Request VideoReQuest User manual

VideoReQuest Netlinx Module Guide
Version 1.1.0
Control of a single VideoReQuest™ from an AMX™ Netlinx™ control
system through RS232 or Ethernet
ReQuest Incorporated 100 Saratoga Village Blvd. #44 Ballston Spa, NY
Direct Line:518.899.1254 Support:800.236.2812 Facsimile:518.899.1251

Table of Contents
Revision History...............................................................................................................II
AMX Netlinx Install Checklist ..........................................................................................III
Introduction:.....................................................................................................................1
Rear Serial Port Pinout..................................................................................................1
Serial Cable Pinout........................................................................................................1
COM Settings (rear serial port).....................................................................................1
Getting Started:................................................................................................................2
Customizing the Program.................................................................................................2
Modifying the Master Source File:................................................................................2
Modifying the VRQ Main File:.......................................................................................3
Modifying the VRQ TP Interface File:............................................................................4
Appendix A - Complete List of TP Channel Arrays......................................................... A1
Appendix B - Support:................................................................................................... B1
- I -

Revision History
Revision Number Changes
1.0 Initial Version
1.0.1 Updated Appendix A with channel changes
1.0.2 Updated for version 1.0.2 of the module
1.1.0 Updated graphics and info for version 1.1.0 of the module
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AMX Netlinx Install Checklist
Hardware Requirements
1) Netlinx Processor and VideoReQuest Digital Video Controller
2) It is STRONGLY recommended that you use Ethernet control. If you must use RS232, the
recommended Baud Rate is 57600.
3) Female!Female NULL Modem serial cable if connecting serially. It is HIGHLY recommended
to use a cable that is no longer than 10ft to prevent ground problems. If making your own
cable and using any baud rate other than 9600, be sure to connect ONLY pins 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8.
4) 1-4 Sony CX777-ES DVD Changers
Hardware Configuration
1) Install VideoReQuest unit and Netlinx processor in rack
2) Connect cables for control (NULL Modem Serial or Ethernet)
*NOTE: Please follow VideoReQuest instructions for connecting the DVD changers
Software Requirements/Setup
1) Ensure that you have all the latest Netlinx software and components installed.
2) If connecting via RS232, configure the VideoReQuest Baud Rate by going to
Menu!Configuration!Control Port.
NOTE: All Baud Rates EXCEPT 9600 require HW Flow Control!!
Software Configuration
1) Open the VideoReQuest demo program into Netlinx Studio.
2) Follow the instructions given in the rest of this document to configure the program for your
system.
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Client Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Date Installed: _______________________________ Module Version: ______________________________________
Connection to VideoReQuest: Ethernet Serial Processor:
_
_____________________________

Introduction:
This document explains how to interface the VideoReQuest Digital Video Controller with AMX Netlinx
control systems. It will not give a detailed explanation of the protocol used to communicate with the
VideoReQuest via Ethernet, Serial, or IR control. For this information, please download the VideoReQuest
Communication Protocol Guide from www.request.com. This document is designed to be used in
conjunction with the VideoReQuest Netlinx demo program version 1.1.0.
Rear Serial Port Pinout
Pin Purpose
1 Not Used*
2 Receive
3 Transmit
4 Not Used*
5 Ground
6 Not Used*
7 RTS
8 CTS
9
Not Used*
* Any pin labeled as “ Not Used ” should NOT be connected at all.
Doing so could cause communication problems.
Serial Cable Pinout
Pin (VRQ Side) Pin (Control Side)
2 3
3 2
5 5
7 8
8 7
COM Settings (rear serial port)
The rear serial port is used for integrating the VideoReQuest with a control system. These settings can be
found by going to Menu!Configuration!Control Port on the VideoReQuest.
Parameter Value Value Value Value
Baud 9600 19200 38400 57600
Data Bits 8 8 8 8
Stop Bits 1 1 1 1
Parity None None None None
Flow Control None HW HW HW
default
- 1 -

