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BCS
Instruction Manual
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AMX BCS Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual
BCS
(Basic Control Structure)
Protocol
AMX AutoPatch Communication Protocol
REV J: 02/06/2013
Contents
Contents
Introduction to BCS.............................................................................................1
Overview ................................................................................................................................. 1
Command String Formats........................................................................................................ 1
General Rules for Using BCS Commands ................................................................................. 2
Generating BCS Commands .................................................................................................... 3
BCS Command Tables ............................................................................................................. 4
Command String Responses ....................................................................................................5
Executing Switches..............................................................................................6
Disconnecting Switches .......................................................................................7
Verifying Signal Status ........................................................................................8
Executing Presets ..............................................................................................10
Presets Overview................................................................................................................... 10
Local Presets.......................................................................................................................... 10
Global Presets ....................................................................................................................... 11
Adjusting and Verifying Audio ..........................................................................12
General Rules for Audio ........................................................................................................ 12
Adjusting Volume .................................................................................................................. 13
Applying/Removing Mute to Volume .................................................................................... 14
Verifying Volume Status ........................................................................................................ 15
Adjusting Digital Input Gain .................................................................................................. 16
Verifying Digital Input Gain Status ........................................................................................ 18
Adjusting and Verifying Audio with DSP ...........................................................20
General Audio Rules for Products with DSP .......................................................................... 20
Adjusting Balance ..................................................................................................................21
Adjusting Tone ...................................................................................................................... 21
Adjusting Equalization Bands ................................................................................................ 22
Verifying DSP Command Status ............................................................................................ 23
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands................................................25
Product Specific Overview .................................................................................................... 25
Enova DGX 8, Enova DGX 16, and Enova DGX 32................................................................27
Epica-128 and Epica-256 ....................................................................................................... 28
Epica DG, Epica DGX 16, Epica DGX 32, and Epica DGX 144............................................... 29
HDMI-UTPRO-0808................................................................................................................ 30
Modula and Modula CatPro................................................................................................... 31
Octaire................................................................................................................................... 32
Optima and Optima SD ......................................................................................................... 33
Precis DSP .............................................................................................................................34
Contents
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Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol
Precis LT ................................................................................................................................35
Precis SD................................................................................................................................35
Heritage Systems................................................................................................................... 37
Appendix B – Error Code Reporting................................................................. 41
Limited Error Codes; Error Code Numbers and Prefixes .......................................................41
Enabling Error Code Reporting .............................................................................................42
Common System Error Codes................................................................................................42
Technical Support ..................................................................................................................43
Appendix C – Programmer’s Interface for System Diagnostics ........................ 45
System Component Information ............................................................................................45
Using BCS to Access System Diagnostic Information.............................................................47
Splash Screen Examples ........................................................................................................48
Introduction to BCS
This instruction manual is designed for programmers who wish to create their own control programs using the BCS (Basic Control Structure) protocol. BCS is a simple character stream control protocol used by external control devices attached to a number of AMX products, e.g., AutoPatch Matrix Switchers, the HDMI-UTPRO-0808, and Enova DGX 8/16/32 Digital Matrix Switchers. BCS commands are used primarily for control of a matrix switcher during system installation and setup and for diagnostic purposes. Internally, BCS commands are translated into XNNet protocol packets.
Important: We strongly recommend checking Appendix A (see page 25) for information about BCS commands specific to your equipment. Not all systems support all BCS commands.
Overview
BCS is a set of alphanumeric characters that combine to form control commands. BCS command strings are entered into a terminal emulation program (such as Windows external control device. The control device (AMX control device, PC, or third-party controller) sends the commands to the system. Control devices must be able to send and receive ASCII code via an RS-232 or RS-422 serial port. (For information on attaching external controllers, see the “Installation and Setup” chapter of the specific enclosure’s instruction manual.)
BCS commands can also be used for APWeb macros, diagnostics, and Telnet sessions, as well as in AMX AutoPatch software applications (e.g., APControl).
For advanced programmers who want access to the underlying XNNet packet based protocol, the AMX AutoPatch CD (that ships with each system) includes the XNNet Communication Library. This interface library supports C, Java, and Visual Basic and has examples of the XNNet Protocol in use.
