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TM
Interactive MPEG Player
Model 201
User Manual
www.videochameleon.com
Revision 1.8
Rev F PCB Assy.
Sept. 9, 2004
Copyright 2004
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Table of Contents
Introduction .............................................................3
Usage
PAL or NTSC
Safety
Setup and Connections ............................................ 4
Connection Sequence
Sequence Summary
Connector Layout Diagram
Connector Details Diagram .....................................5
Carton Contents, Integration and Control ...............6
Options
Developer’s Kit
Integration/OEM
Ethernet Update and Serial Control
Hardware Compatibility ..........................................7
Important Note
CompactFlash Cards
Software Upgrades
Specifications .......................................................... 8
Troubleshooting .......................................................9
MPEG Content Creation ........................................10
MPEG Details
Multiplexing
Data Format
Contact Information, EU Regulatory Notices ....... 11
Warranty, FCC Notice ...........................................12
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Introduction
The Video Chameleon is a powerful and flexible microcomputer, specialized for the playback of MPEG video and audio files, as well as still
images. The digital media files are held on a CompactFlash card or Microdrive. The player outputs NTSC or PAL video and stereo audio.
Since the Video Chameleon is a television based player, it is designed
to work with television displays (LCD or CRT) not computer displays.
Specific Features Include:
• MPEG 1 or 2 Video and Audio, DVD Quality Levels
• NTSC or PAL Video Output
•
Composite (RCA) or S-Video Video Connection
• Stereo Audio Connection
• Serial (RS232) and Ethernet Connections
•
Flexible User Interface Port for Touchscreen, Switches, etc.
•
Compact and Low Power Consumption for Easy Integration
• Software Upgradeable for Flexibility and Future Expansion
Usage
The Video Chameleon is intended for professional, commercial applications. POR (point-of-reach), POP (point-of-purchase), POI (point-ofinformation), training, exhibitions, information kiosks and museums are
but a few of the many possible uses for the player. Please visit our
website at www.videochameleon.com for feature articles on successful
applications. It can be integrated within the housing of an LCD or CRT
television, or can be housed separately. The MPEG content can be updated via replacement of the CompactFlash or Microdrive, or can be
updated via Ethernet. The player is not sold for or intended for use by
individual consumers.
PAL or NTSC
Each Video Chameleon player is configured at the time of manufacture
for either NTSC or PAL video compatibility. An NTSC player must be
used with an NTSC television monitor, and must use NTSC MPEG
files. Likewise, PAL players are compatible with PAL televisions and
MPEG. The player type can be identified by the first character of the
serial number – N for NTSC and P for PAL.
Safety
As a commercial product, the Video Chameleon is intended for use by
professionals. However, everyone who works with electrical and electronic devices must always ensure that necessary safety precautions are
taken. This includes checking all connected components for correct
voltages and ground connections.
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Setup & Connections:
The Video Chameleon player is connected much as a VCR or DVD
player, except that it requires DC power. Mandatory connections include DC power, CompactFlash card with playable files, video cable
and (if required) audio cable. Optional connections include Serial
(RS232), Ethernet (10BaseT) and User Interface.
Connection Sequence:
The CompactFlash card must be in place when power is applied to the
player. Although no harm will occur to the player, the player cannot
boot without the card in place. There is no on-off switch, so boot starts
when power is applied. Bootup takes about 30 seconds while the player
accesses the files. There will be no image on the screen during bootup.
The CompactFlash card cannot be changed with the power applied.
Again, no harm will come to the player, but the new card may not boot
and play until power is removed and reapplied.
Sequence Summary:
1. Connect all cables except power
2. Install CompactFlash card
3. Connect power
DC In RS232
-
+
www.videochameleon.com
Model Serial #
Input: 7-25 VDC, 3.6 W
DC In RS232 Audio O ut Video Out
Complies with FCC and EC commercial use standards
Read operating instructions prior to installation
No user serviceable parts inside
Connector Layout Diagram
User Interface
-
+
Ethernet
Ethernet LED
Power On LED
Memory Card
Made in USA
Audio Out
User Interface
Composite Video
S-Video
Ethernet
Ethernet LED
Power On LED
Memory Card
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Connector Details Diagram:
DC Power Input:
Ethernet Port:
Video Outputs:
2.1mm Center +
Standard 10BaseT RJ-45
Standard Composite RCA, S-Video Mini-DIN 4
Stereo Audio Output:
Tip: Left
Ring: Right
Sleeve: Ground
Serial Port:
Pin #
1,2,7
3
5
6
9
4,8,10
Note: Connector is arranged for ribbon cable connection to DB9 to touch
screen controller.
