GRASS VALLEY NEWTON Datasheet

Newton Modular Control System

C o m p r e h e n s i v e, Co n s o l i d a t e d Co nt r o l fo r
Modular Products

The shift to digital infrastructures has brought with it increasingly complex
signal-processing paths. The Newton modular control system gives you fast,
multi-knob, Ethernet-based access to Grass Valley modular products in a
processing channel.

Two abilities distinguish the Newton system from other approaches
to modular control: the separation of system-level configuration tasks

fromoperationalones,thusminimizingthepotentialforon-airmistakes;

and the ability to group modular products—regardless of their physical
locations—into a logical signal path (or channel) that you can easily access
and manipulate.

Using the Newton system, you can instantly access the Grass Valley
Gecko, GeckoFlex, and Kameleon modular products in a particular signal
path—even if they’re in completely different racks or facilities. You can
adjust module parameters from a rack-mounted Newton control panel or a
software control panel running on a standard Windows PC. There’s even a
button for locking out the control panel to prevent accidental changes.

The Newton system also includes the Grass Valley NetConfig software.
Using it, you can assign IP addresses to Gecko, GeckoFlex, and Kameleon
frames for easy network identification and set initial operational parameters.
Additionally, the NetConfig application works with the Encore
system and Grass Valley routers.

By separating configuration and operational tasks, the Newton system can
simplify your workflows significantly. Instead of painstakingly attaching a serial
cable to the back of every modular product you need to initialize, you can use
NetConfig to set baseline functional operational parameters over a network.
Operators can make adjustments to those parameters using Newton control
panels, without having to wade through complex configuration menus.

The Newton system features two control panels: a rack-mounted version
and a software-based version. You can have any combination of these
panels on your network in any number. You configure these panels using a

configurationplug-inapplicationtoolontheNetConfigapplication;youcan

also use this tool to restrict channel-path and device access on a panel-by­panel basis.

™

router control

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module ordering guide

The Newton modular control system supports optional integration with
the Grass Valley Encore router control system. It’s a great way to quickly
switch sources and adjust signal parameters within configured processing
channels.

You can also use the Newton system to monitor destinations on the
routing system so that, when a source changes, the modules in the
appropriate input signal-processing channel automatically appear on the
Newton control panel.

To help maximize uptime, the Gecko, GeckoFlex, and Kameleon products
support the Grass Valley NetCentral application for Simple Network
Management Protocol (SNMP)-based monitoring.

Key Features

Ethernet-based control of Grass Valley •
Gecko, GeckoFlex, and Kameleon modular
products

Control panels:•

— Compact 1 RU rack mount panel
— PC soft-panel application with same

functionality

— No limit to the number of panels on a

network

— Operation independent of configuration

Includes NetConfig application and •
configuration plug-in tool for:

— Network-wide device configuration
— Control panel configuration

Control panel functions:•

— Four user-configurable control knobs to

update device parameters

— Twelve soft keys for quick recall of user-

configurable parameters

— Simple up/down, left/right navigation
— Each panel supports 128 channels with

12 setups each

— Clearly visible status of controlled devices
— Enable button locally disconnects knobs

and buttons from devices

— Identify button reveals identity of

controlled devices

Additional hardware panel features:•

— Easy-to-read green display w/adjustable

intensity

— Combination of soft buttons and

dedicated function buttons with
adjustable backlighting intensity

Requires only two simple connections: •
RJ-45 Ethernet and IEC AC mains

Optional Encore routing control system •
integration:

— Source selection with automatic source

delegation

— Destination status monitoring

Newton Modular Control System82

Newton 1 RU Hardware Control Panel

Newton Software Control Panel with Router Control

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NEWTON

MODULAR CONTROL

User-Defined Keys Navigation Keys Signal Adjustment Knobs

Route

Newton Control Panels

The ergonomic design of the Newton hardware control panel is emulated
in a software version, shown here with optional router control.

Comprehensive Control Architecture

Grass Valley modular products have long had a variety of control and
monitoring capabilities, from simple local card edge control to more
complex local control with on-screen parameter displays—as well as
network interface modules such as the 8900NET and 2000NET products
whose built-in Web servers relay module-related information to a
standard PC- or Macintosh-based Web browser.

Certainly you could use these products to configure, access, and even
adjust signal parameters. But more and more, the complexity of the
signal-processing path—and the sheer number of devices in it—calls for
easier access and real-time, comprehensive, on-air control.

The Newton control system lets you quickly access all of the Gecko,
GeckoFlex, and Kameleon modules in a signal-processing path to make
audio, video, and timing adjustments. You can make these adjustments
from a rack-mounted control panel, a software control panel running on a
standard PC, or a combination of both. There is no limit to the number of
control panels you can have on the network.

Yet your Gecko, GeckoFlex, and Kameleon modules do not need to be
located in the same frame for the Newton system to control them—or
even the same facility. Because the system runs on standard TCP/IP
networks, an Ethernet connection across a LAN or WAN gives you
complete signal-processing control.

NetConfig Tools

With a comprehensive set of powerful tools, hardware and software

control panel functionality can be precisely defined. Additional tools

for IP configuration and software updates makes NetConfig a valuable

engineering package.

Powerful Control Panel Provides Fast, Easy Adjustments

The hardware version of the Newton modular control panel was designed
with operator ergonomics in mind. It features four, simultaneously active,
user-configurable knobs that update modular product parameters in real
time. Each has a tri-color LED that indicates the health of a connection,
providing immediate feedback of module or signal condition.

The Newton system also features 12 configurable buttons. You can
configure them to do everything from recall a signal-processing path
setup to perform a source take or recall a router destination.

When you press one of these 12 buttons, the Newton system
automatically displays the current settings above four knobs. You can
then use these knobs to adjust specific signal parameters. Using the
intuitive interface, you can also scroll through additional setups and signal
processing channels.