General rules, as well as lists and tables for command string formats and command string responses, are provided first for quick reference. Detailed information and examples for creating and executing the various commands can be found in the subsequent chapters. For product specific information, see page 25.
Introduction to BCS
®
HyperTerminal) running on an
Command String Formats
A command string is a series of command characters and numbers used to send commands to the system.
Commands can include basic ones for executing and disconnecting switches, as well as for verifying the status of switches. Commands can execute local presets or define and execute global presets. On systems with audio, commands can be used to control a variety of audio functions depending on the product (e.g., adjustments to tone and balance are available on the Precis DSP).
In a command string, each character is either a general command (e.g., “D” for Disconnect) or an identifier that indicates what the following number designates (e.g., “I” and the number following it designate an “input number”).
The command string CL1I27O160T can be interpreted as follows: [C] Change on [L1] Level 1, [I27] Input 27 to [O160] Output 160, [T] Take to execute the command.
For a complete list of command characters and their functions, see page 4.
Command characters and numbers are echoed back to the terminal screen as the system accepts them. When a command is successfully executed, all of the characters appear as entered. If a command character or a number is not accepted, the system responds with a different character and all or part of the command is not executed. For explanations of other possible responses, see page 5.
Introduction to BCS
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Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol
General Rules for Using BCS Commands
Command strings typically are not case-sensitive (for exceptions – see “Heritage Systems”
on page 37).
All command strings must end with the Take command “T” which tells the system to execute
the command.
“O” is the letter O, not the number zero (0)
Entering “X” at any point in a command string cancels the command.
A command cannot be canceled after the “T” has been entered.
Command strings cannot be edited. If a mistake has been made, enter an “X” and then reenter
the command.
To specify multiple outputs, inputs, levels, or local presets, enter a space “ ” between each
number. Multiple inputs are only valid in Disconnect commands.
To specify a range of outputs, inputs, or local presets, insert a colon “:” between the lowest
and highest numbers of the range (not supported if the command is otherwise invalid, e.g., cannot specify a range of inputs in a Change command; the first input only would be routed.).
Colons “:” and spaces “ ” can be used in the same command string.
If the level designation “L” is omitted, the command is executed on the default level, which is
normally Level 0.
* For systems where all of the audio channels are not switched on the same level (e.g., an audio only Optima that routes 8 channels of audio on Level 1 and 16 channels on Level 2), volume and input gain commands for each of the levels must be entered separately.
Note: Groups of signals (e.g., RGBHV plus stereo) and breakaways of signals (e.g., RGBHV only or stereo only) are stored in the configuration definition as virtual matrices (VMs). While some methods of control (e.g., control panels) use the term “VM”, BCS commands on a serial controller use the equivalent term “level” designated by an “L”. For the purposes of this document, the terms virtual matrix and level are interchangeable.
Introduction to BCS
Generating BCS Commands
Important: We strongly recommend checking Appendix A (page 25) for information about BCS commands specific to your equipment. Not all systems support all BCS commands.
Basic and Preset Commands
To generate basic and preset BCS commands:
1.
Enter commands using the formats from the tables below. Replace the “#”s with the appropriate level, input (source), output (destination), local preset, or global preset number.
Basic Command Strings
To execute a switch
To disconnect a switch
To verify switch status
Preset Command Strings
To execute a local preset
To define a global preset
To execute a global preset
Digital Output Volume and Digital Input Gain Commands
CL#I#O#T or CL#O#I#T
DL#I#T or DL#O#T
SL#O#T or SL#I#T
RL#P#T
RR#T
R#T
To use audio commands, your system must contain audio components that support the specific audio commands. The decibel level resulting from an output volume or input gain adjustment command must fall within the range of the audio specifications (for a specific audio output volume or input gain adjustment range, see the specifications for that specific audio board or connector set in the product’s instruction manual). Audio commands can only be executed on levels that switch audio.
Important: Do not use leading zeros for gain values in audio commands.
To generate digital output volume and digital input gain BCS commands:
Enter commands using the formats from the tables below. Replace the “#”s with the appropriate
1.
level and input (source) or output (destination) number. Replace the “^^^” with the decibel level entered as an integer number representing the desired decibel value multiplied by 10 (e.g., +8.0 dB is entered as 80 and -40.5 dB is entered as -405).
