Philips LV-ROM LaserVision VP415 User manual

iM
ROM
PHILIPS
VP415
LaserVision
ROM disc drive
Operating Instructions
PHIUPS

CONTENTS
Section 1 INTRODUCTION
INSTALLATION
FEATURES OFTHEVP415
CONTROLS, INDICATORSAND CONNECTIONS
Section 2 PLAYING A DISC
Section 3 SPECIAL PLAY FUNCTIONS
Section 4 INTERACTIVE PLAY
OPERATION
Section 5 F-CODE PROGRAMMING
Section 6 F-CODE COMMANDS
Section 7 SCSI OPERATION
sections MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL DATA
3122 14610101
Printed in Belgium

Scanned by The Centre for Computing History
www.ComputingHistory.org.uk

SECTION 1
Rg. I: VP415conirols and connections
INTRODUCTION
The LascrVision System . . .
Types of LaserVision disc . .
Interactive use
FEATURES OFTHEVP415 . .
RGB output / PAL-RGB decoder
Sync pulse generator ....
Genlock
CVBS output / RGB-PAL encoder
Electronic timebase corrector
Video mixing
Instant jump
Fast random access .
Wired remote control
INSIALLATION ...
Siting the player
Connecting the player to the mains .
Connecting the player to a monitor .
Fig. 2: Connection and adaptor cables
Connection to peripheral audio
equipment
Remote control handset
Fig. 3: Inserting batteries in remote control handset
CON I ROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTIONS
Summary of controls ....
Summary of front-panel indicators
Summary of connections . . .
Page
2

INTRODUCTION
The VP415 LaserVision player (ROM disc drive) is primarily designed
for use in interactive computer-controlled systems that exploit the
capabilities of LaserVision as a versatile, high-quality storage/retrieval
medium. Communication between the VP415 and a controlling
computer is via standard RS232-C or SCSI interfaces, both of which
are fitted to the player.
The player can be used with ordinary
LaserVision discs containing audiovisual information, or
LV-ROM
discs, which contain data as well as audiovisual information. This data
takes the place of the audio channel on some or all sections of the disc.
The VP415 can of course be used for direct playback of LaserVision
CAV (Active play) or CLV (Long play) discs. In this respect it has
extensive
program control, with search and memory facilities,
conveniently operated from the remote control handset.
THE LASERVISION SYSTEM
LaserVision is the only audiovisual playback system using optical (laser
beam) readout. The laser beam, concentrated to an almost
inconceivably fine point (60 times finer
than a gramophone stylus),
reads very densely-packed information
under the transparent surface
of the LaserVision disc.
The picture reproduced is of high quality with 2-channel mono or
stereo sound. There isno wear to the disc or 'pick-up', and the discs are
extremely resistant to scratches, dust and fingerprints.
Types
of LaserVision disc
Three types of disc are available and the player will
operate with any of these:
1. NormalCAV(Active play) discsspin at a constant speed of 1500
r.p.m. They have a maximum capacity of 54 000 pictures per side
(36 minutes played at 25 pictures per second) and offer special
LaserVision effects such as still, slow-motion, reverse play, fast
forward, fast reverse and goto picture or chapter number.
2. CLV (Long play) discs spin at a speed which gradually decreases as
the disc plays. They offer continuous forward play only, but with
lime and chapter search, and the advantage of an increased playing
time of 1 hour per side.
3. LV-ROM. This isa type of CAV (Active play) disc, with data
replacing some or all parts of the audio track. Their maximum
capacity is324 Mbytes of user data and 54 000 pictures.
INTERACTIVE USE
The VP415 allows all the facilities of the LaserVision system to be
controlled by a computer. In this way, the
computer can control the
picture, sound and LV-ROM data. Play is controlled by picture
numbers, chapter numbers, autostops or a computer program. The
program can be activated by the VP415 remote control handset, or via
the computer keyboard, or other computer peripheral.
Communication with the VP415 isachieved using either a special code
known as F-code, or LV-DOS commands (via the SCSI interface).
The F-code instruction set enables commands to be sent (as ASCII
characters) to the player; some of these commands causing responses
to be returned to the computer. Using F-code commands, a VP415 can
participate in an interactive program with any computer system that is
loaded with the necessary program.
LV-DOS commands allow the VP4I5 to be used as an LV-ROM
memory device in a computer system. Both data retrieval from disc
and playercontrol are possible.
FEATURES OF THE VP415
RGB output/PAL-RGB decoder
The VP415 allows the best possible picture quality to be obtained from
aLaserVision disc, by employing abuilt-in PAL-RGB decoder. Within
the LaserVision format, video information is stored on the disc in PAL
encoded form. This can cause problems when the discisplayed in 'still
frame' or 'slow motion', or any other non-standard playing mode,
because the PAL 8-field sequence becomes destroyed. In order to
correct this sequence such that a monitor can understand it and
reproduce correct colour, many players incorporate a 'PAL Modifier'.
This piece of circuitry corrects the PAL sequence, but in doing so,
reduces the video bandwidth, and introduces other unwanted effects,
e.g. echoes.
The VP4I5 tackles this problem by employing a fast-locking PAL-
RGB decoder. Having this device built-in, allows its characteristics to
be fully optimised to give the highest possible picture quality from the
disc, even in non-standard playing modes.
The result is an RGB output giving the full 5 MHz video bandwidth in
all playing modes. The benefit is particularly valuable when viewing
video material such as maps with fine text.
RGB output also lends itself to simpler mixing with computer graphic
output (also RGB), in external equipment ifrequired.
Sync pulse generator
The VP415 contains an internal sync pulse generator (SPG) which may
either free-run, or in the presence of a suitable reference signal, lock
itself to the external reference (Genlock).
The SPG provides freshly-generated line and field sync pulses at the
player's video output at all times. Following the decoding process from
PAL to RGB (see above), fresh sync pulses are inserted into the RGB
signal, which is available at the Euroconnector socket. Therefore a
stable output from the player is guaranteed at all times.
Genlock
Genlock allows the fieldand line syncpulsesfrom the player output to
be synchronised with an external reference signal. It ensures correct
overlayof videosignalsand can also prevent picture jump or roll. The
reference signal, comprising line and field syncs (negative-going)
should be applied to (i) either of the twoSYNC INsockets or (ii) pin4
of the RGB (TTL) IN socket. A horizontal shiftof the overlay picture
is achieved by adjustingthe H-SHIFT control situated at the rear of the
player.
Note: The player may take up to 2 seconds initially to effectively lock
to a reference signal.
eves output/RGB-PAL encoder
The VP415 contains an RGB-PAL encoder. This takes the RGB
output from the player (prior to the video mixingstage) and encodes it
into a CVBS signal using fresh sync pulses from the internal SPG. The
signal available at the CVBS output is thus totally stable. It does
however have a reduced bandwidth in all playing modes (approx 3
MHz).
Electronic timebase corrector
AC.C.D. (charge coupled device) timebase corrector is employed to
provide correction of timing errors always present in the signal read
from the video disc. This replaces the more traditional tangential
mirror (mechanical method) allowing for a smaller, lighter optical
system. This reduction in mass allows the optical readout unit to track
the disc faster and thus reduces picture access time.

