Digital Binloop and Video Binloop User’s Manual
Document Revision 3.2 September 22, 2010 Copyright 1996-2010 Alcorn McBride, Inc. All rights reserved. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained in this manual, and the reliability of the Alcorn McBride Digital Binloop hardware and software. Errors can sometimes go undetected, however. If you find one, please bring it to our attention so that we can correct it for others. Alcorn McBride welcomes comments and suggestions on the content and layout of its documentation.
Alcorn McBride Binloop User’s Manual Page iv
Contents WELCOME ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 Organization of this Manual ................................................................................................................ 1 Technical Support ................................................................................................................................ 1 GETTING STARTED....................................
CONTROL PROTOCOLS ............................................................................................................................ 23 AMI/Pioneer Control Protocol ........................................................................................................... 23 Get Firmware Version ...................................................................................................................... 23 Get SMPTE Firmware Version ........................................................
Introduction to the Binloop Software ............................................................................................... 47 Requirements...................................................................................................................................... 47 Installing the Binloop Software......................................................................................................... 47 Connecting your PC to the Binloop.....................................................
MIDI Out........................................................................................................................................... 82 V-Sync ............................................................................................................................................. 82 SMPTE............................................................................................................................................. 82 Parallel Control ..........................................
Preparation .................................................................................................................................... 102 Configuring the Binloop ................................................................................................................. 103 Programming the Show Controller ................................................................................................ 103 Testing the Show Control Script ........................................................
Welcome Organization of this Manual Before you use the Binloop, it is suggested that you read this instruction manual thoroughly. The Getting Started section contains some simple operational examples and explains how to quickly get up and running with the Binloop hardware. Later sections contain more detailed information on programming and operation, including how to integrate your Binloop into a control system and the various hardware configuration options that you’ll need to set up.
Getting Started In this section, you will learn how to: • Install the Binloop • Play a test clip Installation These instructions assume that you have received your Binloop from Alcorn McBride with the Controller card and the appropriate reproducers already installed. For detailed instructions and information on installing the Binloop see the Installation Guidelines section later in this manual.
Playing a Test File Now it’s time to put that nice shiny new Binloop to work and make it play some media. The Binloop is commonly used to either play video or audio, so this section provides information on playing both types of media. Be sure to follow the instructions that are more suitable for your Binloop application. Preparation Before you can play media on the Binloop, you need to load the audio or video content onto a Compact Flash card. To do this, you’ll need the following items: 1.
Formatting the Compact Flash Once you have the necessary materials, you are ready to get started. First, it is recommended that you format the Compact Flash card in the Binloop. This can be accomplished by following these instructions: All Compact Flash Sockets have ejector buttons that make With the Compact Flash card removed, power up the Binloop using it easier to insert and remove the power switch on the back of the unit. the flash media. Press and hold the Test Button of channel #1.
Playing the Test File All of your hard work is about to pay off. Follow these step-by-step instructions to play the test file in the Binloop. 1. If you are playing the video test clip, connect a display to one of the A/V outputs of channel #1 (YPbPr, RGB, or Composite). 2. Insert the Flash card that is loaded with the Binloop audio or video test clip into the Compact Flash socket of channel #1. 3. Power-up the Binloop. 4. Wait for the Binloop to finish initializing.
About the Binloop What is the Binloop? Put simply, the Binloop is a solid-state multi-channel video and audio player that provides up to 16 separate channels of standard-definition video or 32 channels of uncompressed audio. These channels can be played together synchronously or independently from one another. For stand-alone applications, the Binloop can be configured to play files automatically based on a programmable timeline.
The Card Cage The Card Cage is the ‘skeleton’ that integrates the components of the Binloop. This cage contains a Power Supply, a status display, a Controller card slot, and 16 Reproducer card slots. The Reproducer card slots are numbered from 1 to 16, from left to right as viewed from the front of the Binloop. The Reproducer slots and CobraNet slot may or may not be populated depending on The back of the Card Cage contains all of the connectors for the Binloop how your Binloop was ordered.
The CobraNet Card CobraNet is a common industry standard for distributing audio over an Ethernet-based network. When a Binloop is equipped with the CobraNet option, you can distribute the stereo audio outputs of up to 16 reproducers (that’s 32 channels of audio) over a CobraNet network. When this option is installed, an additional RJ-45 Ethernet jack is located on the back of the Binloop cage.
How the Binloop Works Now that you’re more familiar with the various hardware components that comprise the Binloop, let’s get more familiar with how those components actually work together. The diagram below outlines the different components we’ve covered as well as their functional relationship with one another. The sections that follow will cover the various systems you see in this diagram, so please use it as a visual reference.
Control System The Control system of the controller card is the heart of the Binloop. This system handles all of the Binloop’s control interfaces. In addition, the Control system is responsible for configuring and controlling both the SMPTE Interface and the A/V Sync system that also reside on the controller card. This system’s final significant role is to configure and control the reproducers over a shared communications line.
A/V Sync System The A/V Sync system plays a critical role in the operations of the Binloop. This system is responsible for generating the Audio and Video clocks used throughout the Binloop. Most notably, these clocks are used directly by the reproducers to ensure that the video and audio outputs are precisely synchronized with one another. Configuration Options This system has a few straight-forward, yet important, configuration settings.
