Contemporary Research ICC2-VDC User manual

17630 Davenport Road, Suite 113 • Dallas, TX 75252
Phone:[phone] • Toll-Free: 888-972-2728 • Fax: [phone]
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Product Manual
ICC2-VDC
Video Display Controller
Ver. 7.8 February 9, 2009

Contemporary Research 2 ICC2-VDC
Table of Contents
Overview.............................................................................................................................................3
Video Display Control..............................................................................................................................3
Specifications......................................................................................................................................4
Physical.................................................................................................................................................4
Front Panel............................................................................................................................................4
Rear Panel.............................................................................................................................................4
Internal Closures....................................................................................................................................4
RF Tuner...............................................................................................................................................5
ICC-Net.................................................................................................................................................5
Status Indication....................................................................................................................................5
Accessories............................................................................................................................................5
Installation .........................................................................................................................................6
AC Power...............................................................................................................................................6
RF Coax and iCC-Net Operation...............................................................................................................6
RS-232 Control Wiring ............................................................................................................................6
A/V Setup..............................................................................................................................................6
External IR Sensor..................................................................................................................................7
Programming the IC-RC Remote..............................................................................................................7
RS-232 Control Wiring ............................................................................................................................7
On-Screen Menus...................................................................................................................................8
Firmware Updates..................................................................................................................................8
RS-232 Control Codes.........................................................................................................................9
RS-232 Control Protocol...................................................................................................................10
Overview.............................................................................................................................................10
Command String Structure....................................................................................................................10
RS-232 Commands ...........................................................................................................................11
RS-232 Responses............................................................................................................................15
Response String Structure.....................................................................................................................15
iC-Net SmartZones............................................................................................................................17
System Map ......................................................................................................................................18
Typical RF and ICC-Net Signal Flow .................................................................................................19
Mounting the VDC.............................................................................................................................20
Safety Instructions...........................................................................................................................21
Limited Warranty and Disclaimer.....................................................................................................22

Contemporary Research 3 ICC2-VDC
Overview
The ICC2-VDC Video Display Controller provides two-way control of video projectors, plasma monitors, and
other displays over the iCC-Net data network. As part of a Contemporary Research media system, the ICC2-VDC
can network with up 4,000 controllers, communicating simultaneously over the wired iCW-Net and RF coax iCC-
Net pathways. New models feature closed captioning and S12 processing that allows firmware updates through
the RF system.
Video Display Control
•Controllable over network and wireless IR remote
•Built-in TV tuner provides absolute control over channel access, tunes broadcast, CATV, HRC, and IRC
frequencies
•Onboard memory stores list of available TV channels, updatable over the network
•Built-in character generator provides closed captioning, on-screen text, and channel names
•Video and mono audio outputs deliver A/V to projector or monitor
•Inserts blue screen video image when unit senses loss of video level
•External A/V inputs accept video and mono audio from local VCR or PC
•Front-panel IR sensors receives commands from included IC-RC IR remote
•Optional external IR sensor
•Front-panel LEDS for Power, Net, IR In, and Data Out
•Front-panel controls can be selectively enabled or disabled via iC-Net commands
•RS-232 control port operates RS-232-controlled projectors, plasma monitors, and other displays
•Non-volatile memory saves and restores operation status on power-up
•Internal I/O ports can be used for optional buzzer, camera power relay or other application
•New! Aux port sends volume data to optional 232-Amp
•Updates firmware over RF coax wiring
•Includes power supply (US only)
•Optionally available with alert buzzer
•Optional accessories include IR-RXC External IR Receiver, IC-RC IR Remote, CC-232 RS-232 Control
Cable and RK2 kit for surface-mounting
New Features
•Panasonic, Sharp, Westinghouse ProAV displays (V 4.5–4.7)
•Digital Projection VPs, LG LCD Monitors, Akira PDP monitors (V 5.0–5.1)
•Closed Captioning, RF updatable firmware, Serial #325-5030-XXXX, (V7.0)
•Sony FWD42PV1 (V7.4)
•Data Out for 232-AMP (V7.5)

