Digital Alert Systems DASAMS User Manual
Digital Alert Systems
A division of Monroe Electronics
585-765-1155 | fax 585-765-9330
100 Housel Ave. | Lyndonville | NY | 14098
www.digitalalertsystems.com
Copyright © 2011-2015 Digital Alert Systems, a division of Monroe Electronics Inc.
Information herein is considered accurate at the time of publication. We constantly strive to
improve our products and services therefore some specifications are subject to change
without notice. MultiPlayer and EAS-Net are trademarks of Digital Alert Systems and
Monroe Electronics. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Revision: 1.1 Publication: DA SAMSMAN-0820
Audio Management System
User Manual
Version 1.1
Digital Alert Systems AMS Installation / Operation & Integration Guide
Revision 1.1 Page 2 of 28
!"#$%&'(&)'*!%*!+&
",-.'&/"*"0%/%*!&+1+!%/&.*+!"$$"!.'*&2&'3%4"!.'*&5&.*!%04"!.'*& 6!
Introduction 3
How it works 3
Installation 4
)'*(.0,4"!.'*&+!%3+& 7!
+!%3&89&/,$!.3$"1%4&:&.*+!"$$"!.'*&"*-&.*.!."$&)'*(.0,4"!.'*& ;!
MultiPlayer - Mounting 5
MultiPlayer – AMS Configuration Examples 5
MultiPlayer - Wiring 6
MultiPlayer - Audio Connections 6
MultiPlayer - GPI’s & GPO’s 6
MultiPlayer - Setting/Modifying IP Address 7
MultiPlayer - Resetting Default IP 7
MultiPlayer - Audio Port Configuration! 8!
+!%3&<9&"/)&:&.*+!"$$"!.'*&"*-&.*.!."$&)'*(.0,4"!.'*& =!
Mounting 9
Wiring 9
Configuring 9
AMC Menus! 9!
Log In Screen 9
· AMC Configure > MultiPlayer 11
· AMC Configure > User 11
· AMC Configure > Playout 12
· AMC Configure > Sources 13
· AMC Configure > Channels 14
· AMC Configure > Network 15
· AMC Configure > TTS 16
· AMC Configure > Date/Time 16
· AMC Configure > System 17
· AMC Configure > GPIO 18
+!%3&6&>&-"!"&+',4)%&)'*(.0,4"!.'*& <8!
WSI – Live:Wire™ 21
WSI – TruAlert™ 22
Newsroom Solutions – NewsTicker™ 22
Business Technology Inc. - BTI 23
"33%*-.?& <@!
Changing!PC!Network!Settings! 27!
Specifications 28
Digital Alert Systems AMS Installation / Operation & Integration Guide
Revision 1.1 Page 3 of 28
Digital Alert Systems Audio Management System
Installation / Operation & Integration
Introduction
The Digital Alert Systems (DAS) - Audio Management System (AMS) –
is designed as a simple solution for the “Twenty-First Century
Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010”1 (or simply
21CVAA) compliance, which requires television stations to provide audio
description in their Secondary Audio Program (SAP) channel to aurally
represent any “emergency information” appearing on the main channel.
This means any crawl or text displays on the main channel such as
weather alerts, emergency conditions, etc. – separate of actual
newscasts or EAS alerts – must be “voiced” on the SAP channel. In
addition an “attention” signal or tone must be inserted on the main
channel to alert or indicate to viewers emergency audio is available on
the secondary channel.
The AMS is a two-part system consisting of a DAS Audio Message Controller (AMC) and its companion MultiPlayer™ whose
front panels are shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 respectively; together provide proper message audio for both Main and SAP
audio streams. The DAS AMS is designed to aggregate information from a variety of sources, convert the text information to
audio using a high-quality Text-To-Speech (TTS) convertor, prepare it for playback on the different audio channels, then provide
audio and triggering signals on all configured channels under a single user interface.