SMPTE Interface The SMPTE Interface is what gives the Binloop the ability to generate and read SMPTE and EBU timecode. Whether it is generating or reading, this interface provides the Control system with the current SMPTE time. The most important purpose for this is to execute precisely timed user-programmed commands, or triggers, to the reproducer cards. In addition, it provides a SMPTE Frame Clock which is used throughout the Binloop for synchronization purposes.
SMPTE Mode There are 3 basic modes that the SMPTE Interface can operate in. It can be configured to Read timecode, Generate timecode, or generate timecode in reference to the Binloop’s video clocks (Generate /w VSync). In Read mode, the SMPTE module will listen for incoming timecode on the Binloop’s SMPTE In connector whenever the SMPTE module is enabled. While operating in this mode, the SMPTE Interface will repeat the incoming timecode on the SMPTE Out connector.
Powerup Mode The Powerup setting simply tells the SMPTE Interface whether or not to start running when the Binloop first turns on. When the Binloop is configured to start on powerup, the SMPTE Interface will begin generating/reading timecode as soon as the system is ‘ready’ (this is indicated by both the ‘ready’ output and ‘ready’ unit status LED). Restart Mode The Start SMPTE Command can come from any of the Binloop’s control interfaces, including Parallel, RS-232, Ethernet, MIDI, or the frontpanel.
Controlling the Binloop To ensure that the Binloop can meet the needs of almost any application, it has been designed with several different control interfaces. These interfaces include: 1. Serial (RS-232) 2. MIDI 3. Ethernet 4. Parallel 5. Timecode Serial Control (RS-232) The Binloop provides a dedicated Show Control RS-232 port to allow external RS-232 devices to control the product. For added flexibility, this port can be configured to use a variety of serial protocols.
MIDI Control The Binloop has a dedicated MIDI port for use with MIDI-based control systems. This port operates at the MIDI standard baud rate of 31250. Any MIDI command that is received is repeated on to the MIDI OUT connector. Refer to the Control Protocols section of this manual for the complete list of MIDI Show Control commands that are supported by the Binloop. Ethernet Control For Ethernet control, the Binloop uses a standard Ethernet Protocol called UDP (User Datagram Protocol).
Parallel Control The Binloop’s Parallel Control interface is designed to provide a very basic control from simple voltage and contact closure inputs. This interface also has 3 dry-contact relay outputs and 2 TTL level outputs that indicate the status of the Binloop. All of these signals are available on the DB-37 Parallel Control connector located on the back of the Binloop.
Parallel Outputs The following table lists the status outputs that are provided by the Parallel control interface of the Binloop: Function TTL Output Pins Contact Closure Pins Description *Running 1,2 CLOSED when SMPTE is running *Fault 3,4 CLOSED when Binloop is in Fault state *Ready 5,6 CLOSED when Binloop is ready to receive commands SMPTE Lock 33, GND** HIGH (5V) when locked on to external SMPTE VSync Lock 34, GND** HIGH (5V) when locked on to external Video Sync *These relay outputs
Using the Start SMPTE Input Please refer to the Hardware section of this manual for pin assignments and other electrical details for the Parallel Control connector. The Parallel Control connector also contains inputs for starting or stopping the SMPTE Interface. Unlike the Group Control inputs, the SMPTE Control inputs are Opto-Isolated and require a voltage (24V) to be input to them from an external source.
Timecode Control In this method of control, the commands are pre-programmed ahead of time using the Binloop Configuration software, and then downloaded and stored in the Binloop. The concept is pretty simple. When you program the commands, you must specify a SMPTE timecode value for that command. If the SMPTE clock ever equals that timecode value, the command (or trigger) is executed. This concept applies whether the SMPTE is being read from an external source, or generated internally by the Binloop.
Control Protocols AMI/Pioneer Control Protocol For specific information about the RS-232 and Ethernet interfaces, refer to the Controlling the Binloop section of this manual. The AMI/Pioneer protocol commands listed in this section are available for use on both the RS-232 Show Control port and the Ethernet port of the Binloop. This section discusses the most commonly used commands in detail. The protocol is ASCII-based.
Get/Set Unit ID Description: This command will get or set the unit ID number. Parameters: xx represents a decimal number between 1 – 49. Set Command: Response: xxID R Example: Command: Response Get Command: Response: ID xx Example: Command: Response: 1ID R ID 1 Get/Set IP address Description: This command will get or set the unit IP address. Parameters: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx represents a standard IPv4 IP address. Get Command: Response: IP xxx.xxx.xxx.
Get/Set Subnet Mask number Description: This command will get or set the number used to isolate the subnet. Parameters: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is a standard IPv4 subnet mask. Get Command: Response: SM xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx Example: Command: Response: Set Command: Response: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxxSM R Example: Command: Response: SM 255.255.255.0 255.255.255.0SM R Get/Set Gateway address Description: This command will get or set the IP address of the network gateway. Parameters: xxx.xxx.xxx.
Enable SMPTE Description: This command will Enable the SMPTE interface. Comments: If the SMPTE module is configured to Generate, this command will cause the clock to start generating at the configured Preroll time. If the SMPTE module is configured to Read, it will start listening for SMPTE time code on the SMPTE Input. If the SMPTE clock is in a paused state, this command will cause it to resume from its current position.