Contemporary Research 4 ICC2-VDC
Specifications
Physical
Size: 8.5" [216mm] wide x 1.75" [38mm] height (1RU) x 6.0" [153mm] deep
Weight: 1.5 lbs [0.68kg]
Enclosure: All aluminum with durable black powder coat paint
Mounting: Surface mounting with optional RK2 mounting kit
Front Panel
Push Buttons: Channel up and down, Volume up and down, and Power
Indicators: Power: Red LED
Net: Green LED for iC-Net bus, flashes once per second if active
IR In: Red LED lights when receiving IR commands from remote
Data Out: Red LED lights when sending commands
Rear Panel
Power In: 2.1mm coaxial jack (inside center conductor positive), 350 mA maximum
11.5 to 15 VDC, 12 VDC typical (may be unregulated)
North American version includes UL/CSA listed wall power supply
RS-232 Control: DB-9 male connector, baud rates from 1200 to 115.2K baud
Optional CC-232 RS-232 cable available to match specific makes and models
Aux: 3.5mm mono jack for data to optional 232-Amp
IR In: 3.5mm stereo jack for optional IR-RXC IR Receiver
Sleeve= DC power+ from power jack input, limited to less than 100mA
Ring=DC power– (GND)
Tip= IR data signal
Antenna/Cable: ‘F’, female, 75 ohm impedance
External Inputs: Video - RCA female, NTSC composite
Audio – 2 RCA female, mono 20K ohms unbalanced,
+3dBm (1.1V RMS or 3.2V p-to-p)
A/V Outputs: Video - RCA female, NTSC composite
Audio – 2 RCA female, mono 1K ohms, 20Hz to 20KHz,
0.5% maximum, 0.1% typical THD
Internal Closures
Type: 2 Solid-State output switch closures, max 50 mA, 24 VDC
Closure 1 normally used for optional buzzer
Closure 2 normally used for an external camera power relay (by others)
Available as factory-installed option only

Contemporary Research 5 ICC2-VDC
RF Tuner
Frequency Range: NTSC television 55.25 to 801.25 MHz, 62.5KHZ fine tune resolution
Maximum Input: +20dBmV
Formats: Broadcast, CATV, HRC, and IRC
Video Gain: ±5% maximum, 2% typical
Video Phase: ±3 degrees maximum, 2 degrees typical
ICC-Net
Operation: Carried over the same RF coax connection as TV channels
Data Receive: Mid-band VHF, 74.7MHz, sent from IC Head-End Network Controller
-25 to +35 dBmV signal level
Data Transmit: Sub-band, 5.6MHz sent to Head-End Network Controller
+/- 80 KHz max carrier deviation, +49dBmV nominal
Status Indication
The Net and Power LEDs have special modes that help system setup and troubleshooting.
Power LED Off = off, Blinks = on
Net LED Blinks once per second when it is receiving network data
LED Response
Off – DC power to VDC missing or other internal power problem
Solid On – no network communication
Blinks once per second - communicating over network
The Head-End Network Controller sends out a “heartbeat” command once every
second that will flash the Net LED.
Accessories
Includes: 12 VDC power supply, 500 mA (Domestic shipments only)
Optional Accessories: IC-RC Wireless IR Remote
IR-RXC External IR Receiver
CC-232 RS-232 Control Cable (specify make and model)
RK2 Kit for surface-mounting VDC

Contemporary Research 6 ICC2-VDC
Installation
AC Power
1. Insert DC power supply plug into 12 VDC jack on the VDC.
2. Plug power adaptor into AC wall outlet.
3. The Net LED should turn on and stay lit (indicates no network communication).
RF Coax and iCC-Net Operation
1. Connect the RF Coax cable into the Antenna/Cable input on the VDC.
2. If the iCC-Net signal is operating, the Net LED will blink once per second.
RS-232 Control Wiring
1. Attach the RS-232 cable to the VDC RS-232 Control connector.
2. Connect the cable to the video projector or display’s RS-232 control input.
A/V Setup
1. Connect audio and video outputs of the VDC into the audio and video inputs of the projector.
2. You may use the left or right audio output for a projector with mono audio, both for a TV with stereo
audio (ICC2-VDC sound is mono).
3. Set the projector to its Video Input to view on-screen setup commands from the VDC.
Tip: At this point, you’ve set up the control wiring and the manufacturer’s commands sent will be
programmed or changed with the On-Screen Setup Menu 45700. Press the Power button on
the VDC. If the Projector turns on and off, the settings are already correct.