0.25" Square Header, 0.100" Centers
Function
Common
RS232 Data In (Rx)
RS232 Data Out (Tx)
Optional 5V Supply 1.1A Fused
Ground
No Contact
User Interface Port:
Pin
Function
1
Button 1
3
Button 2
5
Button 3
7
Button 4
9
Button 5
11
Button 6
13
Button 7
15
Button 8
17
Gnd
19
Ext Horn Out (-)
21
Button 9- or S (5 wire TS)
23
X2 (4 wire TS) or X (5 wire TS)
25
X1 (4 wire TS) or Y (5 wire TS)
27
Y2 (4 wire TS) or Y (5 wire TS)
29
Y1 (4 wire TS) or X (5 wire TS)
Notes:
1. X1,X2,Y1,Y2 are connections for 4-wire resistive touchscreen.
2. Tie 23 to 29 and 25 to 27 as noted above for 5 wire resistive touch screen.
3. External Horn is open drain to gnd, 50mA max.
4. All Button x pins are paired so that a simple switch closure across
the pins, ie (Pin 1 to Pin 2 for Button 1) will activate that input.
3.5mm Stereo Plug
0.25" Square Header, 0.100" Centers
Pin
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
Sleeve Ring Tip
9
10
View into port
Function
Gnd, Button 1 Common
Gnd, Button 2 Common
Gnd, Button 3 Common
Gnd, Button 4 Common
Gnd, Button 5 Common
Gnd, Button 6 Common
Gnd, Button 7 Common
Gnd, Button 8 Common
VCCF (+5V Fused 1.1A)
VCCF
VCCF, Button 9+ or H (5 wire TS)
L (5 wire TS)
No Contact
No Contact
No Contact
1
2
29
30
1
2
View into port
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Carton Contents:
The standard Video Chameleon package includes:
•
Video Chameleon Player
• Composite (RCA) Video Cable
• Stereo Audio Cable
•
Documentation (This manual)
Options:
Available options include:
• 120VAC Wall Mount Transformer
•
240 VAC Wall Mount Transformer
•
S-Video Cable
Other options are under development – check your reseller or www.
videochameleon.com
Developer’s Kit:
For individuals or organizations wishing to create and test content for
the Video Chameleon platform, a Developer’s Kit is now available.
See your reseller for pricing and more details.
Integration/OEM:
The standard Video Chameleon is offered as a standalone unit in a plastic housing. It is also available to hardware integrators or OEMs as an
unhoused PCB assembly. This will allow for even smaller integrated
player/display units. If carefully designed, slightly higher operational
ambient temperatures are possible with unhoused systems. Contact
your reseller for further details.
Ethernet Update and Serial Control:
Two powerful features of the Video Chameleon are the ability to control the player via Serial / RS232 command, and especially the ability to
update the presentation content via LAN / Ethernet. As the Ethernet
update uses browser based IP communications, a Video Chameleon can
be updated from anywhere in the world using the Internet. For more
details see documentation on the MPEG Author distribution CD or contact your reseller.
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Hardware Compatibility:
The Video Chameleon system is designed to be used with many input,
output, and storage devices. For information regarding compatible
hardware devices, please check your reseller or our website at www.
videochameleon.com.
Important Note:
Our hardware compatibility list is a guidance that we provide for our
customers. It is not a warranty that all items will be compatible under
all circumstances. We cannot control changes and revisions made by
the manufacturers of other hardware. So it is vitally important that you
test any specific combination of hardware under consideration. This is
especially true if large purchases or critical system rollouts are planned.
For maximum security, you may wish to purchase complete integrated
systems from your reseller.