Video mixing
The VP41S has a built-in video mixer which is able to mix either the
RGB signal derived from the video disc (via the PAL-RGB decoder)
or an RGB signal derived from an external video signal (connected to
one of the CVBS IN sockets),with an extemalTTLjRGB signal from
the RGB (TTL) IN socket.
This facility allows the
TTL RGB graphics output of an external
computer to be mixed with the off-disc video (or external video) in a
number of ways. The mixed video is available at the Euroconnector
socket:
Model:
Mode 2:
Mode 3:
Mode 4:
Mode 5:
Player RGB only
Computer RGB only
Key mode
Playeroutput: 100% intensity
Computer output: 100% intensity
Mixed mode (transparentgraphics)
Player output: 62% intensity
Computer output: 38% intensity
Enhancedvideo - 'highlighting'
(presenceof graphics produces 100%
intensityvideo at thatpoint;
elsewherevideo is reduced)
Player output(in presenceofgraphics):
100% intensity
Player output(No graphics):
57% intensity
When mixing in this manner, the VP415 'genlocks' to the composite
sync signal from
the external computer.
Instant jump
The VP415 also incorporatesan 'InstantJump'feature. Essentially this
means that the radial mirrorwhich pointsthe laser beamat the required
disc track can be made to 'twitch' and therefore
jump apredetermined
number of tracks (max.
SO) in either direction during the vertical
interval (field flyback time). Small jumps
are invisible, as they can be
performed within the video blanking. This gives the effect of an instant
search to the required picture -almost as if it were immediately
adjacent to the current picture.
This feature is valuable in for example map-walking, where each
picture contains a map of an area and each successive picture shows
adjacent areas. The user can 'scan' across
map boundaries with no
'black picture' between maps while the player searches for the next
picture.
It is also possible to interleave programmes on the disc such that by
playing the discand missingout (jumping over) every alternatepicture,
one particularstoryline is followed, and then by offsetting this process
by one picture, another storylineisimmediately accessed and followed.
It must be realised that following a jump, the optical slide requires a
finite time to 'catch up' and centralise the radial mirror. Thus a limit is
imposed on how many jumps may be made in a given time. The limit
occurs when the effective playing speed of the disc exceeds 20 times
normal speed, i.e. it is possible to jump 20 tracks, display for a period
of 1picture, then jump another 20 tracks etc. continuously, without the
optical slide falling behind.
Details of the types of jump possible, and their associated commands
are given in the F-Code command list (see Section 6).
Fast random access
The VP415 features a very fast random access time; this is the time
needed for the optical readout unit to move from one point on the disc
to another, which may be anywhere on the disc. Figures are typically
1 s for a CAV disc and 5 s for a CLV disc.
Wired remote control
In some applications it may be required to hide the VP415. In such
cases, the infra-red beam of the remote control handset may not be
able to operate. For reliable working under such conditions, the wired
connection should be used between the remote control handset and the
WIRED RC socket at the rearof the player.