Get/Set SMPTE time Description: This command will get or set the current SMPTE time. Parameters: hh mm ss ff Get Command: Response: CT hh:mm:ss.ff Example: Command: Response: Set Command: Response: hh:mm:ss.ffCT R Example: Command: Response: = hours = minutes = seconds = frames CT 01:59:59.30 01:59:59.30CT R Get/Set SMPTE Mode Description: This command will get or set the operating mode of the SMPTE module.
Get/Set SMPTE Frame Rate Mode Description: This command will get or set the SMPTE frame rate. Parameters: x = mode number: 0 = 23.976 fps 1 = 24 fps 2 = 25 fps 3 = 29.97 fps 4 = 30d fps 5 = 30 fps Get Command: Response: FR x Example: Command: Response: Set Command: Response: xFR R Example: Command: Response: FR 5 5FR R Get/Set SMPTE Preroll time Description: This command will get or set the SMPTE preroll time.
Get/Set SMPTE Start time Description: This command will get or set the SMPTE start time. Parameters: hh = hours mm = minutes ss = seconds ff = frames Get Command: Response: RT hh:mm:ss.ff Example: Command: Response: Set Command: Response: hh:mm:ss.ffRT R Example: Command: Response: RT 00:00:01.00 00:00:01.00RT R Get/Set SMPTE End time Description: This command will get or set the SMPTE end time.
Get/Set SMPTE Loop Mode Description: This command will get or set the current SMPTE loop mode. Parameters: x = mode number: 0 = SMPTE looping is Disabled on power up 1 = SMPTE looping is Enabled on power up Get Command: Response: LM x Example: Command: Response: Set Command: Response: xLM R Example: Command: Response: LM 1 1LM R Get/Set SMPTE Powerup Mode Description: This command will get or set the current SMPTE power up mode.
Get/Set SMPTE Restart Mode Description: This command will get or set the current SMPTE restart mode. Parameters: x = mode number: 0 = SMPTE restart is Disabled on power up 1 = SMPTE restart is Enabled on power up Get Command: Response: RM x Example: Command: Response: Set Command: Response: xRM R Example: Command: Response: RM 1 1RM R Get/Set SMPTE Idle Mode Description: This command will get or set the current SMPTE idle mode.
Get/Set Video Format Description: This command will get or set the current video mode. This command sets the A/V system to the appropriate frequency of 29.97 or 25 Hz. The reproducers will also receive the command to change the frequency as well.
Search Clip Description: This command causes the Binloop to preload the specified clip. If it is a video clip, the reproducer(s) will pause on the first frame of the video. After this happens, the next Play command causes the clip to start playing.
Play Clip Description: This command will play the specified clip on the addressed reproducer card(s). Playback starts as soon as possible after the command is received.
Synchronously Play Clip Description: This command functions exactly like the Play Clip command, except that the playback does not begin as quickly as possible. Instead, the reproducer waits a consistent amount of time (16 frames by default) after the command is received before it starts playback. This ensures that all reproducers that receive this command at the same time, start playing at the same time.
Play Next Description: This command causes the specified file to be "queued" for playback at the completion of the current clip. If a file is currently playing, the queued transition to the selected file will be seamless. If a file is currently looping, the seamless transition will occur at the next loop point. If a clip is not currently playing, the clip specified in this command will begin playing immediately.
Stop Playback Description: This command will stop currently playing clip. If a video was playing, the last frame that was displayed will remain on screen.
Mute/Unmute Video Description: This command controls muting on the video outputs of the Binloop. When muted, the video outputs are black. When unmuted, the video outputs display video normally.
Play Independent (Audio Only) Description: This command causes the specified mono audio file to be played on the specified audio channel. If a video file is playing, or an audio file is playing ‘normally’ on both channels, playback of that file will be interrupted. If a file is being played independently on the opposite channel, it will not be interrupted.
Stop Independent (Audio Only) Description: This command stops independent playback on the specified channel.
Get Reproducer Firmware Version Description: This command requests the firmware version of the specified reproducer. If the specified reproducer is not installed in the Binloop, there will be no response. This command requires DBAP4 Controller firmware V1.17 or newer. Command: aaa?V Parameters: aaa is the address of the card(s) you want to process the command Rxx – Reproducer address between R1-R16 Response: REPRO-16V Vx.xx Or REPRO-24D Vx.
Get Reproducer Filename Description: This command requests the filename of the clip currently playing in the specified reproducer. If the specified reproducer is not installed in the Binloop, there will be no response. Keep in mind that using this command will briefly tie up the Reproducer communication interface, so it is not recommended for use immediately before or after time-sensitive commands (like Synchronous Play). This command requires DBAP4 Controller firmware V1.
MIDI Show Control Protocol The MIDI Show Control protocol is primarily used when controlling the Binloop over its dedicated MIDI port. However, it is also available as one of the configurable protocols available on the RS-232 Show Control port. If your intention is to control the Binloop with a non-MIDI based system, you should consider using the Pioneer/AMI protocol instead. It should be noted that MIDI Show Control is a very wide-ranging protocol used for many different applications.
