Contemporary Research ICW-IRC, ICC2-IRC User Manual

Product Manual

ICC2-IRC / ICW-IRC

IR TV Controller
Ver. 2.5 October 30, 2002

17630 Davenport Rd, Suite113
Dallas, TX 75252 USA

Tel: [phone]

888.972.2728
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.crwww.com

www.contemporaryresearch.com

Table of Contents

Overview............................................................................................................................................. 3

Specifications...................................................................................................................................... 4

Physical .................................................................................................................................................4

Front Panel ............................................................................................................................................4

Rear Panel.............................................................................................................................................4

Internal Closures....................................................................................................................................4

RF Tuner ...............................................................................................................................................5

iCC-Net (ICC2-IRC).................................................................................................................................5

iCW-Net (ICW-IRC) ................................................................................................................................5

CC-HSD Scan Sensor ..............................................................................................................................5

Status Indication ....................................................................................................................................5

Installation ......................................................................................................................................... 6

AC Power...............................................................................................................................................6

RF Coax and iCC-Net Operation ...............................................................................................................6

iCW-Net Connection (ICW-IRC) ...............................................................................................................6

TV Power Sensing ..................................................................................................................................6

A/V Setup ..............................................................................................................................................7

IR Control Wiring ...................................................................................................................................7

IR Mode and Power Sensing....................................................................................................................7

Programming the IC-RC Remote..............................................................................................................7

On-Screen Setup Menus..........................................................................................................................8

RS-232 Control Protocol ..................................................................................................................... 9

Overview ...............................................................................................................................................9

Command String Structure ......................................................................................................................9

RS-232 Commands ........................................................................................................................... 10

RS-232 Responses ............................................................................................................................ 13

Response String Structure.....................................................................................................................13

iC-Net Zones .....................................................................................................................................15

System Map ......................................................................................................................................16

Typical RF and ICC-Net Signal Flow .................................................................................................17

iCW-Net Wiring .................................................................................................................................18

Mounting the IRC..............................................................................................................................19

Safety Instructions ........................................................................................................................... 20

Limited Warranty and Disclaimer ..................................................................................................... 21

Contemporary Research Corporation 2 IR TV Controller

Overview

Contemporary Research offers two solutions for intelligent, interactive distributed media management, the
ICC2-IRC and ICW-IRC IR TV Controllers. The ICC2-IRC communicates bi-directionally over the same RF coax
that carries the broadband TV channels, dramatically simplifying system wiring. The ICW-IRC connects over a
twisted-pair network using Category 5 or Category 3 wiring and connectors.

Both IRC TV Controllers feature an internal TV tuner for absolute channel access management and a character
generator that outputs on-screen text for channel names, control functions, and interactive menus. Intelligent
tuning, volume and power control is provided by IR control port and included scan sensor. Front-panel control
and LEDs keep users in touch with their system. Enjoy a full range of control choices with the included
IC-RC IR Wireless Remote, designed for simplified control of distributed media channels and sources.

Compatible with the Contemporary Research ABC Media Retrieval System and iC Commander software, the IRC
TV Controllers can be networked with up to 4000 TV and Video Display controllers. For custom systems
applications, all IRC units and other iC-Net devices can be accessed from a single RS-232 port on ICC-HE and
ICW-HE Head-End Network Controllers.

• Controls most brands of TVs from IR control port
o Creates on-screen channel labels, messages, text menus, and feedback using onboard

character generator

o Receives wireless commands from included IC-RC IR remote from internal IR sensors, external

sensor optional

o Delivers absolute volume control for level and mute
o Manages channel access using programmable available channel list
o Delivers absolute power control with included power sensor

• Networks with up to 4,000 TVs through an ICC-HE or ICW-HE Head-End Network Controller

o ICC2-IRC units provide 2-way operation over the same RF cable as CATV channels
o ICW-IRC connect over Category 3 or 5 wiring
o Units instantly respond to individual, zone, and all-call commands

• Provides front-panel control for power, volume, and channel, and LED feedback for power, IR control,

and network

• Includes A/V inputs to display video from PCs, overheads, cameras and other local video sources

• Restores all operation status after loss of power from data stored in non-volatile memory

• Enables and disables front-panel control via iC-Net protocol

• Mounts above, below, or near TV, mounting brackets included over the same RF coax as the distributed

media channels, simplifying system wiring and retrofit

Contemporary Research Corporation 3 IR TV Controller

Specifications

Physical
Size: 8.5" [216mm] wide x 1.75" [38mm] height (1RU) x 6.0" [153mm] deep

Weight: 1.5 lbs [0.68kg]
Enclosure: All aluminum with durable black powder coat paint
Mounting: Mounts above or below TV, optional RK2 brackets available