INSTALLATION
SITING THE PLAYER
Stand the player on a firm level surfacc, ensuring that the ventilation
slotson the lop and sides of the playerare not obstructed. Do not stand
amonitor directly on top of the player ifthis obstructs these ventilation
slots; in this case, a properly designed rack should be used to support
the monitor. Never stand the player directly on any electronic
equipment that gives off a substantial amount of heat, or
near to any
heat source. Avoid any position where the player is subjected to direct
sunlight for long periods.
CONNECTING THE PLAYER TO THE MAINS
The VP415 is designed to operate from a .'?()/60 Hz a.e. mains supply
with any voltage between 220 and 240 V. If your local mains supply
docs not fall into this category, contact your nearest Philips
Organisation.
If necessary, fit a mains plug to the mains lead as described below.
ImponantnoteforV.K. users '
WARNING: THIS APPARATUS
MUST BE EARTHED
The wires in ihe mains lead are coloureil in liccordance with the following cotle;
Green-and-yellow: Earth
Blue: Neutral
Brown; Live.
These colours may not correspond wilh the colour markings identifying the
icrminiils in your plug, so proceed as follows: Connect the Grccn-and-yelU)w
wire to ihc terminal marked Eor .or coloured Green or Green-and-ycllow;
Connect ihe Brown wire to the terminal marked L. or coloured Red: Conned
Ihc Blue wire lo the terminal marked N. or coloured Black.
Insert the mains plug into a wall socket. If the player is not to be used for a lotij;
period of time, remove the mains plug froni the wall socket.
CONNECTING THE PLAYER TO A MONITOR
The VP415 has outputs suitable for both RGB monitors and CVBS
monitors. Various connection possibilities are described below. Also
refer to Fig. 2 - "Connection and adaptor cables".
Note:Somc monitors have a "time-constant" switch for use with a VCR;
this should be set to the "normal" (i.e, non-VCR) position for
LaserVision use.
Euroconneclor lo Euroconneclor
This is a direct connection, ensuring the highest quality picture and, if
the monitor is equipped for it. stereo sound.
It is also possible to use a TV receiver if it is fitted with a
Euroconnector
socket.
Connect the cable supplied between the A/V EUROCONNECTOR
socket on the rear of the player and the corresponding socket on the
monitor.
This connection carries both RGB and CVBS signals. Optimum
picture quality is obtained if the RGB .signals are used. Therefore if the
monitor accepts both RGB and CVBS signals, ensure that it is switched
to RGB input.
If no Euroconneclor socketis available:
1. Euroconneclor-lo-DIN A V (audio/video) - CVBS only
If the monitor is fitted with a 6-pole DIN AV (Audio-Video) socket,
the Euroconnector-to-DIN AV adaptor cable SBC 1012 (4822 321
20485, length 1.5 m) must be used. Connect the Euroconneclor plug
to the
A/V EUROCONNECTOR socket of the player and the DIN
AV plug to the monitor.
2. If the
monitor is fitted with a coaxial BNC-type video input socket,
there are two possibilities:
a. Euroconnector-io-BNC- CVBS only
Using Euroconnector-to-BNC adaptor cable SBC 1013 (4822 321
20484, length 1.5 m), connect the Euroconnector plug to the A/V
EUROCONNECTOR socket of the player and one coaxial BNC
plug to the video input of the monitor. Connect the 5-pole DIN
Audio plug of this adaptor cable to the Audio input socket of your
monitor or to an audio amplifier.
b. BNC-lo-BNC (coaxial) - CVBS only
Using BNC-to-BNC connection cable SBC 1015 (4822 320 11003,
length 1.5m), connect between the CVBS OUT socket ofthe player
and the video input of the monitor. The Audio signal must be taken
from the AUDIO OUT .sockets of the player using a connection
cable SBC 044 (4822321 20344, length 10m).
CONNECTION TO PERIPHERAL AUDIO EQUIPMENT
The AUDIO OUT sockets on the rear of the player can be connected
through connection cable SBC 043 (4822 321 20308. length 2.5 m) or
SBC 044 (4822 321 20344, length 10 m) to a linear input of the
peripheral equipment. Either or both sound channels may be switched
on or off by means of the AUDIO 1 and AUDIO 2 buttons on the
remote control handset.
Ifa disccontains stereo sound, this willbe reproduced stereophonically
when both channels are in operation.
Note: Ifeither audio channci isswitched off, then the remaining audio
signal is routed to both output channels. This avoids 'one-sided" sound
from a dual-language disc.
REMOTE CONTROL HANDSET (Figs. I and 3)
Normally, the VP415
operates by remote control from the infra-red
remote control handsel supplied.
The control buttons on this handset
have been grouped into logically-related sections.
The remote control handset controls all play functions, audio and
memory controls and also accesses specified program parts.
The handset can be used in conjunction with the infra-red detector on
the VP4I5 itself, or, when a Euroconncctor connection is used, with
the infra-red detector on the monitor (dependent on actual monitor
model). In the latter case, the RC IR/EURO switch on the rear of the
VP4I5 (see Fig. I).niust be set to EURO.
When using the handset, point it directly at the infra-red detector on
the front of the player (or monitor). If this is not possible, or not
convenient, the remote control cable supplied can be connected
between the handset and the player (see "Wired remote control' earlier
in this section). The handset requires 4 X 1.5 volt batteries, type R()3or
UM4. located in its base (Sec Fig. 3).
Fig. 3: Inserting batteries in remote control handset.

