Daktronics VIP-4400 User manual

201 Daktronics Drive PO Box 5128 Brookings, SD 57006
tel [phone] fax [phone]
www.daktronics.com
VIP-4400
Video Image Processor
Operator’s Manual
DD1709843 Rev 06—07 July 2015

DD1709843
Product 1278
Rev 06—07 July 2015
Copyright © 2015
All rights reserved. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the publisher assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book covered by the copyrights hereon may be reproduced or copied in any
form or by any means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, or information storage, and retrieval
systems—without written permission of the publisher.
Daktronics, Venus, and V-Tour are registered trademarks of Daktronics, Inc. True Pixel and V-Max are trademarks of Daktronics, Inc.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are property of their respective companies.

Table of Contents i
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Daktronics Contact Information ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Product Information ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Section 2: System Logic Flow & Input Options .................................................................................................. 3
2.1 System Logic Flow ............................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Input & Output Options...................................................................................................................................... 3
2.3 EDID Supported Resolutions ............................................................................................................................. 4
2.4 SDI Supported Resolutions................................................................................................................................. 4
Section 3: Conguration Using Venus®7000 Software...................................................................................... 5
3.1 Using Venus®7000 Software............................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Changing the Data Source .................................................................................................................................. 7
Section 4: Conguration Using Tera Term Software .......................................................................................... 9
4.1 Using Tera Term Software.................................................................................................................................. 9
4.2 Initial Setup ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Section 5: Conguration Using V-Tour®Software ............................................................................................ 13
5.1 Using V-Tour®Software.................................................................................................................................... 13
5.2 Summary Window............................................................................................................................................. 13
Saving Display Conguration Settings.................................................................................................... 14
Section 6: Advanced Operation ......................................................................................................................... 15
6.1 Creating a Backup Conguration File............................................................................................................. 15
6.2 Creating a Backup Script File ........................................................................................................................... 16
6.3 Resetting to Factory Defaults............................................................................................................................ 19
Section 7: VIP-4510 Converter............................................................................................................................ 23
7.1 Basic Setup........................................................................................................................................................... 23
Section 8: Web Page Navigation ........................................................................................................................ 25
8.1 VIP-4400 Web Page ............................................................................................................................................ 25
8.2 Conguration Tab .............................................................................................................................................. 25
Channel......................................................................................................................................................... 25
General.......................................................................................................................................................... 26
Sign................................................................................................................................................................ 26
Set Default.................................................................................................................................................... 26
Download..................................................................................................................................................... 27

ii Table of Contents
8.3 Imaging Tab ........................................................................................................................................................ 27
Monitor......................................................................................................................................................... 27
8.4 Utilities Tab ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
Get Cong .................................................................................................................................................... 28
Get Status ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
Update Firmware........................................................................................................................................ 28
Reset.............................................................................................................................................................. 29
Section 9: Command Reference......................................................................................................................... 31
9.1 Channel-Specic Commands ........................................................................................................................... 31
9.2 Additional Conguration ................................................................................................................................. 33
9.3 Display Conguration....................................................................................................................................... 34
9.4 Data Distributor Conguration........................................................................................................................ 35
9.5 Effect/Transitions .............................................................................................................................................. 36
9.6 Miscellaneous Commands................................................................................................................................ 36
9.7 VIP-4510 Commands ......................................................................................................................................... 37
9.8 VIP-4510 Video Format Commands................................................................................................................ 39
Section 10: Exchange/Repair & Return Programs ............................................................................................. 41
10.1 Exchange Program ............................................................................................................................................. 41
10.2 Repair & Return Program ................................................................................................................................. 42
Shipping Address........................................................................................................................................ 42
10.3 Daktronics Warranty & Limitation of Liability ............................................................................................. 42
Glossary ............................................................................................................................................................. 43
Appendix A: Technical Specications................................................................................................................... 45
Appendix B: Daktronics Warranty & Limitation of Liability................................................................................. 47

