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ETV Portal Server Admin Guide 41
Adding User-Defined VBIRs
The VBrick VBIR is an external hardware device that uses the passthough port on a VBrick
to send control commands via an infrared link to third-party devices like VCRs, DVDs, etc.
(see Figure 9 for a visual schematic). You must use a VBIR if the target third-party device
does not have a serial port that can directly connect to a VBrick encoder. The VBIR can be
programmed with codes representing IR command sets that are compatible with devices
from many manufacturers. Use the following window to create a custom
User Defined VBIR.
Enter a device description (20 characters or less), a three-digit code, and select the SpitFire
model. When done, the new device is added to the User Defined VBIRs list as well as to the
Source Device dropdown list. For a current list of VCR/ DVD device codes for SpitFire II
models, go to
http://innotech.com/spitfire-ii-device-codes.pdf For SpitFire III models, go to
http://innotechsystems.com/Spitfire/SpitFire III.pdf Be aware that the device codes at this
link are not tested or supported by VBrick. If you can't find the code you need, or have
trouble controlling a non-supported device, check the product documentation or contact the
manufacturer.
Name Enter a unique, descriptive name that will be displayed on the virtual
remote. For example in Figure 7, "Sony DVD" is the configured
name shown on the controller. No embedded spaces or special
characters are allowed.
Source Device Select a source DVD or VCR from the dropdown list. The list shows
serial port direct-connect devices and VBIR (SpitFire) devices that
are tested and supported by VBrick. It also shows any custom VBIR
devices you have added (note that you cannot add serial port direct-
connect devices). You add custom devices by creating a User
Defined VBIR as explained below. If the source device you wish to
control does not have a serial port, you must use a VBIR for remote
control.
VBrick Encoder Select the specific encoder to which the selected Source Device
above is connected from the dynamically populated list of encoders
on your network.
User Defined VBIRs Select the SpitFire version you have (SpitFire II or III) and enter a
Description and a three-digit Code (see Adding User-Defined VBIRs
below).
Note The VBIR (SpitFire III model only) can also "learn" (i.e. be programmed to use) IR
commands much like a universal remote controller. Learned commands are stored in
VBIR memory areas called slots and are accessed by reserved three-digit codes. The
six slots are available are: AUX (994), TV (995), VCR (996), DVD (997), AUD (998),
and CBL/SAT (999). For a detailed explanation of how a VBIR "learns" commands,
see the Application Note Learning IR Commands on the VBIR
on the VBrick Product
Documentation website.