Figure 2 Digital Alert Systems Audio Message Controller - Part 1 of the Audio Management System
Figure 3 Digital Alert Systems MultiPlayer™ - Part 2 of the Audio Management System
How it works
Both the Audio Message Controller and MultiPlayer are linked via a standard Ethernet (TCP/IP) network, which provides a
properly credentialed operator system configuration and control using any standard web-browser. Once configured the AMC
gathers emergency information from a variety of sources by monitoring network file locations or by other systems transferring
files to it then applying input filters to retrieve the appropriate information for text-to-speech conversion and subsequent queuing
and playout.
Besides actively monitoring data sources, an operator may load a pre-produced audio file, enter message text directly, or cut
and paste message text for automatic Text-To-Speech conversion. The AMC then handoffs the .WAV file, or the TTS audio file,
to the MultiPlayer readying it for playback.
1
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-111s3304enr/pdf/BILLS-111s3304enr.pdf
!"#$%&'()*$+"*
,"-+)*
./"+&01#%-2)23
!"#$"%&
"'()*$
%+,,-.+$
&*/01*22+1$
4$51&6*"7*$8&9-25"
.:+)*)"&91$%"7&"*&9; :3
:)#"12$*<&9-25"&6*"7*$8
.:+)*)"&91$%"7&"*&9; :3
4$51&6*"7*$8&9-25"&
.:+)*)"&91$%"7&"*&9; :3
:)#"12$*<&9-25"&6*"7*$8
.:+)*)"&91$%"7&"*&9; :3
6%$<=$#>&?*577)*
!"#$%3
%'2432-5+1$
4$51&@6 '
:96&@ 6'
01#"8517&A$+$
.:)*5$%B&C4 !B&)+#D3
Figure 1 Simplified AMS block diagram – incoming data is
converted to audio and played back on Main or SAP channels
Digital Alert Systems AMS Installation / Operation & Integration Guide
Revision 1.1 Page 4 of 28
Once an audio message is loaded (queued) in the AMS the playback can be triggered in one of three ways;
1. Automatically - immediately after the audio message is loaded
2. By GPI trigger
3. By the operator clicking the "Play" button on the user interface.
There are three Audio Types defined by the AMC and managed by the MultiPlayer
Audio Type
Action
Main
Plays attention tone only
SAP (Secondary
Audio Program)
Plays attention tone immediately followed by the alert text audio repeated the
number of times defined in AMC. The attention tone is not repeated.
Preview
Provides an audio output for an operator to listen to the queued event without
attention tone, or interrupting either audio program streams. Very useful for
evaluating word pronunciations while modifying the TTS lexicon
Table 1 AMS Audio Type definitions
When activated, Main audio plays the preset attention tone then quickly returns to normal programming. The user can upload a
.WAV file of their liking perhaps a two-tone burst or a pre-recorded announcer indicating, “Additional audio information is
available on your secondary audio channel”, or use the default three tone alert programed with the unit.
Simultaneously the SAP (Secondary Audio Program) port is switched in and plays it’s audio message the two times as the rules
require, or a user defined number of iterations, after which it returns to normal SAP audio.
Installation
Each piece of the AMS it designed to be rack mounted in a standard EIA 19” rack assembly. The location of each unit is best
determined depending on the easiest location for wiring the various audio and video connections.
Configuration Steps
The installation and configuration will cover three major steps;
Step 1. MultiPlayer — Installation and initial configuration
Step 2. AMC — Installation and initial configuration
Step 3. Data Source Configuration
Each of these steps is covered in detail within the following pages. Additional information is also available in the Appendix and
on-line at www.digitalalertsystems.com
Digital Alert Systems AMS Installation / Operation & Integration Guide
Revision 1.1 Page 5 of 28
Step 1. MultiPlayer — Installation and initial configuration
The Digital Alert Systems MultiPlayer (model DASMP) is uniquely designed four-channel (designated as Ports 1 thru 4) audio
player and program switcher. The MultiPlayer works in conjunction with the AMC to provide independent audio playout for up to
four discrete channels whose particular operating attributes are defined in the AMC. The four independent ports can be
configured for mono-analog or stereo AES and ports can be “bonded” or grouped together to create multi-channel audio
configurations described below. The MultiPlayer’s flexible design allows it to be configured to use its internal switching or
originate the audio signal(s) for switching or embedding by downstream devices, including independent GPO’s to trigger these
devices. The MultiPlayer features automatic program bypass in the event of power fail thus assuring the program input for any
port is automatically routed to the program output of the same port if there is loss of power or power supply failure.