Introduction 1
Section 1: Introduction
This manual is intended to help Daktronics customers operate the VIP-4400. Daktronics recommends
reviewing all of the information in this manual in order to understand the features that the VIP-4400 offers.
This manual assumes the user has a basic working knowledge of the Windows®operating system, including
using menus and folders. If a user is unfamiliar with this operating system, there are many resources
available to assist in understanding it. Terms that describe commonly used personal computer operations are
used frequently in this manual.
1.1 Daktronics Contact Information
Daktronics Customer Service is available 24/7 via phone or online connection.
Daktronics Customer Service can be reached via telephone by calling either number below:
• United States and Canada: 1-800-DAKTRON (1-800-325-8766)
• Outside the U.S. and Canada: [phone]
Daktronics online customer support can be reached by entering the address below into a web browser:
• www.daktronics.com/support
1.2 Product Information
The VIP-4400 serves as an interface between a video source and a video display. The VIP-4400 has 10-bit
digital processing that allows for 4.4 trillion colors depending on display type. It accepts standard and
high-denition digital formats such as HD-SDI (up to 1080i), SD-SDI, VGA, SVGA, XGA, and SXGA in RGB
or DVI. The front and rear views of the VIP-4400 are illustrated in Figure1 and Figure2, respectively.
Figure 1: VIP-4400 – Front View
DVI/VGA INPUTS
HD/SDI DIAGNOSTICS
COMPOSITE/S-VIDEO/COMPONENT OUT DVI/VGA OUT
HD/SDI
OUT
VMAX4
OUT 2OUT 1
FIBER
RS232
IN OUT
LOOP
OUT
LOOP
OUT
LOOP
OUT
LOOP
OUT
1234
IN
OUT/IN
Not Field Serviceable AC 100-240 V~ 50/60Hz, 0.4 Amps
VIP-4400 Rev 07
NET
Figure 2: VIP-4400 – Rear View
The VIP-4400’s Active Input architecture provides aspect ratio versatility, allowing a wide range of video
sources to display on video boards with either traditional or non-traditional aspect ratios. Active Input
architecture also makes it possible to accept multiple live inputs and incorporate zoning, alpha blending,
keying, and seamless switching effects into a video presentation.
The VIP-4400 optimizes video signals for correct appearance on LED video displays. The processor uses
True Pixel™processing to reduce errors and noise inherent in video signals. Features of True Pixel™
processing include color space conversion, adjustable gamma correction, motion processing, and 3-D
noise reduction.

System Logic Flow & Input Options 3
Section 2: System Logic Flow & Input Options
2.1 System Logic Flow
The VIP-4400 accepts digital video sources as well as DMP content sent using Daktronics proprietary
V-Max™ 4 signal. This content typically consists of real time data, animations, AVIs, schedules,
and sequences.
After the VIP-4400 processes the incoming video signals, it sends a V-Max™4 signal to an A/B switch.
The primary system is routed to Port A and the backup system is routed to Port B. If the primary system
goes down, the A/B switch can send data from the backup system. Figure3 illustrates one possible way
to congure a control system. Please contact a Daktronics project manager for specic control
system information.
DMP-7000
primary
DMP-7000
backup
V-Max™4 signal
over ber-optic
cable or coax
VIP primary
VIP backup
A/B switch
Real-time data
Real-time data Video In
Video In
Out to monitor
Out to monitor
Out to display
V-Max™4 signal
over ber-optic
cable or coax
V-Max™4 signal
over ber-optic
cable or coax
V-Max™4 signal
over ber-optic
cable or coax
Figure 3: VIP-4400 System Logic Flow
V-Max™4 signal
over ber-optic
cable or coax
2.2 Input & Output Options
Each VIP-4400 is capable of simultaneously displaying up to four video sources in addition to one V-Max™4
signal. The video sources can be composed of a variety of video standards.
Up to four SD-SDI or HD-SDI sources may be displayed at
one time. These sources may come from a variety of digital
output devices including cameras, decks, switchers, and
DDRs. A BNC connection located in the lower center section
of the VIP-4400 accepts the feeds. Refer to Figure4.
Two DVI/VGA ports can accept either DVI or VGA sources.
Two sources may be connected at one time. These sources
come from a variety of devices such as desktop computers,
laptops, or content servers. Refer to Figure5.
The processor accepts V-Max™4 signals transmitted over
coaxial or ber-optic cable. Refer to Figure6. Only one input
can be active at a time. V-Max™4 signal may come from a
DMP-7000, another VIP-4400, or a VIP-4510.
Figure 4: SD-SDI & HD-SDI Loop Connectors
Figure 5: DVI/VGA Ports
Figure 6: V-Max™4 Inputs/Outputs

