Barco Argus User manual

DOC-3266-2
user’s manual
Workstation for Windows®

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003
DOC-3266-2, Current Version
Title: ARGUS Workstation for Windows – User’s Manual
ID-no.: DOC-3266-2
Date: December-2003
Main issue update
chapter 1
chapter 2
chapter 3 add.
chapter 4 add.
chapter 5 add.
chapter 6 add.
chapter 7 add.
chapter 8
chapter 9
new: The corresponding chapters are new or completely revised.
corr.: Passages of the corresponding chapter were corrected; see modification bars.
add.: Passages of the corresponding chapter were added; see modification bars.
This manual refers to following hardware and software configurations of ARGUS Workstation for
Windows:
Display Driver R3.3
Document History
Modifications which result in a new version are indicated by a vertical bar.
Windows and Windows NT are registered Trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003
Trademarks
Brand and product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks, registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective holders. All brand and product names mentioned in this manual
serve as comments or examples and are not to be understood as advertising for the products or
their manufacturers.
Copyright © 1998 - 2003 by BARCO
Die Weitergabe sowie die Vervielfältigung aller Unterlagen, die von uns überlassen werden, deren
Verwertung und Mitteilung ihres Inhaltes an Dritte ist nicht gestattet, soweit dies nicht ausdrück-
lich zugestanden ist. Urheberrechte, insbesondere auch solche an Software, werden nur insoweit
übertragen, als es für die Erreichung des speziellen Vertragszwecks erforderlich ist. Zuwider-
handlungen können zu Schadensersatz verpflichten. Alle Rechte aus der Erteilung eines Patents
oder der Eintragung eines Gebrauchsmusters verbleiben bei uns.
Copyright © 1998 - 2003 by BARCO
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be copied, reproduced or translated. It shall not
otherwise be recorded, transmitted or stored in a retrieval system without the prior written consent
of BARCO.
Guarantee and Compensation
BARCO provides a guarantee relating to perfect manufacturing as part of the legally stipulated
terms of guarantee. On receipt, the purchaser must immediately inspect all delivered goods for
damage incurred during transport, as well as for material and manufacturing faults. BARCO must
be informed immediately in writing of any complaints.
The period of guarantee begins on the date of transfer of risks, in the case of special systems and
software on the date of commissioning, at the latest 30 days after the transfer of risks. In the event
of justified notice of complaint, BARCO can repair the fault or provide a replacement at its own
discretion within an appropriate period. If this measure proves to be impossible or unsuccessful,
the purchaser can demand a reduction in the purchase price or cancellation of the contract (redhibi-
tion). All other claims, in particular those relating to compensation for direct or indirect damage,
and also damage attributed to the operation of software as well as to other services provided by
BARCO, being a component of the system or independent services, will be deemed invalid pro-
vided the damage is not proven to be attributed to the absence of properties guaranteed in writing
or due to the intent or gross negligence on the part of BARCO.
If the purchaser or a third party carries out modifications or repairs on good delivered by BARCO,
or if the goods are handled incorrectly, in particular if the systems are commissioned or operated
incorrectly or if, after the transfer of risks, the goods are subject to influences not agreed upon in
the contract, all guarantee claims of the purchaser will be rendered invalid. Not included in the
guarantee coverage are system failures which are attributed to programs or special electronic cir-
cuitry provided by the purchaser, e. g. interfaces. Normal wear as well as normal maintenance are
not subject to the guarantee provided by BARCO either.
The environmental conditions as well as the servicing and maintenance regulations specified in
this manual must be complied with by the customer.

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003
Revision sheet
To:
Barco Control Rooms GmbH
An der Rossweid 5, D-76229 Karlsruhe
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected], Web: www.barcocontrolrooms.com
From:
Date:
Please correct the following points in this documentation (DOC-3266-2):
page wrong correct