For clarity the term Audio Signal refers to the physical nature of the signal i.e. (AES) digital audio or analog, while Audio Type
denotes the action that will be applied to the signal during playback.
MultiPlayer - Mounting
The MultiPlayer manages the audio and contact closure wiring; therefore to facilitate ease of wiring it should be placed in close
proximity to audio signal sources and control points. The unit is attached to a 19” EIA equipment rack using the standard
mounting holes on the front panel. Mounting screws are included in the shipping box.
MultiPlayer – AMS Configuration Examples
The Multiplayer features four Ports, each having an independent audio switch, four (4) GPI’s, and two (2) GPO’s. Based on the
required number of audio channels for the application each port may be used and configured in a different manner. Playback
control PLAY/PAUSE/STOP can be independently managed per port, however in the AMS application the incoming data is the
same for all ports and therefore creates the same audio file which is loaded into each channel.
For simplicity, it may be a good idea to wire the station’s Main program audio through Port 1 and the associated SAP channel on
Port 2. This is by no means the only configuration as there are a variety of ways the MultiPlayer and AMC can be configured to
manage different signal and source scenarios.
!"#$%&'()*$+"*
,"-+)*
./"+&01#%-2)23
456&578
5-29"&
7)::$;)&
8"1+*"%%)*&
7$91&<*";*$=&5-29"
.6+)*)"&51$%";&"*&5>63
6)#"12$*?&5-29"&<*";*$=
.6+)*)"&51$%";&"*&5>63
7$91&<*";*$=&5-29"&
.6+)*)"&51$%";&"*&5>63
6)#"12$*?&5-29"&<*";*$=
.6+)*)"&51$%";&"*&5>63
<%$?@$#A&B*9;;)*:&.'(C"1$%3
456&7<
7-%C<%$?)*&
7$91&D<'
65<&D<'
01#"=91;&4$+$
.6)*9$%E&F7!E&)+#G3
Data$Layer$
Signal$Layer$
7-%C<%$?)*&-:)2&H"*&:9;1$%&:I9+#J91;
!"#$%&'()*$+"*
,"-+)*
./"+&01#%-2)23
456&578
5-29"&
7)::$;)&
8"1+*"%%)*&
7$91&<*";*$=&5-29"&
.6+)*)"&51$%";&"*&5>63
6)#"12$*?&5-29"&<*";*$=
.6+)*)"&51$%";&"*&5>63
<%$?@$#A&B*9;;)*:&.'(C"1$%3
456&7<
7-%C<%$?)*&
7$91&D<'
65<&D<'
01#"=91;&4$+$
.6)*9$%E&F7!E&)+#G3
Data$Layer$
Signal$Layer$ 7-%C<%$?)*&-:)2&$:&:"-*#)
B"&2"H1:+*)$=&2)I9#):E
)G;G&)=@)22)*:E&)+#G
Figure 5 AMS wired for program audio switching
Figure 4 AMS wired for audio origination, triggering downstream
devices
Digital Alert Systems AMS Installation / Operation & Integration Guide
Revision 1.1 Page 6 of 28
MultiPlayer - Wiring
MultiPlayer - Audio Connections
Audio connections are made to and from the MultiPlayer for each audio signal through the XLR connections on the ports labeled
1, 2, 3 & 4 as shown Figure 6. The AMS application does not require the Master Port and this port should remain unused.