4 System Logic Flow & Input Options
2.3 EDID Supported Resolutions
VGA Resolution
(Height x Width) VGA Frame Rate (Hz) DVI Resolution (Height x Width) DVI Frame Rate (Hz)
480 x 640 60 480 x 640 60
480 x 640 75 480 x 640 72
600 x 800 56 480 x 640 75
600 x 800 60 600 x 800 56
600 x 800 72 600 x 800 60
600 x 800 75 600 x 800 72
768 x 1024 60 600 x 800 75
768 x 1024 70 768 x 1024 60
768 x 1024 75 768 x 1024 70
1024 x 1280 60 768 x 1024 75
864 x 1152 75 1024 x 1280 60
720 x 1280 60 864 x 1152 75
960 x 1280 60 720 x 1280 60
960 x 1280 60
*900 x 1440 60
*Note: 900 x 1440 is the default DVI resolution.
2.4 SDI Supported Resolutions
SDI Resolution SDI Frame Rates (Hz)
480i 59.94
576i 50
720p 29.97, 30, 49.95, 50, 59.94, 60
1080i 49.95, 50, 59.94, 60
1080p 29.97, 30

Conguration Using Venus 7000 Software 5
Section 3: Conguration Using Venus®7000 Software
The V7 V-Link®Controller application in the Venus®7000 software program allows the operator to control
multiple VIP-4400s. Each VIP-4400 can output up to four video sources simultaneously. This section focuses
on setting up, adjusting, and operating multiple VIP-4400s and their inputs using the Venus®7000 software.
Refer to ED-14551 DMP-7000 Controller Operator’s Manual for more information.
3.1 Using Venus®7000 Software
To congure the VIP-4400 using Venus® 7000 software, follow the steps below:
1. Open the V7 V-Link®controller application in the Venus®7000 shell by clicking the V-Link icon or by
pressing V. The V7V-LinkController dialog box opens; refer to Figure7.
Figure 7: V7 V-Link Controller Dialog Box
2. Click the drop-downarrow next to Sign to select the sign to control if the correct sign is not
already displayed in the Sign drop down box. After selecting a sign, the SignType eld
automatically populates.
3. Click the drop-downarrow next to V-LinkIndex to select which VIP-4400 to control, or press Alt-X
and use the up and downarrows to select it. Up to three VIP-4400s may connect to the DMP-7000
per sign.
4. Click the drop-downarrow next to VLinkChannel to select the channel to control, or press Alt-C
and use the upanddownarrows to select it. Up to four channels can display per VIP-4400.
5. Click the drop-downarrow next to VideoFormat to select the preferred format for each channel, or
press Alt-M and use the up and downarrows to select the video format.
Note:Although listed, NTSC, PAL, and SECAM formats are not supported by
the VIP-4400.
6. Click the drop-downarrow next to TimeConst.Mode to select the
preferred mode.
Note:VTR works well for most applications.
7. Click the drop-downarrow next to Input to choose the desired input or press
Alt-I and use the up and downarrows to select it. Refer to Figure8. After
completing the setup procedure and conguring the settings for this input,
adjust the settings for each of the other inputs as well.
Figure 8: V-Max™4
Input Options

6 Conguration Using Venus 7000 Software
8. Click the drop-downarrow next to DataSource and select Video to play video
content on the display. Refer to Figure9.
9. Click Details or press Alt-D. The V7V-LinkController dialog box expands as
shown in Figure10.
10. Change the Top and Left quantities in the ViewableArea section to determine
what portion of the video feed will display. The default setting is the largest
area of good video feed available for display. This feed is centered and may be
adjusted as desired. Refer to Figure10.
Note:Save any changes to the ViewableArea and/or sourceWindowArea
settings. Click SavePositionSettings or press Alt-V to open the SavePositionSettings dialog box.
Type the name of the position settings (for example, “Position 1”). Click OK or press Enter to save the
settings under the entered name. Recall saved settings using the PositionSettings drop-down list.
Figure 10: V7 V-Link Controller Dialog Box
11. Adjust display Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation values with the slider bars in the Color
Adjustments section.
• To adjust brightness, move the Brightness slider bar or press Alt-N to move the cursor to the
Brightness setting and use the left and rightarrows to adjust.
• To adjust contrast, move the Contrast slider bar or press Alt-O to move the cursor to the
Contrast setting and use the left and rightarrows to adjust.
Figure 9: V-Max™4
Data Source Options