Getting Started:
1. Download the following files from www.request.com:
a. Touch Panel files (optional)
b. Sample project (
VideoReQuest_AMX_Netlinx_Demo_v1_1_0.zip)
2. Unzip the archive(s).
3. Open Netlinx Studio 2. It is recommended that you run the most recent version of Netlinx Studio
software. Visit www.amx.com for more information on updating your software.
4. Open the project file you unzipped (
VideoReQuest Demo v1.1.0.apw ).
Customizing the Program
Modifying the Master Source File:
1. From the Workspace, double-click on VideoReQuest v1_1_0 .
2. Under DEFINE_DEVICE, modify the device numbers as necessary to fit your system.
3. Under DEFINE_START, make sure that you have 1 instance of the
VRQ TP UI v1_1_0 module defined FOR EACH touch panel you have in the system. For example,
if you have 4 touch panels in the system that will control the VideoReQuest, you will need 4
instances of the module defined. See Modifying the VRQ TP Interface File below for more info.
4. Under DEFINE_PROGRAM, modify the 2nd-to-last parameter for the TP modules depending on
whether or not you wish to browse the movie list by large cover art images.
5. Under DEFINE_PROGRAM,
add necessary code to
control a video switcher (if
you are using one).
- 2 -

Modifying the VRQ Main File:
1. Under DEFINE_START, set the BAUD_RATE, IP_ADDRESS, and IP_PORT parameters for the
VRQ_COMM_1 variable defined above. For Ethernet control, all parameters should remain the
same as in the demo, except for IP_ADDRESS, which should be set to the IP Address of your
VideoReQuest. You can find the IP Address by going to Menu!System Information on the
VideoReQuest.
For serial data, set the BAUD_RATE to one of the following: 9600, 19200, 38400 or 57600. The
baud rate should be set to the same baud rate as is set on the VideoReQuest under
Menu!Configuration!Control Port. In order for the DVD Cover Art to work, you must still provide
an IP address
- 3 -

Modifying the VRQ TP Interface File:
1. Under DEFINE_VARIABLE, modify the following:
a. VRQ_PAGES is an array of the names of the pages on the Touch Panels. It is ESSENTIAL
to the functionality of the interface that these names are correct.
b. VRQ_CMDS, VRQ_LET_CH and VRQ_NUM_CH are arrays of the channel numbers for all
the VideoReQuest commands. These arrays must remain intact with the same number of
entries. You may set any unused commands to channel 9999 to prevent using up
channels on commands that will not be used.
- 4 -
c. The VRQ_FB_CH array should contain the channel numbers for the variable text feedback.
This array also must maintain the correct number of entries.

Appendix A - Complete List of TP Channel Arrays
CHAR VRQ_PAGES[][50] = {'VRQ-Main' //This page is the main VRQ page where all popups are displayed
,'VRQ-Browse' //Page with 6 Browse lines, displayed when VRQ is on Browse page
,'VRQ-Browse CoverArt' //Page with 6 Cover Art dynamic images, displayed when VRQ is on Browse
page and Browse By Covers is used.
,'VRQ-Player Chapters' //Similar to Browse, displayed when VRQ is on Chapters page
,'VRQ-Player Details' //Page with Movie title, Genre, Cast, etc. Displayed when VRQ is on
Details page
,'VRQ-Now Playing Chapters' //Similar to Chapters, but has extra info on the left side. Displayed
when VRQ is in DVD mode (playing a movie)
,'VRQ-Now Playing Details' //Similar to Details, but has extra info on the left side. Displayed
when VRQ is in DVD mode (playing a movie)
,'VRQ-Search Letter Row' //Search keyboard popup page
};
CHAR VRQ_NAV_THUMB_IMAGES[][15] = {'nav_thumb_1' //Thumbnail image for line 1
,'nav_thumb_2' //Thumbnail image for line 2
,'nav_thumb_3' //Thumbnail image for line 3
,'nav_thumb_4' //Thumbnail image for line 4
,'nav_thumb_5' //Thumbnail image for line 5
,'nav_thumb_6' //Thumbnail image for line 6
};
CHAR VRQ_NAV_FULL_IMAGES[][15] = {'nav_full_1' //Full size image for line 1
,'nav_full_2' //Full size image for line 2
,'nav_full_3' //Full size image for line 3
,'nav_full_4' //Full size image for line 4
,'nav_full_5' //Full size image for line 5
,'nav_full_6' //Full size image for line 6
};
CHAR VRQ_PLAYER_IMAGE[] = 'player_full'; //Full size image for Player page
CHAR VRQ_SYSTEM_ICONS[][25] = {'' //intentionally blank (no image)
,'NOWPLAYING.png' //Now Playing icon
,'ALLDISCS.png' //All Discs icon
,'GENRES.png' //Genres icon
,'RATINGS.png' //Ratings icon
,'ACTORS.png' //Actors icon
,'DIRECTORS.png' //Directors icon
,'RECENTLYADDED.png' //Recently Added icon
,'RECENTLYPLAYED.png' //Recently Played icon
,'CHANGERS.png' //Changers icon
};
/*********************************************************************************
INTEGER VRQ_CMDS[]: This array contains the channel numbers for all the commands
available in the module. For any command you do not wish to use or is marked
"Not Used" or "reserved", please set the value to 9999, as is the case for some
of the values already.
**NOTE: It is ESSENTIAL that you keep the array IN ORDER and do not delete
any of the indexes in the array. It will not work otherwise.
**********************************************************************************/
INTEGER VRQ_CMDS[] = { 1 //Connect to VRQ 1
,9999 //Not Used 2 *reserved for future use
,9999 //Not Used 3 *reserved for future use
,9999 //Not Used 4 *reserved for future use
,9999 //Not Used 5 *reserved for future use
,9999 //Not Used 6 *reserved for future use
,7 //Recently Added 7
,8 //Recently Played 8
,9 //Changers 9
,10 //All Movies 10
,11 //Actors 11
,12 //Directors 12
,13 //Genres 13
,14 //Ratings 14
,15 //Now Playing 15
,16 //Page Up 6 16
,17 //Page Down 6 17
,18 //Cursor UP 18
,19 //Cursor Down 19
,20 //Cursor Left 20
,21 //Cursor Right 21
- A 1 -
,22 //Go to top 22

