values for Electrical andOptical-Fiber Cables Used in SpacesTransporting Environmental Air. Plenum is a commonly used term today in the

construction and system installationindustries because, in most cases, plenum-rated cables may be installed in airhandling systems (air plenums) withoutexpensive metallic conduit. Plenum cablecan cut installation costs dramatically.

Riser (suffix “R”) describes cables havinga lesser degree of flame retardancy thanplenum, but may be used to convey signalsvertically in shafts without requirement formetallic conduit. The compliant cable hasa flame propagation of less than 12 feetand has a temperature of 850 degreesFahrenheit or less at a height of 12 feet perUL 1666.

General-purpose (no suffix) cables maybe used in conduit, behind walls, or otherenclosed locations where the cable isprotected and not in an air plenum.Commercial installations, at a minimum,must use general-purpose cables (thetypical CL2 designation for coaxial video


cables, for example). This type of cablemust comply with UL 1581, the Vertical-Tray Flame Test. For CSA (CanadianStandards Association), the vertical flametest differs in loading (more cable inbundles), burner angle, and failurecriterion.

CL2X and CL3X are the lowest ratedcable and must comply with UL VW-1Vertical-Specimen Flame Test. The cable isnot marked VW-1. This rating may be usedin residential dwellings.

PLTC (power-limited tray cable) complieswith a 70,000 BTU/hr vertical-tray flametest. Cables of this type are marked PLTCwith ink or marker tape.

Getting ‘P’ On Your CableWhat makes a cable into a plenum rated

cable? The materials making up the

MPP CMP CL3P CL2P FPLP MPR CMR CL3R CL2R FPLR MPG MP CMG CM PLTC CL3 CL2 FPL CMXCL3XCL2X

National Electrical Code (NEC) Cable Substitution Hierarchy

MPP CMP CL3P CL2P FPLP MPR CMR CL3R CL2R FPLR MPG MP CMG CM PLTC CL3 CL2 FPL CMX CL3X CL2X

Cable Type

Permitted Substitution

Plenum TypesRiser TypesGeneral Purpose TypesDwelling Types

Table 1. National Electrical Code (NEC) Cable Substitution Hierarchy for Fire Safety

continued on next page


insulation on the wires and jacket on thecable must be capable of withstanding aspecified amount of heat for a specifiedamount of time without combustion orcontributing significantly to thesustenance of a fire. The ideal cable willnot burn at all.

The most common insulation andjacketing material used on wire and cableis Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC. PVC has manyattributes that make it a great material forgeneral-purpose wire. Unfortunately, PVCis very flammable. When PVC burns, a keybyproduct is hydrochloric acid. The smokeand residues are very corrosive. Whilethere are several versions of PVC withvarying characteristics, none are able topass the plenum test. Some versions ofPVC and another group of polymers fromthe family of plastics called Polyolefin mayattain plenum capability when combinedwith certain other polymers that are morefire resistant. However, maintaining thesafety margins against the plenum flametest is sometimes difficult. Constructionmust be highly controlled and, in someinstances, cable designs that pass the testone time may not pass on another trial.

The best insulation for fire resistance todate is also one of the best dielectricmaterials for lower loss cables…Teflon®FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene).Teflon FEP is a registered trademark ofDuPont. But, Teflon FEP is much more

expensive to manufacture which explainsthe higher cost of plenum rated cables.The material is tougher and more difficultto extrude. This is why plenum cables arenot as flexible as PVC.

To obtain a plenum rating, the cablemust pass the Steiner Tunnel Test withinUL 910. The Steiner Tunnel is a speciallyconstructed fire chamber that positions agroup of cables of the same type andabout 24 feet in length into a horizontalframe within an air handling plenum. Airrushes into one end of the plenum. Gasburners supply a specific level flameunder the cable bundle about 4.5 feetfrom the end near the air inlet. While theflame is applied for a specified period oftime, the length of flame travel along thecable is monitored as well as the amountof smoke produced. At the opposite endof the tunnel, a vent shaft funnels the airand smoke past photoelectric sensors. Criteria under which the test results must comply are:

• Smoke Peak Optical Density:less than 0.50

• Smoke Average Optical Density:less than 0.15

• Maximum Flame Propagation:less than 5.0 feet from point ofapplication

The Secret IngredientMost all of the wire and cable

insulation made in the US depends onthe addition of halogens for fireretardancy. What are halogens?Halogens are the elements in group VIIaon the periodic chart (yes, you will nowuse some of that obscure high schoolchemistry). The name is of Greek origin,meaning “salt-bearing.” The naturallyoccurring halogens are fluorine (F),chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and iodine (I).Halogens are nonmetallic and closelyresemble one another. They readily formbonds among themselves and with mostother elements.


MP CM CL2 CL3 FPL PLTC Plenum MPP CMP CL2P CL3P FPLP –

Riser MPR CMR CL2R CL3R FPLR –

General Purpose MP, MPG CM, CMG CL2 CL3 FPL PLTC

Dwelling – CMX CL2X CL3X – –

Cable Family

Cable Marking Designation

Application

Table 2. Cable Marking Designations for NEC Application Categories

“We’re The Company Without a Blimp”

Underwriters Laboratories has becomesomething of an icon always associatedwith US product safety. William HenryMerrill chartered UnderwritersLaboratories, Inc. in Illinois in 1901. He setup a small lab in Chicago to test electricaldevices. Over the past 100 years, UL hastested more than 12,500 different types ofproducts and employs 5,000 peopleworldwide. UL is a very successful not-for-profit testing organization totallysupported by fees charged to clients. UL isvery independent and, certainly, the mostwidely recognized mark in the US and inmore than 70 countries.

But, UL is not the only acknowledgedsafety-testing authority. There are severalothers with equal credibility. Next to UL inthe US is ETL Testing Labs. Somewhat likeB.F. Goodrich, the tire company thatadvertised in the 60’s and 70’s: “we’re theother company without a blimp.” ETL is aninternationally recognized, fully independenttesting company. The ETL mark is widelyrecognized as equivalent to UL. All testmethods and standards used by eitherorganization are identical. Many people arenot familiar with ETL, I believe, because theyattained recognition as a NationallyRecognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) in1989…relatively recent compared to UL.

Other testing laboratories such as TUVand Dash, Strauss, and Goodhue, Inc. arewell known as testing authorities. TUVbegan in Europe and its services have beenavailable in the US for many years.Recently, Inchcape Inspection and TestingServices, a US corporation, absorbed ETLTesting Laboratories and Dash, Strauss,and Goodhue. However, the ETL marksurvives this acquisition.

Trends in Changing StandardsThe NFPA 262 (UL 910) standard is

undergoing changes. Several adjustments



While PVC contains chlorine, it is notfire resistant. PVC and polyolefinproducts must have concoctions ofother elements added in order toachieve any degree of flame resistance.Most fire resistant compounds containfluorine or are said to be fluorinated,such as FEP (fluorinated ethylenepropylene).

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Halogenated!European building authorities will not

allow use of halogenated cables. Whenhalogen-based cables burn (at whateverlevel they will produce smoke), thesmoke is corrosive and containspoisonous gases. There is high concernabout the true safety of halogen-basedcables. More information on the move away from halogens in cableinsulation may be obtained at:www.halogenfree.org.

