Extron electronic MLC 52 Home Theater Server User Manual


 
MLC 52 Series MediaLink Controllers • Introduction1-2
Introduction
About the MLC 52 Series
The Extron MediaLink
Controller 52 (MLC 52) Series provide RS-232 and/or
infrared (IR) remote control of a projector or other display device. They are
economical, compact (one-gang or two-gang size), easy-to-use controllers for use
with audiovisual equipment in sites such as elementary or high school classrooms,
or small conference rooms. The MLC 52 acts as a universal remote control panel,
providing control for a display device’s power, input selection, volume, and more.
The MLC 52 can be configured using three different methods:
Infrared (IR) learning
IR data transfer (“beaming”) from another MLC 52
Using Extron device control drivers with the Windows
®
-based configuration
software program
Features and Options
The MLC 52 is available in the following models:
MLC 52 IR — 1-gang size; controls the display device by IR.
MLC 52 RS — 1-gang size; controls the display device by either IR or RS-232.
MLC 52 IR VC — 2-gang size; controls the display device via IR. This model has a
volume control knob to control an amplifier such as the Extron MPA Mini
Power Amplifier (purchased separately).
MLC 52 RS VC — 2-gang size; controls the display device by either IR or RS-232.
This model has a volume control knob to control an amplifier such as the
Extron MPA Mini Power Amplifier (purchased separately).
The terms “MLC,” “MLC 52,” and “controller” are used interchangeably in
this manual to refer to all four models of the MediaLink controller unit,
regardless of which faceplate is attached to it. The cabling, operation, and
setup are identical for all models; the models differ only in how they are
controlled.
Standard features
IR and RS-232 ports for universal display device control — The MLC 52 has a
dedicated port for communicating with virtually any projector or display via
infrared (IR) signal. The MLC 52 RS models also have ports for
unidirectional RS-232 wired serial control. Projector control drivers can be
downloaded from the Extron Web site or created using the Windows-based
configuration program.
Discrete On and Off display device power controls — These controls simplify
system operations and eliminate the need for a device’s handheld remote
control.
Configurable, backlit buttons — The configurable buttons can be set up to control
display device power, volume, input selection, or any other IR or RS-232
command function supported by the device. The buttons are backlit and can
be custom labeled, offering easy operation for presenters in low-light
environments.
Macro and toggle button modes — Each button on the MLC can be programmed
to send out up to four IR or serial commands. You can set each button either
to issue all its commands with one press (macro mode) or to issue one of its
commands at a time, in sequence, with each button press (toggle mode).