Digital Output Volume Command Strings
To adjust volume to a specific (absolute) value
To adjust volume by a specific (relative) amount
To adjust volume up or down a step (increment/decrement)
To mute or un-mute the volume of an output
To verify volume status
Caution: We strongly recommend that input gain adjustments be made only by a qualified installer or dealer.
CL#O#VA^^^T
CL#O#VR^^^T
CL#O#VS+T or CL#O#VS-T
CL#O#VMT or CL#O#VUT
SL#O#VT
Digital Input Gain Command Strings
To adjust input gain to a specific (absolute) value
To adjust input gain by a specific (relative) amount
To adjust input gain up or down a step (increment/decrement)
To verify input gain status
Note: For information on DSP (Digital Signal Processing) commands, see page 20.
CL#I#VA^^^T
CL#I#VR^^^T
CL#I#VS+T or CL#I#VS-T
SL#I#VT
Introduction to BCS
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Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol
BCS Command Tables
The table below shows BCS command characters (keys) used to generate control commands, their functions, and short function descriptions.
Basic and Preset Command Characters
Key Function Description
C
D
S
L
0 - 9
I
O
“i”
:
T
X
R
P
RR
Change Initiates a Change (execute switch) command; this must precede the level,
input, and output specification
Disconnect Initiates a Disconnect switch command; this must precede the level and
input or output specification
Status Initiates a Status command; this must precede the level and input or output
specifications
Level Indicates the number following is the level
Number Identifies input, output, preset, level, and decibel values; combine the digits
to form larger numbers
Input Indicates the number following is an input (source)
Output Indicates the number(s) following is an output(s) (destination)
Note:
O is the letter O, not the number zero (0)
Space Separates numbers in entries containing multiple numbers
Range Specifies a range of numbers in entries containing multiple numbers
Take Executes a command
Exit Exits, or cancels, the command being entered
Execute Preset Initiates an Execute Global Preset command by indicating that the number
following it is a global preset number Also initiates an Execute Local Preset command when it precedes the level and the local preset character P
Local Preset Indicates the number following is a local preset number
Define
Global Preset
Initiates a Define Global Preset command
Digital Output Volume and Digital Input Gain Command Characters
Key Function Description
V
VA
VR
VS+
VS-
VM
VU
Volume
(for Status)
Volume Absolute Indicates the number following is the volume adjustment to a specific
Volume Relative Indicates the number following is the volume adjustment by a specific
Volume Increment Adjusts volume of a specified output up a step
Volume Decrement Adjusts volume of a specified output down a step
Volume Mute Applies mute to the volume
Volume Un-mute Removes mute from the volume
Used in Status commands for volume and input gain
decibel level
decibel amount
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Command Characters
Key Function Description
P
F
E
G
Balance Pan Pans the balance left or right by a percentage of total range
Filter (Tone) Indicates the number following is the tone band (filter) designation
Equalization Band Indicates the number following is an equalization band
Gain Adjustment Indicates the number following is the decibel level, used only in tone and
equalization commands
Introduction to BCS
Command String Responses
When command characters are entered into a terminal emulation program (such as HyperTerminal) and accepted by the system, they are echoed back to the terminal screen one at a time, as they are typed. The complete command has executed successfully when all of the entered characters including the entered Take command “T” appear. If a command character is not accepted, a different character than the one entered appears and all or part of the command is not executed.
BCS Response Table
The following table shows BCS response characters, with descriptions and meanings, that may appear instead of an entered character or number. If these characters appear, all or part of the command is not executed.
For troubleshooting strategies when error codes appear, see Appendix B “Error Code Reporting,” starting on page 41.
Response Meaning Description
?
X
E#
W#
Format Error Indicates an error in the command string format or syntax
(e.g., not indicating an input in a Change command)
General Error Indicates the system rejected all or part of the command (e.g., entering
an invalid value such as Output 300 in a system that only has 256 outputs). All valid parts of the command will be executed
Error Indicates an error code number*
Warning Indicates a warning code number*
* For code number information on Error or Warning responses, note the specific number and see Appendix B, “Error Code Reporting” (page 41).
Command String Response Examples
Appears in
BCS Command
Entered
CL2I3O5T CL2I3O5T
CL2I3T CL2I3?