CompactFlash Cards:
The Video Chameleon player depends upon a CompactFlash storage
card for MPEG storage and playback. At the time of writing, the player
is compatible with virtually all brands and sizes of cards tested, 32 MB
and above. Some smaller cards use an incompatible file type and are
therefore not recommended. Both solid state (ie flash memory) and Microdrive cards are compatible. Some cards do have better data transfer
rates than others, so users planning high data rate applications should be
especially careful to test with the intended cards. But just as noted
above, there are literally hundreds of different CompactFlash cards on
the market, all subject to change by their manufacturers. So please perform thorough testing prior to any volume purchases of CompactFlash
cards. Your reseller can offer additional guidance, and may be a good
source for tested, compatible cards.
Software Upgrades:
An important feature of the Video Chameleon is the ability to upgrade
or update the operating system and player application using the MPEG
Author software and the normal removable CompactFlash card. For
more information see our website www.videochameleon.com or contact
your reseller.
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Specifications:
Feature
MPEG Type MPEG 1 or 2
Max Video Resolution 720 x 480 NTSC, 720 x 576 PAL
User Input Response Time .25 sec
CompactFlash Slot Size Type 1 or 2
MPEG Data Rate 8 Mbps max
Serial Port Data Rate 115 Kbps max
Ethernet Port Data Rate 10 Mbps max burst
Weight (in housing) 310g (11 oz)
External Dimensions (in housing)
External Dimensions (unhoused)
Video Output Composite & S-Video, simultaneous
Audio Output 1V into 4.7 KOhm
Audio SNR 96 dB
Input Voltage 7 to 25
Power Consumption 3.6 W
Auxiliary Power Output 5V 1.1A Fused
Serial Port Optional Power Output 5V 1.1A Fused
Operating Temperature Range 0-50 C (32-120 F)
Storage Temperature Range -20-70 C (0-160 F)
Operating Humidity 0% - 90% Non-condensing
User Input Contacts 9
Other Inputs Touch Screen
Wireless Compatible Yes via Ethernet port
GUI Touchscreen Compatible Yes (Full x,y soft hotspots)
Time Triggered Events Yes*
Data Storage & Retrieval Yes*
147 x 147 x 32 mm (5.75 x 5.75 x
1.25”)
127 x 147 x 19 mm (5” x 5.75” x
0.75”)
* Future software release
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Troubleshooting:
Problem Cause Solution
Quick beep on
power application, no picture
Incorrect video
display
No beep, no
sound or picture – red LED
on
No beep, no
sound or picture – red LED
not on
Picture OK –
no sound
Sound OK – no
picture
Memory card not
seated
No data on memory
card
No *.bin file on memory card
Incompatible memory
card
Video type (PAL/
NTSC) incompatibility
Insufficient boot time
Missing data on memory card
No or incorrect power
Incorrect installation/
cabling
Missing data on memory card
TV volume low or
sound off
Incorrect installation/
cabling
Missing data on memory card
TV input set incorrectly
Seat card
See MPEG Author Instructions
for data/card preparation
See MPEG Author Instructions
for data preparation, also check
correct MPEG Author installation
Check dealer or website for compatible memory card information
All components must be of a single standard – NTSC or PAL.
This includes MPEG video and
still image files, MPEG Author
project setup parameters, Video
Chameleon, and TV monitor.
Allow ~30 seconds for boot.
See MPEG Author Instructions
for data/card preparation
Check wall mount transformer,
or power leads in integrated systems. Check specs for power
requirements.
Check installation diagram
See MPEG Author Instructions
for data/card preparation
See TV instructions
Check installation diagram
See MPEG Author Instructions
for data/card preparation
See TV instructions
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MPEG Content Creation
The Video Chameleon Interactive MPEG Player requires the use of an
authoring tool to prepare and program the MPEG data. We offer an easy
and powerful tool called MPEG Author for this purpose. It is available
individually or as part of the Developer’s Kit. We also offer a video tutorial on the features and operation of the MPEG Author software to help
you get started. See our website www.videochameleon.com for more
information, or contact your reseller. Customers wishing to contract for
MPEG programming – or more complete services such as video content
creation or MPEG encoding – should check our website or with your reseller for authorized Video Chameleon developers.
MPEG Details:
Specifically, the Video Chameleon player will accept MPEG 1 or MPEG
2 motion video, MPEG still images, and MPEG audio.