Message Format The MIDI Show Control message format is given below: F0 7F 02 00 00 F7 The following table explains each of the optional HEX bytes in this message: Data Byte Entry/Description unit address + 9 (7FH is a wild card for all units) = 10 (sound) = 30 (video) = 7F (wild card) (Note: since the Binloop responds to both the ‘sound’ and ‘video’ parameter equally, normally the ‘wild card’ is used here) = 01 (to Play Synchr
Message Examples 1 Play unsynchronized clip 1 on Reproducer 1 using wild card device ID and wild card command format code: hf0 h7f h7f h02 h7f h03 h30 h30 h00 h31 h00 h30 h30 h31 hf7 2. Play and loop unsynchronized clip 3 on Reproducer 5 using wild card device ID and wild card command format code: hf0 h7f h7f h02 h7f h03 h30 h34 h00 h31 h00 h35 h31 h35 hf7 3.
Acknowledge Message Format In response to a MIDI command, the Binloop will send an acknowledge message.
Binloop Configuration Software Introduction to the Binloop Software The Binloop Configuration Software is a Windows application that provides an easy-to-use interface for programming and configuring the Binloop. While it’s true that most of the Binloop’s configuration settings can be accessed from the front-panel Menu Wheel interface, the Binloop application provides a more visual alternative for configuring these settings.
Connecting your PC to the Binloop There are two ways in which the Binloop software can interface to the Binloop from your PC: 1. Ethernet 2. RS-232 Serial Connecting with RS-232 Serial If your PC is not equipped with an RS-232 serial port, you can use a USB-to-Serial adaptor. Just make sure that the adaptor will support “MarkSpace Parity” operation. For a list of USB-to-Serial adaptor manufacturers that support this protocol visit www.alcorn.com and use our Knowledge Base.
Running Binloop Software The Binloop Icon on your Desktop looks like this: Start the program by double-clicking the Binloop icon that was put on your desktop during the installation. The program can also be launched from the Windows Start menu from the Programs Alcorn McBride Inc folder. When the program opens, you’ll see this window… Before we get started, you’ll need to configure your PC’s connection with the Binloop. To do this, click on the icon at the top of the Binloop window.
If you intend to communicate with RS-232, you must select the Serial option and specify the COM port in your PC that is connected with the Binloop. If you are using Ethernet, you must select Ethernet as the communication method and then enter the Binloop’s IP address in the provided box. Once you have setup the appropriate connection, click the OK button to close this window. To make sure that the connection is working properly, click on the icon at the top of the Binloop window.
Controlling the Binloop with the Binloop Software Now that you are connected to the Binloop using the Binloop Software, let’s go through an example of how you can use this software to control the Binloop in real-time. Specifically, this example will demonstrate how to command the Binloop to play a video file.
Navigating through the Menus File Menu The first selection in the main menu is the File menu, which allows you to access .AMB Binloop files. These files hold all of the Binloop configuration and playback parameters including address, sample clock frequency, SMPTE frame rate, and timecode triggers. New The first selection, New, creates a new Binloop configuration with default values and an empty timecode trigger list.
with the same name and update the saved version with the new information, replacing the old version. If you are using a new file which has not yet been saved, will present the Save window. This window allows you to name your configuration file and choose a location to store it. The Save window is identical to the Save As window. Save As… The Save As… option displays a window allowing you to save your current settings in a file with a new name.
Binloop Menu The next selection in the main window is Binloop. It contains two groups containing selections called Settings…, SMPTE…, Reproducer, and Download to Binloop and Upload to Binloop. Each of these selections is explained in what follows. Settings…Unit… Reproducer Card Slots Many previous generations of Binloop products are supported by the Binloop Software. The Unit Configuration window permits the user to select the number of reproducers in the Binloop.
Settings…Connection… This Connection Settings window provides settings for the serial COM port your using on your PC to communicate to the Binloop. It defaults to Offline. SMPTE…Start… You can also set a Custom Preroll Time where SMPTE Generation can begin earlier the first time it is started. This window presents you with a Start button for starting the SMPTE interface. This window will change depending on whether you have the SMPTE interface configured to Generate or Read SMPTE.
SMPTE Stop… This option stops the SMPTE interface as well as the reproducers. A confirmation window appears with OK and Cancel. SMPTE Configuration… The SMPTE Configuration window allows you to set all of the parameters associated with the Binloop’s SMPTE interface. Frame Rate This is the Frame Rate used for generating SMPTE. The choices are 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30-drop, and 30 frames-per-second.
Genlock to Video Only 23.976, 25 (PAL) and 29.97(NTSC) frame rates are supported when in Genlock to Video mode. When this option is selected, the SMPTE interface will generate timecode synchronously with the internal V-Sync clock of the Binloop. This ensures that the SMPTE clock and reproducers operate at the same exact rate. Since the A/V clock interface of the Binloop can lock to an external V-Sync source, this means that you can generate SMPTE synchronously with your video sync source as well.
Reproducer…Controls… When you select this menu item, the Reproducer Controls window appears. This window presents many controls that are good for playback testing and troubleshooting. Each is explained below. The next menu item allows you to select an individual Reproducer to control. Socket This setting is intended only for legacy Binloop systems with dual flash sockets, and does not apply to the modern Digital Binloop or Video Binloop.
