1A. IntelliControl Features and Benefits...................................................................................................................1
A Complete System......................................................................................................................................................1
One Touch “Intelligent Macros” To Turn The Entir e Home Theater On or Off.................................................... 2
Automatically Unmute the System..............................................................................................................................2
Manage and Automate “Unf riendly” Compone nts..................................................................................................2
Trigger Screens, Screen Masking Devices, Projector Lifts, Curtains and Drapes..................................................2
PC Programmable with IntelliFile II......................................................................................................................... 2
Proudly Made in USA................................................................................................................................................. 3
1B. IntelliControl Parts Guide.....................................................................................................................................3
The Tabletop Remote.................................................................................................................................................. 3
The Main System Unit (MSU).................................................................................................................................... 4
1C. Selling the System...................................................................................................................................................6
Selling Automated Home Theater Systems................................................................................................................6
Solving The Problems of Co nventional Home T heater Oper atio n...........................................................................6
Problem One: Turning the System On..................................................................................................................6
The IntelliControl Solution: Syncron ization (Syn c)............................................................................................. 6
Problem Two: Selecting Inputs & Modes............................................................................................................. 8
The IntelliControl Solution: Softw are Managers to Select Inpu ts and Modes....................................................8
1D. Comparison of Home Theater Control Sys tem s..............................................................................................10
2A. Power Syncronization..........................................................................................................................................11
Components that Don’t Need Sync – Thos e with L atchi ng Pow er.........................................................................11
Remember the Exception – Tuners built into Receivers and Televisions...............................................................12
2B. Sync Methods and Options.................................................................................................................................12
Video Sync.................................................................................................................................................................12
Syncing the TV.....................................................................................................................................................13
12 Volt Sync...............................................................................................................................................................13
1. 12V DC Sync via a Wall Adapter Plugged into a Switched AC Outlet...................................................... 13
3. Niles OTI-512 Voltag e Sens or.......................................................................................................................14
4. Niles APC-2 Current Sensin g Switcher........................................................................................................14
5. Niles IPC-6 Current Sens ing AC Pow er Controller.....................................................................................14
Each Sync Connection on the M ain Sys tem U nit C orres ponds to a Par ticul ar Mas ter K ey on th e Tablet op
Testing Components for Automation Conflicts........................................................................................................17
Testing Components for Sync Method.....................................................................................................................17
Sync Off Delay.....................................................................................................................................................18
3A. Pages, Keys, and Sequences................................................................................................................................21
An Address For Every IR Comman d........................................................................................................................22
Issue A Sequence From A Functio n Key..................................................................................................................22
Purpose of the Master Key Pages............................................................................................................................23
Purpose of the Default Page.....................................................................................................................................23
Purpose of the Library Pages...................................................................................................................................24
3B. Function Key Memory Limitations...................................................................................................................24
3C. Master Key Automation: Par t 1 - One Touch Sys tem Turn On...................................................................25
Event One – Initial Sequence....................................................................................................................................26
Event Two - TV Power..............................................................................................................................................27
Event Three - Preamp Power...................................................................................................................................27
Event Four - Component Power (N ot Applicable to Mas ter Keys Nine a nd Ten).................................................27
Event Five - TV Input................................................................................................................................................27
Event Six - Preamp Input..........................................................................................................................................27
3E. Master Keys: Part 2 - Special Features............................................................................................................28
Automation Bypass for Manually Adjus ted Featur es..............................................................................................28
Automation Bypass for a Typical A pplication....................................................................................................28
How to Program “Component P ower” for Multiple Master Keys w hich Share a Common Source..................29
Press and Hold a Master K ey...................................................................................................................................30