SBC 1010
SBC1011
SBC 1012
SBC 1013
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SBC 1014
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3.00 m
1.50 m
1.50 m
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H h
4822 321 20486
4822 321 20487
^ h
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4822 321 20344
Fig. 2: Connection and aduplur cables.
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CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND
CONNECTIONS (Fig. 1)
SUMMARY OF CONTROLS
Front of player
• £/£Crbutton
For opening the disc-tray and ejecting a disc if one is loaded.
• ON/STANDBY hulton
For switching between 'standby' and 'on' modes. This button also
effects a CPU reset.
Rear of player (numbers refer to Fig. 1)
•
ON/OFF switch (I)
Primary mains powerswitch,
• on/off switch (3)
Switches the replay function on or off. See 'Replay' in Section 3.
•
RCIR/EURO switch (4)
To switch between remote control commands being received directly
by the VP415
(IR) or via the monitor (EURO).
• dip switches (7)
For selecting the baud rate for RS232-C communication. See Section5
-'F-code programming'.
• HSHIFTcQnXTo\(U)
To shift the horizontal position of the picture when using an external
sync signal (connected to either of the SYNC IN sockets). See
'Genlock' in Section 1.
• SCS/address dip switches (17)
To set the SCSI bus address of the player. See Section 7 - 'SCSI
operation'.
SUMMARY OF FRONT-PANEL INDICATORS
The following indicators give status information about he VP415:
STANDBY (red) Lightsinstandby mode and flashesduring
start-up.
EJECT (green) Flashes during eject.
PAUSE (green) Lightsduring pause.
REPLAY (green) Lightswhen replay function isactive.
REPEAT (green) Lightswhen repeat function isactive.
AUDIO 1(green) Lights when audio channel 1is enabled.
AUDI02 (green) Lights when audio channel2 is enabled.
CAV
(green) Lights when playing CAV discs.
CLV (green) Lights when playing CLV discs.
REMOTE (green) Flashes to confirm that player isreceiving
CONTROL a remote control command.
SUMMARY OF CONNECTIONS (numbers refer lo Fig. 1)
•lead socket (2)
For connection of the mains lead.
• WIRED RCsocket (5)
For wired connection of the remote control handset, using the remote
control cable supplied. This permits the remote control to be used
when the VP415 is hidden from view. (See 'Wired remote control' in
Section 1.)
• RS232C socket (6)
Provides aserial connection for an external computer.
• .4l/D/0/A'(land2)sockets(8)
Used for connection of an external stereo or 2-channel sound source.
AUDIO L = AUDI01;
AUDIO R = AUDIO 2.
• AUDIO OUT(\ and 2) sockets (9)
Used for connection of an external stereo or 2-channel sound source.
AUDIO L = AUDIO 1;
AUDIO R = AUDIO 2.
• A/V Euroconnecior (\0)
Provides connection for variety of inputs and outputs for a monitor.
See Section 8 - 'Technical data' for full details.
• CVBS OUT socket 02)
Provides a video signal output suitable for a monitor. For further
information, referto 'CVBS output / RGB-PAL encoder' in Section 1.
• SYNC OUT sockct(li)
Provides asynchronising signal for the host computer or asecond
VP415 connected in parallel.
• CVflS/A'sockets(14)
These two sockets are internally connected; either of them may be
used. They accept an external video input signal .e.g. from a second
VP415. The signal may be looped through to other equipment using
the second CVBS IN socket. If no such loop is used, the second socket
must be properly terminated with a 75 ohm plug. To lock the CVBS
signal to an external RGB signal (for mixing purposes), it must be
looped through to one of the SYNC IN sockets.
•SJ7VC/A'sockets (15)
These two sockets are internally connected; either of them may be
used. They accept an external videosynchronisingsignalwhichmaybe
looped through to other equipment using the second SYNC IN socket.
If no such loop isused, the second socket must be properly terminated
with a 75 ohm plug.
Note: The reference signal must conform to broadcast standards in
respect of pulse-shape and timing (a standard CVBS signal issuitable).
• RGB (TTL) IN socket {16)
DIN RGB input socket for video and sync input from an external
computer. Refer to Section 8 - 'Technical data' for further details.
• SCS/socket (18)
Provides a connection to an external computer according to SCSI
standards. Refer to Section 8 - 'Technical data' for further details.

SECTION 2 Page
PLAYING A DISC 11
Switching on 11
Inserting a disc 11
Automatic play 11
To stop play and remove the disc . 11
10

PLAYING A DISC (Referto Fig. 1)
SWITCHING ON
Switch on the player using the mains ON/OFF switch located at the
rear. Check that the REPLAY switch is in the OFF position. The
STANDBY indicator willlight.
Press the ON/STANDBY button; the STANDBY indicator will then
flash. A warning 'beep' is given to indicate that no disc has yet been
loaded.
Note: The VP415 contains a fan to maintain correct operating
temperature. If a certain temperature isexceeded, the speed of thisfan
will automatically increase; this is quite normal and not a fault
indication.
INSERTING A DISC
Press the EJECT button; the disc-tray will partly open. Pullout the
disc-tray allthe way. Removethe discfromits packaging and placeit
on the disc-traywith the desired label uppermost.
AUTOMATIC PLAY
Gently push the disc-tray forward; it will be drawn inside
automatically. The disc will buildupto speed (1500 r.p.m.) inapprox.
10 seconds. During the start-up period, the STANDBY indicator
flashes.
As soon as the correct speed has been reached, the STANDBY
indicator goes out and either the CAV or CLV indicator lights,
according to the type of disc loaded. Play then commences. Also refer
to Section 3 - 'Special play functions'.
When the end of the discis reached, the player returns rapidlyto the
first track, givesa warning 'beep', and enters the pause mode. If no
further command is given within 2 minutes, the player goesto standby.
If repeated playingof the discisrequired, the REPLAY switchshould
be in the ON position. This will be confirmed by the REPLAY
indicator. In this case, the controls on the front of the player are
disabled.
TO STOP PLAY AND REMOVE THE DISC
To terminate play at any time, press the EJECT buttonon the front of
the player. Whenthe disccomesto a standstill,the playerejects the
disc and goes to the standby condition.
11