Colorspace RGB is actually RGsB /w sync on green. This setting allows you to configure the component video output Colorspace as either RGB or YUV. Play This will cause the selected Reproducer to Play the selected file segment. Clicking Play again will start playback over from the beginning. Play Next If a file is currently playing, clicking the Play Next button will queue the specified file segment to play immediately after the current file is finished playing.
You can assign a Reproducer to be a member of more than one Group. Below is a screenshot showing the Group assignment window. This example assigns Reproducers 5, 6, 7, and 8 to be members of Group 1. Status… You can determine that current playing status of each Reproducer by opening the Status window. When this window opens, select Refresh and after a brief moment each Reproducer will report their current status. A timeout message appears if no Reproducer is installed in the slot.
Download Configuration … Note: If the optional CobraNet card is installed, please disconnect the CobraNet interface before downloading the CobraNet configuration otherwise it may fail. This option allows you to download the configuration you are currently viewing. This includes all of the SMPTE interfaces settings, unit configuration settings, as well as any programmed timecode triggers. A confirmation window will appear.
Help Menu The Help sub-menu shows a window containing current revision information.
Timecode Trigger List The Timecode Trigger List is the portion of the Binloop software that allows you to program precisely timed commands that are triggered based on the Binloop’s timecode clock. It has a row of button at the top that allow you to Add, Duplicate, Edit, or Delete triggers. Triggers Window Add Clicking Add brings up a window that allows you to add a trigger. Time This is the timecode value at which you want the trigger to occur.
Action This is the action (command) you want to have happen at the trigger Time. Available selections are Play, Play Next, Pause, Still, Stop, Search, Start Sequence, and Set Variable. Action Description Play Plays a file (Synchronous Play). Also used to resume from a search, still, or pause. (segment number is ignored when used to resume) Play Next Queue a file to play when the current clip is finished.
Segment This is the number of the video clip that you want to play (for Play triggers). Offset This field specifies a starting offset into a video or audio file. For example, entering 00:00:05.00 would skip the first 5 seconds of the file. If you use this feature with a video, keep in mind that it can take a significant amount of time for the reproducer to locate the correct point within the file.
A Word About Trigger Latency: The Binloop uses two different types of Play commands. The first one, called “Unsynchronized Play” is used mostly for “point-source” or other audio/video applications where synchronization between channels is not important. The other type of Play command is called “Synchronous Play”. This command needs to be used in those situations where absolute frame synchronization is required across channels. This is the type of play command issued by the Play action.
CobraNet Description CobraNet is an industry standard interface for distributing multiple channels of audio over an Ethernet based network. This is useful for both transmitting audio over long distances, as well as easily interfacing to CobraNet compatible systems using a simple Ethernet cable rather than many individual analog connections. Details CobraNet is digitally encoded audio over Ethernet, and as such it does not suffer the effects of long distance analog transmission issues.
Note: the second, slave CobraNet interface for reproducers 9-16 must be connected to the same CobraNet network as the first, master CobraNet interface for reproducers 1-8 for proper operation.
CobraNet Configuration Detection – The configuration process starts by locating the CobraNet hardware. Upon locating the CobraNet interface the hardware will report back the revision number for identification purposes. A Note about Downloading the CobraNet configuration – When downloading the CobraNet configuration, please first disconnect the CobraNet interface otherwise the configuration download may timeout and fail.
CobraNet Advanced Configuration CobraNet Chip IP Address – This is the network address, which is used to identify the source of the session. The function of this address is the same as any other IP address used on the network Resolution – This is the encoded resolution of the audio source.
Bundle The “Bundle” is the term used for the network channel in which the sending device will connect with the receiving unit. Many audio channels can be transmitted within a bundle. Bundle numbers 0-255 are defined as “Multicast” point-to-many channels and bundles 256-65279 are “Unicast” or point-to-point transmissions. For additional information on CobraNet, contact Cirrus Logic support at the link below: http://www.cirrus.
Hardware Description Controls and Indicators The Binloop is normally controlled either internally using a configuration loaded from our Binloop software, or remotely from an external control system. However, the product does have several controls and status indicators located on the front panel. Unit Status LED’s On the front of the Binloop are nine LED's corresponding to the status of the unit. Below is a brief description of their meaning: Power (Green) - Power is being applied to the unit.
Control Buttons Directly beneath the Unit Status LED's, there are four control buttons. Their functions are defined briefly here but they will be discussed in more detail over the course of the next two chapters: Start - If the Binloop is programmed to generate SMPTE, pushing this button starts the generation of timecode. If the Binloop is programmed to read external timecode, this causes the unit to start listening for external timecode.
Display and Menu Wheel The Binloop is equipped with a 2x16 character Vacuum-Fluorescent Display. This display is primarily used to indicate the current status of the Binloop. Here’s an example of that status display: The current SMPTE mode is indicated at the top-left of this screen. The 3 possible modes are displayed as Gen, Gen* (Generate /w VSync), and Read. The current state of the SMPTE generator/reader is displayed at the bottom left, and the SMPTE frame rate is displayed at the bottom right.
Reproducer Status LED Each reproducer has a single multi-color LED located directly above the Compact Flash socket.
Connectors This table lists all connectors on the Binloop Card Cage and their related function. The connectors are all located on the rear of the Binloop. If the connector is a single signal, then the signal is listed. If the connector contains multiple signals, the connector's pins are identified in further tables.