Front Panel
Push Buttons: Channel up and down, Volume up and down, and Power

Power LED: Red LED lights when TV is on
Net LED: Green LED for iC-Net bus, flashes once per second if active
IR In LED: Red LED lights when receiving IR commands from remote
IR Out LED: Red LED lights when sending IR commands
Volume Up/Down: Buttons adjust volume of IRC audio output
Channel Up/Down: Buttons select list of channels stored in IRC Tune Ring

Rear Panel

Power In: 2.1mm coaxial jack (inside center conductor positive), 350 Ma maximum

11.5 to 16.5 VDC, 12 VDC typical (may be unregulated)

North American version includes UL/CSA listed wall power supply
Power Sensor: 3.5mm jack for optional CC-HSD scan sensor or 5V logic-level input
IR Out: 3.5mm jack for CC-IRE IR Emitter cable or compatible CC-IRS serial cable

Supports carrier frequencies up to 62 KHz
Shipped with CC-IRE cable, 10 foot with stick-on IR emitter
Antenna/Cable: ‘F’, female, 75 ohm impedance
A/V Inputs: Video - RCA female, NTSC composite

Audio – 2 RCA female, mono 20K ohms unbalanced
A/V Outputs: Video - RCA female, NTSC composite

Audio – 2 RCA female, mono 1K ohms, 20Hz to 20KHz

0.5% maximum, 0.1% typical THD, 500mV RMS typical at max volume
Volume control 0 to -62 dB and mute in 64 steps
IR In Mounting hole for optional external IR sensor input jack

Internal Closures

Type:
Closure 1 normally used for optional buzzer
Closure 2 normally used for an external camera power relay (by others)

2 Solid-State output switch closures, max 50 mA, 24 VDC

Available as factory-installed option only

Contemporary Research Corporation 4 IR TV Controller

RF Tuner

Frequency Range: NTSC television 55.25 to 801.25 MHz, 62.5KHZ fine tune resolution
Maximum Input: +20dBmV
Video Gain: ±5% maximum, 2% typical
Video Phase: ±3 degrees maximum, 2 degrees typical

iCC-Net (ICC2-IRC)

Operation: Carried over the same RF coax connection as TV channels
Data Receive: Mid-band VHF, 74.7MHz, sent from IC Head-End Network Controller

-25 to +35 dBmV signal level
Data Transmit: Sub-band, 5.6MHz sent to Head-End Network Controller
±
+49dBmV nominal

iCW-Net (ICW-IRC)

Connector RJ-45 female 8 pin Telco jack
RS-485 type data requiring at least 2 twisted wire pairs with shield or fifth conductor
Recommended Wire: CAT3/CAT5 compatible unshielded, max 3300 feet [914m] from iC Head End

CC-HSD Scan Sensor

Range: Senses presence of TV scanning, from 15-35 KHz, magnetic pick-up
Includes: 3.5mm plug, 4ft. cable, stick-on TV sensor

Status Indication

The Net and Power LEDs have special modes that help system setup and troubleshooting.

Power LED Uses a blink mode when the IRC logic and Sensor feedback do not agree

For example, if the TV Controller knows the TV should be on, but the sensor

Net LED Blinks when it is receiving network data

The Head-End Network Controller sends out a “heartbeat” command once every

80 KHz max carrier deviation

Logic Sensor LED Response

ON ON Solid On

ON OFF Blinks – states do not agree
OFF OFF Solid Off
OFF ON Blinks – states do not agree

input does not see scanning activity, the Power LED blinks rapidly.

LED Response

Off – DC power to IRC missing or other internal power problem
Solid On – no network communication
Blinks once per second - communicating over network

second that will flash the Net LED.

Contemporary Research Corporation 5 IR TV Controller

Installation

AC Power

1. Insert DC power supply plug into 12 VDC jack on the IRC.

2. Plug power adaptor into AC wall outlet.

3. The Net LED should turn on and stay lit.

RF Coax and iCC-Net Operation

1. Connect the RF Coax cable into the Antenna/Cable input on the IRC.

2. If the iCC-Net signal is operating, the Net LED will blink once per second (ICC2-IRC only).

iCW-Net Connection (ICW-IRC)

1. Plug the iCW-Net RJ-45 connector into the iCW-Net input on the ICW-IRC.

2. If the iCW-Net signal is operating, the Net LED will blink once per second.

TV Power Sensing

1. Press the Power button on the IRC.

2. The Power LED should blink, indicating that the IRC knows the TV should be on, but is not sensing the
presence of TV scanning operation.