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003
Contents
1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.1 How this manual is organized ............................................................................................. 1-2
1.2 Styles and Symbols ............................................................................................................. 1-3
1.3 Safety Instructions............................................................................................................... 1-4
1.3.1 Precautions.................................................................................................................. 1-4
1.3.2 Unpacking of Devices ................................................................................................1-6
1.3.3 Installation .................................................................................................................. 1-6
1.3.4 Servicing ..................................................................................................................... 1-6
1.3.5 Cleaning...................................................................................................................... 1-6
1.3.6 Re-Packing.................................................................................................................. 1-6
1.4 Online manual ..................................................................................................................... 1-7
2 Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Properties............................................................................................................................. 2-2
3 Getting Started ............................................................................................................................. 3-1
3.1 Examining ........................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.1.1 ARGUS PROCESSOR ..................................................................................................... 3-2
3.1.2 ARGUS OMNIBUS ........................................................................................................ 3-6
3.2 Cabling ................................................................................................................................ 3-9
3.2.1 Power Supply..............................................................................................................3-9
3.2.2 Mouse ......................................................................................................................... 3-9
3.2.3 Keyboard..................................................................................................................... 3-9
3.2.4 Keyboard Extension .................................................................................................3-10
3.2.5 Graphic Cards ...........................................................................................................3-11
3.2.6 OMNISCALER ............................................................................................................ 3-14
3.2.7 QUAD ANALOG VIDEO CARD .................................................................................... 3-16
3.2.8 BIG VIDEO CARD....................................................................................................... 3-17
3.2.9 DUAL RGB INPUT CARD........................................................................................... 3-18
3.2.10 RGB INPUT CARD ................................................................................................... 3-19
3.2.11 Multiport I/O Card.................................................................................................. 3-20
3.2.12 Network ..................................................................................................................3-21
3.2.13 CPU Board..............................................................................................................3-22
3.2.14 ARGUS OMNIBUS .................................................................................................... 3-24
3.2.15 Arrangement of Expansion Cards .......................................................................... 3-26
3.3 Starting Up ........................................................................................................................ 3-32
3.3.1 Connecting................................................................................................................3-32
3.3.2 Switching On ............................................................................................................ 3-32
3.3.3 Switching Off............................................................................................................ 3-33
3.4 Operating System .............................................................................................................. 3-34
3.4.1 System Requirements ............................................................................................... 3-34
3.4.2 Suggestion for Literature about Windows NT ......................................................... 3-34
3.4.3 Suggestion for Literature about Windows 2000....................................................... 3-34
3.5 Configuring ....................................................................................................................... 3-35
3.5.1 Installing the Display Driver and Switcher Language Compiler ............................. 3-35

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003
3.5.2 Configuring the Display Driver................................................................................ 3-45
3.5.3 Configuring the Display Wall................................................................................... 3-49
3.5.4 Setting Display Properties ........................................................................................ 3-51
3.6 Optimization...................................................................................................................... 3-53
3.6.1 Appropriate Cursor for Video Applications ............................................................. 3-53
4 Operating...................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Input Cards .......................................................................................................................... 4-2
4.1.1 QUAD ANALOG VIDEO CARD ...................................................................................... 4-2
4.1.2 BIG VIDEO CARD......................................................................................................... 4-2
4.1.3 DUAL RGB INPUT CARD............................................................................................. 4-2
4.1.4 RGB INPUT CARD ....................................................................................................... 4-3
4.1.5 Amount of Video and RGB Windows with OMNISCALERS....................................... 4-3
4.2 Features of Video and RGB Display...................................................................................4-5
4.2.1 Basic Video Display Mode......................................................................................... 4-5
4.2.2 Channel Video ............................................................................................................ 4-5
4.2.3 OMNISCALER .............................................................................................................. 4-5
4.2.4 Video Switcher ........................................................................................................... 4-5
4.2.5 Genlock....................................................................................................................... 4-5
4.2.6 Distributed Video ....................................................................................................... 4-6
4.3 Displaying Video and RGB-Signals ................................................................................... 4-7
4.3.1 Display in a Window .................................................................................................. 4-7
4.3.2 Naming of Video Channels and Video Sources ....................................................... 4-10
4.3.3 Video Software .........................................................................................................4-14
4.3.4 Displaying RGB-Signals .......................................................................................... 4-18
4.3.5 Configuration of RGB input ..................................................................................... 4-22
5 Maintenance ................................................................................................................................. 5-1
5.1 ARGUS PROCESSOR .............................................................................................................. 5-2
5.1.1 Redundant Power Modules of ARGUS PROCESSOR .................................................... 5-2
5.1.2 RAID........................................................................................................................... 5-3
5.1.3 Replacing the Filter Pad of ARGUS PROCESSOR ......................................................... 5-3
5.1.4 Replacing the Battery of ARGUS PROCESSOR ............................................................. 5-4
5.2 ARGUS OMNIBUS ................................................................................................................. 5-5
5.2.1 Opening the front of the ARGUS OMNIBUS ................................................................ 5-5
5.2.2 Redundant Power Modules of ARGUS OMNIBUS ....................................................... 5-6
5.2.3 Replacing the Filter Pad of ARGUS OMNIBUS ............................................................ 5-7
5.2.4 Replacing a fan of the ARGUS OMNIBUS.................................................................... 5-8
5.3 Cleaning............................................................................................................................... 5-9
6 Advanced Configuration.............................................................................................................. 6-1
6.1 Installing Additional Hardware........................................................................................... 6-2
6.1.1 Opening the Case of ARGUS PROCESSOR ................................................................... 6-2
6.1.2 Opening the case of ARGUS OMNIBUS ....................................................................... 6-4
6.1.3 Inserting Additional Main Memory............................................................................ 6-7
6.1.4 Inserting an Additional Expansion Card ....................................................................6-9
6.1.5 Switching Resolution of Graphic Cards ................................................................... 6-11
6.1.6 Installing display drivers for new cards.................................................................... 6-12
6.1.7 Multiport I/O Card.................................................................................................... 6-13