Custom Programming for Preamp/Receiver s with Sep arate On/Off C ommands.................................................30
3F. Master Keys: Part 3 - Direct IR, Sequence IR, and Managers......................................................................31
Direct IR - A Different “Single” IR Code for each of the Compon ent’s Inpu ts.....................................................31
Testing Direct IR ..................................................................................................................................................31
Sequence IR— a Single “I nput Toggle” Comman d and a Se cr et Back-Door “An chor” C ommand( s)..............31
Finding the Secret Back-Door “An chor” Command..........................................................................................31
Testing the “Anchor” Command.........................................................................................................................31
Input Manager – For Components with only a Sin gle “Input Toggle” C ommand...............................................32
ii
Testing the “Input Manager” Method..................................................................................................................32
Determine the “Defaults”.....................................................................................................................................32
3G. Master Keys: Part 4 – Intelligent System Tu rn Off........................................................................................32
Event 2 - TV Auto Turn Off.......................................................................................................................................33
Event 3 - Auto Volume Reset....................................................................................................................................33
Event 4 - Preamp Auto Turn Off..............................................................................................................................33
Event 5 - Component Auto Turn Off........................................................................................................................33
3H. The Audio, Video, and Assignable Relays with Control Vol tage Output....................................................33
Relay Voltage Limitations.........................................................................................................................................33
Video 12V Output and Relay....................................................................................................................................34
Assignable 12V Output a nd Rel ay............................................................................................................................34
ID Code .....................................................................................................................................................................34
IR Routing..................................................................................................................................................................35
Dual TV .....................................................................................................................................................................35
4A. Using Your Original Remote Controls via an I R Repeater Sys tem.............................................................37
Integrating a Second Zone........................................................................................................................................37
Turning On Common Sources in Multi-Zone Systems............................................................................................38
Integrating the Niles RVL-6 an d MRZ-6 Multi-Ro om Controllers.........................................................................39
Multiple TV Array In A Media Room.......................................................................................................................39
Integrating the Niles IntelliPad™ Into the H ome Theater......................................................................................39
Integrating a Learning Touchscreen Int o An IntelliCo ntrol Home Theater..........................................................39
Teach the RF/IR Conversion Codes for the Mas ter K eys, Functi on Keys, and Sys tem Off Key...........................40
Step-by-Step Installation of a New System..............................................................................................................41
1.Connect, Power Up, and Test The Home T heater..........................................................................................41
2. Check MSU Location for Freedom from Interfer ence....................................................................................41
3. Connect and Power Up the MSU, Your PC, an d the I ntelliFile II..................................................................41
5. Testing and Troubl eshoot ing RF Trans miss ion and Rec eption.......................................................................42
iii
6. Connect Flashers a nd Sync Cables...................................................................................................................43
8.The IR/RF Test LED.........................................................................................................................................45
The IntelliControl Tabletop Remote.........................................................................................................................46
The IntelliControl Main System Unit.......................................................................................................................46
iv
Chapter
IntelliControl® Home Theater Automation
System
1A. IntelliControl F eatures and Benefits
Introducing the IntelliContr ol, the wor ld’s f ir st affordable home theater automation s ystem
expressly designed to provide true one-touch operation. Unlike universal remote controls,
the IntelliControl System senses the actual on/off state of all of your audio/video
components. When you press a Master Key, the built-in microprocessor has the
intelligence to decide which components need to be powered up , depending on what
Master Key was selected and the On/Off state of the components.
After the system components have been turned on, the IntelliControl issues all of the
necessary surround-sound mode commands, the preamp input selection commands, the
TV input commands, and any “play” or “f avorite station” commands. For the first tim e,
most anyone in the famil y can operate the system without trai ning, prompting or headscratching.
Ten Master Keys can be custom labeled to reflect your system components or features.
When you select a source, it lights up letting you know it’s ready to be controlled.
Traditional universal remotes are confusing because “aux” might actually select the
satellite receiver, and “VCR2” s elects the TV. Now, each of the sour ces in your system
are correctly labeled. By pressing one of these Master “scene-setting” Keys, your system
is completely turned on, configured, and set up to watch and control the selected source.
The only other system s capable of this unique combination of custom labelin g and full
automation of a mixture of multi-brand components are very expensive touchscreen
automation systems. In addition to the expense, touchscreens are menu-driven, and
always require more than one step to operate. The IntelliControl offers genuine onetouch operation at an affordable price.
A Complete System
The system consists of an ergonomically designed RF (radio frequency) Tabletop Remote
Control and an “intelligent” Main System Unit (MSU). Powerful combinations of hardware
and software functions within the Main System Unit manage and control every aspect of
the home theater.