3. Insert the CC-HSD Scan Sensor plug into the IRC Power Sensor jack.

4. Turn on the TV using the TV’s power button.

5. Move the CC-HSD sensor block around the rear of the TV to pick up scanning signal from the TV’s
horizontal transformer

6. Watch the IRC Power LED as you move the sensor, stop moving when the LED stops blinking.

7. Turn the TV on and off from its own power button, testing if the IRC is reliably sensing power.

8. Mount the sensor to the TV, using the enclosed Velcro tape.

Tip: The best location for the sensor is usually on the lower left rear corner side corner (looking

from the front), and it may help to rotate the sensor to search for best performance.

Contemporary Research Corporation 6 IR TV Controller

A/V Setup

1. Connect audio and video outputs of the IRC into the audio and video inputs of the TV.

2. You may use the left or right IRC audio output for a TV with mono audio, both for a TV with stereo audio
(IRC sound is mono).

3. Select the External Video/Aux inputs on the TV to view on-screen setup commands and A/V from the IRC
(Most TVs don’t have a discrete Video input command).

IR Control Wiring

1. Connect the CC-IRE IR Emitter plug into the IRC IR Out jack.

2. Mount the emitter cube to the TV case where the TV receives IR commands.

3. Place the IRC near the TV within line-of-sight control from the IC-RC wireless IR remote. At this point,
you could fix the IRC into the final mounting position above or below the TV, or simply place the IRC so
you can complete the IR setup procedure.

Tip: At this point, you’ve set up the control wiring, the manufacturer’s codes sent will be

programmed or changed with the On-Screen Setup Menu 45700. Press the Power button on
the IRC. If the TV turns on and off, the settings are already correct.

IR Mode and Power Sensing

Newer IRC models set the IR and Sensing options via the On-Screen Setup Menu 45702. Some ICW-IRC units
include a DIP switch (S6), located inside the IRC, to set IR options and TV Power sensing. Note this affects the
front-panel sensing, not an external IR sensor. Turning off both sensors would limit sensing to the external IR
sensor only. If you have two adjacent TVs (or one on each side of a wall), you may want to lower TV power
sensing. Some TVs prefer a lower IR output, most work fine with the standard level.

Switch # Function Options

1 38 KHz IR Receive ON= 38 KHz IR

OFF= 38 KHz IR off (default)

2 57 KHz IR Receive ON= 57 KHz IR (default)

OFF= 57 KHz IR off

3 TV Power Sensing ON= High sensitivity (default)

OFF= Low sensitivity

4 IR Control Output ON= High IR output (default)

OFF= Low IR output

Programming the IC-RC Remote

In order to complete the setup of the IRC, you’ll need the IC-RC IR Remote to use the On-Screen Menus.
Typically, the remote is shipped ready to communicate to the IRC (Code 9). Just in case, here’s how to set the
format of IR codes in the remote:

1. Press and hold the Select button and a numeric key for the code # below.

2. Release the two keys at the same time.

3. The remote will now send the selected codes.

4. Remote will keep the codes, even if battery power is lost.

IR Code Format Code

Zenith Smart TV 1
Philips Smart TV 2
RCA Smart TV 3
Contemporary Research 38 KHz 4
Contemporary Research 57 KHz (default) 9

Tip: Normally, the 57 KHz frequency works the best, avoiding most sources of IR interference.

The IRC has 38 KHz and 57 KHz sensors, so it can receive either frequency.

Contemporary Research Corporation 7 IR TV Controller

On-Screen Setup Menus

The remaining installation steps use the IR remote and the built-in character generator of the IRC.

1. Touch Menu, then 999, then Enter.

2. The text CR MENU> should appear on the screen.

3. Key in one of the commands shown below, then press Enter to activate.

4. Note that, in Menu mode, the Channel Down key acts as a backspace/delete key.

Command Function

All The following commands are used for all IRCs

45678 Display IRC firmware version
45679 Display the unit’s Device #. At this point, you can use the Channel Down key as a

Delete key, enter a new device # with the remote’s numeric keypad, then hit Enter
to save the new number.

45700 Display or edit IR device type. Sets the IR control format to match your TV. In many

cases, CR can pre-set this command to the format specified by the dealer.
0=None
1=Zenith [added V2.0]
2=Panasonic [added V1.7]
3=Toshiba [added V2.0]
4=Hitachi [added V2.0]
5=Sony [added V2.0]
6=Grundig [added V2.0]
7=Magnavox/Philips [added V1.7]
8=RCA [added V2.0]
9=Sony_2 [added V2.0]
10=Panasonic_2 [added V1.9]
11=Mitsubishi [added V2.0]
12=Monivision (old) [added V1.6]
13=Monivision (new) [added V1.8]
14=Panasonic_3 [added V1.9]
15=Sharp [added V2.1]
16=Pioneer (plasma) [added V2.3]
17=NEC (plasma) [added V2.3]
18 = Samsung [added 2.5]