CL2I3O55T CL2I3O55X
CL2O5VA150T CL2O5VA150X
CL2I3O5T CL2I3O5E1000A
Terminal
Emulation Program Explanation of Result
The command was successfully executed
The command was not executed because the output number was not included
The command was not executed because the system does not have an Output 55
The command was not executed because 15 dB is outside the volume range for Output 5
The command was not executed because a timeout failure occured
Executing Switches
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Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol
Executing Switches
A switch is an active connection between an input (source) signal and one or more output (destination) devices. The signals connected in a switch command are either individual signals or groups of signals coming through the connectors on the rear of the enclosure. When executing a switch, you must specify a level that contains all the signals you want to route (or the switch will execute on the default level, normally 0). Levels are determined in the configuration definition that has been loaded onto each CPU in the system.
A switch command string begins with the character “C” which initiates a Change command for routing a switch. The characters and numbers that follow the “C” command tell the system which inputs and outputs to connect on which level. The last character is the Take “T” command which tells the system to execute the command.
For example, the command string CL0I102O39T can be interpreted as follows: [C] Change on [L0] Level 0, [I102] Input 102 to [O39]Output 39, [T] Take to execute the command.
For a complete list of command characters and their functions, see page 4.
Command characters and numbers are echoed back to the terminal screen as the system accepts them. A command has successfully executed when the entered “T” command appears. If a command or number is not accepted, a different character appears and all or part of the command is not executed. For explanations of other possible responses, see page 5.
In each Change command, you can enter multiple levels and multiple outputs (destinations), but only one input (source). To enter multiple levels and outputs, include a space between each set of numbers. To enter a range of outputs, insert a colon “:” between the lowest and highest numbers of the range.
If the level is not specified in the Change command, the command is executed on the default level, which is normally Level 0 (e.g., CI72O35T routes Input 72 to Output 35 on Level 0).
Important: If the level is not specified in a BCS command, the command is executed on the default level (normally Level 0), which is defined in the configuration file. If the level is omitted and the BCS command executes on an unexpected level, check the default level in the configuration file (for systems without a configuration file, check the product documentation).
The following instructions provide command string formats for executing switches by designating either an input or one or more outputs first.
To execute a switch:
Enter the Change command below. Replace the “#”s with the level, input, and output number(s).
1.
CL#I#O#T or CL#O#I#T
Change Examples
BCS Command Action
CL1I6O24T
CL1I6O2 4 9T
CI6O9T
CL0O2I5T
CL2I6O4:8T
CL1 2I4O5 6T
CL0I3O4:7 9 13:16T
CL2I6X
Switches Input 6 to Output 24 on Level 1
Switches Input 6 to Outputs 2, 4, and 9 on Level 1
Switches Input 6 to Output 9 on the default level (defined in configuration file, normally Level 0)
Switches Input 5 to Output 2 on Level 0
Switches Input 6 to Outputs 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 on Level 2
Switches Input 4 to Outputs 5 and 6 on Levels 1 and 2
Switches Input 3 to Outputs 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 15, and 16 on Level 0
Cancels the incomplete command
Disconnecting Switches
The characters and numbers in a Disconnect command tell the system which input or output to disconnect on which level. Command characters and numbers appear on the screen when the system accepts them. A command string has successfully executed when the entered “T” command appears. If a character or number is not accepted, a different character appears and all or part of the command is not executed. For explanations of other possible responses, see page 5.
In disconnect commands, enter multiple levels and outputs or inputs by including a space between each set of numbers. (You cannot enter multiple inputs and outputs in the same disconnect command.) Enter a range of outputs or inputs by inserting a colon “:” between the lowest and highest numbers of the range.
If the level is not specified in the Disconnect command, the command is executed on the default level, which is normally Level 0 (e.g., DO67T disconnects Output 67 on Level 0).
Important: If the level is not specified in a BCS command, the command is executed on the default level (normally Level 0), which is defined in the configuration file. If the level is omitted and the BCS command executes on an unexpected level, check the default level in the configuration file (for systems without a configuration file, check the product documentation).
Caution: Disconnecting an input disconnects all the outputs receiving that source signal.
Disconnecting Switches
The following instructions provide command string formats for disconnecting switches by designating either inputs (sources) or outputs (destinations).