Contemporary Research 7 ICC2-VDC
External IR Sensor
The ICC2-VDC includes front-panel 38 KHz and 57 KHz IR sensors. An IR In jack is provided on the back for
installation of an optional external IR-RXC IR Receiver. The external sensor, switchable for 38 KHz and 57 KHz
sensing, can add IR coverage to the front sensors, or solve installation hurdles. Sometimes it’s hard to mount
the VDC near the display and position the front-panel sensors for good IR reception. In addition, plasma
displays radiate a fair amount of IR that could interfere with VDC IR reception.
1. Install the IR-RXC in a good location for IR reception.
2. Run the wire to the IR In jack on the VDC.
a. Sleeve= DC power+ from power jack input, limited to less than 100mA
b. Ring=DC power– (GND)
c. Tip= IR data signal
3. Set the front-panel IR sensor to 38 KHz, 57 KHz, or off with On-Screen Menu command 45702 (page 8)
Programming the IC-RC Remote
In order to complete the setup of the VDC, you’ll need the IC-RC IR Remote to use the On-Screen Menus.
Typically, the remote is shipped ready to communicate to the VDC (Code 9). Just in case, here’s how to set the
format of IR codes in the remote:
1. Press and hold the Select button and a numeric key for the code # below.
2. Release the two keys at the same time.
3. The remote will now send the selected codes.
4. Remote will keep the codes, even if battery power is lost.
IR Code Format Code
Zenith Smart TV 1
Philips Smart TV 2
RCA Smart TV 3
Contemporary Research 38 KHz 4
Contemporary Research 57 KHz (default) 9
RS-232 Control Wiring
The RS-232 Control port includes connections for data transmit and receive, RTS/CTS handshaking and optional
wired IR serial control. Most models do not require RTS/CTS handshaking. IR serial is optional and rarely
recommended for plasma displays.
5 GND
2 RXD
3 TXD RXD
GND
TXD
7 RTS
8 CTS
To VDC RS-232 Port
9-pin D-sub female To
Projector/Display
VDC RS-232 Wiring
CTS
9 IR Serial RTS

Contemporary Research 8 ICC2-VDC
On-Screen Menus
The remaining installation steps use the IR remote and the built-in character generator of the VDC.
1. Touch Menu, then 999, then Enter.
2. The text CR MENU> should appear on the screen.
3. Key in one of the commands shown below, then press Enter to activate.
4. Note that, in Menu mode, the Channel Down key acts as a backspace/delete key.
Command Function
45678 Display firmware version
45679 Display the unit’s device #. At this point, you can use the Channel Down key as a
Delete key, enter a new device # with the remote’s numeric keypad, then hit Enter to
save the new number.
45700 Display or edit projector control commands. Sets the IR/RS-232 control format to
match your projector or display. In many cases, CR will pre-set this command to the
format specified by the dealer.
See RS-232 Control Codes on next page.
45702 Set IR receive, IR output and power sensing levels.
1 = Enable 38KHz IR receive in, 0=disable
2 = Enable 57KHz IR receive in, 0=disable
4 = Enable IR output carrier, 0=no carrier (ignored in VDC)
8 = High/Low power sensitivity (ignored in VDC)
16 = Set IR output for high current, 0=low current (ignored in VDC)
Add up the values and enter the result. For example, the default setting is 30 (57 KHz
on, IR carrier, high power sensitivity, and high IR output).
65478 Reset VDC, similar to disconnecting power then restarting.
65487 Initialize to factory default settings: Power on, unlocked, display channel 11, channel
ring set to 4, 5, and 11, Group 0. Note that this command works even if TV power is
off or control is locked out.
65480 Enable constant Net transmit to the Head-End. This is used for measuring the signal
strength of the unit’s RF output. Press Enter to stop transmit or the unit will
automatically stop after 50 seconds.
65481 Display DA transmitter frequency control voltage – should be 2000 - 3150.
65482 Display iCC-Net RF receive signal strength. Shows Net RX if receiving the
iC-HE’s “heartbeat” pulse once per second, !NET RX if not.
65483 Display DF transmitter frequency deviation – should be 245 - 300
Firmware Updates
Units that have serial # 325-5030-XXXX are updatable via the iC-Net RF network, using SF-series firmware
update software and an RS-232 connection through an ICE or ICC-HE Head End.
Older units can be updated with chip replacement at the factory or in the field. There is a small
charge for replacement firmware chips.

