my profile | my password | search | faq & rules | forum home

» Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE   » Operations   » Digital Cinema Forum   » CP650 automation via DCP-2K4 (Page 1)

This topic comprises 2 pages: 1  2

Author Topic: CP650 automation via DCP-2K4 James Skinner Film Handler Posts: 22 From: Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada Registered: Dec 2012 posted 02-17-2013 04:19 PM                     We have a DCP-2K4 connected to a Christie CP-2000M projector via SDI for video and connected to a Dolby CP650 via AES for audio. For alternative content (blu-ray, Satilltie, PC) we use one of the DVI inputs on the CP-2000M and connect the audio though the CP650's external 6ch analog inputs. We use automation cues on the DCP-2K4 to automatically switch the CP-2000M projector video from DVI input to the SDI link whenever content plays from the DCP-2K4 and then switch it back when playback finishes. However the CP650 audio channel switching has not been automated which is not ideal. When the DCP-2K4 runs we have to manually switch to Format U1 and then when we run alternative content connected by analog we have to switch the CP650 back to Format 11. We would like to automate the switching of the audio similar to how we have the video input selection automatically switch on the CP-2000M projector. Ideally the DCP-2K4 would switch the CP650 to Format U1 when it plays any content and then switch back to Format 11 when done. Both the DCP-2K4 and the CP650 have serial ports and automation connectors. The CP650 also has an Ethernet port but manual says 'for future automation use' so I expect automation via Ethernet is not possible. What would be the easiest way to connect the DCP-2K4 and CP650 for automation? Should we use the serial ports or automation connectors? If we use the serial ports is it as simple as connecting the two devices with a null modem cable and then using the automation cues on the DCP-2K4 to send the appropriate format_button commands to the CP650? If we where to use automation connectors instead how would we connect them? Would we need to use two relays on the GPIO output of the DCP-2K4 and connect them to the inputs of the CP650 Automation I/O Connector? Does anyone recommend any particular product for this? Once connected either way I assume then we can use the DCP-2K4 automation to setup some default macro cues that are always executed before and after any content is played to perform the automated audio switching? I'm new to theater tech so any help is much appreciated. What would be the simplest approach? Is any online information describing such setups? Would serial be the easiest to setup? I assume in bigger setups some type of automation hardware and software is used? We have other equipment that could be automated in an ideal situation. It would be nice to be able to send automation commands to all devices. I'm guessing there is special dedicated automation hardware of some type that can be sued to tie everything together with multiple serial and GPIO connections? Given that we have a pretty basic setup can we get away with using the DCP-2K4 for most automation needs?  |  IP: Logged Carsten Kurz Film God Posts: 4340 From: Cologne, NRW, Germany Registered: Aug 2009 posted 02-17-2013 07:40 PM                     Doremi has a technote and device library available for CP650 automation over ethernet. - Carsten  |  IP: Logged Steve Guttag We forgot the crackers Gromit!!! Posts: 12814 From: Annapolis, MD Registered: Dec 1999 posted 02-17-2013 11:37 PM                     The CP650's Ethernet port has been functional for some time now. Note, it is VERY primitive and can only support ONE device talking to it at a time. If you have a device that opens the port and keeps it open...that is it. Serial and contact closure, I've found, to be more reliable.  |  IP: Logged Ken Lackner Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1907 From: Atlanta, GA, USA Registered: Sep 2001 posted 02-18-2013 07:22 AM                     As Carsten and Steve point out, you can use Ethernet to automate the CP650 from the Doremi. Contact Doremi support for details. However, it sounds like what you are looking for is an eCNA-5 or a JNIOR. The eCNA is a dedicated, built from the ground up cinema automation, and is incredibly flexible and powerful. The JNIOR is adapted from a more generic automation controller for cinema use. I don't know a whole lot about the JNIOR, but it is quite popular, and possibly less expensive. Either would be an excellent choice for your situation.  |  IP: Logged Dave Macaulay Film God Posts: 2321 From: Toronto, Canada Registered: Apr 2001 posted 02-18-2013 12:51 PM                     The Doremi CP650 device "cueslib" xml file works OK, adding the CP650 to "library" in macro editor. You can select formats and change fader settings - a limited selection though. If you can edit xml files it's easy to add more fader settings to the cueslib file. I haven't had a major problem with the ethernet control but it does very rarely miss cues. The other option I've used is with a Jnior using the "serial control" option: it's fricking complicated to figure out the first time but works well - you send commands to the Jnior and it in turn controls the CP650 via (bulletproof) serial. This lets you control fader level as well. With relay contact automation you can only select format buttons and do mute/unmute. It's much better to be able to directly set a lower fader level for trailers without needing multiple digital input buttons with different fader presets.  |  IP: Logged Marco Giustini Film God Posts: 2713 From: Reading, UK Registered: Nov 2007 posted 02-18-2013 03:23 PM                     Hi Dave, You can also control the CP650 using the doremi serial, without using a Jnior.  |  IP: Logged James Skinner Film Handler Posts: 22 From: Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada Registered: Dec 2012 posted 03-09-2013 12:20 PM                     Thanks everyone. I got the suggested CP650 device library XML from Doremi and so far it seems to be working pretty well via Ethernet.  |  IP: Logged Marco Giustini Film God Posts: 2713 From: Reading, UK Registered: Nov 2007 posted 03-09-2013 04:48 PM                     Hi, Are the xml libraries on the Doremi support website or did you ask them a copy?  |  IP: Logged Carsten Kurz Film God Posts: 4340 From: Cologne, NRW, Germany Registered: Aug 2009 posted 03-10-2013 09:15 AM                     It's on ftppublic - Doremis european support server, under products/DCP-2000/Option_pkg/cueslib - Carsten  |  IP: Logged Marco Giustini Film God Posts: 2713 From: Reading, UK Registered: Nov 2007 posted 03-10-2013 09:41 AM                     got it, thanks! I usually have several macro files on my laptop, from which I copy and paste the relevant section, so I don't have to amend anything at all, but it's nice to know there are libraries available, they may be useful. Thanks again  |  IP: Logged Aleksandar Obradovic Expert Film Handler Posts: 125 From: Belgrade, Serbia Registered: Oct 2012 posted 03-11-2013 03:42 PM                     a little bit of help: 1. connect CP650 with doremi with ethernet cable via switch 2. Set IP address of CP650 OSD via menu to be in same range with doremi 3. Add new raw device to doremi with next parameters: IP address tcp protocol port 61412 now you have to make some macros. go to the macro editor and add next macros add->input/output->send msg-> msg label as you wish device - name of your dolby msg type - text msg - raw ascii command here is a list of some commands mute on - mute=1\r\n mute off - mute=0\r\n format change to non sync - format_button=7\r\n volume set to 3.5 - fader_level=35\r\n if you wish i can compile everything for you. just send me pm. BR  |  IP: Logged Marco Giustini Film God Posts: 2713 From: Reading, UK Registered: Nov 2007 posted 03-11-2013 04:26 PM                     on the "how to create your own cuelib" the document ends with quote: This new cueslib can be preloaded on all new servers when you pre-configure them in your office or warehouse. You can also create and ingestible pkg. How can that be done?  |  IP: Logged Aleksandar Obradovic Expert Film Handler Posts: 125 From: Belgrade, Serbia Registered: Oct 2012 posted 03-11-2013 06:00 PM                     hm... it can be a little "tricksy" you have to prepare xml's and the you must have root password for server and then to upload that xml to proper folder on server... When we are talking about doremi almost everything is based on xml so you can download needed xml then change it and then upload it back. Tell me exactly what you need and then i will write you an entire procedure. BR  |  IP: Logged Marco Giustini Film God Posts: 2713 From: Reading, UK Registered: Nov 2007 posted 03-12-2013 02:54 PM                     I know how to upload the XML by FTP, but the PDF says that a package could be created to be ingested. Can you help me on that? You have a PM!  |  IP: Logged Brenard Cabiles Jr. Film Handler Posts: 9 From: DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Registered: Feb 2013 posted 01-13-2014 08:09 AM                     2. Set IP address of CP650 OSD via menu to be in same range with doremi do you have the procedure on how to change IP address of CP650? do i need to use a PC with a software or i can change it from the menu itself?  |  IP: Logged

All times are Central (GMT -6:00)

This topic comprises 2 pages: 1  2

Printer-friendly view of this topic

Hop To: Select a Forum: Category: Operations -------------------- Digital Cinema Forum Film Handlers' Forum Large Format Forum Ground Level Feature Info, Trailer Attachments & REAL Credit Offsets Category: Community -------------------- Film-Yak Film Handlers' Movie Reviews The Afterlife Bob Maar's Joke-A-Thon Category: Classified -------------------- Equipment and Supplies Wanted/For Sale Help Wanted/Seeking Employment Category: System -------------------- Software Beta Testing Forum

The Film-Tech Forums are designed for various members related to the cinema industry to express their opinions, viewpoints and testimonials on various products, services and events based upon speculation, personal knowledge and factual information through use, therefore all views represented here allow no liability upon the publishers of this web site and the owners of said views assume no liability for any ill will resulting from these postings. The posts made here are for educational as well as entertainment purposes and as such anyone viewing this portion of the website must accept these views as statements of the author of that opinion and agrees to release the authors from any and all liability.