Contro l4 AVM-MC1-B User manual

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Control4 Corporation
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http://www.control4.com
Media Controller Installation and User Guide
Part Number: 21-0050 Rev A Draft 7 (in progress)
Hardware Model Number: AVM-MC1-B

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Contents
Preface About This Guide........................................... 1
Notes, Tips, Cautions, and Warnings .... 1
Additional Resources............................. 2
Chapter 1 Introduction to Media Controller .................... 3
Role in a Control4 System ..................... 3
Features and Benefits............................ 4
Requirements ........................................ 4
Supported Devices ................................ 5
What’s in the Box................................... 5
About the Media Controller .................... 5
Front View with Door Opened........... 7
Back View ......................................... 8
Chapter 2 Set Up the System ...................................... 11
Plan Your Equipment Layout ............... 11
Physical and Logical Connections .. 12
Home Network Requirements......... 12
Sample Setup Diagrams................. 13
Determine Best Video Option ......... 16
Use a Worksheet ............................ 16
Connect to a Monitor or TV.................. 19
Connect to the Network ....................... 20
Connect Devices.................................. 20
Use the Plugable Terminal Blocks.. 20
Connect Wires to a
Configurable Serial Port.................. 21
Add IR Receiver Capabilities to
Remote Locations........................... 22
Set Up IR-Signal Generation to
Control Third-Party Devices............ 23
Use Video Sense Loop to
Add On/Off Sensing........................ 23

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Connect AV Devices to One Another ..23
Relocate the WiFi Antenna .................. 24
Set Up Logical Connections ................ 24
Check Setup Using On-Screen Display25
Chapter 3 Use Media Controller................................... 27
User Interfaces .................................... 27
On-Screen Navigator ...................... 27
System Remote Control with LCD .. 28
Media Controller Front Display ....... 29
View or Edit Setup Information ............ 30
Play a CD............................................. 30
Choose a Playlist Option ..................... 31
Understand Future Feature Support.... 32
Chapter 4 Warranty and FCC Information.................... 33
Warranty .............................................. 33
Limited Hardware Warranty ............ 33
Hardware Warranty Terms ............. 34
Software Agreement ....................... 37
FCC Information .................................. 38
FCC Interference Statement........... 38
FCC Caution ................................... 39

1
PREFACE
About This Guide
Notes, Tips, Cautions, and Warnings
Media Controller Installation and User Guide Note, Tip,
Caution, and Warning paragraphs draw your attention to
safe practices and additional information which may help
you avoid losing data or time.
NOTE: These contain notes on related information
about the current topic.
TIP: These provide tips that may save you time or
effort.
CAUTION! These provide specific cautions about
improper use of equipment or failure to follow safety
instructions that may cause bodily injury. DO NOT
IGNORE A CAUTION!
WARNING! These provide specific warnings about
improper use of equipment or failure to follow safety
instructions that may cause data loss or equipment
damage. DO NOT IGNORE A WARNING!

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Additional Resources
The following resources are available to provide you with
additional support.
`Your authorized Control4 representative or
reseller.
`Control4 Web Site: http://www.Control4.com/

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CHAPTER 1Introduction to Media
Controller
This chapter introduces a Control4 home system and
explains the important role a Media Controller plays in that
system.
Role in a Control4 System
Control4 systems are uniquely configured for every
customer and every site. Your system may be simple or
complex, depending on what you want the system to
control.
An essential component in every Control4 home system
is a controller, such as Media Controller, that acts as the
brain of the system. In addition to providing control
options, Control4 controllers are designed to meet
specific home system needs. Media Controller, for
example, provides extensive media management
services and has a large hard drive for audio storage
(mainly for CDs that you rip to the hard drive).
NOTE: During the importing process, Media Controller
converts CDs to MP3 or WAV format to provide
convenient playback.
Once music has been imported to the Media Controller
hard drive, or other media has been stored in connected
devices, you can use Media Controller to manage your
media collections, play music, or access other stored
media.

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Features and Benefits
Music Server
`80 GB hard drive
`Multiple input options
`Multi-room audio
`Digital audio streaming
`Gracenote®and Muze®
`Customized playlists
Powerful Home Automation Controller
`Complete control of IR, contact, relay, and serial
connections to control the whole house
`ZigBee mesh networking (802.15.4), WiFi
(802.11b), or Ethernet communication
`Seamless integration (Works with Control4 and
a comprehensive array of third-party
components
Multiple Interfaces — Uses Control4 Touch
Screens, Keypads, System Remote Controls,
or the included On-Screen Navigator.
Requirements
To use Media Controller as designed, meet the following
requirements list:
`Network wiring or wireless network in place
(such as Ethernet or WiFi-802.11b) as needed,
including an Ethernet connection for Media
Controller
`Media Controller (included)
`System Remote Control (included)
`A monitor or TV for on-screen navigation and
control

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Supported Devices
For any controller purchased through Control4, see the
web site http://www.mycontrol4.com to obtain a list
of what you can add to your system.
NOTE: For a complete list of supported devices and
solutions, see “Products” at http://www.Control4.com
What’s in the Box
The following hardware and software is required and
included in your Control4 Media Controller box.
`Control4 Media Controller with On-Screen Navigator
user interface.
`Control4 System Remote Control (with 4 AAA
Batteries)
`Component video cable
`S-video cable
`Composite video cable
`IEC power cord
`IR emitters (8)
`Stereo RCA cable
`WiFi antenna extension cable
`Control4 On-Screen Navigator User Guide
`This manual
About the Media Controller
Control4 Media Controller is a complete digital music
server and home automation controller that ships with an
on-screen menu for navigation. Media Controller is a key
component in any Control4 system where music storage
and management is required. In addition to the supported

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audio features, Media Controller also manages lighting,
temperature, and other home automation subsystems.
For audio distribution, it allows you to define pre-amplifier
audio play zones (up to 3 analog and many digital) and
enables digital distributuon. (Note: Digital audio zones
require a network connection—such as Ethernet or
WiFi—to function.)
The Media Controller provides media management. It
also provides control of connected devices. (For detailed
installation instructions, refer to “Set Up the System” on
page 11.)
Once the Media Controller is set up, it will dynamically
maintain the options displayed on any navigation device
associated with it (such as a Mini Touch Screen or a
System Remote Control). These options include room-
specific menus and controls.