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003
6.1.8 Firmware Version of the CPU Board ....................................................................... 6-14
6.2 Advanced Software Configuration.................................................................................... 6-15
6.2.1 Editing the Registry .................................................................................................. 6-15
6.2.2 Registry Reference ................................................................................................... 6-17
6.2.3 Configuring Video.................................................................................................... 6-23
6.2.4 Upgrading the Display Driver .................................................................................. 6-29
6.2.5 Deinstallation of the Display Driver (agxuninst.exe)............................................... 6-30
6.2.6 Special requirements when installing Windows NT ................................................ 6-31
6.2.7 Special requirements when installing Windows 2000/XP ....................................... 6-32
6.2.8 Redundant Network Adapter .................................................................................... 6-34
6.2.9 Genlock..................................................................................................................... 6-38
7 Technical Appendix ..................................................................................................................... 7-1
7.1 Technical Data..................................................................................................................... 7-2
7.2 Interfaces ............................................................................................................................. 7-9
7.3 Order Codes....................................................................................................................... 7-16
8 Trouble Shooting.......................................................................................................................... 8-1
8.1 ARGUS not booting .............................................................................................................. 8-1
8.2 Other Faults ......................................................................................................................... 8-2
8.3 Contact................................................................................................................................. 8-3
9 Index............................................................................................................................................. 9-1

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003 1-1
1 Intro duction
This chapter explains the structure of the manual itself and the used typographic styles and sym-
bols. Safety information is provided concerning the operation of computer systems from BARCO.

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003 1-2
1.1 How th is manual is organized
This manual describes design and startup of ARGUS Workstation for Windows from BARCO. It is
divided into nine chapters:
Introduction
explains the structure of the manual itself and the used typographic styles and symbols. Safety
information is provided concerning the operation of computer systems from BARCO.
Summary
gives an overview about the features of ARGUS.
Getting Started
describes the set up of ARGUS.
Operating
shows the capabilities which ARGUS offers displaying graphics and video.
Maintenance
describes the maintenance of ARGUS.
Advanced Configuration
may provide useful information for reconfiguring the software and hardware of your ARGUS.
Technical Appendix
gives tabular overviews about the technical details of ARGUS, its components and of their inter-
faces.
Troubleshooting
gives advice, if your ARGUS does not operate properly.
Index
lists the keywords of the manual.
Chapters, pages, figures and tables are numbered separately. Chapters are indicated by a »point
syntax«, e. g. 4.2.3, pages by a »dash syntax«, e. g. 2-1, as figures and tables are, e. g. figure 5-4.

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003 1-3
1.2 Styles and Symbols
The typographic styles and the symbols used in this document have the following meaning:
Arial bold Labels, menus and buttons are printed in the Arial bold font.
Condensed Links to both other chapters of this manual and to sites in the Internet are
printed condensed. In the on-line version of this manual all hyperlinks
appear teal.
Courier Names of files and parts from programs are printed in the Courier font.
Courier bold Inputs you are supposed to do from the keyboard are printed in Courier
bold font.
Within a piece of programming code this arrow marks a line, that must be made up
in two lines, though meant to be one line.
This arrow marks tips and notes.
The book is a reference to enclosed manuals.
If you do not heed instructions indicated by this symbol there is a risk of damage to
the equipment!
If you do not heed instructions indicated by this symbol there is a risk of electrical
shock and danger to personal health!