Figure 6 MultiPlayer rear panel showing connections on Ports 1 -4. Master Port is not used
MultiPlayer ports are configured by selecting one of the standard audio signals then, under the AMC interface, selecting the
audio type. In this manner any port may be used for any audio signal as each port is configured for the audio type; Main, SAP,
or Preview in the AMC configuration. This allows mixing and matching any audio type across the four ports, which is especially
useful for stations with multiple Main and SAP channels.
Each of the MultiPlayer’s audio input/output ports can be configured to handle any one of these audio signals:
MultiPlayer Audio Signals (per port)
Designation Description
AES3
AES digital with input (stereo pair) – locks to incoming AES signal for clock reference (Factory default)
ORIG
AES digital without input (stereo pair) – uses internal reference clock, generates AES silence when not playing
ANALOG
Analog mono – balanced audio input and output
SLAVE
Analog stereo – combination – ties playout with prior port ANALOG channel, creating an analog stereo pair.
Table 2 MultiPlayer supported audio signals and designations
From the factory each port is preset for AES audio signal pass-thru. This may be changed to reflect AES origination or analog
mono as explained in Audio Port Configuration section below.
MultiPlayer - GPI’s & GPO’s
The MultiPlayer features four (4) General Purpose Inputs and two (2) General Purpose outputs per each port. The table and
picture below define the wiring locations and the corresponding labeling in the AMC. These ports match the AMC configuration
settings in the Configure > GPIO menu.
Notes:
1. GPO’s are not grounded, having two connections (Pins 1 and 2).
2. The terminal strip is removable to facilitate ease of wiring.
Port 1- 4
Connection
Applies to all ports 1, 2, 3 and 4
Port Connection Example (Port 1 shown)
Pin 1
GPO 1
Relay 1 Pin 1
Pin 2
GPO 2
Relay 2 Pin 1
Pin 3
GPI 1
Input 1
Pin 4
GPI 2
Input 2
Pin 5
GND
Ground
Pin 6
GPO 1
Relay 1 Pin 2
Pin 7
GPI 3
Input 3
Pin 8
GND
Ground
Pin 9
GPO 2
Relay 2 Pin 2
Pin 10
GPI 4
Input 4
Table 3 MultiPlayer GPI & GPO connections. Port 1 shown as example - other ports follow same configuration.
Digital Alert Systems AMS Installation / Operation & Integration Guide
Revision 1.1 Page 7 of 28
MultiPlayer - Setting/Modifying IP Address
The MultiPlayer ships with a factory default static IP Address: 192.168.0.220. To match a
station’s network configuration the IP address will most likely need changing which requires
initially logging in to the MultiPlayer at the 192.168.0.220 address to modify IP configuration.
(Additional information on configuring a PC network connection can be found in the Appendix.)
A CAT-5 network crossover cable is shipped with the MultiPlayer to allow direct connection from
a PC network interface to the MultiPlayer network port.
CAUTION: Before directly connecting a PC to the MultiPlayer always verify the cable is a
crossover by referencing the picture in Figure 7. Failure to use a crossover cable may either
cause the interface to not work, and one or both network ports may be damaged.
To assure a stable and steady connection with the AMC, the MultiPlayer should be configured with a static IP address. Consult
the IT department to determine the following information:
Static IP Address
_ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _
Gateway
_ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _
Subnet Mask
_ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _
Use the following steps to modify MultiPlayer IP Address:
1. Power up the MultiPlayer by inserting the AC cord and attaching to 100
– 240 VAC power source
2. While the MultiPlayer is booting (approximately 10 sec) open a web
browser on the PC
3. In the address line type 192.168.0.220 and press <Enter>. You should
be greeted with the MultiPlayer Home page as shown in Figure 8.
4. On the left side of the page click the TCP/IP Configuration link. The
screen should now display the TCP/IP configuration page as shown in
Figure 9.
5. Enter the previously obtained information for IP Address, Gateway
Address and Subnet Mask in the associated fields.
6. Click Save Changes to store the values
7. Click Restart System with New Values will restart the MultiPlayer with the
new values.
8. Disconnect the network connection from the PC and plug into the network
switch/router
9. In a networked browser enter the new IP address to confirm connection.
The MultiPlayer’s home screen should appear.