Contemporary Research 9 ICC2-VDC
RS-232 Control Codes
The following chart includes the current control codes for many brands and types of video displays. While a
manufacturer code set will control virtually all models in a given type or series, there are differences that arise,
most commonly for baud rate, input selection, and options for internal tuner control. In addition, some models
(especially for plasmas) may be OEM’ed from another supplier and use a different control code.
CR maintains a constantly-updated database on display makes and models – call our support team to confirm
the best solution for your application.
Code MFG Type Kbd Models Notes Ver
1 Sharp VP 9.6 XG-E1200U Added S-Video, RGB2 3.8
2 Sharp VP PG-D100 Wired IR, factory option 1.9
3 Eiki
Proxima
Sanyo
VP 19.2 Most models
LS1, DP5950, DP9250
Most models
Video=3 1.9
4 Elmo VP EDP-2100, not recommended 1.9
5 Elmo VP EDP-3100, not recommended 1.9
6 Panasonic VP/PDP 9.6 Most models 1.9
7 CR 9.6 Special Applications 1.9
8 Electrohome VP 4.8 VP EPS1024, RTS/CTS 1.9
9 Mitsubishi VP 9.6 Most models 1.9
10 Fujitsu PDP 4.8 Most models 1.9
11 Fujitsu PDP 9.6 Not recommended 1.9
12 NEC
RCA PDP 9.6 Most models PSP42300 1.9
13 Pioneer PDP 4.8 Most models Single unit 1.9
14 Photonics PDP 2.0
15 NEC VP 38.4 HT/GT/LT/MT series Also 26 (19.2) 2.8
16 Sony VP 38.4 Most models 3.2
17 Sampo
NetTV
Gateway
ViewSonic
PDP/VP
TV 9.6 Most models 2.8
18 Samsung PDP 19.2 Most models ID=0 3.1
19 Pioneer 2 PDP 4.8 PDP-503,PDP-433 All units 3.1
20 Eiki
Sanyo VP 19.2 NB series SU series Video=2 3.3
21 Zenith/LG LCD 115.2 Most models 3.4
22 Hitachi
Dukane VP 19.2 Most models Most models 3.5
23 Sony PDP 9.6 Most models 3.6
24 Epson VP 9.6 Models 30-820, S1 RGB=11 3.7
25 Epson 2 VP 9.6 Models 7800-9600 RGB=10 3.7
26 NEC 2 VP 19.2 Most models Also 15 (38.4) 3.7
27 Samsung 2 LCD 9.6 323/423 ID=All 3.8
28 Samsung 3 PDP 19.2 Most models ID=All 3.8
29 Zenith/LG 2 LCD 9.6 Same as 21, 9600 baud 4.2
30 NEC LCD LCD 9.6 NEC LCD displays 4.3
31 LG 3 LCD PDP 9.6 29, with input changes 4.4
32 NEC 3 PDP 9.6 30, with input changes 4.5
33 Sharp LCD LCD 9.6 All models 4.6
34 Westinghouse ProAV LCD 9.6 All models 4.6
35 Panasonic PDP 9.6 Most models 4.7
36 LG LCD 9.6 M3201/M4201 5.0
37 Digital Projection VP 19.2 30XG-XB 5.1
38 Akira PDP 115.2 PK8110/20 5.1
39 Sony PDP 9600 FWD42PV1 7.1

Contemporary Research 10 ICC2-VDC
RS-232 Control Protocol
Overview
RS-232 control for up to 4000 TV and Display Controllers is provided through an iC-series Head-End Network
Controller. The ICC-HE Head-End manages iC-Net communication over RF Coax to ICC2-format controllers as
well as ICW-format controllers over twisted-pair Cat3/5 wiring. The ICW-HE Head-End operates on the twisted-
pair network only.
Each Video Display Controller is assigned a unique device number from 1 to 4000 to which control commands
are addressed. The devices are organized into 16 zones of 255 devices. All the devices in each zone will
respond to a single “virtual device number” — one device number that represents all devices in each zone.
There is also a global device number, 4095, that will command all devices in the system. This feature
dramatically speeds up system operation and programming, because one command can affect an entire group
of devices—or all. To take advantages of this feature, review the section iC-Net Zones in this manual.
In ABC Media Retrieval Systems, we reserve the first group of devices, 1-255, for components operating on a
connected control system. Zones 1-16 are used for CR TV Controllers, Video Display Controllers and Tuners. As
it’s unlikely any system will use all 4000 devices, this may be a good device standard for your system as well.
The Remote RS-232 port on the Head-End Network Controller can communicate from 1200 to 38.4K baud. The
factory default setting is 19.2K baud, 8 data bits, No parity, and 1 stop bit.
Command String Structure
Characters in command strings are expressed in a combination of hex and ASCII characters. For clarity, the
following protocol examples use the following conventions:
•Single-byte hex numbers are preceded by the ‘$’ symbol
•ASCII characters or strings are enclosed in single quotes
•Numbers not marked as hex or ASCII are a single decimal byte
•Parameters shown in < > brackets are single byte
•A series of multiple commands or parameters are set apart by [ ] brackets
•Commas separate the bytes, but are not part of the protocol
•Double quotes enclose the command string, but are not part of the protocol
Command format:
“$A5,<dh>,<dl>,<ncb>,<cmd1>,<para> [<cmdN>]"
$A5 Starts the command
<dh> The zone or high order byte of the device (n times 256)*
<dl> The unit or low order byte of the device (number past dh - 0 for global zone)*
<ncb> The number of command bytes to follow
<cmd1> The first command byte
<parameter> Command parameters (not used by all commands)
[<cmdN>] Multiple commands can be concatenated, with byte count added to <ncb>
*Device number example: $A5,2,4=Device 516 (256*2 + 4)