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003 1-4
1.3 Safety Instructions
This section describes safety precautions which must be observed when installing and operating a
product from BARCO.
1.3.1 Precaut ions
For your own protection, observe the following safety precautions when installing,
operating and servicing your device:
Before operating the units please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference!
Observe all warnings and instructions printed on the devices!
Servicing not explicitly mentioned in this manual should never be carried out by unauthorized
personnel! Never open the case of the unit without first disconnecting the power supply cord!
To prevent fire or electrical shock hazard, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture!
This product should be operated from an AC power source!
This unit may be connected to an IT power system!
Check that the voltage and frequency of your power supply match those printed on the device
label with the rated electrical values!
If you are not sure of the type of AC power available, consult your dealer or local power com-
pany!
This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin.
This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.
Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding-type plug!
This equipment must be grounded (earthed) via the supplied 3 conductor AC power cable. (If
the supplied power cable is not the correct on, consult your dealer.)

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003 1-5
Mains lead (AC Power cord) with CEE 7 plug:
The wires of the mains lead are colored in accordance with the following code:
yellow + green Earth (Ground)
blue Neutral
brown Line (Life)
Figure 1-1
CEE 7 plug
Power cord with ANSI 73.11 plug:
The wires of the power cord are colored in accordance with the following code.
yellow + green Earth (Ground)
white Neutral
black Line ( Life)
Figure 1-2
ANSI 73.11 plug
Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where people will
walk on the cord. To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself.
If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total of the ampere ratings on
the products plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.
Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch dan-
gerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the product. Should any liquid or solid object fall into the
cabinet, unplug the set and have it checked by qualified service personnel before resuming op-
erations.
Lightning - For extra protection for this video product during a lightning storm or when it is lift
unattended and unused for a long period of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will pre-
vent damage to the unit due to lightning and AC power-line surges.

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003 1-6
1.3.2 Unpack ing of Devices
Note advises on the packaging for unpacking!
1.3.3 Installa tion
Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The unit may fall, causing serious
damage to it.
Do not use this unit near water.
Use only the power cord supplied with your unit. While appearing to be similar, other power
cords have not been safety tested at the factory and may not be used to power the unit. For a
replacement power cord, contact your dealer.
Slots and openings in the cabinet and the sides are provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable
operation of the unit and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or
covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or
other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat reg-
ister. This unit should not be placed in a built-in installation or enclosure unless proper ventila-
tion is provided.
The maximum recommended ambient temperature for this equipment is 40° C.
When using the unit in a multi-unit rack assembly or closed assembly the ambient temperature
inside the assembly may not succeed the maximum rated ambient temperature.
When installed in a rack, the installation should be such that the amount of air flow required
for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised. The mounting of the equipment
should be such that no hazardous condition is achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.
1.3.4 Servicin g
Mechanical or electrical modifications others than described in this manual must not be made to
the devices. BARCO is not liable for damages resulting from modified devices.
Only authorized personnel should carry out other maintenance work not explicitly
mentioned in this installation manual!
Never open the case of ARGUS without first disconnecting all power supply cords!
Measurements and tests with the opened device may be carried out only in the
factory or by specially trained personnel, due to the dangers of electrical shock.
1.3.5 Cleanin g
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. See section 5.3 Cleaning for a cleaning instruction!
1.3.6 Re-Pack ing
Keep the original shipping carton and packing material; they will come in handy if you ever have
to ship your unit. For maximum protection, repack your set as it was originally packed at the fac-
tory.

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003 1-7
1.4 Online manual
On the Control Room Suite CD CRS-3045-C this manual DOC-3266-2 can also be found in elec-
tronically form. Insert the CD Control Room Suite CRS-3045-C in the CD ROM drive. If autorun is
enabled on ARGUS the start page of the CD comes up. If the CD does not start automatically, open
the file CRSindex.htm from the CD by means of the Explorer. Look in the section Releases of
individual Products for the release of the graphic driver that is installed on ARGUS and chose the
related documentation.
Acrobat Reader can be used to view doc3266e.pdf. Adobe® Acrobat® Reader is free and freely
distributable software that lets you view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files.
If Acrobat Reader is already installed, the manual can be viewed just by a click on the link. Else
the Acrobat Reader must be installed first. Its setup program can be found on the CD in section
Releases of individual Products -> 3rd party tools and products.