45702 Set IR receive, IR output and power sensing levels.

1 = Enable 38KHz IR receive in, 0=disable
2 = Enable 57KHz IR receive in, 0=disable
4 = Enable IR output carrier, 0=no carrier
8 = Set power sensor for high sensitivity, 0=low sensitivity
16 = Set IR output for high current, 0=low current

Add up the values and enter the result. For example, the default setting is 30 (57

KHz on, IR carrier, high power sensitivity, and high IR output).
65478 Reset IRC, similar to disconnecting power then restarting.
65487 Initialize IRC to factory default settings: Power on, unlocked, display channel 11,

channel ring set to 4, 5, and 11, Group 0. Note that this command works even if TV

power is off or control is locked out.
65482 Shows Net RX if receiving the iC-HE’s “heartbeat” pulse once per second, !NET RX

if not. Also displays receive signal strength in the ICC2-IRC.

ICC2-IRC The following commands are used for the ICC2-IRC only

65480 Enable constant Net transmit to the Head-End. This is used for measuring the signal

strength of the ICC2-IRC’s RF output. Press Enter to stop transmitting, or the unit

will automatically stop after 50 seconds.
65481 Display ICC2 transmitter frequency control voltage – should be 2000 - 3150.
65483 Display DF transmitter frequency deviation – should be 245 - 300.

Contemporary Research Corporation 8 IR TV Controller

RS-232 Control Protocol

Overview

RS-232 control for up to 4000 ICC2-IRC and ICW-IRC TV Controllers is provided through an iC-series Head-End
Network Controller. The ICC-HE Head-End manages iC-Net communication over RF Coax to ICC2-IRC TV
Controllers as well as ICW-IRC TV Controllers over twisted-pair Cat3/5 wiring. The ICW-HE Head-End operates
on the twisted-pair network only.

Each TV Controller is assigned a unique device number from 1 to 4000 to which control commands are
addressed. The devices are organized into 16 zones of 255 devices. All the devices in each zone will respond to
a single “virtual device number” — one device number that represents all devices in each zone. There is also a
global device number, 4095, that will command all devices in the system. This feature dramatically speeds up
system operation and programming, because one command can affect an entire group of devices—or all. To
take advantages of this feature, review the section iC-Net Zones in this manual.

In ABC Media Retrieval Systems, we reserve the first group of devices, 1-255, for components operating on a
connected control system. Zones 1-16 are used for CR TV Controllers, Video Display Controllers and Tuners. As
it’s unlikely any system will use all 4000 devices, this may be a good device standard for your system as well.

The Remote RS-232 port on the Head-End Network Controller can communicate from 1200 to 38.4K baud. The
factory default setting is 19.2K baud, 8 data bits, No parity, and 1 stop bit.

Command String Structure

Characters in command strings are expressed in a combination of hex and ASCII characters. For clarity, the
following protocol examples use the following conventions:

• Single-byte hex numbers are preceded by the ‘$’ symbol

• ASCII characters or strings are enclosed in single quotes

• Numbers not marked as hex or ASCII are a single decimal byte

• Parameters shown in < > brackets are single byte

• A series of multiple commands or parameters are set apart by [ ] brackets

• Commas separate the bytes, but are not part of the protocol

• Double quotes enclose the command string, but are not part of the protocol

Command format:

“$A5,<dh>,<dl>,<ncb>,<cmd1>,<parameter> [<cmdN>]"

$A5 Starts the command
<dh> The zone or high order byte of the device
<dl> The unit or low order byte of the device (0 for global zone)
<ncb> The number of command bytes to follow
<cmd1> The first command byte
<parameter> Command parameters (not used by all commands)
[<cmdN>] Multiple commands can be concatenated, with byte count added to <ncb>

Contemporary Research Corporation 9 IR TV Controller

RS-232 Commands

Command Description

Power Off PO “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’P0’ ” (6 bytes) – checks sensor for true power control

Power On P1 “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’P1’ ” (6 bytes) – checks sensor for true power control

Power Toggle PT “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’PT’ ” (6 bytes) – checks sensor for true power control

Operating
Parameters

Volume

Power-up
Volume

Ts & Qs

TM “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’TM’,<setting>” (7 bytes)

Sets up key functions in the IRC
bit 7 – 3 = 0
bit 2 – Channel up/down operation, 0=Tune Ring, 1=Send IR Keypad response
bit 1 – Numeric channel labels, 0=num labels off, 1=num labels on)
bit 0 – Alpha channel labels, 0=alpha labels off, 1=alpha labels on

VL “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’VL’,<vol level>” (7 bytes)

Sets IRC volume level
0 = Mute
1 – 63 = Minimum level (1) to maximum volume (63)

S5 "$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,'S5',<volume>" (7 bytes)

Sets volume level when IRC powers up
0 = restore to previous level
1 – 63 = Set from minimum (1) to maximum level (63)

T-series channel commands select a channel and display the channel label on the TV,
while Q-series commands don’t show the on-screen text.