SECTION 3
SPECIAL PLAY FUNCTIONS
Standby
Flay forward ....
Play reverse ....
Still
Step forward and reverse
Picture number, chapter number anc
Fig. 4: Picture number display
Fig. 5: Chapter numberdisplay
Fig. 6: Timecode display
Player and discstatus display .
Fig. 7: Player and discstatus display
Search . .
Pause
Slow . . .
Fast . . .
Audio
Goto picture number
Goto chapter number
Goto time position
Programming . .
Fig. 8: Programming display
Picture segment program entry
Chapter program entry ...
Time segment
program entry .
Flaying a programmed sequence
Start/repeat
Replay
TXT button
time code display
Page
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12

SPECIAL PLAY FUNCTIONS
All the functions described in this section may be performed using the
remote control handset. Some functions have different effects
depending upon the present mode (e.g. whether the player iscurrently
playing a disc or not). CAV (Active play) and CLV (Long play) discs
also have certain commands which can only be used with that type of
disc.
If the remote control handset does not function, check that the RC
IR/EURO switch on the rear of the player is in the IR position.
STANDBY (also ON/STANDBY control on player)
Pressing this button during any play operation will causc the current
action to cease.
The player goes to the standby mode. Any on-screen
display goes out and the STANDBY indicator on the front ofthe player
lights. If programming was in progress, it is terminated. Pressing any
playing
mode button while the playerisin standby, causes the player to
commence that action.
Note: If the replay function is in operation, the STANDBY button is
disabled.
PLAY FORWARD
Pressing the • section of the PLAY button starts forward play (at
normal speed).
PLAY REVERSE (CAV only)
Pressing the i section of the PLAY button starts reverse play (at
normal speed).
STILL (CAV only)
When either section of the STILL button is pressed, the picture
becomes stationary. A still picture is useful for the close examination
of a situation (for example, in
sport), or the study of details (in an
instructional programme). It can also serve as a
short interlude during
playback.
STEP FORWARD AND REVERSE
If the • or < section of the STILL button is pressed, the following or
preceding picture appears respectively.
PICTURE NUMBER. CHAPTER NUMBER AND TIME CODE
DISPLAY
Each individual picture on a CAV disc has a number which is encoded
on the disc. Discs may also be divided into chapters; these
chapter
numbers are also encoded on the disc. To display the current picture
number on the monitor screen (Fig. 4), press the PNR button. The play
mode is also displayed. Press the button again to remove the display.
To display the
chapter number on the screen (Fig. 5), press the CNR
button. Press it again to remove the display.
SHLL PNR 1642
Fig. 4: Picture number display.
PLAY FUD CNR 2
Fig. 5: Chapter number display.
In CLV discs, an elapsed time code is encoded on the disc. This time
code may be in minutes only or in minutes and seconds, depending on
the particular disc. Some CLV discs are also divided into chapters, and
these chapter numbers encoded on the disc.
13
To display the current elapsed time on the screen (Fig. 6), press the
PNR button. Press it again to remove the display.
To display the chapter number on the screen (Fig. 5), press the CNR
button. Press it again to remove the display.
PLAY FUD HME 11:23
Fig. 6: Time code display.
PLAYER AND DISC STATUS DISPLAY
Pressing the DISPLAY button will cause the player and disc status to
be displayed on the screen. Discstatus (e.g. CAV/CLV,side, size, etc.)
is shown on the right and player status (e.g. play mode) on the left.
Pressing the button again switches the display off.
If. however, the picture number etc. wasbeing displayed on the screen,
the player enters the programming mode. See 'Programming' later in
this section.
VIDEO ON STEREO
AUDIO 1
ON
AUD102 ON
SLOU 1/3 CAV
FAST 3
SIDE 1
9600 BAUD 30 CM
Fig. 7: Player and disc status display.
SEARCH
If only a part of a disc is required, it can be quickly found using the
SEARCH button. Pressing and holding the appropriate section of this
button moves the optical readout unit in the desired direction at
approximately 20 times normal speed.
During this search action you will see on the screen a very rapid
succession of pictures from the programme.
When the button is released, the player reverts to the mode which it
was in
prior to searching.
It is often useful to have the picture number etc. displayed while
searching.
When searching a CAV disc containing chapter numbers and these
numbers are being displayed, the player automatically reverts to its
previous mode when it reaches the next chapter.
If it is desired to continue searching this next chapter, release the
SEARCH button and pressagain. Searching then continues to the next
chapter.
If chapter numbers are not being displayed, searching is uninterrupted
throughout the disc.
With CLV discs, the SEARCH button operates in the same way as for
CAV discs, but the display shows the elapsed time or chapter number,
as appropriate.
PAUSE
When the PAUSE button is pressed, both audio and video are muted
and the PAUSE indicator lights.
To resume the previous action, press the PAUSE button once more.
While in the pause mode, other functions may also be started by
pressing the appropriate
buttons (e.g. PLAY, STILL, SEARCH etc.).