,23 //Go to bottom 23
,24 //Go to HOME 24
,25 //Play Now 25
,26 //Loading... 26
,27 //Enter 27
,28 //Play 28
,29 //Stop 29
,30 //Pause (toggle) 30
,9999 //Discrete Pause 31
,9999 //Discrete Unpause 32
,33 //FFwd 33
,34 //Rew 34
,35 //Next Chapter 35
,36 //Prev Chapter 36
,37 //Goto DVD Mode 37
,38 //Goto VRQ Mode 38
,39 //DVD Menu 39
,40 //Eject 40
,9999 //Power (toggle) 41
,9999 //Discrete Power ON 42
,9999 //Discrete Power OFF 43
,9999 //Search 44 *This feature available in future Firmware
,45 //More Plot Summary 45
,46 //Now Playing Chapters 46
,9999 //Right Arrow Flag 47 *Not Currently Supported
,9999 //Left Arrow Flag 48 *Not Currently Supported
,9999 //Up Arrow Flag 49 *Not Currently Supported
,9999 //Down Arrow Flag 50 *Not Currently Supported
,51 //Press Nav Line 1 51 *Line Press and Selection Feedback
,52 //Press Nav Line 2 52
,53 //Press Nav Line 3 53
,54 //Press Nav Line 4 54
,55 //Press nav Line 5 55
,56 //Press Nav Line 6 56
,9999 //Press Nav Line 7 57 (not used)
,9999 //Press Nav Line 8 58 (not used)
,9999 //reserved 59
,9999 //reserved 60
,61 //Chapter Line 1 61 *Channel for selection feedback
,62 //Chapter Line 2 62
,63 //Chapter Line 3 63
,64 //Chapter Line 4 64
,65 //Chapter Line 5 65
,66 //Chapter Line 6 66
,9999 //Chapter Line 7 67
,9999 //Chapter Line 8 68
,9999 //reserved 69
,9999 //reserved 70
,71 //Chapter NP Line 1 71 *Channel for which chapter is now playing
,72 //Chapter NP Line 2 72 *Also functions as line press
,73 //Chapter NP Line 3 73
,74 //Chapter NP Line 4 74
,75 //Chapter NP Line 5 75
,76 //Chapter NP Line 6 76
,9999 //Chapter NP Line 7 77
,9999 //Chapter NP Line 8 78
,79 //DVD Angle 79
,80 //DVD Subtitles 80
,91 //Nav Cover Art Image 81
,92 //Nav Cover Art Image 82
,93 //Nav Cover Art Image 83
,94 //Nav Cover Art Image 84
,95 //Nav Cover Art Image 85
,96 //Nav Cover Art Image 86
,9999 //Nav Cover Art Image 87
,9999 //Nav Cover Art Image 88
,97 //Player Cover Art Image 89
,81 //DVD Cursor UP 90
,82 //DVD Cursor Down 91
,83 //DVD Cursor Left 92
,84 //DVD Cursor Right 93
,85 //DVD Enter 94
};
- A 2 -