Digital Binloop and Video Binloop Rear Panel Alcorn McBride Binloop User’s Manual Page 78
Digital Audio (AES/EBU) There are two connectors that supply the AES/EBU, S/PDIF, or AC3 digital audio data for the Reproducers 1 – 16.
Unbalanced Audio and Composite Video Sixteen groups of RCA connectors provide stereo unbalanced analog audio, and composite video outputs from each reproducer. They are color-coded and labeled from the top of the cage down, in the following order: Color Signal White Left Unbalanced Audio Red Right Unbalanced Audio Yellow Composite Video Analog Component Video The component video outputs can be configured to output in either the RGB or YPbPr colorspace.
Programmer Port The Programmer serial port is specifically intended to connect with a PC serial port for configuring and programming the Binloop using the Binloop Configuration software. This connection should be made with a straightthrough (not null) 9-pin serial cable, which is included with the Binloop. Pin Signal 2 TXD 3 RXD 5 GND 1, 4, 6 – 9 Not Used Ethernet The Ethernet jack of the Binloop is intended to connect the Binloop to a 10/100 Ethernet network.
MIDI Out The MIDI Out connector repeats any input received through the MIDI In connector. For more information on the MIDI control and Timecode control interfaces, please refer to the Controlling the Binloop section of this manual. Pin Signal 1 N/C 2 GND 3 N/C 4 MIDI Out - 5 MIDI Out + V-Sync The V-Sync connector is a female BNC connector that is designed to accept a blackburst video sync signal.
Parallel Control This connector contains various inputs and outputs that can be used to control and monitor the Binloop. Pins 7-14 are optically-isolated inputs designed to trigger on 24V. Pins 20-37 are designed to accept a contact closure between the specified pin and a GND pin (16, 17, 18, or 19).
Media Files The reproducer cards within the Binloop support a variety of common industry-standard audio formats, as well as the popular MPEG-2 video format. To play properly in the Binloop, however, the files loaded onto the Compact Flash cards must adhere to some specific encoding and file-naming requirements. This section provides detailed information on those requirements so that you can successfully create and load content into the Binloop.
File Naming A specific file naming convention is used so that the Binloop can identify the file type, as well as associate the file with a number. Here is a table that shows the naming conventions based on the type of file that is being named: File Type File Naming Style MPEG2 Program Stream (Video+Audio) VIDnnnnn.MPG Windows PCM (Audio) SNDnnnnn.WAV Apple AIFF (Audio) SNDnnnnn.AIF Raw PCM 16-bit Mono (Audio) SNDnnnnn.AMS Raw PCM 16-bit Stereo (Audio) SNDnnnnn.
Video Formats As stated earlier, the reproducers in the Binloop support only one commonly used MPEG2 file format; the MPEG2 Program Stream. This MPEG2 Program stream MUST contain a video AND an audio track. Even if you do not wish to have audio for your application, you must at least have a blank audio track. For supported audio formats, see the Audio Formats section. The next section describes the supported parameters for the video portion of the Program Stream.
Audio Formats The type of audio format that you choose to use first depends on one simple question: Will you be using the Binloop to play only audio, or will you be playing video? If you are only playing audio, you can create one of several types of uncompressed audio files. These file types are discussed in Uncompressed Audio Formats. If you are creating an MPEG2 Program stream for the purposes of playing video, you must include an audio track that is compatible with the Program Stream format.
Uncompressed Audio Formats When creating audio-only files for playback in the Binloop, there are several common formats to choose from. They are: 1. Windows PCM (WAV) 2. Apple AIFF 3. Raw PCM The following table outlines the specifications for using any of these file formats: Parameter Format: Mode: Options WAV, AIFF, Raw PCM Stereo, Mono *Sample Rate: 32kHz, 44.
File System Limitations – 2GB File Size The Binloop reproducers use a special implementation of the FAT32 file system. This file system is widely used, and will allow your flash cards to be accessible from any Windows based PC or MAC computer. If the File Splitter software is no longer available, please obtain the latest manual from the Alcorn McBride website, or contact technical support for the latest recommended method for splitting files. The split-file playback feature requires reproducer firmware V1.
Installation Guidelines Grounding and System Performance The connection of the Binloop into an audio system completes a gain stage that may pass through equalizers (EQs), mixers, and other low level processing gear before reaching the amplifiers. Once this connection is complete, any sources of noise in the system will be unmasked, and must be resolved in order to achieve optimum performance. The Binloop itself has a muted signal to noise ratio of 120 dB.
The Binloop’s rear panel Ground studs are connected to one another by a soldered-in-place jumper, but are, by design, not connected to the chassis or the ground pin of the power cord. This provides considerable flexibility in the grounding scheme. In many systems, the power supply will provide sufficient ground reference by itself. In others, a single shield may be terminated to one of the output connectors to provide a ground reference to the EQs.
Output Connections It is not recommended that both the balanced and unbalanced outputs of the Binloop be used simultaneously. Ground loops (see section on Grounding and System Performance) and poor high frequency response can result. Additional low frequency accuracy can also be obtained by using 600 Ohm (low impedance) interfaces on the Binloop outputs.