Contemporary Research 11 ICC2-VDC
RS-232 Commands
Command Description
Power
Power Off P0 “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’P0’ ” (6 bytes) – sends discrete power on and off commands
Turns off display power, mutes all A/V outputs
Power On P1 “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’P1’ ” (6 bytes) – sends discrete power on and off commands
Turns on display power, unmutes all A/V outputs
Power Toggle PT “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’PT’ ” (6 bytes) – sends discrete power on and off commands
Toggles power/mute states on and off
Setup
Operating
Parameters TM “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’TM’,<setting>” (7 bytes) Sets up key functions in the unit
Bit 0 – Alpha channel labels
0=alpha labels off
1=alpha labels on
Bit 1 – Numeric channel labels,
0=num labels off
1=num labels on
Bit 2 – Channel up/down operation,
0=Tune Ring,
1=Send IR Keypad response
Bit 3-7 = 0
RS-232 Control T0 “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’T0’<type> ” (7 bytes) – Sets RS-232 control codes
Identical to on-screen menu 45700 command on Page 8. Specify value to match make
and model of video display
Volume
Volume
VL “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’VL’,<vol level>” (7 bytes) Sets volume level
0 = Mute
1 – 63 = Minimum level (1) to maximum volume (63)
Ramp Up
VU “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’VU’ ” (6 bytes) Starts volume ramping up
Ramp Down
VD “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’VD’ ” (6 bytes) Starts volume ramping up
Stop Ramp
VV “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’VV’ ” (6 bytes) Stop volume ramp
Mute On VM “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’VM’ ” (6 bytes)
Mutes volume
Mute Off VX “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’VX’ ” (6 bytes)
Unmutes volume
Toggle Mute VT “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’VT’ ” (6 bytes)
Toggles between mute on and off
Save Level VW “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’VW’ ” (6 bytes)
Save current volume level, default when unit powers up
To power-up to last level, set volume to zero (VL) and save.
Power-up
Volume S5 "$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,'S5',<volume>" (7 bytes) Sets volume level when unit powers up
0 = restore to previous level
1 – 63 = Set from minimum (1) to maximum level (63)
Control
Control String UX "$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2+string length>,'UX'<string>" (variable bytes)
Sends an RS-232 string (ASCII, decimal, or hex) directly to the TV display.
Ex: "$A5,1,2,6,'UX, 'PON', 13" Sends PON, followed by carriage return (device 258)

Contemporary Research 12 ICC2-VDC
Command Description
Channels
Marquee Chan T2 “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’T2’<channel> ” (7 bytes) – Sets default power-up channel
Sets default channel selected when unit powers up
Ts & Qs The following T-series channel commands select a channel and display the channel label
on the TV, while Q-series commands don’t show the on-screen text.
T Channel Up TU “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’TU’ ” (6 bytes) – Tunes to next channel up in Tune Ring
T Channel Dwn TD “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’TD’ ” (6 bytes) – Tunes to next channel down in Tune Ring
T Channel Prev TP “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’TP’ ” (6 bytes) – Tunes to previous channel in Tune Ring
Force T Channel TC “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’TC’, <channel>” (7 bytes) – Tunes to a specific channel
124 = RGB 2 input on TV
125 = RGB input on TV
126 = Select VDC external A/V input (also selects TV video input)
127 = Select S-Video Input
0 = Blank video output to TV
255 = Unblank TV video (restore to previous channel)
Tip: Not all inputs are available on every TV make and model.
Select T Chan TT “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’TT’ <channel>” (7 bytes) – Tunes channel if included in TR
Channel ? T? “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’T?’ ” (6 bytes) – Request response for current channel
Q Channel Q- This series of commands will change channels without displaying on-screen labels.
Q Channel Up QU “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’QU’ ” (6 bytes) – Tunes to next channel up in Tune Ring
Q Channel Dwn QD “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’QD’ ” (6 bytes) – Tunes to next channel down in Tune Ring
Force Q Chan QC “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’QC’, <channel>” (7 bytes) – Tunes to a specific channel
Same special-function channels as in the T Channel Select section above
Q Channel Prev QP “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’QP’ ” (6 bytes) – Tunes to previous channel in Tune Ring
Select Q Chan QT “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’QT’,<channel>” (7 bytes) – Tunes channel if included in TR
Captions
Captions Q0 “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’Q0’,<mode>” (7 bytes) - Sets captioning mode
0=Captioning off (default)
1=Captioning on
2=Captioning active when volume is muted

