In the mid 1980s, the cable television community was in need of an easy-to-use, versatile and affordable playback automation system for local origination programming. LEIGHTRONIX entered the market to fill this need with its TCD series (Time Coincidence Detector) of Event Controllers. The TCD-RT, a time of day, day of week-based Event Controller, included the ability to program multiple tape machines to record satellite feeds at specified times, rewind the tapes, and then play the recordings over selected channels at specified times.

The increasing popularity of the LEIGHTRONIX TCD-RT led to the development of the MINI-T-IR. This was a powerful, smaller version of the TCD-RT at a third of the price and it included an integrated routing switcher! The MINI-T-IR was an immediate success not only because of its features and user-friendly interface, but also due to its extreme affordability.

As customer demand grew in the early 1990s, LEIGHTRONIX responded with new products such as the TCD-1000, PRO-8, PRO-16, and MINI-T-PRO Event Controllers. The LEIGHTRONIX C-VOICE was also introduced as a way to control video systems remotely using a standard telephone with natural voice prompts. As the digital age approached, LEIGHTRONIX was ready with the MVP-2000, which combined a digital video/audio player, routing switcher, Event Controller, and VCR controller with an integrated TCP/IP network port. Before the Internet became an everyday part of our lives, LEIGHTRONIX developed local and wide-area networking solutions for automated video system control.

The TCD/IP was released in the fall of 2001 as the third generation of TCD Series Event Controllers. Its popularity quickly grew as it became clear the TCD/IP was different from other automation products in its class. The TCD/IP featured a 10/100 Ethernet port for network access and control via a TCP/IP network, transforming the LEIGHTRONIX Event Controller into a Network Managed Video System Controller. The TCD/IP also set a new standard for affordable yet advanced automation by offering powerful control features at an unbelievably low cost.

The PLUS-BUS device interface was introduced to complement the TCD/IP’s versatile control capabilities. The new PLUS-BUS provided full control with status for a wide range of playback and recording devices, including VCRs, DVD players, robot videotape cassette changers, and digital video recorders and servers.

In 2003, LEIGHTRONIX introduced the NET Series of Event Controllers. The NET Series replaced the popular PRO Series and added integrated network management to the standard Event Controller features. The release of the NET Series completed the transformation of the Event Controller into a Network Managed Video System Controller. With integrated network ports standard on all of its controllers, LEIGHTRONIX was ready for a new era of video management in playback, recording, and signal switching operations over local and wide-area networks, including the Internet.

The LEIGHTRONIX TCD R/P MPEG Recorder/Player was also released in 2003 to further enhance TCD/IP Controller video systems. The TCD R/P represented a breakthrough in digital video/audio recording and playback, offering “server-like” features and performance at a surprisingly low price. The TCD R/P came equipped with a built-in PLUS-BUS interface, allowing it to be easily integrated into a TCD/IP system.

In 2005, LEIGHTRONIX answered another challenge: provide an affordable server solution that also offers the device control and switching required by local television operations. The NEXUS was quickly conceived and became a reality in the summer of 2005. Yet another breakthrough in playback automation from LEIGHTRONIX, the NEXUS offered fully integrated digital video playback and recording, digital video messaging, device control, and video/audio switching at a price affordable for any television operation.

In 2006, LEIGHTRONIX unveiled three new powerful playback automation solutions, the TCD/NX video server, the MINI-T-NX video server, and the TCD/V3 system controller. The TCD/NX is a multi-channel video player/recorder with digital video messaging capabilities and custom media storage for each user. The TCD/NX has all of the features included in high-end, multi-channel broadcast servers, yet costs much less. The MINI-T-NX provides a low-cost, digital solution for those with limited budgets. The TCD/V3 brings new features to the TCD series, such as an all new software interface and a focus on server-driven, multi-channel playback systems.

Thousands of LEIGHTRONIX systems are in operation today, providing video playback, recording, and automated switching solutions in hospitals, factories, corporate video centers, educational facilities, and cable television head ends. Anywhere automated video playback and switching is required, LEIGHTRONIX has the right automation solution at the right price. With a wide range of products, dedication to product quality, and our promise of excellent customer service, LEIGHTRONIX is the best choice for your video automation needs.