To disconnect a switch:
1.
Enter the Disconnect command below. Replace the “#”s with the level and output number(s) or the level and input number(s). DL#O#T or DL#I#T
Disconnect Examples
BCS Command Action
DL0O8T
DO3T
DL2O3 5:9 11T
DL2I5T
DL3I7 9 15T
Disconnects Output 8 on Level 0
Disconnects Output 3 on the default level (defined in configuration file, normally Level 0)
Disconnects Outputs 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11 on Level 2
Disconnects all outputs connected to Input 5 on Level 2
Disconnects all outputs connected to Inputs 7, 9, and 15 on Level 3
Verifying Signal Status
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Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol
Verifying Signal Status
Switch status can be checked to confirm that the switch has executed correctly or to confirm correct routing to multiple outputs. Digital output volume status (see page 15) and digital input gain status (see page 18) can also be verified. The characters and numbers in a Status command tell the system which input or output to verify on which level. A Status command has successfully executed when the entered “T” appears followed by the result of the status query in parenthesis. Empty parenthesis ( indicate that the input or output specified is not routed on the specified level. For status response examples responses, see below. Fragmented status results (see page 9) are available for systems that support this feature. Fragmented Status Reporting must be enabled in XNConnect before valid fragmented results can be returned (see the XNConnect Help file).
General Rules for Verifying Status
Multiple inputs, outputs, or levels cannot be entered in a Status command.
If the level is not specified in the Status command, the command is executed on the default
level, which is normally Level 0 (e.g., SI83T verifies the routing status of Input 83 on Level 0).
If you check the status for an input or an output on an audio-follow-video level and only the
video or the audio is routed on that level, the result will come back as not routed, unless the system supports fragmented status reporting.
)
Important: If the level is not specified in a BCS command, the command is executed on the default level (normally Level 0), which is defined in the configuration file. If the level is omitted and the BCS command executes on an unexpected level, check the default level in the configuration file (for systems without a configuration file, check the product documentation).
To verify signal status:
1.
Enter the Status command below. Replace the “#”s with the level and input number or the level and output number. SL#I#T or SL#O#T The results of the BCS command will display in parentheses; empty parentheses (
) indicate that no input is routed to the output being verified or that no outputs are receiving a signal from the input being verified.
Status Examples
BCS Command Response Explanation of Result
SL3O4T SL3O4T( 6 )
SL0I4T SL0I4T( 2 7 8 11 )
SL1O17T SL1O17T( )
Output 4 is connected to Input 6 on Level 3
Input 4 is routed to Outputs 2, 7, 8, and 11 on Level 0
Output 17 is not connected to an input on Level 1
Verifying Signal Status
Fragmented Status
The system may also support fragmented status reporting. (To determine if your system supports fragmented status reporting, see Appendix A which starts on page 25.) This feature must be enabled in XNConnect. If reporting is not enabled, the status result will display empty parentheses: ( When fragmented status reporting is enabled, a fragmented status result is indicated by a (
The (
#
) or ( ) indicate that either no input is routed to an output or that the full definition of an input
).
#
).
is not connected to the same output.
For example, audio and video signals from Input 5 are routed to Output 9 on the audio-follow-video level (L0) and the audio from Input 5 is also routed to Output 10 on the audio level (L2).
The results of checking status on Input 5 on the audio-follow-video level (L0) would be
“SL0I5T(
9 10# ).” This indicates that Output 9 is connected on all defined components
of Input 5 on Level 0 and that Output 10 is connected on some, but not all, of the components of Input 5 on Level 0.
The results of checking the status of Output 10 on the audio-follow-video level (L0) would be
#
“SL0O10T(
).” This indicates that Output 10 is connected but not receiving all of the
components from an input (Input 5) on Level 0.
Fragmented Status Examples
BCS Command Response Explanation of Result
SL0I4T SL0I4T( 6# )
SL0O7T SL0O7( # )
Input 4 is only sending part of the defined components for Level 0 to Output 6
Output 7 is receiving only part of the defined components from an input on Level 0
or
The defined components are originating from different inputs, e.g., the video is coming from a different input than the audio
Executing Presets
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Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol
Executing Presets
Presets Overview
This chapter provides information for executing local presets and for defining and executing global presets using BCS commands. Presets are not supported on all systems (see Appendix A on page 25).