Contemporary Research 13 ICC2-VDC
Command Description
Operation
Video Loss
Detection Q2 "$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,'Q2',<video loss mode>" (7 bytes) Selects response when a loss of video signal is detected
0=Both audio and video muted (default-blue screen for video)
1=Audio muted only
2=Video muted only
3=No muting (do nothing on loss of video)
Tuner Mode S0 "$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,'S0',<tune mode>" (7 bytes)
Sets tuner mode to standard CATV, Broadcast, HRC, or IRC
0 = CATV
1 = Broadcast/Antenna
2 = HRC
3 = IRC
Tune Ring TR “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,<ncb>,’TR’, [<chan 1>, <chan N>]” (variable bytes)
This command stores a Tune Ring, a series of preset channels accessed by channel
up/down commands.
Ex1: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,6,’TR’, 5,4,8,11” sets ring to channels 5, 4, 8 and 11
Tip: The ring follows the stored order, channels do not have to be in ascending order
Ex2: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’TR’ ” clears the Tune Ring, locks unit to current channel
Tip: In the above mode, the IR Keypad channel up/down response to the Head-End, so
the system will know the user is trying to change channels. In response, the
system could change channels on a media sources, like a VCR or satellite.
Ex3: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,9,’TR’, $82,5,7,$89,13” sets channels 2-5, 7, and 9-13. You can
specify a range using MSB bit for the first channel; the next byte is the last.
Channel Labels TN “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,<ncb>,‘TN’,<channel>,<label>” (variable bytes)
Stores an ASCII string as the channel label. The text will appear briefly when the channel
is selected, if the feature has been activated by IRC Setup command (TM).
Ex1: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,6,‘TN’, ‘7’, ‘PBS’ ” IRC displays PBS when 7 is selected
Ex2: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,‘TN’, ‘7’ ” Clears alpha label for channel 7
Ex3: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,4,‘TN’,0,0” Clears all alpha labels
Display Label TC “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’TC’ ” (6 bytes) – Display current channel label for about 15 seconds
Closures Y- “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3, ‘Y’ <I/0 Port>’ ” (7 bytes)
Turns the two internal closures on and off. Closure 1 is typically used to control the
optional buzzer, Closure 2 typically used to control an external camera power relay.
“$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3, ‘Y10’” turns Closure 1 off
“$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3, ‘Y11’” turns Closure 1 on
“$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3, ‘Y20’” turns Closure 2 off
“$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3, ‘Y21’” turns Closure 2 on
Control Lock LM “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,'LM',<control>” (7 bytes)
Locks out front panel and IR remote control functions.
Bit 7 Selects IR remote control operation (0=enabled, 1=disabled)
Bit 6 Selects volume control operation (0=enabled, 1=disabled)
Bit 5 - 1 Always 0
Bit 0 Selects front panel buttons operation (0=enabled, 1=disabled)
Device Status SP "$A5,0,0,3,'SP'" (6 bytes)
Queries the Head-End for the number of devices present on the network and the number
of devices expected.