T Channel Up TU “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’TU’ ” (6 bytes) – Tunes to next channel up in Tune Ring

T Channel Dwn TD “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’TD’ ” (6 bytes) – Tunes to next channel down in Tune Ring

Force T Channel TC “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’TC’, <channel>” (7 bytes) – Tunes to a specific channel

124 = RGB 2 input on TV
125 = RGB input on TV
126 = Select IRC external A/V input (also selects TV video input)
127 = Select S-Video Input
0 = Blank video output to TV
255 = Unblank TV video (restore to previous channel)

Tip: Not all inputs are available on every TV make and model.

Select T Channel

Channel Query T? “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’T?’ ” (6 bytes) – Request response for current channel

Q Channel Up QU “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’QU’ ” (6 bytes) – Tunes to next channel up in Tune Ring

Q Channel Dwn QD “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’QD’ ” (6 bytes) – Tunes to next channel down in Tune Ring

TT “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’TT’ ” (6 bytes) – Tunes channel if included in Tune Ring

Force Q Chan

Select Q Chan

Contemporary Research Corporation 10 IR TV Controller

QC “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’QC’, <channel>” (7 bytes) – Tunes to a specific channel

Same special-function channels as in the T Channel Select section above

QT “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’TT’ ” (6 bytes) – Tunes channel if included in Tune Ring

Command Description

Tuner Mode SO "$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,'S0',<tune mode>" (7 bytes)

Sets tuner mode to CATV or Broadcast/Antenna
0 = CATV
1 = Broadcast/Antenna
2 = HRC

Tune Ring TR “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,<ncb>,’TR’, [<chan 1>, <chan N>]” (variable bytes)

This command stores a Tune Ring, a series of preset channels accessed by channel
up/down commands.

Ex1: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,6,’TR’, 5,4,8,11” sets ring to channels 5, 4, 8 and 11
Tip: The ring follows the stored order, channels do not have to be in ascending

order

Ex2: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’TR’ ” clears the Tune Ring, locks unit to current channel

Tip: In the above mode, the IR Keypad channel up/down response to the Head-

End, so the system will know the user is trying to change channels. In
response, the system could change channels on a media sources, like a VCR or

satellite.
Ex3: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,8,’TR’, $82,5,$87,11” sets channels 2-5 and 7-11. You can
specify a range using MSB bit for the first channel; the next byte is the last.

Channel Labels TN “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,<ncb>,‘TN’,<channel>,<label>” (variable bytes)

Stores an ASCII string as the channel label. The text will appear briefly when the
channel is selected, if the feature has been activated by IRC Setup command (TM).

Ex1: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,‘TN’, ‘7’, ‘PBS’ ” IRC displays PBS when 7 is selected
Ex2: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,‘TN’, ‘7’ ” Clears alpha label for channel 7
Ex3: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,‘TN’,0,0” Clears all alpha labels

Display Label TC “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’TC’ ” (6 bytes) – Display current channel label for about 15

seconds

Closures Y- “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3, ‘Y’ <I/0 Port>’ ” (7 bytes)

Turns the two internal closures on and off. Closure 1 is typically used to control the
optional buzzer, Closure 2 typically used to control an external camera power relay.

“$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3, ‘Y10’” turns Closure 1 off
“$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3, ‘Y11’” turns Closure 1 on
“$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3, ‘Y20’” turns Closure 2 off
“$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3, ‘Y21’” turns Closure 2 on

Control Lock LM “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,'LM',<control>” (7 bytes)

Locks out front panel and IR remote control functions.

Bit 7 Selects IR remote control operation (0=enabled, 1=disabled)
Bit 6 Selects volume control operation (0=enabled, 1=disabled)
Bit 5 - 1 Always 0
Bit 0 Selects IRC front panel buttons operation (0=enabled, 1=disabled)

Device Status SP "$A5,0,0,3,'SP'" (6 bytes)

Queries the Head-End for the number of devices present on the network and the
number of devices expected.

Contemporary Research Corporation 11 IR TV Controller

Command Description

Write Text DM “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,<ncb>,‘DM’, <start line>,<text color>,<background color>,

<background>,<size and shadow>,<timeout>,<message bytes>” (variable bytes)

Clears current text, displays text message over video (default) or blank background.
The built-in character generator can accept up to 40 characters of text (including
carriage returns), 28 characters per line. Use a hex $0D or decimal 13 in the text as
a carriage return, which will advance CG to the next line, first space on the right.