Local Preset
A local preset is a predetermined collection of switches (on the same level) to be routed simultaneously. Executing a local preset will affect only those inputs and outputs specified, not the whole system.
If your system supports local presets, they must be defined (created) in XNConnect and then loaded into the system. For directions for creating local presets, see the XNConnect Help file.
Global Preset
A global preset allows you to replicate an entire system state (all signal routings regardless of the number of levels involved), including audio gain/volume settings. If your system supports global presets, they can be defined (created) using BCS commands during runtime and stored by the system. If the system is reconfigured, global presets may be lost, depending on the method used to load the configuration file (see the XNConnect Help file).
Local Presets
A local preset is a set of switches on a single level that is stored in a system’s configuration file. If requested, local presets can be programmed at the factory; contact your AMX representative. To program them yourself, use the XNConnect software located on the AMX AutoPatch CD or at www.amx.com.
General Rules for Local Presets
Executing a local preset does not change any system routings that are not part of the preset.
Local presets cannot be used to change any of the audio settings.
If two local presets are executed in the same command, both will be executed. If both include
routing instructions for the same input or output, the input or output will be routed according to the last local preset entered.
You can execute multiple local presets on the same level by including a space between each
local preset number in the BCS command.
You can execute a sequential range of local presets by inserting a colon “:” between the
lowest and highest local preset numbers in the BCS command.
If the level designation “L” is omitted, the Execute Local Preset command is executed on the
default level, which is normally Level 0.
Multiple levels can be entered in an Execute Local Preset command provided that a local
preset with the same number resides on all the specified levels. For example, RL1 2P3T would execute the switch(es) defined as Local Preset 3 on Level 1 and execute the switch(es) defined as Local Preset 3 on Level 2.
Important: If the level is not specified in a BCS command, the command is executed on the default level (normally Level 0), which is defined in the configuration file. If the level is omitted and the BCS command executes on an unexpected level, check the default level in the configuration file.
Tip: When you know you will need to disconnect all the switches routed by one or more local presets (on the same level), an efficient strategy is to create another local preset to do so.
Executing Presets
To execute a local preset:
Enter the Execute Local Preset command below. Replace the “#”s with the level and local preset
1.
number(s).
RL#P#T
Execute Local Preset Examples
BCS Command Action
RL0P2T
RL1P12T
RLP7T
RL3P1 2T
RL3 1P1T
Executes Local Preset 2 on Level 0
Executes Local Preset 12 on Level 1
Executes Local Preset 7 on the default level (defined in configuration file, normally 0)
Executes Local Presets 1 and 2 on Level 3
Executes Local Preset 1 on Level 3 and Local Preset 1 on Level 1
Global Presets
A global preset is a snapshot of a system’s routing state. The routing state is all routings on all levels (including audio settings) for all enclosures in a system. Once the system state has been captured with an “RR” Define Global Preset command, it can then be restored at any time with the “R” Execute Global Preset command. Global presets cannot be defined in XNConnect.
Note: We strongly recommend keeping track of the numbers and the system state routings used for each global preset. If another system state is assigned to a previously used number, the former state will automatically be overwritten.
To define a global preset:
1.
Route the system to the desired state and enter the Define Global Preset command below. Replace the “#” with the global preset number.
RR#T
It may take several seconds for the
“T” to appear, depending on the type and size of the system.
Define Global Preset Examples
BCS Command Action
RR1T
RR3T
RR5X
Defines the current system state as Global Preset 1
Defines the current system state as Global Preset 3
Cancels the incomplete command
To execute a global preset:
Enter the Execute Global Preset command below. Replace the “#” with the global preset number.
1.
R#T
Execute Global Preset Examples
BCS Command Action
R1T
R3T
R2X
Executes Global Preset 1
Executes Global Preset 3
Cancels the incomplete command
Note: Status is not invalidated by global presets.
Adjusting and Verifying Audio
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Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol
Adjusting and Verifying Audio
For BCS purposes, adjustments to input audio signals are referred to as digital gain adjustments, while similar adjustments to output audio signals are referred to as volume adjustments. Not all systems support digital input gain or digital output volume control. If your system supports these features, adjustments may be made at any time during normal operation.