Contemporary Research 14 ICC2-VDC
Command Description
Text
Write Text DM “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,<ncb>,‘DM’, <start line>,<text color>,<background color>,
<background>,<size and shadow>,<timeout>,<message bytes>” (variable bytes)
Clears current text, displays text message over video (default) or blank background.
The built-in character generator can accept up to 40 characters of text (including
carriage returns), 28 characters per line. Use a hex $0D or decimal 13 in the text as
a carriage return, which will advance CG to the next line, first space on the right.
Start Line - 1-11
Text Color - 1-7= White
Text Background Color – 0-7=Transparent (no background)
Full screen background – 0=normal insert over video, 1=blank screen (blue)
Size and Shadow – 0-3=small text with drop shadow
Time-Out – 0=15-second display, 1=persistent
Persistent text stays on screen until the next DM, or new Menu or channel.
Ex1: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,10,‘DM’, 2,7,0,0,1,0,’TEST’ ” displays the word TEST on the
second line, white text, inserted over video, small size with drop shadow, and timing
out after 15 seconds.
Ex2: “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,‘DM’ ” clears on-screen display, also clears persistent text
The VDC uses white text and clear backgrounds when it receives a Text or
Background Color parameter between 1 and 7, and accepts values 0-3 for text size
and shadow. This allows compatibility with Smart TVs mixed in the same system that
can display other colors and fonts.
Fast Write DN “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,<ncb>,’DN’, <text> ” (variable bytes)
Clears display, writes specified text starting at column 1, row 1. $0D and hex $EA,
$EB, $DC, and $DB can be included, operate same as matching commands below.
Write Here DW “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,<ncb>,’DW’, <text> ” (variable bytes)
Writes specified text starting at present cursor position. Accepts same Hex as DN.
Row, Column DG “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,4,’DG’, <row>, <column>” (8 bytes)
Moves the cursor to the specified row and column position. If row is 0, then row will
not be changed, and if column is 0, then column will not be changed.
Cursor Column E7 “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’E7’, <column>” (7 bytes)
Sends cursor to specified column.
Cursor Row E8 “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’E8’, <row>” (7 bytes)
Sends cursor to specified row.
Return EB “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’EB’ ” (6 bytes)
Moves cursor down to the first column of the next row.
Clear All EA “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’EA’ ” (6 bytes)
Clears display, sends cursor to column 1, row 1.
Clear to End DC “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’DC’ ” (6 bytes)
Clear on-screen display from cursor to end of screen, position stays the same.
Clear Line DB “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,2,’DB’ ” (6 bytes)
Clear on-screen display from cursor to end of line, cursor position stays the same.
Clear Spaces E9 “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’E9’, <num spaces>” (7 bytes)
Clears specified number of spaces, starting from cursor to the right.
Text Timeout DQ “$A5,<dh>,<dl>,3,’DQ’, <time>” (7 bytes)
Sets screen timeout to specified time in seconds (1-254). If time is 0 or 255, any text
on the screen will persist indefinitely, or until cleared.

Contemporary Research 15 ICC2-VDC
RS-232 Responses
iC-Net devices will send a response over the network whenever there is there is a change in status or command
from an IR remote or front panel.
Response String Structure
Characters in response strings are expressed in a combination of hex and ASCII characters. For clarity, the
following protocol examples use the following conventions:
•ASCII characters or strings are shown enclosed in single quotes
•Numbers shown that are not in single quotes are a single decimal byte
•Parameters shown in < > brackets are single byte
•A series of multiple commands or parameters are set apart by [ ] brackets
•Commas separate the bytes, but are not part of the protocol
•Double quotes enclose the command string, but are not part of the protocol
Command format:
“ ‘<’,<dh>,<dl>,<nrb>,<rb1>, <para1> [<rbN>]"
‘>’ Starts the response
<dh> The zone or high order byte of the device
<dl> The unit or low order byte of the device (0 for global zone)
<nrb> The number of response bytes to follow
<rb1> The first response byte
<para1> Associated parameters, if any
[<rbN>] Multiple responses may be included
Response Description
New
Channel T “ ‘<’,<dh>,<dl>,2,'T',<new channel>" (6 bytes)
Sent in response to T? command.
IR Function F “ ‘<’,<dh>,<dl>,2,'F',<IR Function>" (6 bytes)
Sent unit receives a new function command is pressed (1-8) or released (0) from the
IR remote.
0 = Release
1 = Play
2 = Stop
3 = Pause
4 = Fast Forward
5 = Rewind
8 = Record

Contemporary Research 16 ICC2-VDC
Response Description
IR Key K “ ‘<’,<dh>,<dl>,2,'K',<IR Key>" (6 bytes)
Sent when unit receives a new key command is pressed (10-116) or released (0) from
the IR remote.
0 = Release 105 = Media Menu
10 - 19 = Numeric keypad entry 0 – 9 106 = Cursor Right
21 = Enter 107 = Cursor Left
22 = Channel Up 108 = Cursor Up
23 = Channel Down 109 = Cursor Down
29 = Menu 110 = Media Select
101 = Previous Channel 116 = Timer
The 0 – 9, Channel Up/Down functions are sent only if enabled in the TM command
(Bit 2 = 1). The Channel Up/Down responses will be sent if the Tune Ring contains no
channels – see Ex2 in the Tune Ring command section.
IR Menu M “ ‘<’,<dh>,<dl>,5,'M',<msh>, <msl>, <mph>, <mpl>" (9 bytes)
Sent when unit receives a new Menu command is pressed or released (0) from the IR
remote. Menu Selection high and low bytes are in <msh> and <msl>. Menu Parameter
high and low bytes are in <mph> and <mpl>.
A Menu command is initiated by pressing the Menu key, followed by a numeric entry,
then the Enter or Channel Up key. During the Menu process, the Channel Down key
acts as a backspace or delete key.
Some selections that need only a single numeric entry and will have a parameter value
of zero (0). Those keys are 0, 8, 9, 18, 20, 30, 900, 911, and 912.
Menu selections that will prompt the user to enter a second parameter entry are:
1 = Select Media
2 = Password
3 = Chapter Search
4 = Frame Search
11 = Channel
21 = Page Zone
22 = Page Room
25 = Go
21 = Attach Zone
32 = Attach Room
Tip: The Menu entries are active even if the TV power is off.
Device
Response SP " '<',0,0,4,'SP',<number devices present>,<number devices expected> (8 bytes)
Sent in response to HE status query.
Tip: If the number of present and expected devices match, the green Net LED on the
HE will blink once per second. If the two numbers do not agree, the LED blinks twice
per second.