SLOW (CAV only)
Forward or reverse slow moiion is obtained by pressing tlie SLOW
button. The slow motion speed may be altered bymeans of the SPEED
+ and SPEED - buttons.
The speed can be adjusted insteps to 1/3,1/10,1/25.1/50or 1/100 ofthe
normal speed (which is 25 frames per second); 1/3of normal speed is
the default value.
FAST (CAV only)
Each time the • or ^ section of the FAST button ispressed, the optical
readout unit moves at 3 (default value), 10or 20times its normal speed
in forward or reverse, the effect on the screen being that of rapid
motion. The speed is set using the SPEED + and - buttons.
AUDIO
The LaserVision disc contains not only picture information, but can
also accommodate two sound channels. These can provide stereo
sound, or separate sound channels; for example, acommentary in two
languages. Note that LV-ROM discs can contain data in place of the
audio. In this case the audio is automatically muted.
When the player is switched
on. it always assumes the forward play
mode, with both sound channelsenabled. In the case of separate sound
channels, you can switch one of them off by pressing the relevant
AUDIO button (1 or 2). In this case the enabled audio channnel
appears at both outputs.
To switch on again, press the appropriate button; the enabled channels
are indicated by the AUDIO 1 and AUDIO 2 indicators on the front
panel.
Note: Sound is audible in the forward play mode only.
GOTO PICTURE NUMBHR (CAV only)
1. If no picture number is currently displayed on the monitor, pre.ss
the PNR button. Apicture number appears.
2. Pre.ss the digit
buttons (max. 5) corresponding to the picture
number you want to go to (e.g. 2, 2, 1, 3, 5, if you want picture
number 22135). If you make a mistake, press the CORR button and
start again. As soon as you press the first digit the player assumes
the still mode. The number you select is displayed below the current
picture number.
3. Press the GOTO button. The player will quickly look for the
number selected. During this action sound is muted, and the
monitor screen is blank, but the selected number is displayed. On
arrival at the selected picture number, the corresponding picture
appears on the monitor in still mode. Now you can select any play
mode by pressing the corresponding
button.
GOTO CHAPTER NUMBER
1. If no chapter number is currently displayed on the monitor, press
the CNR button. The chapter number, if available on the disc,
appears.
2. Press the digit buttons (max. 2) corresponding to the chapter
number you want to go to (e.g. 2 if you want chapter 02). If you
make a mistake, press the CORR button and start again. Note that
with CAV discs, the player assumes the still mode as soon as you
press the first digit. The number you select is displayed below the
current chapter number.
3. Press the GOTO button. The player quickly looks for the first
picture of the chapter selected. During this action, sound is muted
and the monitor screen is blank. On reaching the required chapter,
the player starts normal play forward.
GOTO TIME POSITION (CLV only)
With CLV discs it is possible to go to a .selected time position on the
disc.
1. If no time position is currently displayed, press the PNR button. A
time position appears on the screen.
2. Press the digit buttons corresponding
U) the minutes of the time
position you want to go to; the number you select isdisplayed below
the lime code. If you make a mistake, press the
CORR button and
start again. Then press the ENTER button. Some new discs also
allow you to
enter seconds as well. To enter the seconds, again use
the digit
buttons followed by ENTER.
3. Press the GOTO button. The player will quickly look for the
number selected. During this action sound is muted, and the
selected time position is displayed. On arrival at the selected time
position, play starts from that point.
PROGRAMMING
It is possible to set up a sequence of picture numbers, chapter numbers
or time codes by programming via the remote control handset.
1. Press cither PNR (for picture number or time code programming)
or CNR (for chapter number programming), so that the display
appears on the screen.
2. Press the
DISPLAY button. The current program (if any) is then
displayed on the screen. See Fig. 8.
PROGRAM 1 PNR
1642
1000
PLAY FUD
2000
3200
FAST* 10
4500
2500
PLAY REV
1000
51000
SLOU: 50
51500
2569
STELL 60
2579
PROGRAM
CNR 2
l.CNR
5
9.CNR
2.CNR 7
10.CNR
3.CNR
9
11.CNR
4.CNR 16
12.CNR
5.CNR
IS
13.CNR
6.CNR 20
14.CNR
7.CNR
15.CNR
8.CNR
16.CNR
PROGRAM 1 TEME
1: 23
12:45 PLAY FUD
17:
20
23:00 PLAY FUD
2S: 25
45:22 PLAY FUD
56:
55
58:00 PLAY FUD
59: 16
Fig. 8: Programming display.
14