1
One Touch “Intelligent Macros” To Turn The Entire Home Theater On or Off
Normal home theater system operation requires you to turn on multiple com ponents. It is
easy to make a mistake, whic h can cr eate a situati on wher e you m ust be a detec tive and
hunt down the fugitive component that is “off”, when it really should be “on”. The
IntelliControl eliminates al l of this tr oub les hoot ing. A s ingle touch of any of the ten ins tal ler
labeled “scene-setting” keys (typically label ed for sources e.g. T V, VCR, CD) will initiate
an intelligent sequence of commands (macro).
The IntelliControl will only issue a component’s power command if it is off. All of the
necessary components are turned on, every time. After the system components have
been turned on, the IntelliControl automatically completes the system configuration,
enabling you to watch and listen to the selected source. No w, a complex mix of different
brands of audio/video components can be operated with the same ease and simplicity of a
traditional television set.
Automatically Unmute the System
Many surround-sound preamps or receivers can unpleasantly surprise you with their
“mute” functions. For example, if you mute the system to answer a phone call and then
press a Master Key or the “Volume Up” Key, the volume will be too low. If you first raise
the volume then remember that you muted it, a press of the “Mute” button will issue a
deafening blast.
The IntelliControl is capable of “managing” the mute command. The system will mute
when you press the “Mute” key. However, it will now unmute automatically whenever you
press a Master Key, “Volume Up” or the “Mute” key.
Manage and Automate “Unfriendly” Components
Many high-performance audio/vid eo components have remote control functions that are
impossible to automate with conventional automation equipment. The components are
really just designed for the user who demands manual control at all times. The
IntelliControl has unique software “managers” which enable complete automation of
components that are difficult to automate. For the first time, components chosen for
optimum performance can be automated using the IntelliControl.
Trigger Screens, Screen Masking Devices, Projector Lifts, Curtains and Drapes
The IntelliControl provides dedicated 12-volt DC triggers for both the Video and the Audio
Scenes. The Video scene also triggers a latching (normally open) and a latching (normally
closed) contact rela y. An "assignable" re lay and 12v DC vo ltage can be tr iggered b y any
key as a step in a programmed sequence. These relays and voltages enable devices
which are not IR controlled to be automated by the IntelliControl system.
PC Programma ble with Inte lliFile II
An IntelliControl system conf iguration can be programmed, saved, and edite d using the
Niles IntelliFile II PC Interf ace and Program ming Software. A PC run ning W indows 95 or
98 is required. Unfortunately, Niles does not offer a Mac compatible version at this time.
2
Proudly Made in USA
The IntelliControl is designed and built in the USA and comes with a limited two year parts
and labor warranty.
1B. IntelliControl Parts Guide
Figure 1 The IntelliControl Tabletop Remote
The Tabletop Remote
The Tabletop Remote is a radio f requency (RF) tr ansm itter which comm unicates with the
Main System Unit (MSU) on a RF carrier frequenc y of 418MHz. The T abletop Remote
features the following:
•Ten Master Keys – The ten Master Keys on the left side of the remote may be
custom labeled and will initiate the IntelliControl’s automation functions when
programmed via the Intell iFile II PC Interf ace and Program m ing Sof tware. Press ing a
Master Key will prompt the MSU to check the On/Off status of all of the components in
the system and issue the necessary IR commands to conf igure the system so the
user may enjoy the selected source.
•System Off Key – When pressed, the Tabletop Remote will instruct the MSU to
check the On/Off status of all the components in the s ystem and issue the n eces sar y
IR commands to power down the system.
3
•Backlight Key – Pressing the Bac klight Key (located on the upper left corner of the
Tabletop Remote) will illuminate all the keys to enable com plete c ontrol of the system
in dark rooms.
•Function Keys – The thirty-two Function Ke ys inclu de the num er ic, m enu, tr ansport,
mute, volume, and channe l keys. Once a M aster Key is s elected, the Function Keys
correspond to the functions of that selected source. However, the volume and mute
keys are usually programmed to control the preamp only.
Figure 2 Main System Unit – Top View
Figure 3 Main System Unit – Front View
The Main System Unit (MSU)
The Main System Unit is the “brain” of the Intel liControl s ystem. Once a RF command is
issued from the Tabletop Remote, the MSU processes the command and controls all
functions of the system. All programming is stored inside the MSU. The Main System Unit
features the following:
•Power Connector – Located on the upper left side of the MSU, the Power Connector
accommodates a 12V DC 800mA UL approv ed external power supply (FG00667 included).
