News

As the industry leader in decision support technologies, RGB Spectrum's video processing gear is used on a daily basis to enhance all aspects of content visualization. Each multiviewer, media wall and matrix switcher, however, requires a control method to suit the customer's exacting requirements. To this end, RGB Spectrum offers a full suite of control methodologies, each purpose-built for simplicity and versatility - whether the user is the system integrator or end customer.

At the most basic and direct level, "command line" control is provided via RS-232 for all RGB Spectrum processors. Each product's RS-232 port can connect to an ASCII terminal, any computer with a serial port, or an external device such as a touchscreen controller. Drawing from an extensive and full-featured list, commands are issued from the terminal or computer to control all aspects of RGB Spectrum processors.

As an alternative to the command line interface, each product includes an internal web server that runs a GUI (Graphical User Interface) called WCP - Web Control Panel. Using Ethernet connectivity, either directly or over a LAN (Local Area Network), the WCP allows setup, configuration and operation of an RGB Spectrum processor with ease and convenience. For example, moving or resizing windows on a multiviewer is performed with click-and-drag simplicity. Similarly, changing routes on a matrix switcher is performed at the click of a preset button.

For versatile and convenient control from a standalone panel, RGB Spectrum offers the proven BP-16 - a compact 16-button remote control panel. Designed for flexibility, the BP-16 is available in two different models: the BP-16LX controls input to output routing on a Linx™ DVI 8x8 switcher, while the BP-16PS controls preset selection on any Linx DVI switcher, QuadView® multiviewer or MediaWall® processor. For convenience in any installation, customers can rack mount the BP-16, place it on top of a console, or flush mount the unit - as required.

Because customers have a wide choice in their selection of physical and virtual control panels, often the need arises to integrate RGB Spectrum products into a customer's existing control infrastructure. To this end, RGB Spectrum supports control systems from third party manufacturers such as AMX, Crestron and RTI. For AMX and Crestron, RGB Spectrum provides downloadable code blocks. In practice, a code block functions essentially as "middleware," enabling system integrators to seamlessly connect RGB Spectrum processors to a customer's current set of panels, and easily achieve full functionality - without complex programming.

While the AMX and Crestron code blocks provide middleware, the newest addition to the "code block" family from RTI adds a specialized control surface to the mix. The RTI Universal Controller is a compact wireless unit designed to interface with RGB Spectrum processors. With a unique drag-and-drop touchscreen GUI, the RTI Universal Controller allows users to select presets as well as various window parameters. The unit includes a docking station and all the tools necessary to control RGB Spectrum processors with wireless convenience.

To complete the company's comprehensive suite of control offerings, RGB Spectrum has introduced a special "app" for handheld wireless devices such iPad®, iPhone® and Android™. The ControlApp 1000 enables users to trigger presets on the company's switchers, multiviewers and media walls, with security enabled through the processor's administration menus. On the handheld device, the only prerequisite is the ability to enable Java® script in the web browser.

"It's all about control and convenience," said Bob Marcus, CEO of RGB Spectrum. "With all of our new control options, our goal is to provide the customer with the most flexible and powerful control methods available, whether the requirement is via command line, touch screen or wireless device."