The playeris nowin the programming mode. You are able to modify
the existing program or enter a new program. A flashing cursor
indicates the current entry position on the program table. The contents
at this position may be changed.
Picture segment program entry
A picture segment program may be up to two pages long, each page
consisting of 8 segments. A segment is displayed as one line on the
screen.
e.g. 15000 PLAY FWD 20500
Picture numbers may either be entered directly (using the 0 - 9 digit
buttons) and then pressing
ENTER, or by storing the current picture
number. To correct numbers entered directly, use the CORR button.
When the cursor is in an empty picturc number position, the playercan
be controlled in the usual way with the
PLAY. SLOW. FAST and
STILL buttons. If during play you press the ENTER button, the player
halts and the
current picture number isstored.
The required action (PLAY, STILL, etc.) is selected by pressing the
corresponding button on the remote control handset and then pressing
ENTER. Until ENTER is pressed, the action may be changed simply
by pressing
another button instead.
With some functions (e.g.
SLOW), extra information, such as the
speed, may also be entered (e.g. 10 for 1/10 normal speed). Note that
for
STILL, it is necessary to enter the duration (in seconds). Pressing
the
ENTER button moves the cursor to the next entry position. If no
action is entered, PLAY is assumed.
The program is displayed on the screen below the playing mode. To
move on to the next line of the program, press the
NEXT button.
Pressing this button on the last line of the program moves the
cursor
back to the first line again.
To clear the program displayed, press both CLEAR buttons at the
same time.
To move to the start of page 2 while page 1 is displayed, press the
DISPLAY button. Pressing the DISPLAY button when on page 2ends
programming and returns to normal play mode.
To play this sequence see "Playinga programmed sequence' below.
The program is saved by the player until it is cleared (by pressing both
CLEAR buttons when the program isdisplayed) or until it isupdated.
Chapter program entry
This isperformed in a similarwayto "Picturesegment program entry'
described above. Up to 16 chapters may be stored in any order;
repetition of a chapter in the program isalso allowed. Chapternumbers
must be entered directly using the
0-9 digit buttons. To correct an
entry, use the CORR button.
The ENTER and NEXT buttons both move the cursor to the next line,
except when at the last line, when they move the cursor to the first line
again.
To clear an entire sequence, press both CLEAR buttons at the same
time.
To end programming mode, press DISPLAY. Any empty positions in
the chaptersequencewillbe ignored when the sequence isplayed back.
To play this sequence see 'Playing a programmed sequence' below.
The program is saved by the player until it is cleared (by pressing both
CLEAR buttons when the program isdisplayed) or until it is updated.
15
Time segment program entry
This is carried out in a similar way to "Picture segment program entry'
described above. A time segment sequence maybe up to 2 pageslong,
each page consistingof 8 segments. The format is:
time 1 PLAY FWD time 2
Where the time is in minutes and seconds (e.g. 23:30).
The time is entered either directly, using the 0 - 9 digit buttons, or by
storing the current time position during play. If during play you press
the
ENTER button, the current time position isstored. When entering
the time directly, the
CORR button may be used for correction.
Depending on the disc used, the seconds entered may be ignored.
To move on to the next line of the program, press the NEXT button.
Pressing this button on the last line of the program moves the cursor
back to the first line again.
To
clear the complete program, press both CLEAR buttons at the
same time.
To move to the start of page 2 while page 1 is displayed, press the
DISPLAY button. Pressingthe DISPLAY button when on page2 ends
programming and returns to normal play mode.
To play this sequence see 'Playing a programmed sequence' below.
The program is saved by the player until it is cleared (by pressing both
CLEAR buttons when the program is displayed) or until it is updated.
Playinga
programmed sequence
To play a sequence which has been stored in the memory as described
above, press the
START/REPEAT button, while the picture number
etc. is displayed on the screen. The player quickly searches for the first
picture of the sequence stored and then starts the required action. The
actions stored are carried out successively in the order in which they
are stored. At the end of the last item the player halts (CAV) or goes to
pause (CLV). During search actions between items, sound is muted
and the screen is blank.
A sequence can be stopped by pressing any action button (e.g. Play,
Fast, Still).
STARI/RKPEAT
Pressing the START/REPEAT button either starts playing a
programmed sequence (if one has been set up) while the picture
number etc. isdisplayed on the screen, or starts playing the entire disc
from the start. If the button ispressedagain, play returns once more to
the start of the discor programmed sequence.
REPLAY
The REPLAY switch issituated at the rearof the player.
If the player isswitched on when the REPLAY switch ison, the player
automatically starts up in the replay mode. If the player is already on
and the REPLAY switch isswitched on, play immediately starts at the
beginning of a programmed sequence,or returnsto the start of the disc.
In the replay mode, the player is in a continuous play loop. If a
programmed sequence is in memory, that sequence willbe played over
and over again. (A picture number or time codc sequence has priority
over a chapter number sequence.) If there is no sequence in memory,
the whole disc will be played over and over again. Tlie REPLAY
indicator on the front of the player lights.
Note: In the replay mode, all controls except the following are
disabled:
n

START/REPEAT, which moves playbackto the start of the
sequence (or disc).
NEXT, which moves playto the nextsegment(orchapter) in
a sequence.
PNR and CNR
AUDIO 1&2
TXT
To exit the Replay mode, press the REPLAY switch at the rear of the
player.
TXT BUTTON
This button is only effective if the player is connected to a TV set with
Teletext and Euroconnector remote control facilities.
Pressing the TXT button switches the monitor display between: TV
mode, TXT mode and mixed mode.
16

SECTION 4
INTERACTIVE PLAY OPERATION
Introduction
F-code operation via RS232-C
Mode selection . . . ,
SCSI operation . . . . ,
Mode selection . . . ,
Page
19
19
19
19
19
19
18

INTERACTIVE PLAY OPERATION
INTRODUCTION
Interactive operation requires the use of a computer program.
Virtually any computer with an RS232-Cor SCSI interface can control
the VP415 using a high-level language such as BASIC or PASCAL.
The relevant connection at the rear of the VP415 should be used to
connect the host computer. The required program is loaded into the
computer system in the usual way.
It is not possible to simultaneously control the player via both the
RS232-C and the SCSI bus. Mode selection must be
made by the
master (host computer) to determine the mode of communication: the
player itself cannot
make this selection. Initially the player is in the
F-code communication mode (via RS232-C) and the SCSI bus is
switched off.
F-CODE OPERATION VIA RS232-C
This mode is automatically selected by the player unless you issue a
Start-unit command, as described in Section 7 - 'SCSI operation'. The
player is in the slave mode, whereby it executes the commands received
from the computer, and sends back confirmatory responses.
An F-code consists of
one or more 8-bit bytes, coded in ASCII,
terminated by a carriage return. These codes provide interactive
control of the player for the user.
Mode selection
This is only necessary if you have selected SCSI operation and then
want to switch to RS232-C operation.
The transmission protocol for RS232-C mode selection is described
below. Note that carriage returns should not be sent. ACK refers to a
Positive acknowledgement 'A' and NACK to a Negative
acknowledgement 'N'.
1. The master sends two spaces.
2. The master awaits ACK from the player. If this is not received
within 200 ms, retry.
3. The master sends the mode select byte for F-code communication,
which is F.
4. The master awaits ACK from the player. If this is not received
within 200 ms, retry mode selection.
See Section 5 - 'F-code programming'.
SCSI OPERATION
SCSI operation provides communication between the player and the
host computer, allowingthe VP415to be used asan LV-ROM memory
device. Both data retrieval from the disc, and control of the player are
possible. (It is also possible to use F-codes to control the player via
SCSI.)
Mode selection
The SCSI mode is selected by issuing a Start-unit command to the
player. See Section 7 - 'SCSI operation".
19