4
•RF Test Port – Also locat ed on the upper left side of the MSU is the RF Tes t Port.
The RF Test Port enables you to rec eive real-time confirmation that RF s ignals are
received and understood, detect interference, and test for sync status. The bicolor
RF/IR Test LED (FG00727) is available as an accessory, and should be sold and
installed in every IntelliControl home theater.
•Video Sync Inputs – The eight Composite (RCA) Video Syn c Port s are provi ded to
sense the on/off power status of IR controlled components with v ideo output. Your
system design may require additional video cables and “Y” adapters.
•12V Sync Inputs – The 12V Sync Inputs are provided to sense the on/off power
status of IR controlled com ponents. Your system design may require 12V DC wall
adapters or Niles switchers (APC-2, LS-1, OTI-512) with a 10’ Accessory Cable
(FG00724).
•Transfer Connector – T he three conductor T ransfer Connector enables the transf er
of programming information from the IntelliFile II PC Interface or the original
IntelliControl Programm er to the MSU and vice versa. You may want to perm anently
install a 20’ Transfer Cable (FG00725) to provide future access for programming
updates.
•IR Flasher Outputs- T he twelve IR Flasher Outputs iss ue IR codes to IR controlled
components. Your system design may require IRC-2P MiniFlashers (FG00726)
and/or 3.5 to 3.5 mono mini-plug cables for hardwired connections to compatible
components.
•12V DC Control Voltage Outputs – These connections can be used to trigger
screens, Niles switchers, and other devices. Your system design may require 10’
Accessory Cables (FG00724). The IntelliControl features an “Audio 12V” output
(active whenever a sour ce that utili zes the pream p is selec ted), a “Video 12 V” output
(active whenever a sour ce that utilizes the T V is selected), and a n “Assignable 12V”
output (activated as part of a sequence with the “Assignable Relay On” command).
•Dry Contact Closures / Relays – These connections can be used to trigger lights,
curtains, screens, lifts, and other devices. Your system design may require multiconductor cable. The IntelliControl features a “Video Relay” (active whenever a
source that utilizes the TV is selected), and an “Assignable Relay” (activated as part of
a sequence with the “Assignable Relay On” command).
•IR Data Input Connectors (“Home Theater IR” and “Second Zone IR”) – These
connections enable IR data to be fed into the MSU from Niles IR sensors, keypads, IR
Main System Units, or Multi- room Controllers around t he house. IR data received at
the “Home Theater IR” port is pas sed through all flashers. IR data received at the
“Second Zone IR” port is passed through flashers 1 – 8 only.
•Antenna Socket – This F-connector accommodates a 1’ to 200’ length of high quality
quad-shielded RG-6 coax cable with 6-3/4” of the center conductor exposed. It is
suggested that the exposed tip of the antenna be located as far from the main
equipment location (and as close to the user’s location) as practical.
•IR Flasher Level Controls – The twelve flasher lev el controls enab le the install er to
control the strength of the IR output sent to each of the components in the system.
Flasher strength increases as the pots are turned clockwise (a jeweler’s screwdriver is
5
required). Before beginnin g to pro gr am the system, it is recommended that a Niles IR
Sensor be connected to the MSU’s “Home Theater IR” port and each of the flasher
level adjustments be set using the components’ original remote controls.
1C. Selling the System
Selling Automated Home Theater Systems
In the past, selling a hom e theater system has always in volved system design trade-off s.
With every profitable upgrade you sell to your cust omer there is a “hidden” cost to you
after the installation, which is your time.
Along with selling and installing the system, you must assume the responsibility for training
the customer to actually use the n ew features or enjoy the enhanc ed performance. T he
frustration many consumers feel, even after repeated training sessions, certainly limits
referrals and sometimes leads to refunds. In any event, the time required to drill customers
so that they can reliably turn on and operate the s ystem c an be ridicu lousl y expensive f or
you and tedious for your customer. The IntelliControl enables you, the salesperson, to
design and sell absolutely automated home theater systems (systems that require minimal
training to operate and which generate repeated referrals).