Start Line - 1-11
Text Color - 1-7= White
Text Background Color – 0-7=Transparent (no background)
Full screen background – 0=normal insert over video, 1=blank screen (blue)
Size and Shadow – 0-3=small text with drop shadow
Time-Out – 0=15-second display, 1=persistent
Persistent text stays on screen until the next DM, or new Menu or channel.

Ex1: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,10,‘DM’, 2,7,0,0,1,0,’TEST’ ” displays the word TEST on the
second line, white text, inserted over video, small size with drop shadow, and timing
out after 15 seconds.

Ex2: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,‘DM’ ” clears on-screen display, also clears persistent text

The VDC uses white text and clear backgrounds when it receives a Text or
Background Color parameter between 1 and 7, and accepts values 0-3 for text size
and shadow. This allows compatibility with Smart TVs mixed in the same system that
can display other colors and fonts.

Fast Write DN “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,<ncb>,’DN’, <text> ” (variable bytes)

Clears display, writes specified text starting at column 1, row 1. $0D and hex $EA,
$EB, $DC, and $DB can be included, operate same as matching commands below.

Write Here DW “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,<ncb>,’DW’, <text> ” (variable bytes)

Writes specified text starting at present cursor position. Accepts same Hex as DN.

Row, Column DG “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,4,’DG’, <row>, <column>” (8 bytes)

Moves the cursor to the specified row and column position. If row is 0, then row will
not be changed, and if column is 0, then column will not be changed.

Cursor Column E7 “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’E7’, <column>” (7 bytes) – sends cursor to specified column.

Cursor Row E8 “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’E8’, <row>” (7 bytes) – sends cursor to specified row.

Return EB “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’EB’ ” (6 bytes)

Moves cursor down to the first column of the next row.

Clear All EA “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’EA’ ” (6 bytes)

Clears display, sends cursor to column 1, row 1.

Clear to End DC “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’DC’ ” (6 bytes)

Clear on-screen display from cursor to end of screen, position stays the same.

Clear Line DB “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’DB’ ” (6 bytes)

Clear on-screen display from cursor to end of line, cursor position stays the same.

Clear Spaces E9 “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’E9’, <num spaces>” (7 bytes)

Clears specified number of spaces, starting from cursor to the right.

Text Timeout DQ “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’DQ’, <time>” (7 bytes)

Sets screen timeout to specified time in seconds (1-254). If time is 0 or 255, any text
on the screen will persist indefinitely, or until cleared.

Contemporary Research Corporation 12 IR TV Controller

RS-232 Responses

iC-Net devices will send a response over the network whenever there is there is a change in status or command
from an IR remote or front panel.

Response String Structure

Characters in response strings are expressed in a combination of hex and ASCII characters. For clarity, the
following protocol examples use the following conventions:

• ASCII characters or strings are shown enclosed in single quotes

• Numbers shown that are not in single quotes are a single decimal byte

• Parameters shown in < > brackets are single byte

• A series of multiple commands or parameters are set apart by [ ] brackets

• Commas separate the bytes, but are not part of the protocol

• Double quotes enclose the command string, but are not part of the protocol

Command format:

“ ‘<’,<dh>,<dl>,<nrb>,<rb1>, <para1> [<rbN>]"

‘>’ Starts the response
<dh> The zone or high order byte of the device
<dl> The unit or low order byte of the device (0 for global zone)
<nrb> The number of response bytes to follow
<rb1> The first response byte
<para1> Associated parameters, if any
[<rbN>] Multiple responses may be included

Response Description

New Channel T “ ‘<’,<dh>,<dl>,2,'T',<new channel>" (6 bytes)

Sent in response to T? command.

IR Function F “ ‘<’,<dh>,<dl>,2,'F',<IR Function>" (6 bytes)

Sent when unit receives a new function command is pressed (1-8) or released (0) from
the IR remote.

0 = Release
1 = Play
2 = Stop
3 = Pause
4 = Fast Forward
5 = Rewind
8 = Record

Contemporary Research Corporation 13 IR TV Controller

Response Description

IR Key K “ ‘<’,<dh>,<dl>,2,'K',<IR Key>" (6 bytes)

Sent when unit receives a new key command is pressed (10-116) or released (0) from
the IR remote.

0 = Release 105 = Media Menu
10 - 19 = Numeric keypad entry 0 – 9 106 = Cursor Right
21 = Enter 107 = Cursor Left
22 = Channel Up 108 = Cursor Up
23 = Channel Down 109 = Cursor Down
29 = Menu 110 = Media Select
101 = Previous Channel 116 = Timer

The 0 – 9, Channel Up/Down functions are sent only if enabled in the TM command
(Bit 2 = 1). The Channel Up/Down responses will be sent if the Tune Ring contains no
channels – see Ex2 in the Tune Ring command section.

