Simplified AV Control Solutions

January 2008

Darrin Kimsey• MCSE• MCT• CCNA• Network Administrator ADP• CTS• AV Associate• Extron MediaLink System Specialist

Class Objectives

• What Is control?– History of Control– AV Components vs. AV Systems– Control Technologies

• Configurable Control Systems– User interface options– Benefits of Configuration

• Remote Monitoring– Support applications– ROI

What Is control?

1950 - Wired remote “Lazy Bones”1955 - Wireless Control Flash Matic1956 - Wireless Space Commander

1970 - Large wired box control

1980s - Infrared

1990s - Monochrome Touchpanels

Today - Color Touchpanels- IT applications

History of Control

Mid 1950’sMid 1950’sMid 1950’sMid 1950’s

1970s1970s1970s1970s

1980s1980s1980s1980s

1990s1990s1990s1990s

2000- today2000- today2000- today2000- today

AV Components VS. Systems

• In the past AV was simple.– One source to one display.

• Components were controlled individually.– Minimal learning for the user. – Components were simple to use.

AV Components VS. Systems

• Current AV installations are complex– Each AV system is designed for a purpose.– Multiple technologies, sources and displays.

• AV Systems include multiple components.– Components need to interoperate.– Simultaneous use of many functions.– Individual control is to difficult.

Device Control Technologies

• Applications include – Remote control and monitoring of devices

• Projectors• Switchers• Virtually any serial device

• Control processors communicate with AV devices – Lamp hours– Power status of displays– Device automation– Scheduling

Device Control Technologies

• IP- Ethernet Protocol– Two way communication for devices over a network.– Remote monitoring of AV system

• RS-232/422/485 - Serial– Two way point to point control that allows devices that

are connected via a cable to “Talk”.

• IR- Infrared– One way wireless control that sends pulses of light.

– There are also wired versions of IR.

Device Control Technologies

• Relays– An electronically controlled switch.

• Contact Closure– The momentary connection of two conductors to

complete an electrical circuit.

• Digital I/O– Can be configured to work like a contact closure or a

powered “Switch”.

Control System Architecture

• Processors combine control technologies– Many technologies are used in a single system– Combines the use of multiple protocols for control– Simplifies setup and installation.

• Control system architectures– Centralized control systems– Network based control systems

Control System Architecture

• Centralized control processor– Traditional Control Systems– Proprietary control bus– Control ports are located in one location– System operation is based on one processor

• Supports local control– Users can operate systems with an interface– Few options for remote support

Control System Architecture

• Ethernet based architecture– Distributed control processing– Smaller processors may share control processing– Use of existing infrastructure– Provides many options for expansion

• Local and remote control– User can locally control the system– Support desk can remotely aid the user– Ability to monitor and manage systems

Control System Architecture

• Ethernet Based Architecture• Added support for Ethernet drivers

Network

Configurable Control Technologies

Why do we need control?

A control system should be designed to:

• operate the equipment as a single “system”.• centralize control of the system to one location.• eliminate functions that cause the user trouble.• make it intuitive and easy for anyone to operate.• provide monitoring and reporting features.• reduce operating costs.

Why do we need control?

• A users experience is dictated by a control system• The user should be able to complete any function

within one to two button presses– Macros achieve this goal

• System on - single button pressPower on display

Lower screen

Switch display input

Switch input on switcher to Laptop input

Why do we need control?

• Take the projector remote away from the client– Remove the possibility of the user getting in trouble

• Provide the same level of control for both small and large systems

• Simplify the user interface

Control Interface Selection

• Make an A/V system user friendly• Understand the user’s needs • Needs can determined using four parameters:

1. Frequency of use.

2. Technical knowledge of user.

3. User confidence or familiarity.

4. System complexity.

Control Interface Selection

• Standardized User Interface– System components may differ

• User Experience is Key– Same interface from room to room– Confusing systems will not be used– Investment may not be realized

Control Interface Selection

An intuitive interface makes the system easy to use.

Push Button Interface

• Useful in small systems• Simplified room control• Cost effective control solution• Removes confusing remotes• Capability for remote support

Push Button Interface

• Minimal training needed for users• Configuration based setup• Universal display control• Standardized the control interface• Macros can be assigned to any button• Backlit buttons for system status

Push Button Interface

• Control processor is in the panel

• Controlled devices connect to the panel

Touchpanel Interface

• Useful in medium to large systems• Simplified room control• Modern looking control interface• Customize the use experience• Capability for remote support

Touchpanel Interface

• Configuration based setup• Customizable layout• Backlit buttons• Video preview window• Ambient light sensor• Built in speaker• Control of small to large systems

Touchpanel Interface Control

• Touchpanel connects to a processor via Ethernet

GUI Design Considerations• Goal

– Boost user confidence– Promote ease of use

• Approach is key to achieve goal– Identify:

1.Type of A/V System2.End User skill level3.Control system requirements

GUI Design Considerations• What to avoid

– Uncertain Point-of-Entry and Exit– Too many options– Lengthy instructions

• What to strive for– Leverage commonly understood

interfaces• (ATM, Cell phones, computers)

– Compartmentalized view of required features/functions

• A touchpanel is only as good as the GUI

Confusing button optionsConfusing button optionsConfusing button optionsConfusing button options Logical button optionsLogical button optionsLogical button optionsLogical button options

GUI Design Considerations

Configuration Benefits

• Special programming expertise is not required.• Driver based tools are used to set up .• Decrease in the cost of integration.• Easier to replace controlled devices.• Lower cost of ownership.

Benefits of Configuration

• Special programming expertise is not required.• Driver based tools are used to set up .• Decrease in the cost of integration.• Easier to replace controlled devices.• Lower cost of ownership.• Drag and Drop configuration.

Benefits of Configuration

Programming versus Configuring

Benefits of Configuration

Benefits of Configuration

Drag-and-drop software used to configure

MediaLink and TouchLink.

Benefits of Configuration

Provides the ability to set up schedules and monitors.

Benefits of Configuration

Ready-to-use templates provide a logical starting point for many A/V system applications.

Single displaySingle display

Dual displayDual display

Divisible roomDivisible room

Multi-ImageMulti-Image

Video ConferenceVideo Conference

Remote Monitoring

Why use resource management?

• Limited amount of resources• Reduce support and operational cost• Streamline support of facilities• Geographical boundaries• Increase ROI

Benefits of AV and IT Merging

• Schedule events for specific times– Turn off display

• Send email notifications and alerts– Theft prevention

• Remote access and support• Generate system reports• Monitor real time status of connected devices

– Via GlobalViewer and GlobalViewer Enterprise

Financial Tracking

• Cost Of Ownership (COO)– Total yearly lamp cost per room

• Return on Investment (ROI)– Lamp savings due to system management

Based on a $400 projector lamp rated at 2000 hours.

Financial Tracking

• Budget Planning– System design guidelines– Input source utilization

• Web-Based Resource Management– Proactive maintenance– Local event scheduling– Remote tech support– Theft alerts

Resource Management

Classrooms

Computer Labs

Lecture Halls

Resource Management

• Advantages of a server-based management– Enhanced scheduling and monitors– Customizable device usage reports– Multiple user roles and permissions– Third party control integration– Event Alert List

• Global Schedules and Monitors– Wizard based set up for system wide tasks– Turn of all room in a facility.– Theft or unauthorized system use.

Resource Management

• Usage Reports– Current status reports

• I.e. Lamp Hours

– Trend Analysis • I.e. Input Source Usage

– Export to Excel or PDF

Resource Management

Questions?