While the European Union designsthe safety tests for that region, there isgreat debate over the relevance of theirposition on cable flame retardancy andsafety versus that in the US. All cablingsold in Europe must be halogen-free.Halogen-free polymers require otherformulations of compounds in order toobtain low smoke cable products.

Ratings? We Don’t Need No #@&% Ratings!

The cable rating to use on a project is,first and foremost, dictated by thelocal building authorities. Always checkon your local codes before committingto the design. Generally speaking (forthe US), general-purpose cable, likeCL2, is acceptable in enclosed racewaysand protected regions not used as air plenums. Cables run between floorsin air spaces must be riser grademinimum or else run within metalconduit. Cables run in horizontal airplenums must be plenum-rated, or runin metal conduit.

to the procedures and calibration of theSteiner Tunnel are anticipated to affect thequalification of some plenum cables. Asmore and more computer networkinstallations take advantage of plenumcommunications cables in air spaces aboveceilings, there is new concern by fire safetyofficials that, over time, the buildup of old,unused plenum cables (primarily thisaffects the plethora of CAT 5 typecommunications cable) left behind assystems change is creating additional fireload that could be cause for concern. Weare likely to see NFPA 262 change in this area.

In the UK, a Steiner Tunnel is beinginstalled to allow investigations of UStesting methods with fluorinated polymerscompared to the European position against halogenated cables. Eventualharmonization between the US and Europecould show that our flame test is morestringent and that halogen cables are not abad approach as long as emissions are verylow. Only time and a lot of testing will tell.

Cheap At Any Price?There is definitely a cost reason for

using plenum cable in commercialinstallations. I don’t have specific numberson the comparison and it would varywidely due to local building codes andlabor rates. The popularity of plenum-rated cable pretty well tells the story. Ifyou have not used plenum on a job, thentalk to those that have to get realnumbers for your area and situation. I cansay that the incremental cost of plenum isonly a fraction of the cost of labor to runstandard cable within metallic conduit.However, one hidden concern might bethe cost to clients for the removal of oldcables should code authorities require theremoval of old plenum cables with systemdesign changes. And yet, the current paceof business change essentially requiresthat system designs be easier and faster to install.


Staging a professional audio/visual eventfor such a visible organization comes withhigh expectations. This past holiday season,Atlanta-based pro A/V firm Dillon ProductionServices, Inc. (DPSI) put on a top-notch showfor the folks at Turner Broadcasting System.DPSI was contracted by Universal VideoProduction to set up and run the A/V displayfor the Turner Holiday Party. To stage anevent that would meet the expectations ofthis major media mogul, Dillon Productionsused the Extron SGS 408 seamless graphicsswitcher as the core of the system design.

The SGS 408 is an eight input, high-resolution RGB and component video matrixswitcher that performs seamless cuts,dissolves, wipes, and titles. This switcher withbuilt-in scaler creates digital, high-qualitytransition effects when switching betweenmultiple sources to a common projector.

When the opportunity came up to do theTurner party, the staff at Dillon Productions

R E N T A L & S T A G I N G C O R N E R

knew the SGS 408 was the best piece ofequipment for the job. “We had used theSGS 408 on four shows before we werecontracted to do the Turner party,” saysMatt Dillon, President and CEO of DillonProductions, “and I was really impressedwith how it performed.”

The Main EventThe theme was “Lights, Camera, Party!!”

and it took place on Sunday, December 17,at the Georgia World Congress Center indowntown Atlanta. “The mainentertainment was held in Hall D,” explainsDillon, who was A/V Production Coordinatorof the event. Hall D covered roughly 75,000square feet. Singers and dancers performedon a 50 ft. stage at the front of the roomthroughout the four-hour event. During andbetween live acts, video screens positionedaround the room displayed a range ofimages. These images included moviesnapshots from films owned by TurnerClassic Movies, live camera shots of theaudience and stage, and still shots, such as aslide of the party theme.

DPSI was hired to provide the audio,video, and lighting systems for the party.“We contracted the lighting to anotherAtlanta-based company called I&T—Imagination & Technology,” says Dillon.“They set up around 40 intelligent lightinginstruments and did a great job lighting thestage and the entertainers. DillonProductions, then, focused on the audioand video components of the event.”

Dillon’s goal was to design an A/V systemthat would let each person in the hall seeand hear the entertainment comfortably. Hetackled the audio with a 40,000-wattsystem that included a 24 channelSoundcraft Console and a range of well-positioned speakers from EAW. To get thevisual effects he wanted, Dillon puttogether a network of video equipmentwith three SGS 408s as the hub of thedownstream end.

Seamless Switching and Special EffectsDillon placed 13 video screens around the

room. The largest of these, a 15 ft. x 20 ft.rear projection screen, was flown above thestage. The other twelve were located off-stage, positioned around the perimeter ofthe room. There were six screens on eachside of the stage—two were 10.5 ft. x 14 ft.,two were 9 ft. x 12 ft., two were 7.5 ft. x 10 ft., and the last six were smallerspandex surfaces. The off-stage screenswere balanced to decrease in size thefarther they were from the stage, and same-sized screens were located in mirrorpositions on opposite sides of the stage.

Dillon used sixteen projectors to display video images on the screens: two

Dillon Productions Wows TBS with SGS

Whether you’re a sports fan or a news hound, the one name that is synonymous with Atlanta, Georgia, is Ted Turner.

From CNN headquarters to Turner Field, the Turner media empire is a hallmark of the city.

Extron’s SGS 408 (SeamlessGraphics Switcher) with optionalremotes, RCP 1000 and ECP 1000


Electrohome VISTAGRAPHX 5,000 lumen DLPprojectors (double-stacked to illuminate the 15ft. x 20 ft. on-stage screen), four 3,000 lumenProxima 9320 projectors (double-stackedbehind each 10.5 ft. x 14 ft. screen), and ten2,100 lumen Proxima 9310 projectors (single-stacked behind the remaining screens).

The on-screen images came from severaldifferent sources. Two Sony digital wide-screencameras (DXC-D35WSLs) were located in fixedpositions. These cameras took live shots of thestage and audience. A third fixed camera (AJD 700 Panasonic DVC PRO) took shots ofboth the performers and the crowd, and afourth hand-held camera took live shots from allaround the room. Two DVD players and a betadeck supplied playback images that included theTurner Classics movie clips and still shots.

The video sources were input to three Sonyswitchers (one DFS 700 and two DFS 500s) toaccommodate the digital format of the widescreen cameras. The outputs from the Sonyswitchers were then routed to one of threeExtron SGS 408 seamless graphics switchers,which controlled all the switching andtransition effects for the performance.

One SGS 408 was dedicated to theElectrohome DLP projectors illuminating thescreen above the stage. The other twoseamless graphics switchers controlled theprojectors displaying images on the remainingtwelve screens. Output signals from the SGS408s were split and run to the video projectorsthrough a series of distribution amplifiers.