In order to successfully sell the IntelliControl to consumers, you should be able to
effectively present what “Home Theater Automation” means, in terms the consumer will
understand. The following sections elaborate how the IntelliControl’s autom ation differs
from anything that has ever been sold and installed into a home theater at this price point.
Solving The Problems of Conventional Home The ater Operation
The IntelliControl uses a unique approac h to solve the classic problems of operating a
home theater. In this sectio n, we will take a closer look at what those probl ems are, and
how the IntelliControl solves them.
Problem One: Turning the System On
In a conventional system, turning on a home theater with a remote control can be so
difficult, that most people simply walk up to the equipment where they can see each
component and try to remember what needs to be d one. Since m os t com ponents f eature
“toggle” power commands (one button which turns th e component both “On” and “Off ”),
you cannot simply press the power button on each of your remotes in turn or issue a
macro of many power commands from a sequencing remote or touchscreen. For
example: If you put the videotape into your VCR, it would autom atically turn on, and the
act of pressing the power button on each of your remotes (or pressing the macro button on
your touchscreen) would turn on the rest of your system, but would turn off the VCR).
The IntelliControl Solution: Syncronization (Sync)
The IntelliControl’s Main System Unit is connected to al l of the h ome theater components.
Its unique video and 12V sensing circuits enable it to actually “know” whether each
component is on or off.
6
When the user presses any Master Key, the Inte lliControl’s microprocessor checks the
power status of each com ponent and synchronizes the s ystem to the end user ’s desires
by issuing only the necessary power comm ands. No matter what their pre vious on or off
states, the IntelliControl will know exactly which components need to be powered up.
Power synchronization is not just used when the system is first turned on. It is also used
when a new Master Key is selecte d. The IntelliCo ntrol check s to s ee if anything ne eds to
be turned on or off, and issues the necessary power commands.
Figure 4 System Schematic
7
Problem Two: Selecting Inputs & Modes
Home theaters need to have the s urround receiver’s audio inputs selecte d, the correct
surround-sound mode selected, and the correct TV input selected. Even if there is a
separate button for every mode or input, the user m ust remember which input label is
correct for each component and keep track of which remote is which. Although some
remotes have the ability to issue “macros”, most systems incorporate at least one
component that is “macro-proof” (a component that uses a single “INPUT” or “MODE”
command to cycle through all of the choices). T here is no way for the rem ote control to
“know” which input was last selected. So, the consumer must remember which input it was
and cycle through the choices manually. Operation is frustratingly complex for anyone.
The IntelliControl Solution: Software Managers to Select Inputs and Modes
The IntelliControl’s Ma in System Unit is program med with powerf ul software “m anagers”
that automate Input and Mode s election. No m atter what t ype of IR comm and is requir ed
to change the inputs or the modes, The IntelliControl automatically selects the correct
configuration for the source selected.
Additionally, for the first time, you can design sophisticated configurations that improve
system performance without worrying about the difficulty the end-user might have
remembering everything (i.e. you could run S-Video direct to the TV’s S-Video input for the
DSS, while composite video is run from the other sources to the TV’s video input).
This automation does not get in the wa y of hobbyists who lik e to play with the surr oundsound modes. The IntelliControl will automatically select the normal surround-sound
mode for each input when the user presses a Master Key.
However, if the hobbyist decid es to experiment with different m odes, he/she can press
one of the ten custom labeled M ast er Keys (labeled “Surround” for exam ple) , change a nd
adjust the surround-sound, and when they return to the last source selected, the surroundsound mode will not automatically change back to the norm al m ode ( this is an example of
the IntelliControl’s “Automation Bypass” feature). Only when the user selects a new source
will the IntelliControl take over again and autom atically select the def ault surround-sound
mode for the new source. Now, the hobbyist can peac efully coexist with the rest of the
family, because he/she will ne ver accidenta lly leave the s ystem in the wrong input or the
wrong surround-sound mode.
Problem Three: Decorating El ectronically – Putting All The Components In
Plain Sight
If the equipment is placed out of sight behind cabinet doors and an infrared repeater
system is installed, the user cannot see which com ponent is on, which input is selected,
etc. Either way, the user is cursed with either a stack of components with cryptically
flickering LEDs in plain sig ht or a cabinet full of components that can onl y be operated if
the doors are open.