General Rules for Audio
Volume is adjusted using any of the following three methods:
Absolute – adjusts volume to a specific decibel level.
Relative – increases or decreases volume by a specific decibel amount.
Increment/Decrement – increases or decreases volume a step.
An output does not need to be routed to adjust the volume; however, it may be helpful to hear
the adjustment.
Audio adjustments can only be executed on a valid level that switches audio signals. If an
audio adjustment is attempted on a level that does not include audio, an error code may be sent out (see page 41).
For systems where all of the audio channels are not switched on the same level (e.g., an audio
only Optima that routes 8 channels of audio on Level 1 and 16 channels on Level 2), volume and input gain commands for each of the levels must be entered separately.
Output volume adjustments remain in effect when the output is switched to receive a different
input or is switched on a different level (e.g. from audio only to audio-follow-video).
Specify multiple outputs by including a space between each output number. Specify a range of
outputs by inserting a colon “:” between the first and last numbers of the range.
Enter decibel levels as an integer number representing the desired decibel value multiplied
by 10. For example, +5 dB is entered as 50 and -60.5 dB is entered as -605. (Interpret results for a volume status command in the same way.)
Do not use leading zeros for gain values in audio commands.
When a muted output is un-muted, the output returns to its previously un-muted volume.
 When a Volume command is sent to a muted output, the output is automatically un-muted and
then the volume adjustment is applied. When an input gain command is sent to an input connected to a muted output, the gain is applied to the input and the output remains muted.
The volume range of an output is determined by the audio board/connector. For a specific
audio volume range, see the specific board/connector documentaion. If the requested volume change results in a decibel level outside the range specified by the board/connector, the system responds with “X” indicating that an invalid value was entered.
The total through-system gain (the amount of input gain plus the amount of output gain) for
any input to output routing path is automatically limited by the matrix switcher. (For the value of through-system gain and other audio specifications, see your matrix switcher’s instruction manual.) If a volume command is entered that exceeds the matrix switcher’s specifications, the command will be accepted (and will be indicated in status results) but will not result in an audible difference if the dB value entered is outside of the matrix switcher’s audio range.
Important: If the level is not specified in a BCS command, the command is executed on the default level (normally Level 0), which is defined in the configuration file. If the level is omitted and the BCS command executes on an unexpected level, check the default level in the configuration file (for systems without a configuration file, check the product documentation).
Adjusting and Verifying Audio
Adjusting Volume
To adjust volume use any of the following three methods:
Absolute – adjusts the volume to a specific decibel level
Relative – increases/decreases the volume by a specific decibel amount
Increment/Decrement – increases or decreases the volume a step
Absolute Method
The Absolute Method adjusts the volume of an output to a specific decibel level.
To adjust an output’s volume to a specific decibel level:
Enter the Volume Absolute command below. Replace the “#”s with the level and output number(s)
1.
and replace the “^^^” with the decibel level (entered as a decimal number; see “General Rules for Audio” on the previous page).
CL#O#VA^^^T
Volume Absolute Examples
BCS Command Action
CL0O3VA100T
CL0O6 7VA-700T
Adjusts volume to 10.0 dB for Output 3 on Level 0
Adjusts volume to -70.0 dB for Outputs 6 and 7 on Level 0
Note: If the decibel level requested is outside the range for the selected output, the system will respond with an “X” indicating an invalid value was entered (for a specific audio board’s volume adjustment range, see that board’s documentation).
Relative Method
The Relative Method adjusts the volume of an output by a specific decibel amount.
To adjust an output’s volume by a specific decibel amount:
Enter the Volume Relative command below. Replace the “#”s with the level and output number(s)
1.
and replace the “^^^” with the decibel level (entered as a decimal number; see “General Rules for Audio” on the previous page).
CL#O#VR^^^T
Volume Relative Examples
BCS Command Action
CL0O3VR60T
CL0O1 2VR-120T
Note: If the decibel level requested is outside the range for the selected output, the system will respond with an “X” indicating an invalid value was entered (for a specific audio board’s volume adjustment range, see the board’s documentation).
Increases volume by 6.0 dB for Output 3 on Level 0
Decreases volume by 12.0 dB for Outputs 1 and 2 on Level 0
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