MultiPlayer - Resetting Default IP
If necessary to reset the MultiPlayer to the default IP Address (192.168.0.220), press and hold the RESET button (located in a
recess on the back panel) for 10 seconds.
Figure 10 MultiPlayer RESET button
Figure 9 MultiPlayer TCP/IP Configuration screen
Figure 8 MultiPlayer Home page
Figure 7 Ethernet c rossover cable
wiring diagram
Reset button
(recessed)
Digital Alert Systems AMS Installation /Operation & Integration Guide
Revision 1.1 Page 8 of 28
MultiPlayer - Audio Port Configuration
Once the MultiPlayer’s network configuration is complete the next step is to configure the audio signals to match the wiring
descibed above. The MultiPlayer can support different audio signals per port.
MultiPlayer Audio Signals (per port)
Designation Description
AES3
AES digital with input (stereo pair) – locks to incoming AES signal for clock reference (Factory default)
ORIG
AES digital without input (stereo pair) – uses internal reference clock, generates AES silence when not playing
ANALOG
Analog mono – balanced audio input and output
SLAVE
Analog stereo – combination – ties playout with prior port ANALOG channel, creating an analog stereo pair.
Table 4 MultiPlayer supported audio signals and designations
Type the IP address of the MultiPlayer’s IP address into a
network connected web browser to display the MultiPlayer
home page.
Click Audio Port Configuration text link on the left to
navigate to the Audio Port Configuration page.
In the factory configuration, all channels are set as AES
digital channels. Each port operates independently and is
not bonded to another port.
The current signal type for each port is shown in the text
below Chan x: (where “x” is the associated port number).
To change audio signals use the pull down menus as
shown under Port 1 to the right. Refer to Table 4
MultiPlayer supported audio signals and designations for
more information about each selection.
In the analog mode each port is a single audio channel. to
create a stereo pair, select, Port 1 as “ANALOG” and Port
2 as “SLAVE”. This forms a bonded pair for Left and Right
audio. Similarly setting ports 3 & 4 in the same way
creates a second stereo analog pairing forming a second
bonded pair.
NOTE: The “SLAVE” option in only selectable for
Ports 2 and 4
IMPORTANT NOTE: Selections must be made for each Port regardless if they differ with the current settings.
Once a selection has been made for all of the ports, click on Save Changes. To ensure all settings have saved, click the
Refresh button. If the configuration remains as desired the settings have been properly stored. If not repeat the selection of
each port as outlined above.
Digital Alert Systems AMS Installation /Operation & Integration Guide
Revision 1.1 Page 9 of 28
Step 2. AMC — Installation and Initial Configuration
Figure 11 AMC - Audio Message Controller - Front Panel
Figure 12 AMC - Audio Message Controller - Rear Panel
Mounting
The AMC can be easily mounted in any standard 19” equipment rack. Device location is very flexible as it usually only requires
AC Power and a network connection able to reach the same network as the associated MultiPlayer. If the USB serial ports are
used (rarely) the distance to the serial data source should be taken in account making placement more distance critical.
Wiring
Connect the AMC to the same network as the MultiPlayer. Provide AC power.
Configuring
The AMC is initially configured with both factory default static IP Address at 192.168.0.210 and DHCP client for network
administrators wishing to manage DHCP access to these devices. The media access control address (MAC address) is printed
on the rear panel of the device, so network administrators may assign a specific IP address to the unit through the network
DHCP server. Please contact your network administrator if you have questions regarding your network connections.
AMC Menus
Log In Screen
From a web browser type the IP address of the AMC (default is 192.168.0.210) and press Enter. The log in screen as shown in
Figure 13 should appear.
If the page does not appear it may require entering the full path http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx or the secure version
https://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the AMC’s IP address in order to gain access.
When using https:// a prompt may ask about the security certificate to allow access. Simply respond in the affirmative.
Figure 13 AMC Log In screen
Default
(Case sensitive)
Username
admin
Password
password
Loading...