A single switch operator—David Creedfrom Dillon Productions—controlled the videooutputs from the SGS 408s. Creed used three Extron remote control panels (RCP 1000s) and one event control panel (ECP 1000) to preview the video sources and then seamlessly transitionbetween inputs.

R E N T A L & S T A G I N G C O R N E R

The remote control panels are designed towork with the SGS 408 and can be located upto 1,000 feet away from the switcher. Thesepanels let Creed independently controlswitching and picture functions for eachswitcher from an operator’s table instead ofthrough the front panel.

The panels support both a program and apreview function that can be accessedthrough two rows of buttons: one set controlsthe program output—what the audience sees,and the other set controls the previewoutput—what the operator sees. Thesebuttons let Creed preview and executeswitches to the sixteen projectors at the touchof a finger.

The event control panel gave Creedsimultaneous control over all three SGS 408s.This panel let him execute transitions acrossmultiple screens at the same time. Creedcould select one of 30 preset multi-screentransitions through a single button push,

enabling simultaneous cuts, dissolves, andwipes that are timed and synchronized onmultiple screens. The panel also has a special T-Bar transition controller that let Creed controlthe speed of transitions that were executedacross single and multiple screens.

“David used a number of the differenttransition effects to switch between inputs,”says Dillon. “For example, with the twelvescreens we had set up around the room, plusthe main one on the stage, David would usethe left to right wipe effect. This created asmooth and professional transition betweenoutput displays all the way around the room.”

Creed executed both the impromptu switchesand the choreographed transitions withprofessionalism and ease. When the lights finallywent out on the party for TBS, the SGS 408 had wowed everyone, especially thestaff of DPSI. “We were so pleased with the SGS 408’s performance,” says Dillon, “that wejust ordered our second set of three SGS 408s.”

Above: David Creed, of DPSI, has touch-of-a-buttoncontrol over video effects executed by three SGS 408s.

Left: Close-up of the SGS 408 setup


U N I Q U E T E C H N I Q U E S

Last spring, UCF began their latest forayinto the A/V world with a multitude ofmultimedia systems in mind for a newclassroom building. This building wasdesigned to integrate technology witharchitecture for the creation of cutting-edgeeducational environments: seventeenmultimedia classrooms, two auditoriums, ananatomy lab, a student multimedia computerlab, two notebook PC classrooms, twodistance learning rooms, and a faculty center.(This article focuses on a typical multimediaclassroom system.) All systems are controlledby Crestron control systems, with adedicated touch panel in each room. UCF’sMultimedia Facilities Design and Supportstaff members developed the A/V systemsplans, and the Orlando office of MCSiConsolidated Media Systems was responsiblefor the systems integration.

For the podium in each classroom, two ofthe goals UCF had in mind were tostandardize all podiums for professors and toallow input from an internal podium PC aswell as a professor’s laptop. Standardizationwould make technical maintenance easierfor tech support and minimize training timeand effort for faculty and support staff.Permanent connection access for two inputsensured that professors did not need to swapout a computer to hook up their ownlaptops. It also gave professors the capabilityto instantly switch between the podium PCand a laptop.

InterfacingUCF staff explained the choice of Extron

products, “UCF has used Extron products inthe past, and we are satisfied with their highbandwidth and reliability. All products withRS-232 control use Extron’s SIS™ [SimpleInstruction Set], so that makes programminga lot easier. We also selected Extron productsfor their quality, performance, andmanufacturer support.”

Some manufacturers’ RS-232 commandsare quite obscure and lengthy. For intuitive,time-saving programming, Extron offerssimplified RS-232 commands to minimizeprogramming requirements. Thesecommands are collectively called the SimpleInstruction Set. Also, every Extron productthat is RS-232 controllable ships with freecontrol software for use with Windowsoperating systems. This software uses agraphical user interface to make controlsimple and convenient.

The Technological Forefront of Education

The University of Central Florida (UCF) was recently selected by

Yahoo! as one of the most wired institutions of higher learning in

the United States.

Front view of a high-capacity, multimedia classroom.

Classroom building with cutting-edge A/V systems atUniversity of Central Florida.

Looking Forward to the FutureOn the educational side, UCF staff has

received extremely positive feedback fromfaculty members, elaborating, “The newclassrooms are in high demand because thesystems are very reliable and easy to workwith. And the standardization makes using adifferent classroom a snap.” On the technicalside, UCF will continue to use Extronproducts and work with Extron teammembers on future projects. UCF staffemphasized the cooperation requisite forthis cutting-edge classroom building. “We worked with Extron to refineschematics and system designs. Extron wasextremely responsive, making sure that theirproducts met the application’s needs.”


A professor’s laptop is hooked up to theA/V system through the Extron RGB 158xicomputer-video interface. UCF staffdiscussed why the RGB 158xi was selected:“We chose this interface because it offers anelectrical outlet. This outlet eliminates theexpense of having an electrician install anelectrical outlet in each podium. The RGB158xi’s electrical outlet and VGA inputconnector are perfect for a laptop. Anotherplus is the rack ears. They were handy forinstallation, when we mounted the 158xithrough the podium, so there would be easyaccess from the professor’s side of thepodium.”

The rack-mountable RGB 158xi is auniversal, analog interface with a 15-pin HDinput, buffered local monitor output,unswitched AC outlet, and optionalArchitectural Adapter Plates for cable pass-through connectors. Offering 300 MHz (-3dB) RGB video bandwidth, it is compatiblewith VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA, UXGA, Mac,Sun, and SGI signals. The RGB 158xi alsoprovides Advanced Digital Sync Processing(ADSP™). ADSP compensates for the syncprocessing limitations of digital displays, soclear, stable images are produced.

Switching and CablingThe Extron SW2 VGA DA2 A switches

between the RGB 158xi’s laptop source andthe podium PC. The professor uses theroom’s touch panel to select the currentinput source. The PC monitor receives oneoutput of the SW2 VGA DA2 A. The otheroutput is routed to the Proxima projectorusing Extron BNC-5 Mini HR Cable. TheExtron MAV 62 switches between the VCR,document camera, and a third source, whichvaries. This third source is input from one ofthe AAPs of the RGB 158xi. From the MAV 62, composite video output is carried to

the Proxima projector. The other compositevideo output is sent to an interface moduleand then to a Crestron touch panel.

The SW2 VGA DA2 A sends its balancedaudio output to the MAV 62. The MAV 62 inturn routes the selected balanced audiooutput to the classroom’s audio system. TheSW2 VGA DA2 A is a two input, two output,combination switcher and distributionamplifier. For computer-video, it switches two15-pin HD computer-video sources to dual 15-pin HD outputs. For audio, the SW2 VGA DA2 A accepts two stereo audiosources (unbalanced) on 3.5 mm stereo jacksand outputs one stereo audio output(balanced or unbalanced) on a 3.5 mmcaptive screw connector. Balanced audiooutput is advantageous because it maintainssignal quality over long cable runs, whereasunbalanced audio does not. The SW2 VGADA2 A includes detachable brackets forunder-desk mounting, and optional bracketsare available for through-desk mounting.