The IntelliControl Solution: Automation Allows Behind Closed Door
Operation
Because the IntelliContro l automates all of the system’s functions , the user doesn’t need
to check the power status or the currently selected input of each component. The
IntelliControl is constantly checking the power status and the software Managers are
8
correctly configuring the system for any source. As a result, the components can be
placed behind closed doors.
Problem Four: When The System Turns On, The Volume Is Too Low, or Too
High
Surround-sound pream ps/receivers typically stay at the last volume selected when they
are turned off. As a result, tur ni ng on a system can sometimes be puzzlin g bec aus e th ere
is no sound, while at other times, turning on a system can be ear-shattering.
IntelliControl Solution : The Volume Re sets Automatica lly At Turn Off
The IntelliControl can be programmed to automatically reset the rece iver’s volume to a
comfortable level. When the “System Off” key is pressed, the IntelliControl can be
programmed to issue the “Volume Down” for as long as necessary to take the
preamp/receiver to minimum, then raise it to a comfortable level regardless of how loud or
soft the system had been playing. Only then do es the IntelliControl turn the system off.
The system always turns on at a moderate volume setting. No more puzzling or surprising
accidents.
Problem Five: The Pitfalls of Mute
It has been traditional for most surround-sound receivers and pream ps to offer the end
user a separate “Mute” button. This button has created thousands of service calls
worldwide. You press “Mute” once, the system mutes, you press it again and it unmutes.
However, the user must remember that the system is muted. If the user forgets, then there
is no sound. Or worse, a service call is created.
IntelliControl Solution: Software Managers to Manage Mute
The IntelliControl’s Main System Unit can be programmed to automate the “Mute”
command. Now, when one person presses “Mute”, nobody has to r emember anything.
The IntelliControl remembers. When anyone touches any key, the preamp will unmute.
Problem Six: Infrared Remote Controls Are Line-Of-Sight Only
In a conventional system using a “macro” remote, various problems can occur if the
remote control is not poi nted correctly, or not held s teadily in one position until all of its
commands are issued. If the user’s hand slips, or someone walks by, some of the
commands may not be received. Annoying problems, which are exaggerated in larger
rooms, will occu r.
IntelliControl Soluti on: Radio Frequency Comman ds Between th e Tabletop
Remote Control and the System
The IntelliControl issues a single RF “automation” command when a button is pushed.
Because radio signals operate at any angle and cannot be physically blocked, the
system’s automation is extremely reliable. All macros are issued by the MSU, which feeds
IR commands directly to the com ponents. The IntelliControl provides the end-user with
one-touch operation every time.
9
1D. Compariso n of Home Theater Control Systems
Figure 8 System Comparison
10
Chapter
Po wer Syncronization and Component
Compatibility
2A. Po wer Syncroni zati on
Infrared Turn On/Off Requires “Sync”
Every component which requires an infrared command to turn “On” or “Off” must be
synced to the IntelliControl. Based on the “sync status” of the selected component, the
IntelliControl will know whether or not to issue a “Power” or “On” command when a Master
Key is selected. The same basic procedure applies to turning the system off. The
IntelliControl monitors the on/off status of the components in either of two ways, “12V
Sync” and “Video Sync”.
Components that Don’t Need Sync – Those with Latching Power
Components which “latch” into an “ On” state when power is supplied do not need sync.
The term “Latching Power” describes any component which has a Po wer button which
“latches” into the “On” position and can be turned on automatically when AC power is
supplied. “Single” and “5-disc” CD players, as well as most Tape Decks traditionally plug
into the switched outlet of the preamp/receiver an d do not requir e IR “power” or “On” and
“Off” commands to manage their power. Check the power consumption of each devices in
the system and total them. If all of the connected component’s combined power
consumption exceeds the limitations of the pream p’s switched out let, you must specify a
Niles AC-6+ to switch the “On” and “Off”. See Figure 9
Figure 6 Using the Niles AC-3 (or AC-6+) to switch on source components featuring
“latching” power via the Audio Control Voltage Output. (The Audio 12V is automatically
activated whenever a source that utilizes the preamp is selected).
11
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