IR Menu M “ ‘<’,<dh>,<dl>,5,'M',<msh>, <msl>, <mph>, <mpl>" (9 bytes)

Sent when IRC receives a new Menu command is pressed or released (0) from the IR
remote. Menu Selection high and low bytes are in <msh> and <msl>. Menu Parameter
high and low bytes are in <mph> and <mpl>.

A Menu command is initiated by pressing the Menu key, followed by a numeric entry,
then the Enter or Channel Up key. During the Menu process, the Channel Down key
acts as a backspace or delete key.

Some selections that need only a single numeric entry and will have a parameter value
of zero (0). Those keys are 0, 8, 9, 18, 20, 30, 900, 911, and 912.

Menu selections that will prompt the user to enter a second parameter entry are:

1 = Select Media
2 = Password
3 = Chapter Search
4 = Frame Search
11 = Channel
21 = Page Zone
22 = Page Room
25 = Go
21 = Attach Zone
32 = Attach Room

Tip: The Menu entries are active even if the TV power is off.

Device
Response

SP " '<',0,0,4,'SP',<number devices present>,<number devices expected> (8 bytes)

Sent in response to HE status query.

Tip: If the number of present and expected devices match, the green Net LED on the

HE will blink once per second. If the two numbers do not agree, the LED blinks
twice per second.

Contemporary Research Corporation 14 IR TV Controller

iC-Net Zones

To simplify controlling groups of devices, iC-Net is divided into 16 zones of 255 devices. All the
devices within each zone can be controlled simultaneously by sending a command to a single “virtual
device number”.

For example, noting the zone chart below, if we send a Power On command to device #256, any TV
controller numbered between 257 and 511 will instantly turn on. If we send a Power Off command to
device #4095, all devices in the system will turn off.

This is an immensely powerful feature, because most systems can only address one device at time. So
if you need to turn off all 50 TV in a zone, you would need to send 50 commands. In addition to the
hassles of creating multiple commands, there would be a long delay between the first and last
command. One command, instant response is easier.

As we noted before, ABC Media Retrieval Systems reserve Zone 0 for devices used in the central
control system, 1 -15 for iC-Net devices. This structure may be useful for your application, or you
could use Zone 0 just like any other iC-Net zone.

Zone First Device Last Device Virtual Device

0 1 255 0
1 257 511 256
2 513 767 512
3 769 1023 768
4 1025 1279 1024
5 1281 1535 1280
6 1537 1791 1536
7 1793 2047 1792
8 2049 2303 2048

9 2305 2559 2304
10 2561 2815 2560
11 2817 3071 2816
12 3073 3327 3072
13 3329 3583 3328
14 3585 3839 3584
15 3841 4000 3840

All Zones 4095

Tip: You've probably figured out that you never want to assign a virtual device number to an

actual device in the system. If you assigned #1536 to a device, all the TV controllers in Zone

6 would respond every time you sent a command to that one device.

Contemporary Research Corporation 15 IR TV Controller

System Map

One of the key tasks for iC-Net integrators is to create a logical System Map, assigning device
numbers to TV controllers so they fall into logical zones. The device mapping could be sorted by type
or location; whichever suits the application.

iC-Net Zone Zone Room Device

1 W 1

W151 257
W152 258
W153 259
W154 260

2 W 2nd Floor

W251 513
W252 514
W253 515
W254 516

3 E 1st Floor

E151 769
E152 770
E153 771
E154 772

4 E 2nd Floor

E251 1025
E252 1024
E253 1025
E254 1026

5 Coffee Areas

G100 1281
G150 1282
G151 1283

6 Day Care

TV 1 1537
TV 2 1538

7 Hallways

W1 1793
W2 1794
E1 1795
E2 1796

8 Office

Admin 2049
A/V Center 2050

All Zones All

st

Floor

256

512

768

1024

1280

1536

1792

2048

4095

Contemporary Research Corporation 16 IR TV Controller

Typical RF and ICC-Net Signal Flow

The diagram below shows the structure of a typical Contemporary Research media retrieval system.
One of the key aspects for iCC-Net communication is to provide a forward and return (sub-channel)
path for data.

Contemporary Research Corporation 17 IR TV Controller

iCW-Net Wiring

Use Category 3 or Category 5 wire, 4 pair, unshielded, 24 AWG.

The iCC-HE and iCW-HE Head-End Network Controllers include three iCW-Net ports for
twisted-pair wired networking. Control wiring can be home-run to ports or run in a star format, using
punch-down blocks or RJ-45 “harmonicas” to distribute signals to multiple iCW-Net devices. Open
wiring runs do not need termination.