The MAV 62 is a six input, two output,composite video and stereo audio matrixswitcher. The MAV 62 sends any input toeither or both outputs. This matrix switcherallows the signal routing in a UCF classroom tobe easily controlled from one central location,either the intuitive front panel or the Crestroncontrol system via RS-232 and SIS commands.

Each conductor of the SuperFlex BNC-5Mini HR Cable is a 26 AWG, 75 ohm, coaxialconductor, color-coded and wrapped in asingle jacket. Available in bulk lengths of 500and 1,000 feet (153 and 305 meters), thiscable includes an internal ripcord for easy,convenient cable stripping and sequentialnumbering for quick measurement of cablelength. The BNC-5 Mini HR Cable is alsoavailable in pre-cut lengths.

U N I Q U E T E C H N I Q U E S

The professor’s podium houses Extron’s RGB 158xi computer-video interface, Extron’s SW2 VGA DA2 Aswitcher and distribution amplifier, a permanent PCand its local monitor, a VCR, and a touch panel for control.

The Extron P/S 100 is a universal, rack-mountable, 12V DC, 2.0 amp power supply.It is designed to power up to ten ExtronArchitectural Series interfaces or distributionamplifiers.

The P/S 100 provides ten separate 12V DC, 200 mA-rated outputs using twobanks of ten, 3.5 mm captive screwconnectors. It includes an internal, 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz, auto-switchablepower supply. On the front panel of the P/S 100, a green LED indicates power is on.On the back panel, a two-color LED isilluminated green when power is applied.This LED becomes red to indicate

P/S 100 Universal Power Supply

over-current (2.0 amps or more). For eachindividual output, a series of 10 red LEDsindicates current draw greater than 1.0 amp.

The rack shelf-mountable P/S 100 ishoused in a quarter rack, 1U high, ventedmetal enclosure.


The Extron CVEQ1 is a one input, onebuffered output, composite video and stereoaudio line driver with equalization capability.It will output balanced or unbalanced stereoaudio. For video, it is compatible with anyNTSC, PAL, or SECAM device such as VCRs,video cameras, etc.

The CVEQ1 is designed to compensate forsignal attenuation and high frequency lossencountered in long cable runs of acomposite video signal. Top panel controlsgive users the ability to adjustpeaking/equalization and gain to limit signaldegradation. The CVEQ1can maintain compositevideo signal quality overcable runs of 1,000 feet(305 meters) or more ofExtron Super HighResolution coaxial cable.

On the front panel of the CVEQ1, a greenLED indicates power. Composite video isinput and output on female BNCs for 75 ohm video impedance levels. Unbalancedstereo audio is input to the front panel ontwo RCA stereo audio jacks and output asstereo audio (balanced/unbalanced) throughthe rear panel on captive screw connectors to

CVEQ1Composite Video

Equalizer/Line Driver

N E W P R O D U C T S F R O M E X T R O N

enable maximum performance, flexibility,and ease of installation. The USA/domesticversion of the CVEQ1 includes a 110VAC,external power supply, while the worldversion includes a 110-240VAC, externalpower supply. The CVEQ1 is available as anArchitectural Adapter Plate (AAP). The AAPversion is available in three colors: grey,black, and white.

P/S 100

Part Number:60-357-01

URL:www.extron.com/ps100

* Prices valid for US sales only.

List Price:$450.00* (US Dollars)

CVEQ1

CVEQ1 (USA/domestic)Part Number: 60-360-01List Price: $325.00* (US Dollars)

CVEQ1 (World)Part Number: 60-360-02List Price: $380.00* (US Dollars)

CVEQ1 AAPPart Number: 70-146-XX

List Prices: Grey AAP: $290.00* (US Dollars)Black AAP: $295.00* (US Dollars)White AAP: $295.00* (US Dollars)

URL:www.extron.com/cveq1

* Prices valid for US sales only.

CVEQ1

CVEQ1 AAP

VIDEO INPUT

GAIN

EQUALIZE

AUDIO INPUT

CVEQ1

L

R

GainEqualize

Like the other switchers in the MAV series,these new S-video and component videoversions provide flawless switching anddistribution of signals without signaldegradation. Both versions offer a minimum150 MHz (-3dB) video bandwidth. This ratingis a worst-case specification. In other words,these switchers provide at least 150 MHz (-3dB) at full performance capacity—whenone input signal drives all outputs. In mostother applications, video bandwidthgenerally exceeds 150 MHz (-3dB).

The audio versions support balanced andunbalanced stereo audio. The switchers withaudio also support audio breakaway, whichlets an audio signal be detached from itsvideo signal and routed independently fromthe video source. With all Extron Matrixaudio versions the adjustable audioattenuation/gain feature allows installers toset the audio input levels from –15dB to+9dB through the front panel or RS-232/422.Individual input audio levels may be adjustedso there are no noticeable volumedifferences between sources.

These switchers feature industry-leadingtechnology such as video genlock andvertical interval switching, enabling seamlesstransitions between inputs. Each modeloffers 16 global presets and comes with aninternal international power supply. Bothmodels are rack mountable in conventional19" wide racks—the S-video series is 3Uhigh, and the component video series is 4Uhigh. Additionally, both series can becontrolled remotely using Extron’s mastercontrol panel (MCP 1000) and remotekeypad (MKP 1000).



We’ve added eight new models to ourexisting 300-plus matrix models. These newswitchers build on our existing MAV Series ofcomposite video/stereo audio matrixswitchers. The new models include four S-video matrix switchers and fourcomponent video matrix switchers. All newmodels are available with and withoutunbalanced/balanced stereo audio.

Both the S-video and component videomatrix switchers come in two different sizes:16 inputs and 16 outputs (16 x 16) or 16inputs and eight outputs (16 x 8). Each sizecan be configured for video and/or audio.

These new switchers are off-the-shelfready and immediately available for the mosttime-sensitive installations. Each model shipswith our simple-to-operate front panel. Thefront panel incorporates Extron’s field-testedmatrix switcher design, which was developedto eliminate the learning curve associatedwith using a matrix switcher. Input andoutput selections are easily controlled withthe touch of a button through Extron’sQuickSwitch Front Panel Controller (QS-FPC™) technology. To simplifyoperation, the input/output buttons can beeasily labeled using Extron’s label software,which ships with every Extron matrixswitcher. These buttons can also be labeledusing any Brother P-Touch labeler.

These new switchers feature Extron’strademarked Simple Instruction Set (SIS™)for RS-232/422 control. SIS is a set of ASCIIcommands that makes RS-232 control easyand intuitive. These switchers also ship with Extron’s Windows-based control software, which enables simple, intuitive input/output configuration and other typesof customization. This control softwarefeatures an emulation mode that lets thematrix switcher be pre-configured on a PCbefore the switcher is actually installed.Using the emulation mode to program theswitcher makes the programming process very simple and reduces overallinstallation time.

S-video and Component Video

MAV Matrix Switchers

MAV 1616 S-Video & Audio

MAV 1616 Component Video & Audio

MAV Matrix Switchers

Eight versions available. Please callExtron for part numbers and prices.