4. Inside the unit should be: • The Power Supply (a silver box on the left side) • The Controller Card (the card on the left with four buttons on the lower end and an array of ten LEDs on the top. • Various Audio and/or Video Reproducers - Cards with one button on the top, an LED right underneath, and a slot for Compact Flash card(s). 5.
Specifications Physical Power: 100 - 240VAC, 6-3A Max. 60-50 Hz. Size and Weight: 19” W x 5.25” H x 10.25” D, 16 lbs.
Audio Formats: MPEG-1 Layer I/II, MPEG-2 Layer II, WAV*, AIFF*, Raw PCM* Digital Outputs: AES/EBU or S/PDIF Unbalanced Outputs: +4 Volts Maximum into 20K Balanced Outputs: +8 Volts Maximum into 150 ohms (+20dBm) Output Impedance: DC Coupled, less than 10 ohms Quantization: 16-bit, 24-bit** Dynamic Range: 104 dB Sample Rate: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz** Frequency Response: DC - 20,000 Hz +/- 0.
Application Notes Note 1: Automatically Play on Power-Up Many times, all you may want the Binloop to do is to play and loop a video clip when it is powers up. This can be accomplished using the Binloop’s built-in SMPTE generator, and the Timecode control interface. This application note will lead you through the process of configuring the unit to use these features to perform this type of function.
Modifying the Binloop Configuration There are a few important things that need to happen before the Binloop can automatically play video on power-up. First, we need to configure the Binloop’s SMPTE timecode interface to automatically generate timecode when the unit powers on. Next, we have to create a timecode trigger that will instruct the Binloop channels (Reproducers) to begin playing a video. The idea is that the SMPTE clock will begin running on power up.
SMPTE Configuration Next, we will setup the SMPTE interface in the SMPTE Configuration screen. You can access this screen by selecting Binloop SMPTE Configuration… or by clicking on the icon. For consistency, we want the SMPTE clock to run at exactly the same rate as the video. We will be playing 29.97FPS video in this example, so select 29.97 as the frame rate and enable the Genlock To Video option.
Trigger List Now we have the important configuration screens set up, we need to add a Play trigger to the trigger list. This trigger will command the reproducers to play a video at the time we specify. To create a new trigger, click the Add button at the top left of the trigger list window. The following window will appear. First, we need to enter the SMPTE time when we want this trigger to occur. Enter 01:00:00.00 in the Time box. Select Play as the Action, and make sure the Loop option is disabled.
Downloading the New Configuration We’ve now created a configuration that will cause the Binloop to play and loop video when it powers up. All we have to do is download that configuration to the Binloop so that it will take icon or select effect. To initiate the download, click on the Binloop Download to Binloop… A window will prompt you to make sure that you want to download the new configuration and overwrite the configuration currently in the Binloop.
Note 2: Controlling the Binloop with an Alcorn McBride Show Controller While the Binloop has some very powerful features that allow it to operate as a stand-alone device in many circumstances, there are inevitably applications where an external control system is required. An installation may have other elements besides video such as lighting, audio, special effects, interactive interfaces, etc.
Configuring the Binloop Before the InterActivator can properly control the Binloop, some steps must first be taken to prepare the Binloop. First, the Show Control port must be configured for Alcorn 9-Bit operation. This can be done using the front-panel menu interface of the Binloop or in the Unit Configuration screen of the Binloop software. Secondly, we must make sure that the Binloop is not doing anything that will interfere with the commands from the show control system.
Before modifying the new script, click on File Save to give it a descriptive name and store a copy of the script on your PC. For this example, we will save our script as Interactivator-Binloop. Port Configuration Next, we need to tell WinScript that a Binloop is connected to Port 1 of the show controller. Click on Resources Ports to bring up the port configuration. Start by changing the name of port1 to Binloop so that we can easily identify this connection in the script programming.
Creating a Sequence Next, let’s add a new sequence called PlayClip. Double-click on the empty cell just below the cell that contains Default. Type in the name PlayClip. Creating the Input Trigger We have now created a sequence that we will eventually program to start playing a file in the Binloop. Before we get to that part, let’s first configure this sequence to be triggered by pressing Button #1 of the InterActivator. To do this, right-click on the PlayClip sequence and select Start: none.
Your script should look like this. Now, the PlayClip sequence will be triggered when Button #1 on the front of the controller is pushed. Editing the PlayFile Sequence At this point, the PlayClip sequence is empty, so nothing will happen when it is activated. That means that the next step is to add events in the PlayClip sequence so that it commands the Binloop to play a file. To access the event list for the PlayClip sequence, right-click on PlayClip and select Edit Sequence Events.
Data2 – The Play event uses this parameter to identify which card (or cards) to command to play. This event allows you to command a single reproducer (R1-R16), a group of reproducers (G1-G13), or all reproducers (All). Enter R1 in this column to specify Reproducer #1. Data3 – The Play event uses this field for the video clip number. Reproducers can have multiple clips stored on their Compact Flash cards, so it’s important to specify which clip to play. Enter the number 1 in this field.
After the compiling process is successful, the following window will appear prompting you to download the compiled script to the show controller. Verify that the COM Port setting matches the PC COM Port that you have connected to the show controller. You should then click the Download button to begin transferring the script to the controller. When the transfer is complete, you may be asked to compress and store the non-compiled script file.