Head-End

iCW-Net #1

Screw Terminals

GND

6
5
4
3
2
1

RJ-45

PWR+

RXD+

RXD-

TXD+

TXD-

iCW-Net #2, #3

BRN/WHT
WHT/BRN

GRN/WHT

WHT/BLU

BLU/WHT
WHT/GRN
ORG/WHT
WHT/ORG

Punch-down Blocks

RJ-45 Harmonicas

Wall Plates

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

iCW-IRC
iCW-Net

RJ-45

8

TXD+

7

TXD-

6

GND

5

RXD+

4

RXD-

3

NC

2

NC

1

NC

RXD+

RXD-

GND

TXD+

TXD-

NC
NC
NC

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

BRN/WHT

WHT/BRN

GRN/WHT

WHT/BLU

BLU/WHT
WHT/GRN
ORG/WHT
WHT/ORG

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

TXD+
TXD­GND
RXD+
RXD­NC
NC
NC

Contemporary Research Corporation 18 IR TV Controller

Mounting the IRC

In most cases, you’ll mount the IRC directly to the TV, either below or above. Mounting below the TV
is preferred, as it’s usually the best location for IR reception from remotes, and helps to screen the
internal IR sensors from stray ceiling-fixture IR.

Installers commonly use Velcro to secure the IRC to the TV. Others will use brackets, such as our
optional RK2 Brackets to mount the IRC to the TV, as shown below. Some combine the two
approaches, using Velcro during the initial phase of installation, then securing with brackets when
testing and troubleshooting is completed.

In all cases, it’s best to mount the IRC near to the TV, monitor or video projector, simplifying wiring
for A/V and control cables. If, for some reason, the IRC must be mounted in an equipment rack, you’ll
need an optional RK1 Rack Mount Kit. In addition, order the IRC with the external IR In input (a
factory-installed option) and an optional IR-RX External IR Receiver.

Contemporary Research Corporation 19 IR TV Controller

Safety Instructions

Read before operating equipment.

1. Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

2. Power Sources - Use supplied or equivalent UL/CSA approved low voltage DC plug-in transformer.

3. Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If you connect an outside antenna or cable system to the product, be

sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges
and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70, provides
information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the
lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge
unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.

4. Lightning - Avoid installation or reconfiguration of wiring during lightning activity.

5. Power Lines - Do not locate an outside antenna system near overhead power lines or other electric light

or power circuits or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna
system, refrain from touching such power lines or circuits, as contact with them might be fatal.

6. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or
electric shock.

7. Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts, resulting in a fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.

8. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose
you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

9. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the following conditions:

• When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.

• If liquid spills or objects fall into the product.

• If the product is exposed to rain or water.

• If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those

controls that are covered by the operating instructions. An improper adjustment of other controls may
result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product
to its normal operation.

• If the video product is dropped or the cabinet is damaged.

• When the video product exhibits a distinct change in performance, this indicates a need for service.

* Note to CATV system installer: This reminder is provided to call CATV system installer's attention to

Article 820-40 of the National Electrical Code (Section 54 of Canadian Electrical Code, Part I), that provides
guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as possible.

Contemporary Research Corporation 20 IR TV Controller

Limited Warranty and Disclaimer

Contemporary Research Corporation (CR) warrants this product to be free from defects in
material and workmanship under normal use for a period of two years from the date of
purchase from CR. Should such a defect occur CR will repair or replace, at their option, the
defective product at no cost for parts or labor.

This warranty extends to product purchased directly from CR or an Authorized CR Dealer.
Consumers should inquire from selling dealer as to the nature and extent of the dealer's
warranty, if any.

All warranty claims must be shipped pre-paid to the factory. Call or fax to obtain a Return
Material Authorization (RMA) number.

CR is not liable for any damages caused by any of its products or for the failure of any
products to perform, including any lost profits, lost savings, incidental damages, or
consequential damages. CR is not responsible for any claim made by a third party or made
for you by a third party. This limitation of liability applies whether damages are sought, or a
claim is made, under this warranty or as a tort claim (including negligence and strict product
liability), a contract claim, or any other claim. This limitation of liability cannot be waived or
amended by any person. This limitation of liability will be effective even if CR or an
authorized representative of CR has been advised of the possibility of any such damages.

Some states do not allow a limitation of how long an implied warranty lasts. Some states do
not allow the limitation or exclusion of incidental or consequential damages for consumer
products. In such states, the limitation or exclusion of the Limited Warranty may not apply to
you. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights
that may vary from state to state. You are advised to consult applicable state laws for a full
determination of your rights.

Except as expressly set forth in this Limited Warranty, CR makes no other warranties,
expressed or implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose. CR expressly disclaims all warranties not stated in this Limited Warranty.
Any implied warranties that may be imposed by law are limited to the terms of this Limited
Warranty.

Contemporary Research Corporation 21 IR TV Controller

Contemporary Research Corporation 22 IR TV Controller