URLs:www.extron.com/svideomavwww.extron.com/componentvideomav


For more flexibility in system designs,several of Extron’s pre-cut, coaxial cables arenow available in 35 foot lengths:

Super High Resolution Cable—This isour highest resolution, lowest loss cable. It isideal for long-distance cable runs because ithandles high and low resolution video andsync signals without loss of sharpness orbrightness. This cable is terminated with 75 ohm BNCs and housed in a flexible jacket,which makes it easy to pull in any installation.

Mini High Resolution Cable— This is alighter cable that is smaller in diameter andeasier to handle than Super High Resolutioncable, while still offering excellent videoperformance for carrying high-resolutionsignals. This cable is comprised of four or fiveindividual mini coax cables, each terminatedwith a 75 ohm BNC. Each cable is color-codedand wrapped in its own jacket. The entirecable is housed in a flexible jacket, whichmakes it easy to pull in any installation.

BNC-5 RC—This cable is ideal for rentaland staging applications, which requirecabling with excellent performance, resiliency,and flexibility. It has five, 75 ohm, color-codedcoax conductors that are larger than standardconductors to increase pull strength andreduce the likelihood of cable damage.

15-pin HD Staging Cable (VGA, SVGA,XGA, SXGA)—This cable is designed for usein staging events where the A/V componentsuse 15-pin HD connectors. It’s ideal forapplications that do not require ID bits to be

35 foot Pre-cutCable Lengths

passed to the projector or monitor. The cableuses five mini high resolution conductors andis available in male to male and male tofemale versions.

Plenum 15-pin HD Install Cable (VGA,SVGA, XGA, SXGA)—This cable is designedfor use in installations where the A/Vcomponents utilize 15-pin HD connectors. It’sideal for applications that do not require IDbits to be passed to the projector or monitor.This cable uses five mini high resolutionconductors and is rated for use in plenumenvironments. Male to male and male tofemale versions are available.

15-pin HD Install Kits—These kits includea SuperFlex, five conductor mini highresolution cable with a 15-pin HD maleconnector at one end. The other end has noconnector attached to make cable runs easierto pull. The kit comes with either five BNCs ortwo 15-pin HD connectors (one male, onefemale) to attach once the cable run iscomplete. Available in plenum and non-plenum versions.


Plenum S-video Cables

Description Part NumberPlenum S-video 6' 26-522-01Plenum S-video 12' 26-522-02Plenum S-video 20' 26-522-03Plenum S-video 30' 26-522-04Plenum S-video 50' 26-522-05Plenum S-video 75' 26-522-06Plenum S-video 100' 26-522-07

Please call Extron for pricing.

URL:www.extron.com/plenumsvideocables

Plenum S-Video Cables

Plenum S-Video Cables in Pre-CutLengths—Extron’s Plenum S-video Cable isnow available in pre-cut lengths. It can bepurchased in lengths of 6, 12, 20, 30, 50, 75,and 100 feet. The original bulk lengths of 250feet and 500 feet spools are still available.

For S-video applications, Extron’s PlenumTwo Conductor S-video Cable passesLuminance (Y) and Chrominance (C)information on mini high resolution, coaxialcables. This cable maintains signal integrity,even during long cable runs between sourcesand destinations. The S-video Cable iscomprised of two, 26 AWG, 75 ohmconductors, each individually shielded andencased in a sheath to reduce interference.

35 foot Pre-cut Cable Lengths

Please call Extron for part numbersand prices.

URL:www.extron.com/cables

BNC-5 RC

staged in locations that were designed for acompletely different purpose. That meansyou’re working with pre-existing light, whichoften translates into overhead two-by-fourfluorescents. Most videoconference cameraswork best with a color temperature of3500K. Standard fluorescent lighting is4100K. Therefore, to display multiple imageseffectively, some lighting issues will have tobe addressed.

First, let’s talk about the way people’sfeatures appear on the far-end of a codeccamera. With overhead fluorescent lighting,most people will appear to have the“raccoon eye” syndrome (dark circles), orthey may have harsh shadows below theirchins, which make them look like they haveno necks. Also, mixing light sources fromwindows, incandescent lights, andfluorescents can result in poor image quality on the receiving end of avideoconference.

Replacing the direct overhead lightfixtures with ones that are angled at 45degrees will help eliminate harsh shadows.Also, select a table with a pale-colored topfor the room. The angled light bouncing offthis surface will brighten thosefaces. Adding a backlight, or“wall-wash,” is another way toimprove the quality of imagesin a videoconference. Thisenhances the depth of objects,giving a more 3-D effect to aflat video look.

Today, most documentcameras come with a light tomake the document clearlylegible to the far-endparticipants. If you’re workingwith an older model thatdoesn’t have a light, place asmall, bright desk lamp near thedocument camera, but makesure that it is illuminating thedocument evenly.


During a videoconference session, you maywant to include multiple video sources toenhance the presentation—for example,application drawings using a documentcamera, video clips on a VCR, a camera shot ofthe person speaking, and a close-up of aproduct. The question is: how can all thosesources be displayed simultaneously to the far-end participants?

There are two issues at work here. The firstis identifying what piece of equipment canhandle displaying multiple images fromseparate sources, and the second isdetermining how to provide adequate lightingso those multiple images are clearly visible atthe far end.

Multiple Image SolutionFinding the right piece of equipment is

pretty simple. Extron’s solution is the MVP 104GX. The MVP 104GX can display upto four NTSC or PAL video signals on a singlescreen at the same time. Images can be routedfrom sources like VCRs, DVD players,document cameras, and codec cameras, withthe option to output a stereo audio signalassociated with any video input.

Front panel adjustments on the MVP 104GXallow each video window to be independentlyscaled, positioned, or overlapped. Thesefeatures let users prioritize images throughdifferent window configurations, like picture inpicture (PIP) or quad splitting. Multiple imagewindows can enhance the communicationprocess for the far-end participants byemphasizing the window that is the focus ofthe conversation.

Shed Some LightNow that we’ve explored one solution for

displaying multiple images, let’s tackle thatlighting issue. If you can design the entirelayout of a videoconferencing room from thestart, you’re in luck. There are plenty ofconsultants who can lend a hand selectingoptimal lighting for a videoconference room.But the reality is many videoconferences are

Part 2: Lights, MVP, Action! Displaying Multiple Images for Videoconferencing

Even after adjustments to the lighting havebeen made, multiple images that are displayedside-by-side may still appear to have differencesin color or brightness. Performance variationsbetween individual pieces of equipment maycause these differences.

The solution to this problem would behaving the ability to control color, tint, contrast,and brightness for every image source. Extron’sMVP 104GX lets users adjust each multi-videoimage independently and in comparison toother simultaneous outputs. Users can adjustand save the settings for color and tint, as wellas brightness and contrast through front-panelcontrol knobs. These adjustments helpgenerate the optimal images for everyvideoconferencing application.

Stay tuned as more tips and solutions forvideoconferencing environments are discussedin the next issue of ExtroNews.

For help with videoconferencing systeminstallation and use, please call Extron forassistance at: 800.633.9876.

S P E C I A L V I D E O C O N F E R E N C I N G S E R I E S

In the last issue of ExtroNews, this Videoconferencing column described how to set up a scan converter to display the

best computer image possible. Now let’s add a few more components to the equation.