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003 2-1
2 Summ ary
This chapter gives an overview about the features of ARGUS.

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003 2-2
2.1 Proper ties
ARGUS was designed to control large, modular OVERVIEW or ATLAS Display Walls. Its multi-
screen capability allows you to control displays of up to 80 projection modules. The display area is
one logically connected display. Digital imaging devices based on modern technologies such as
Single LCD, DLP™ and Poly-Silicon LCD with the highest display quality are controlled digi-
tally. Digital data transfer is immune to electromagnetic interference and therefore ensures the dis-
play wall picture to be displayed in absolutely distortion free image quality. Analog monitors and
projectors can also be controlled by ARGUS using the optional analog output. Thus, multi-monitor
operator stations can be ergonomically designed and easily implemented.
(DLP is a trademark of Texas Instruments Incorporated)
The hardware and software of ARGUS is based on world-wide accepted standards. ARGUS offers
the following exceptional capabilities:
High performance graphics output using the most modern processor and chip technologies
Supports current LAN and WAN interfaces
Graphic and video outputs in high color quality
Video in a window, up and down scaleable up to full-screen
Unlimited, overlapping and freely moveable video and graphics windows
Up to 56 videos on one or two projection modules.
Each video and RGB window has its own assignment of color depth.
Figure 2-1
48 channel ARGUS
The ARGUS system provides a flexible and scalable architecture, which is suitable to support all
sizes of Display Walls. It consists of an ARGUS PROCESSOR that controls up to five ARGUS
OMNIBUS devices depending on the Wall Size. Smaller systems up to 36 projection cubes can be
set up with a single ARGUS PROCESSOR and OMNIBUS, depending on the amount of video and
RGB sources. Larger Display Walls with multiple videos require the usage of multiple OMNIBUS
devices.

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003 2-3
Independent on the amount of OMNIBUS devices, both the user and the application software »see«
one single display. Installation, operation and service do not differ from that of a standard Win-
dows NT workstation or a Windows 2000 workstation respectively.
ARGUS is optimized for displaying video in systems where the display wall is digitally controlled,
even though it is also possible to display video in a system with analog data transfer. Nevertheless
with analog data transfer some restrictions to number and size of the video and RGB windows
must be considered.

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003 3-1
3 Getti ng Started
This chapter describes the set up of the ARGUS Workstation for Windows and provides you with a
guide through the software configuration.

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003 3-2
3.1 Examin ing
3.1.1 ARGUS PROCESSOR
The case of the ARGUS PROCESSOR is available in two models: The standard case and a case to
house hot plug power supply and RAID (redundant array of independent disks).
The Front
The front of the standard case of the ARGUS PROCESSOR looks like this or similar:
18
3
1
3
1
1
10a
12
74
RESET
KB/LK
POWER
H.D.D.
POWER
29
The case of the ARGUS PROCESSOR for redundant operation looks like this:
1
3
12
1
8
35411
10
b
6
29

DOC-3266-2 Argus Workstation for Windows December-2003 3-3
1air supply
2handle of filter mounting
3restart button
4lock keyboard switch
5buzzer reset button: power module failed
6LED: power module failed
7LED: hard disk operating
8LED: power on
9floppy disk drive
10a/b single hard disk drive / RAID
11 CD ROM drive
12 reserved
13 power button
Figure 3-1
front view of ARGUS PROCESSOR
Next to the air supply openings [1] there is the handle of the filter mounting [2].
In the center of the standard case there are three buttons. The upper one is the restart button [3],
the one in the middle is the lock keyboard switch [4], that serves to enable or disable keyboard in-
put and the lower one is the power button [13]. The two LEDs next to the switches indicate hard
disk drive operating [7] respectively power on [8].
The case for redundant operation additionally has a buzzer reset button for power module failure
[5], which is located on the top leftmost position. The restart button [3] is located between the
lock keyboard switch [4] and the power button [13] instead. On the front there is also an additional
LED, indicating power module failure [6].
On the right hand side there is the floppy disk drive [9], followed by the CD ROM drive [11] and
below it the hard disk drive [10a] or [10b].