Contemporary Research 17 ICC2-VDC
iC-Net SmartZones
To simplify controlling groups of devices, iC-Net is divided into 16 zones of 255 devices, called
SmartZones. All the devices within each zone can be controlled simultaneously by sending a command
to a single virtual device number.
For example, noting the zone chart below, if we send a Power On command to device #256, any TV
controller numbered between 257 and 511 will instantly turn on. If we send a Power Off command to
device #4095, all devices in the system will turn off.
This is an immensely powerful feature, because most systems can only address one device at time. So
if you need to turn off all 50 TV in a zone, you would need to send 50 commands. In addition to the
hassles of creating multiple commands, there would be a long delay between the first and last
command. One command, instant response is easier.
As we noted before, ABC Media Retrieval Systems reserve Zone 0 for devices used in the central
control system, 1 -15 for iC-Net devices. This structure may be useful for your application, or you
could use Zone 0 just like any other iC-Net zone.
Zone First Device Last Device Virtual Device
1 257 511 256
2 513 767 512
3 769 1023 768
4 1025 1279 1024
5 1281 1535 1280
6 1537 1791 1536
7 1793 2047 1792
8 2049 2303 2048
9 2305 2559 2304
10 2561 2815 2560
11 2817 3071 2816
12 3073 3327 3072
13 3329 3583 3328
14 3585 3839 3584
15 3841 4000 3840
All Zones 4095
Tip: You've probably figured out that you never want to assign a virtual device number to an
actual device in the system. If you assigned #1536 to a device, all the TV controllers in Zone
6 would respond every time you sent a command to that one device.

Contemporary Research 18 ICC2-VDC
System Map
One of the key tasks for iC-Net integrators is to create a logical System Map, assigning device numbers to TV
controllers so they fall into physical zones useful to the client. The device mapping could be sorted by type or
location; whichever suits the application.
iC-Net Zone Zone Room Device
1 W 1st Floor 256
W151 257
W152 258
W153 259
W154 260
2 W 2nd Floor 512
W251 513
W252 514
W253 515
W254 516
3 E 1st Floor 768
E151 769
E152 770
E153 771
E154 772
4 E 2nd Floor 1024
E251 1025
E252 1024
E253 1025
E254 1026
5 Coffee Areas 1280
G100 1281
G150 1282
G151 1283
6 Day Care 1536
TV 1 1537
TV 2 1538
7 Hallways 1792
W1 1793
W2 1794
E1 1795
E2 1796
8 Office 2048
Admin 2049
A/V Center 2050
All Zones All 4095

Contemporary Research 19 ICC2-VDC
Typical RF and ICC-Net Signal Flow
The diagram below shows the structure of a typical Contemporary Research media retrieval system. One of the
key aspects for iCC-Net communication is to provide a forward and return (sub-channel) path for data.

Contemporary Research 20 ICC2-VDC
Mounting the VDC
In most cases, you’ll mount the VDC directly to the display, either below or above. Mounting below
the display is preferred, as it’s usually the best location for IR reception from remotes, and helps to
screen the internal IR sensors from stray ceiling-fixture IR.
With some video projectors, it’s hard to find the perfect location for control and IR reception for the
internal IR sensors. In addition, many plasma displays emit a large amount of IR interference. In
those situations, order the optional IR-RXC External IR Sensor, locating the sensor remotely from the
display.
Installers commonly use Velcro to secure the VDC to the display. Others will use brackets, such as our
optional RK2 Brackets to mount the VDC to the display, as shown below. Some combine the two
approaches, using Velcro during the initial phase of installation, then securing with brackets when
testing and troubleshooting is completed.
In all cases, it’s best to mount the VDC near to the display, simplifying wiring for A/V and control
cables. If, for some reason, the VDC must be mounted in an equipment rack, you’ll need an optional
RK1 Rack Mount Kit.