Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1255991
20 I ICT TODAY Controllers—The Software Inherently simple in design and function, controllers are configured using software utilities provided by the manufacturer. These utilities use drag-and-drop or pull- down menu picks that make it simple and intuitive for non-programmers to define the operating characteristics and function- ality of the controller buttons and knobs: • Under what conditions buttons light or do not light • Whether they toggle on-off with successive presses • What AV system actions are started or stopped by the buttons • Whether or not the buttons interact with one another • How long they must be pressed FIGURE 4: Shown is a control processor's front and rear panels. FIGURE 3: Controller configuration software with pull-down menus for picking various makes and models of AV equipment to be controlled. equipment. Configuration applications get frequent updates to add new drivers as AV equipment suppliers introduce new or modified equipment. When requested, controller manufacturers can develop custom drivers for AV equipment not provided as standard offerings (Figure 3). • How much time must elapse before entering sleep mode and many other actions Configuration applications also load appropriate drivers into the controller to talk to specific makes and models of AV equipment, such as projectors, flat screen displays, audio amplifiers, room occupancy sensors or even building automation systems. Driver loading is made simple by selecting from a drop-down list of AV Control Processors—The Hardware Control processors have more processing power than controllers, allowing them to handle the demands of large AV systems with many devices to control. They can work with either button panel or touchpanel user interfaces. Sophisticated models have embedded web servers that allow the control processor to host AV resource manage- ment software that allows AV system administrators to manage, track and analyze device and room usage across large enterprises. Furthermore, control processors are compact standalone units suitable for rack or furni- ture mounting but may also be found integrated into key AV devices, such as switchers. They have a wide vari- ety of RS-232, IR, relay contact closure, Ethernet, and switched DC signal ports to interface with many types of devices used in AV systems and building control systems. This allows displays, switchers, source devices, screen control systems, and lighting systems to be net- worked together for centralized and automated manage- ment by the control system (Figure 4).