Note 3: Connecting to the Binloop using Ethernet Ethernet is a very common communication interface used to connect devices together. Using the Binloop’s Ethernet interface, you can download configurations and even control the Binloop across an Ethernet network. Ethernet is a very broad standard with many complexities that go way beyond the scope of this manual. The intention of this application note is to simply demonstrate how to connect a Windows PC directly to the Binloop using Ethernet.
Changing the Network Settings of your PC In order for a PC to communicate to a Binloop over an IP-based Ethernet network, the PC and the Binloop must be on the same Subnet. In this case, the subnet is 192.168.0.xxx. This will most likely require you to change the network settings of your PC before you are able to communicate with a Binloop that is using default network settings. The following steps will guide you through checking and setting a Windows XP-based PC correctly.
Configuring the Network Settings of the Binloop This application note requires your Binloop is configured for the factory default network settings, which are as follows: IP Address 192.168.0.254 Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0 Gateway 192.168.0.1 If you believe that these settings may have been altered, you should verify them using the front-panel menu wheel interface of the Binloop. Browse to the Network Setup screen and make sure that all of the settings match these values.
Connecting over Ethernet with the Binloop Software At this point, your PC is now physically connected to the Binloop through Ethernet. We’ve also made sure that both the Binloop and your PC have network configurations that are compatible, and capable of communicating with one another. The next step is to actually use this interface to communicate with and control the Binloop. Begin by launching the Binloop Software.
When this screen appears, click on the Detect button. If the Ethernet connection is working, the version box should fill with the current firmware version of the Binloop’s controller card. If you wish, you may click Upload to transfer the Binloop’s configuration to your PC over the Ethernet connection. You can also use all of the features of the Binloop software to change configuration settings, and control the Binloop over Ethernet.
Appendix A - Troubleshooting Guides Card Cage Troubleshooting Guide Symptom Cause(s) Solution(s) 1) No Front Panel display or LEDs a) No Power a) Check Power connections b) Bad Power Supply b) Cycle Power 2) One or more of the reproducers not responding to test button press. a) Incompatible Video File a) Press Reproducer Test Button to see if reproducer responds. b) Faulty Button c) Faulty Reproducer d) Faulty Controller b) Press Mute Button and make sure Reproducer LED’s illuminate RED.
Audio Troubleshooting Guide Symptom 1) No Audio Output, Reproducer status LED is RED Cause(s) a) Binloop Muted b) Reproducer Muted Solution(s) a) Verify that MUTE Button on front of Binloop is not enabled. b) Send Unmute Audio command to affected reproducer. c) Power-cycle Binloop 2) No Audio Output, Reproducer status LED is not RED. a) Audio output connector disconnected from unit or shorted. a) Restore audio output connection to Digital Binloop HD.
Appendix B - Compact Flash Media Capacities The tables below should give you an indication of the amount of audio (mono or stereo) or video information you can fit on a Compact Flash media of a given size. Keep in mind that, even though media size can be larger, the maximum supported file size is 2GB. A computer will not allow you to copy a file larger than this to the flash card.
Uncompressed Audio - 16-bit Stereo Compact Flash Size Capacity (Gigabytes) (Minutes) 1 2 4 8 16 32 64 32k 44.1k 48k *96k 140 280 560 1120 2240 4480 8960 100 200 400 800 1600 3200 6400 90 180 360 720 1440 2880 5760 45 90 180 360 720 1440 2880 * Only supported by Repro24D (Digital Binloop) Uncompressed Audio - 24-bit* Stereo Compact Flash Size Capacity (Gigabytes) (Minutes) 1 2 4 8 16 32 64 32k 44.
Appendix C - Updating Firmware The various components of the Binloop are all capable of accepting firmware updates. The following guides will instruct you on how to update the firmware of each component. Reproducer Card Firmware The Repro16V (Video Binloop) and Repro24D (Digital Binloop) Reproducers can be updated by copying a firmware update file to a Compact Flash card and inserting that card into the Reproducer’s CF socket. These step-by-step instructions will walk you through this process: 1.
Controller Card Firmware The DBAP4 Controller Card used in the Binloop must be updated over an RS-232 serial connection. This will require you to have a Windows PC with an RS-232 port (or a USB RS-232 serial adapter). This PC should also have the latest version of the Binloop Config software installed. Once you have met these requirements, follow these instructions to update the DBAP4 Controller Card: 1. Download the latest firmware for the DBAP4 from: http://www.alcorn.com/support/firmware.html 2.
18. In the Firmware Update window of the Binloop software, select DBAP4 SMPTE Module as the component to update. 19. Click the Check button and verify that the Binloop responds with “SMPTE Vx.xx”. 20. Click the Browse button and browse to the folder extracted in step #2. Select the SMPTECOR.HEX file and click Open. 21. Click on the Update button at the bottom of the window and wait for the update to complete.
Appendix D – Menu Wheel Map Alcorn McBride Binloop User’s Manual Page 123
Index AES/EBU............................................. 79, 96 Audio Reproducer..................................... 7 Balanced Audio Outputs ..................... 77, 79 Binloop Configuration Software ................ 47 Bitrate ........................................................ 87 card cage ................................................... 7 Chroma Format ......................................... 87 CobraNet ................................................... 67 Compact Flash ..................