SECTION 5 Page
F-CODE PROGRAMMING 21
General introduction 21
RS232-C Interface connection . 21
DTR (Data Terminal Ready) pin 20 21
CTS (ClearTo Send) pin 5 21
Data format 21
Baud rate setting 21
Fig. 9: Baudrate dip switches 21
Commands to the player 21
Player registers 21
Picture number stop register 21
Picture
number information register 21
Time code information register 21
TABLE 1 - F-CODE COMMAND LIST 22
TABLE 2-RESPONSES TO COMPUTER ON COMMANDS FROM REMOTE CONTROL HANDSET 23
TABLE 3 • ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS BACK TO EXTERNAL COMPUTER 24
20

F-CODE PROGRAMMING
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The VP415 player is designed to allow control of all functions from an
external computer. Connection to a computer isvia the RS232-Cserial
interface or the SCSI interface on the rear of the VP415.
The interface allows two-way communication between player and
computer. Some commands sent to the player are followed by
corresponding acknowledgements back to the computer.
RS232-C INTERFACE CONNECTION
This is a serial computer interface, in accordance with international
communication standards. Communication is full duplex, with a
selectable baud rate.
The player is fitted with a25-pole female D-connector with the
following pin connections:
PIN SIGNAL
2 (TxD) transmitteddata from player to computer
3 (RxD) received data from computer to player
5 (CTS) clearto
send:-a signal from computer to
playerindicating the
computer is ready to
receive data
7 (GND) logic ground
9 +12V/100mA
10 -12V/10mA
20 (DTR) dataterminalrcadyr-asignalfromplayer
to computer indicating the playerisready
to receive data
DTR (DATA TERMINAL READY) PIN 20
Whenever the player is in a condition to receive data from the
computer it signals this to the computer, by setting the DTR line to a
high level
(> +3V).
Conversely, when the player is busy processing data it is unable to
receive data and indicates this to the computer by setting the DTR line
to a negative level ( < -3 V ).
It is important to ensure that the data output of the computer is
accurately controlled by the DTR line so as to prevent partial loss of
data.
CTS (CLEAR TO SEND) PIN 5
On the serial interface of many computers there is a control line which
may be used to tell the player when the
computer is ready to receive
data.
Whenever the player wishes to transmit data back to the
computer it first checks the status of the CTS line. If the CTS line is
greater than +3 Volts the player assumes that the computer is ready to
receive data, which is therefore transmitted.
If the CTS line is less than -3 Volts, the player delays transmission
indefinitely until the correct CTS status is seen.
If the
computer cannot control the CTS line, it is recommended that
the 'Transmission delay on' )1 command is sent to the player. This
results in a transmission rate of 50 characters per second, giving the
computer more time to execute the characters. In this case the CTS line
(pin 5) should be kept active (e.g. by leaving the connection open).
21
DATA FORMAT
Data format is 8 data bits and 1stop bit (parity ignored).
Data sent to the player should comprise a string of characters plus
carriage return (CR).
Each byte sent to the player is checked for validity. ASCII codes lower
than 32, and all
other bytes of the string, are rejected. ASCII codes
higher than 127 are accepted. In this case, the MSB (most-significant
bit) is always read as having a value of zero.
For ASCII values
greater than 127the player effectively subtracts 128
from the ASCII value. A
computer which transmits only seven data
bits per ASCII code may therefore be used. In this case at least two
stop bits must be sent.
The player actions the commands after receiving (CR).
BAUD RATE SETTING (RS232-C only) (Fig. 9)
Data transmission speed may be set to 12(K)/24(K)/48(K)/9600 baud
according to the positions of the two baud rate dip switches (numbers 1
and 2) at the rear of the player.
•• 1200 BAUD
• •
9600 BAUD
•• 2400 BAUD
b" 4800 BAUD
Fig. 9: Baud rate dip switches.
mn
•12 3 4
ON
When altering the positions of these dip switches, it is useful to first
switchon the player and disc status display using the DISPLAY button
on the remote control handset. The baud rate setting is then displayed
on the screen.
COMMANDS TO THE PLAYER
The F-codecommandsthat are sent to the playerto carry out particular
functions are listed in Tables 1and 2. Functional explanations of these
commands are given in Section 6 'F-CODE COMMANDS'.
Table 3 lists acknowledgements sent from the player to the computer
on receipt of certain commands.
PLAYER REGISTERS
There are two picture number registers in the player; each can hold a
five-digit number from 1 to 79999. Normally a disc can contain up to
around 54 000 pictures (or frames) so numbers beyond this are not
used. There is also a time code register which can store a time code of
the form mm:ss in the range 00:00 to 59:59.
Picture
number stop register
This register is automatically cleared to zero when the player reaches
the picture number stored and enters the still mode.
Picture numberinformation register
When the player passes the number stored, an acknowledgement is
sent back to the computer and the register is automatically cleared.
The playing mode does not change.
Time code information register
When the player passes the time code stored, an acknowledgement is
sent back to the computer and the register is automatically cleared.
The playing mode docs not change.