MPEG 1 Mode:
1.15-3 Mbit/sec data rate MPEG 1 video (decoded to
352x240 NTSC or 352x288 PAL non-interlaced, ie 30 fps NTSC or 25
fps PAL) Simultaneous 192-220 kbit/sec MPEG 1 Layer 2 stereo audio.
MPEG 2 Mode:
2-8 Mbit/sec data rate MPEG 2 video (decoded to
720/704x480 NTSC or 720/704x576 PAL interlaced, for total frame rate
of 30fps NTSC (60 fields, 30 frames/sec) and 25 fps PAL. Simultaneous
192-220 kbit/sec MPEG 1 Layer 2 stereo audio. For a conservative
approach when using audio, limit MPEG video rate to ~4 Mbit/sec.
However, with the use of high speed CompactFlash cards, video rates of
up to 8 Mbit/sec can be maintained, even with audio. A good quality
lower bitrate alternate MPEG 2 format is Super Video CD (SVCD),
480x480 NTSC or 480x576 PAL at ~2.5 Mbit/sec.
Still Images:
Data Format:
Motion MPEG:
704x480 (NTSC) or 704x576 (PAL) MPEG 1 stills.
MPEG encoding must occur prior to bringing the data
into the MPEG Author program.
Multiplexing:
The Video Chameleon requires MPEG video and audio
data to be in the form of separate elementary streams, i.e. not multiplexed. The MPEG Author CD contains a de-multiplexing utility which
is useful if MPEG1 data is already multiplexed. For a powerful utility
including MPEG 2 functionality, see tmpgenc.com. We are not affiliated
with and cannot support TMPGEnc, but we find it a useful product.
Still Images:
The MPEG Author program can accept still image files in .
BMP, .JPG, .PCT, .TGA, and .PCD file formats. It will automatically
produce the required MPEG still files.
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Manufacturer:
Action Digital Inc.
2317 Westwood Ave. Ste 101
Richmond, VA 23230 USA
Web: www.videochameleon.com
European Distributor:
Digit Touchsystems BV Digit Professional
Nijverheidsweg 1d-e Nijverheidsweg 1d-e
6651 KS Druten
The Netherlands
Web: www.digit.nl Web: www.digitprofessional.com
Please note: All warranty claims and support will be handled through your
reseller.
European Notice
Equipment complies with the following EC Directives:
•
General Product Safety Directive 92/59/EC
• Council Directive 70/23/EEC
• Low Voltage Directive 72/23/EEC
•
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
Compliance with these Directives includes conformity to the following
Standards:
•
EN 60950
•
EN 50081-1
• EN 55024
FCC (USA) Notice
Warning:
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may
cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
6651 KS Druten
The Netherlands
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Warranty:
1. Reseller (Company) warrants to purchaser that all Video Chameleon MPEG
Players (players) sold are free from defects in material and workmanship; and that
if they are installed per specification they will perform as designed. The Company’s limited warranty shall be for one year from date of shipment. The Company will replace or repair, at its option, any component the Company finds to be
defective. Physical, water or electrical damage, abuse, failure to observe proper
handling and installation procedures, or unauthorized opening of the enclosure,
shall void the warranty. The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse,
negligence, application of current or voltage falling outside of design parameters,
or if installations with environmental factors outside the specified range.
2. Units claimed to be defective shall be returned, shipping prepaid, to the Company for inspection and repair or replacement. Returns must be adequately packed
to prevent further damage during shipment. If the returned player is not found to
be inoperable due to defects in the manufacturer’s materials and workmanship a
repair or replacement charge will be made by the Company. The Company will
return repaired or replaced players to purchaser, freight prepaid.
3. All requests for goods to be returned must be approved in advance by the Company. An RMA (Returned Materials Authorization) number must be obtained
from the Company prior to return and must be prominently posted on the packaging of the shipment. The RMA requests must include both the player Serial Number and the Part Number, and specific information as to the nature of the defect.
4. In the event the Company chooses to send a new replacement component to
correct a failure before receiving a defective component the customer agrees to
return the defective part to the Company within two weeks or the customer will be
charged for a replacement component according to the Spare Parts Price List in
effect at the time. The Company reserves the right to make product improvements
and changes from time to time so that replacements may include these changes
and improvements.
FCC Notice
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesirable operation.
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