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Front View with Door Opened
1. Front display area—For displaying settings,
playlist sections, title sections, media
information, receiver status, and system
menus.
2. Buttons—Provides the user-input method for
options displayed in the front panel user
interface.
3. CD-RW drive—For importing CDs into the
system or playing CDs.
4. IR In window—For reading IR codes or
commands from hand-held devices (such as
third-party remote controls) that are being
set up, or have been set up, to work with
Media Controller.
5. Select Dial—For scrolling through menus
and media lists displayed in the LCD.
6. USB port—For any supported USB device.
7. Reset button—Troubleshooting option to
refresh system.
8. WiFi Antenna Cover and Antenna—To allow
for relocation of WiFi antenna (with included
extender) to improve reception.
1...................2................3............4........5.....6........7.......8

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Back View
1. Serial 1-2—Standard serial ports: RS-232
only for up to 2 projectors or other serial I/O
devices, which includes hardware flow
control.
2. Serial 3-4—Configurable serial ports: RS-
232, RS-422, or RS-485 for a projector or
other serial I/O devices.
3. Contacts 1-6—Plugable Terminal Block
connector for up to 6 dry contact closure, or
logic input connections, such as door
switches or motion sensors.
4. Relays 1-6—Plugable Terminal Block
connector for up to 6 normally closed or
normally opened switchable connections,
such as blinds, fireplace, or projector
screens.
5. IR In 1-4—Plugable Terminal Block
connectors provide support for up to 4 hand-
held IR devices, such as remote controllers.

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6. IR Out 1-8—3.5 mm phone jacks for up to 8
IR sticky emitters that can be placed over IR
readers on media players, TVs, or other
targets to transmit IR signal from Media
Controller to the target.
7. Video Sense Loop In-Out (pairs) 1-4—
Composite port pairs for up to 4 video
sources, such as DVD players or VCRs, that
allow the system to detect the On/Off status
of devices that use the same IR code for both
On and Off commands.
8. Ethernet—RJ-45 for a 10/100 Baset
Ethernet connection.
9. USB—USB port for a card reader or other
USB device.
10. Modem—RJ-11 port for modem to support
caller ID or voice menu system (hardware
foundation for future releases).
11. Digital Audio In/Out—Toslink for Digital
Audio In/Audio Out, like MP3 players.
12. Audio In (Left-Right pairs) 1-3—RCA jack for
stereo channel input for up to 3 stereo analog
sources.
13. Audio Out (Left-Right pairs) 1-3—RCA jack
for stereo channel line output for up to 3
amplifiers.
14. Video Out Options—Composite, S-Video,
Component, and VGA port for displaying
navigation menus on a monitor or TV.
15. Power plug port—For supplied power cord
only.

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CHAPTER 2Set Up the System
This chapter explains how to set up the Control4 home
control system. It includes making hardware connections.
The essential tasks are:
1.Plan Your Equipment Layout
2.Connect to a Monitor or TV
3.Connect to the Network
4.Connect Devices
5.Connect AV Devices to One Another
6.Relocate the WiFi Antenna
7.Set Up Logical Connections
8.Check Setup Using On-Screen Display
Plan Your Equipment Layout
This section explains things you should know or be aware
of when planning your layout:
“Physical and Logical Connections”
“Home Network Requirements”
“Sample Setup Diagrams”
“Determine Best Video Option”
“Use a Worksheet”

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Physical and Logical Connections
In a Media Controller system, physical and logical
connections are required in order to control, navigate, and
use the system as designed.
This section describes, in general terms, how to set up the
physical connections required for Media Controller and all
of the devices associated with it. You should also refer to
any device-specific documentation for additional
installation instructions.
To set up the logical connections required, refer to
Control4 Composer User Guide software documentation.
Home Network Requirements
Ensure that your home network wiring is in place before
starting your system setup. Consider these networking
issues:
`Media Controller requires an Ethernet connection in
order to use all features as designed. When
connected, Media Controller can access Web-based
media databases (such as Muze and Gracenote) and
can easily access Control4 system updates.
`Media Controller can be used in Ethernet and WiFi
networks, and makes use of ZigBee (wireless mesh
network) 802.15.4 to control lighting and other
ZigBee-enabled products.
`The network wiring required for your system depends
on what you plan to install: Refer to the requirements
outlined in each device’s documentation.

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Sample Setup Diagrams
Figure 2-1. Sample Setup: Simple

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Figure 2-2. Sample Setup: Multi-Room

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Figure 2-3. Sample Setup: Extreme

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Determine Best Video Option
There are four Video Out format options to choose from,
but only one option at a time can be used. The system
default is Composite/S-Video.
If you have multiple connection options for a video
component, you need to determine the best connection
available. Table 2-1 provides a list of video connection
options that are ranked according to quality of video
performance:
Use a Worksheet
To use a worksheet to plan your connections:
1. Using Table 2-1, determine what your video output
device will be (such as a monitor or TV) and choose
the best connection option for it.
2. Using the worksheet provided in Table 2-2 on
page 17, identify the Media Controller connection you
will use for all planned connections.
Table 2-1. Video Connection Options Ranked by Quality
Rank Port Description
#1 VGA
#2 Component
#3 S-Video
#4 Composite