For optimal images in videoconferencing, the MVP 104GX lets users adjust each multi-video image independently and in

comparison to other simultaneous outputs.

as the room control button is pressed. The two relayseach have two sets of contacts, one normally open,and one normally closed. Therefore, two devices caneach have up to four actions associated with them—for instance, on/off and up/down. For example, thetwo contacts (on one relay) could be used to lowerthe projector and turn off room lights.Figure 1 shows a schematic of the relays used on theSystem 7SC.

Each contact is capable of handling 24 volts and upto one amp. The action of relay contacts on the System 7SC can be changed, depending on therequirements of the third party control device, tooperate in one of two ways:

1. Latching— The relay changes position when thebutton is pressed and remains in that positionuntil the button is pressed again.

2. Momentary— When the button is pressed therelay changes position (makes contact) for a shortperiod. This period is adjustable.

Once the relay operation is programmed, the relayscan be used to control external devices. As mentionedabove, third party controllers can be connected to therelay contacts to allow remote control.


T E C H C O R N E R

The System 7SC provides switching, projectorcontrol, and room control: everything needed for asingle room application. Room control is a feature ofthe System 7SC that allows equipment such as aprojector lift, screen mechanism (to raise/lower ascreen), lights, or other electrical devices to becontrolled by the System 7SC. The user can controlthese devices directly from the System 7SC, or remotelywith an IR remote, or from SCP control pads locatedthroughout a room.

Control RelaysTo control external room devices the System 7SC

uses two built-in relays. These relays in turn operatethird party control devices which actually control theroom equipment. Each relay can be operatedindependently. The relays open and close, or makemomentary contact (depending on how they're set up)

Using the System 7SC for Room Control

by Roger McCarten, Product Development Manager

Nor

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RELAY 2RELAY 1

D EA B C D E

To / fromroom controlequipment

Normally closed

A

Normally closed

BNormally open C

Normally open

D

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System 7SC

IR 701 Remote

SYSTEM 7SC

COMPUTERS-VIDEO

L R

VIDEO AUDIOINPUT 7

CONTROL

IRDISPLAY

VOLUME

RX LEARN

TXRX

ADJUSTDETAIL

NEXT

CONT

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DISPMUTE

MODE ROOM1

ROOM2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

CONTROL

DISPPWR

MUTEOn/Off

MODE LightsOn/Off

ScreenUp/Dwn

VCR DVD LT PC DOC MAC VC

Figure 2. Functions on the System 7SC can be controlled by an IR remote.

Figure 1. Pressing room control buttons opens and closes relay ports.

Extron recently introduced the System 7SC switcher. The System 7SC can be thought

of as an all-in-one switching and control solution for conference rooms, classrooms,

meeting rooms—any small to medium-sized application where the budget is limited.

January/February 2001 ExtroNews 12.1 19January/February 2001 ExtroNews 12.1 19

Room control through the System 7SCOnce room control devices have been connected to

the relays on the System 7SC, the user has a choice ofseveral ways to control equipment in the room. Themost obvious method is to use the front panel on theSystem 7SC, but this may not be convenient. As analternative, an IR remote control (which is supplied withthe switcher) can be used to control switcher functions,the projector, and room devices. Figure 2 shows thefront panel of the System 7SC and the dedicated roomcontrol buttons.

Another option is to use one of Extron’s SCP controlpads. These can be installed anywhere in the room(such as desktops or walls) and allow the user to controlthe projector, switching, and room functions. Figure 3shows the SCP 250 control pad.

The SCP control pads can be obtained in eitherwall/desk plate form (such at the SCP 250 shownabove) or as an AAP plate, which can be mounted inwall plates with AAP openings. Placing the SCP controlpads around a room allows room equipment, theprojector, and the switcher to be convenientlycontrolled from various locations. Figure 4 shows theoverall system.

If a third party control system is already in place, theSystem 7SC can be controlled via RS-232. The relayfunctions can also be controlled through RS-232 Thisin turn allows the third party control system to controlroom functions.

T E C H C O R N E R

RGB 508 withSCP/AAP A

System 7SC

SCP 250

IR 701 Remote

INPUT

POWER

AUTO

H. SHIFT

AUDIO

HIGH Z

75 Ohm

RGB 508 WITH ADSP TM

SHOW ME AUDIO

MAX/MIN

POWER MUTEDISPLAY

MODE

SCP/AAP A

SCP 250

IR

DISPLAY AUDIO

VOLUME

POWER MUTE MODE MAX/

MIN

ROOM1

ROOM2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

System

Remote

Control Fu

nctions

Audio

Input Select

ion

COLOR

TINT

CONT

BRIGHT

DETAIL

Display

Power

Display

Mute

Mode

Mute

Volume

ENTER

SHIFT

Room 1

Room 2

Image Adjustm

ents

4

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SYSTEM 7SC

COMPUTERS-VIDEO

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IRDISPLAY

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RX LEARN

TXRX

ADJUSTDETAIL

NEXT

CONT

MENU


DISPMUTE

MODE ROOM1

ROOM2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

AC PowerRelay

Lighting Control

Screen Control

Projector Control

Low VoltageController

Figure 4. Complete System 7SC solution

Figure 3. SCP 250 control pad

SCP 250

IR

DISPLAY AUDIO

VOLUME

POWER MUTE MODE MAX/

MIN

ROOM1

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Clarity Visual Systemswww.clarityvisual.com

Clarity Visual has extended their Tigress linewith the TigressII SVGA rear screenprojection display. One of the applicationsthis 52" DLP display is designed andmanufactured for is the command andcontrol room, where access to data by largegroups of viewers is critical to the operation.The TigressII display will be available withClarity’s full complement of screentechnologies, including the Wide-View orHigh-Contrast black glass screen or the newHigh-Gain acrylic UCS screen. The USD listprice is $14,185 with the black glass screenor $13,345 with the acrylic UCS screen.

Recommended Extron products: The CrossPoint and CrossPoint Plus Seriesswitchers allow multiple inputs to be routedto multiple outputs, and they are ideallysuited for command and control roomapplications. These RGBHV CrossPoint andCrossPoint Plus switchers are also availablewith or without audio and are offered in thefollowing sizes: 8 x 4, 8 x 8, 12 x 4, 12 x 8,16 x 8, and 16 x 16. The audio versions haveadjustable gain and attenuation. The Plusversions have Digital Sync ValidationProcessing (DSVP™) which allows remotediagnostics of the CrossPoint Plus switchers.

ExtroNews publishes information about new products that are relative to the Extron product line in the New News section. Also listed arethe recommended Extron products that will complement these new display devices in their targeted applications. If you would like a newproduct to be reviewed for New News, please send a press release, literature, contact name, and a four-color slide or photo to: New News c/o Ginger Dodier, Extron Electronics, 1230 South Lewis Street, Anaheim, CA 92805, phone: (714) 491-1500, ext. 6270or e-mail to [email protected]

TigressII

Fujitsu www.plasmavision.com

Fujitsu announced its Plasmavision SlimScreenPDS 422 plasma display monitor. The depth ofthis flat-panel display is less than 3.5".Applications for this 42-inch widescreen (16:9)display include high-end home theaters andmany other consumer and commercialapplications. The 1024 x 1024 resolution pixelarray can display images at 1080i and 720pHDTV resolutions, as well as 480i and 480pSDTV signals. In addition, the plasma displaysXGA, SVGA, and VGA computer-video. USDlist price for the PDS 422 is $15,999.