/*********************************************************************************
INTEGER VRQ_LET_CH[]: This array contains the channel numbers for all the letters
of the alphabet. This has not yet been implemented in the demo program.
**NOTE: It is ESSENTIAL that you keep the array IN ORDER and do not delete
any of the indexes in the array. It will not work otherwise.
**********************************************************************************/
INTEGER VRQ_LET_CH[] = {100 // Letter A
,101 // Letter B
,102 // Letter C
,103 // Letter D
,104 // Letter E
,105 // Letter F
,106 // Letter G
,107 // Letter H
,108 // Letter I
,109 // Letter J
,110 // Letter K
,111 // Letter L
,112 // Letter M
,113 // Letter N
,114 // Letter O
,115 // Letter P
,116 // Letter Q
,117 // Letter R
,118 // Letter S
,119 // Letter T
,120 // Letter U
,121 // Letter V
,122 // Letter W
,123 // Letter X
,124 // Letter Y
,125 // Letter Z
};
/*********************************************************************************
INTEGER VRQ_NUM_CH[]: This array contains the channel numbers for numbers 1-9
and 0. This has not yet been implemented in the demo program.
**NOTE: It is ESSENTIAL that you keep the array IN ORDER and do not delete
any of the indexes in the array. It will not work otherwise.
**********************************************************************************/
INTEGER VRQ_NUM_CH[] = {126 // Number 1
,127 // Number 2
,128 // Number 3
,129 // Number 4
,130 // Number 5
,131 // Number 6
,132 // Number 7
,133 // Number 8
,134 // Number 9
,135 // Number 0
};
/*********************************************************************************
INTEGER VRQ_FB_CH[]: This array contains the channel numbers for all the text
feedback available in the module. For any item you do not wish to use or is
marked "Not Used" or "reserved", please set the value to 9999, as is the case for
some of the values already.
**NOTE: It is ESSENTIAL that you keep the array IN ORDER and do not delete
any of the indexes in the array. It will not work otherwise.
**********************************************************************************/
INTEGER VRQ_FB_CH[] = {1 // Nav List Title Full 1 **Complete path from HOME
,9999 // Nav List Title 1 2 **Piece 1 of path (HOME)
,9999 // Nav List Title 2 3 **Piece 2 of path (actors, ratings, genres, etc)
,9999 // Nav List Title 3 4 **Piece 3 of path (which actor, rating, genre, etc)
,36 // Nav List Title cur 5 **The title of the current list you are in
,2 // Window Title 6
,3 // Nav Column 1 Header 7
,4 // Nav Column 2 Header 8
,5 // Nav Column 1 Data 9
,6 // Nav Column 2 Data 10
,7 // Nav Long Desc 11
,10 // NAV LINE 1 12
,11 // NAV LINE 2 13
,12 // NAV LINE 3 14
,13 // NAV LINE 4 15
,14 // NAV LINE 5 16
,15 // NAV LINE 6 17
- A 3 -
,9999 // NAV LINE 7 18 (not used)

,9999 // NAV LINE 8 19 (not used)
,9999 // reserved 20
,9999 // reserved 21
,9999 // reserved 22
,16 // Player Ch. Line 1 23
,17 // Player Ch. Line 2 24
,18 // Player Ch. Line 3 25
,19 // Player Ch. Line 4 26
,20 // Player Ch. Line 5 27
,21 // Player Ch. Line 6 28
,9999 // Player Ch. Line 7 29 (not used)
,9999 // Player Ch. Line 8 30 (not used)
,25 // Player Title 31
,26 // Player Genre 32
,27 // Player Cast 33
,28 // Player Directors 34
,29 // Player Plot Summary 35
,9999 // Player Long Desc 36
,34 // Changer Number 37
,35 // Slot Number 38
,9999 // reserved 39
,9999 // reserved 40
,41 // Nav Line 1 Icon 41
,42 // Nav Line 2 Icon 42
,43 // Nav Line 3 Icon 43
,44 // Nav Line 4 Icon 44
,45 // Nav Line 5 Icon 45
,46 // Nav Line 6 Icon 46
};
- A 4 -

Appendix B - Support:
For technical questions on using the Touch Panel file or the sample project, please contact ReQuest at
[phone] or on the web at www.request.com.
For technical support regarding AMX hardware or software, please contact AMX Technical Support at (800)
932-6993 or visit them on the web at http://www.amxcorp.com/techsupport
- B 1 -