Universal Remote Control MSC-400 Programming Manual page 9

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Universal Remote Control MSC-400 Master System
Controller. The MSC-400 enables a professional installer to provide the ultimate in predictable, reliable one
touch control of any audio video system.
One of the most common problems in home theater and whole-house entertainment systems is keeping the
system audio and video components "in sync" as different devices are selected (and turned on and off). The
MSC-400 knows exactly which components are on and off at any given time using a combination of compos-
ite video sensors, voltage sensors and discrete IR and RS232 power commands. The ability to send discrete
power commands or sense device status and properly send or not send power commands eliminates user con-
fusion completely.
With IR and RS232 command programmability and two built-in relays, system control is not just limited to A/V
devices. Virtually any device incorporated into a home entertainment system - including lifts, screens, drapes
and lighting - can also be controlled from the MSC-400.
When a MSC-400 system is programmed, something very different happens when the user presses a button on
an MSC compatible remote. Instead of sending a long string of commands in a remote control generated
macro that lasts several seconds (each step vulnerable to corrupting interference), the remote sends a unique
RF Trigger command in a few milliseconds. The MSC-400 receives the "trigger", identifies it, and generates a
Smart Macro that is directly issued to the components via wired emitters, rear panel IR or RS-232 inputs and/or
relay controls. Since all commands are generated within the MSC-400, there is no possibility of any outside
interference corrupting any of the commands. Timing is perfect and there is no chance of a missed macro step.
The macro is "smart" because it can be programmed to make decisions on the fly. If a component is already
on, the video sensing circuit informs the microcontroller and the MSC-400 will skip the power on command
and any power-on delay. If a component is off, the macro is prefaced with a power on command and the nec-
essary power on delay. This accelerates operation when the system is already powered on, since power-on
delays are skipped. The final result as your client experiences it: seamless perfection with every button push.
The final result for you, the installer; predictable, reliable installations with clients that refer you to every friend
they have!
Programming an MSC-400 system is fast and simple using Complete Control Program. First, in the tab for the
remote control, you program the remote control exactly the way you have in the past, except that you do NO
Macro Programming. Once all IR codes are labeled and arranged the way you want, you save the file, switch
to the MSC-400 tab and import all the codes as "Connected Devices". After setting the routing and adding any
RS-232 devices to the list of connected devices, you create a list of Smart Macro Names (Watch DVD, Watch
Cable TV, Turn System Off), then program the macros. After saving the file, you switch back to the remote tab
of CCS and drag in the triggers (labeled "Watch DVD", "Watch Cable TV", "Turn System Off") into the correct
buttons on the remote. Download to the MSC-400 and the remote and you are ready to test your work.
This manual provides instruction for all aspects of installation, setup and programming a MSC-400 controlled
system.
Thank you again for purchasing the MSC-400 Master System Controller.
Introduction
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