Recommended Extron products: For switching and distribution of HDTV andcomputer signals to the PDS 422, Extronoffers a selection of switchers anddistribution amplifiers (DAs). For HDTVapplications, the SW 6 Componentswitcher allows multiple HDTV images to beswitched to one monitor, and the ADA 6Component distribution amplifier allowsone HDTV image to be displayed on multiplemonitors. For computer applications, theSW VGA switchers and P/2 DA distributionamplifiers can be used. The SW VGA seriesare 2, 4, or 6 input switchers with 15-pin HDconnectors. The P/2 DA 2, 4, or 6distribution amplifiers drive the PC signal aswell as distribute the PC’s signal to multiplemonitors.

PDS 422

N E W N E W S F R O M T H E I N D U S T R Y

BARCO Projection Systems, Inc.www.barco.com

Barco has introduced the first in the newfamily of Light Machine projectors, theBARCO SLM G5 “Performer.” Rental andstaging applications as well as previewtheaters in digital cinema complexes are idealenvironments for the Performer. The XGA(1024 x 768) Performer utilizes DLPtechnology and offers a light output of 5,000ANSI lumens. “Linked” Constant LightOutput (CLO) allows projectors in multiplescreen set-ups to communicate with oneanother and modulate their light output. TheSLM G5 also offers Picture-In-Picturecapability, and it is compatible withcomposite, S-video, RGB, component, HDTV,SDI, and PanelLink. The suggested USD listprice is $49,995.

Recommended Extron product: For rental and staging applications, addingthe SGS 408 seamless graphics switcher tothe Performer will complete the show. Theseamless cuts, dissolves, wipe, and titles of theSGS 408 bring professionalism and style to tolive presentations. The SGS 408 incorporatestwo video scalers plus a digital video mixerand can manage component as well as anytype of RGB input from video sources up to1600 x 1200 resolutions. For remoteswitching an RCP 1000 (Remote ControlPanel) is required, and to control multiplescreens, additional SGS 408s and an ECP 1000(Event Control Panel) controller can be added.

SLM G5


InFocuswww.infocus.com

InFocus introduced the LP925 and LP930fixed installation projectors to serve in avariety of presentation environments, suchas auditoriums, meeting halls, largeconference rooms, and the rental andstaging marketplace. These projectorsfeature XGA resolution, LCD technology,HDTV compatibility, and digital connectivity,and they are compatible with composite, S-video, component, and RGB. The LP930offers 3,200 lumens and incorporates MLA(microlens array) and lens shift. The LP925offers 2,400 lumens. USD list price for theLP925 is $9,999 and $13,999 for the LP930.

Recommended Extron products: For fixed installation environments as well asrental and staging gigs, the System 7SCswitcher complements both of theseprojectors. The System 7SC is a seven input,dual output switcher with scalingcapabilities and advanced film modeprocessing with 3:2 pulldown detection forNTSC and 2:2 film detection for PAL. Six ofthe seven inputs of the System 7SC acceptcomposite video, S-video, component(including HDTV), or RGBHV, and theseventh input accepts composite video, S-video, or RGBHV. The scaled output of theSystem 7SC can be configured to match theLP900 series’ XGA resolution. The System7SC also offers projector and room control.

LP925 / LP930

Sanyowww.sanyolcd.com

Sanyo announced the addition of the PLC-XP30 to its family of multimedia LCDprojectors. This projector offers 3,000 ANSIlumens, 1024 x 768 resolution, 700:1 contrastratio, and the DVI (Digital Visual Interface)input. Other signal inputs include compositevideo, S-video, component, and RGB. Inaddition, using the power lens shift feature,the units can be twin stacked. List price is$12,995 (USD).

Recommended Extron products: When using the DVI input of the PLC-XP30,the DDTX/DDRX DVI driver will lengthen thedistance run, and the D/2 DA4 DVIdistribution amplifier will multiply the outputof the PC’s DVI graphics card. Since the DVIsignal is recommended for runs up to 15 feet(4.6 m), the DDTX/DDRX DVI driver allows thesignal of the DVI card to be driven up to 330feet (100.5 m) using Extron’s SHR cable. Ifmultiple projectors are needed, the D/2 DA4DVI distribution amplifier splits the signal ofthe DVI graphics card to four outputs.

PLC-XP30

ViewSonicwww.viewsonic.com

ViewSonic unveiled its LiteBird series ofprojectors. Included in this series is the light andportable LiteBird PJ1075 weighing only fivepounds and offering 1200 lumens. This DLPprojector has XGA resolution with compressedSXGA. Picture-in-Picture capability allows video and computer data to be viewedsimultaneously. The inputs of the PJ1075include composite, S-video, and RGB. The USDlist price is $4,995.

Recommended Extron products: For portable applications using the LiteBirdseries, the P/2 DA1, also known as “ThePeaker,” is the ideal product to ensure a highquality presentation. The P/2 DA1 peaks ordrives the video output of the laptop or PC. Italso restores the low level sync found on manylaptops and compensates for long cable runsand poor quality cable. The P/2 DA1 is availablein 110VAC, 110-240VAC, or USB version. TheUSB version obtains its power from the USBport on the laptop or PC. “The Peaker” or P/2DA1 gives added confidence to the presenteron the go.

LiteBird PJ1075

N E W N E W S F R O M T H E I N D U S T R Y

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Extron has completely revamped www.extron.com toprovide the most user-friendly access to productinformation and technology resources. You’ve given usa lot of feedback about what you wanted from ourWeb site, and we’ve responded.

New Level of SupportFor each product category, if you have questions

about how to choose the product that’s right for yourspecific application, Extron offers a step-by-step selectionprocess for you to click through. (See Image 1.)

For each product, the overview page immediatelyprovides you with its part number as well as tabs forwhat’s available: description, feature list, fullspecifications, application diagram, and panel drawing.(See Image 2.) Each panel drawing is also offered in aFlash version, for close-ups, zoom-outs, and panningusing click-and-drag, so you can examine each productin as much detail as you need. And the productinformation is available in a print-friendly version forperfectly formatted print-outs.

Available support materials are listed at the bottomof each product overview page—from brochure to fullspecifications to user manual. Once you’ve arrived at aproduct’s page, you have instant access to all relevantinformation and materials.

New FunctionalityThe new interface has been designed to be more

efficient AND user-friendly. It operates faster, features

improved navigation, and includes better searchoptions—it’s easier to find what you’re looking for.From the home page or any product page, get to anyproduct with one click of the mouse.

We’ve also made the Download Center moreefficient to use. It offers a variety of materials tosupport Extron products—from control software to usermanuals to full specifications. You can search for whatyou need using either product name or productcategory.

With our improved search engine, you now havethree approaches for finding the product informationyou need:

1. Product-based: If you already know whichproduct you want more information on, type inthe name of the product (e.g., SGS 408).

2. Application-based: If you don’t know whichproduct you need, type in the name of theapplication you need the product for (e.g.,videoconferencing).

3. Technology-based: If you want to know whatproducts we offer that use a specific technology,type in the name of the technology you’reinterested in (e.g., CAT 5).

New LookWe’ve given www.extron.com a facelift. It’s got a

clean, streamlined look so products and resources areeasy to spot.

And More...• An applications section details how Extron

products are used to fill application needs or solveproblems.

• A tools section provides industry-related tools forproduct configuration, reference information, andother useful applications.

• A technical articles area provides technology andapplication articles organized by topic.

• Dozens of links connect you to the Web sites of industry manufacturers, magazines, andprofessional associations.

Visit us at www.extron.com and see for yourself howit’s chock-full of useful online tools!

Extron’s New Web Site:New Level of Support, New Functionality, New Look

Extron’s new home page(www.extron.com)

Image 2. Extron’s product Web page provides you with tabs for product description, features, specifications,application diagrams and panel drawings.

Image 1. Extron’s product category Web page offers a

step-by-step selection processfor you to click through.

Extron CrossPoint Matrix Switchers

Switching has never been easier.Extron’s newly extended family of CrossPoint Matrix Switchers now includes 16 additional models for convenientcontrol and centralized routing of multiple signal formats including RGsB, RGBS, RGBHV, component video, HDTV,S-video, composite video, and/or stereo audio. The new CrossPoint Plus Series delivers more than twice the videobandwidth of the CrossPoint Series and includes other advanced features for even greater matrix switcher designflexibility. With 24 models to choose from, this complete line-up of CrossPoint and CrossPoint Plus single-box routersmakes switching with Extron easier than ever before.

CrossPoint Series 12 models to choose from

• NEW– Audio gain or attenuation (-15dB to +9dB) adjustments eliminate noticeable volume differencesbetween sources

• NEW– Front panel I/O button label windows for easy and intuitive I/O selection

• 200 MHz (-3dB), minimum, wideband video bandwidth, fully loaded

• View I/O mode to show which individual inputs andoutputs are active

• Audio follow or breakaway routes audio and video together or separately

• Individually buffered, independent outputs• Global memory presets• QuickSwitch Front Panel Controller™ for

intuitive control• RS-232/422 control

CrossPoint Plus Series12 models to choose from

• NEW– 425 MHz (-3dB), minimum, ultra-widebandvideo bandwidth, fully loaded

• NEW– Extron’s exclusive Digital Sync ValidationProcessing (DSVP™) verifies active sources by scanningall inputs for active sync signals

• NEW– Excellent isolation between channels andextremely low electromagnetic emissions to minimizesignal leakage in high security environments

• NEW– I/O grouping allows specific outputs to begrouped together for convenient wiring and switching

• NEW– Triple-Action Switching™ (RGB delay) blanksthe screen during switching to eliminate glitches

• NEW– Executive mode for protection in unsecured environments

Ultra-wideband 425 MHz (-3dB)video bandwidth

Audio attenuation/gain viaRS-232 or front panel

Routes RGsB, RGBS, RGBHV, componentvideo, HDTV, composite video, S-video,and/or stereo audio

24 I/O sizes from 8 x 4 up to 16 x 16Executive mode

operation

Selectable inputsync termination

I/O grouping

Triple-ActionSwitching™

Front panelI/O label windows

Source verification with Digital Sync Validation Processing™

CrossPoint Plus 1616HVA

I/O sizes:

8 x 4

8 x 8

12 x 4

12 x 8

16 x 8

16 x 16

all sizes areavailable with orwithout audio

24 Models

Extron Electronics, USA1230 South Lewis Street, Anaheim, CA 92805800.633.9876 714.491.1500 FAX 714.491.1517USA

Extron Electronics, EuropeBeeldschermweg 6C, 3821 AH Amersfoort+31.33.453.4040 FAX +31.33.453.4050The Netherlands

Extron Electronics, Asia135 Joo Seng Rd. #04-01, PM Industrial Bldg.+65.383.4400 FAX +65.383.4664Singapore 368363

Extron Electronics InformationExtronWEB™: www.extron.comExtronFAX™: 714.491.019224-hour access—worldwide!

800.633.9876 • www.extron.com

For complete details, visit Extron’s Web site at:http://www.extron.com/crosspointhttp://www.extron.com/crosspointplus

ExtroNews 12.1 January/February 2001

ExtroNews is published by ExtronElectronics/RGB Systems Inc. No portion ofthis newsletter may be reproduced in anyform without written permission from ExtronElectronics. Every effort has been made toensure accuracy in content; however, Extronassumes no responsibility for errors andomissions in the information providedherein. ExtroNews is sent free of charge tocommunication industry professionals andend-users. Printed in the United States of America.

We welcome your comments and contributions! Please submit ideas to:

Extron Electronics, USA1230 South Lewis StreetAnaheim, CA 92805Phone: 714.491.1500 or 800.633.9876Fax: 714.491.1517

Extron Electronics, EuropeBeeldschermweg, 6C 3821 AH AmersfoortThe NetherlandsPhone: +31.33.453.4040Fax: +31.33.453.4050

Extron Electronics, Asia135 Joo Seng Road #04-01PM Industrial BuildingSingapore 368363Phone: +65.383.4400Fax: +65.383.4664

Copyright © 2001 Extron Electronics. All rights reserved. All trademarks mentionedare the property of their respective owners.

Extron Institute Upcoming Schedule, 2001

March 12-14............................................................The NetherlandsMarch 13-14 ..............................................................Cincinnati, OHMarch 24-25 ....................................................................SingaporeApril 9-10 ................................................................The NetherlandsMay 3-4 ............................................................................SingaporeMay 10-11 ..................................................................Anaheim, CAMay 14-15 ..............................................................The NetherlandsMay 14-15 ..............................................................Philadelphia, PAMay 16-17 ..............................................................Philadelphia, PAJune 16-17..................................................................Las Vegas, NV

Upcoming Tradeshows, 2001

March 8-10 ..........................NSCA ................................Orlando, FLMarch 21-23 ................INFOCOMM Asia ..........................SingaporeApril 18-20 ........E-Learning Conference & Expo ......Washington, DCApril 23-26 ............................NAB..............................Las Vegas, NVJune 13-15 ......................INFOCOMM........................Las Vegas, NV

Send us your photograph of how you use the

Tweeker. If we publish it in a future issue of

ExtroNews, we’ll give you a free VTG 150.

Please send entries along with an explanation

and photo to:

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11223300 SSoouutthh LLeewwiiss SSttrreeeett

AAnnaahheeiimm,, CCAA 9922880055..

One day ADTECH Systems, Inc.’s David Crepeau of Wayland, MA, and his colleagues ran out of short wall platescrews. While installing long wall platescrews, Crepeau was struck by a strokeof on-the-job inspiration: “Wouldn’t acordless power Tweeker be great!” So he made one—and it really works!

system switchers simplify projector control - extron electronics

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