LEIGHTRONIX Device Interface Control Schemes

LEIGHTRONIX continues to meet the need for VCR/DVD automation, providing a wide range of control solutions for most industrial and many consumer VCRs/DVD players and recorders.  LEIGHTRONIX provides three different interface schemes for VCR/DVD automation control: 

• Integrated IR - built-in infrared control ports - basic VCR/DVD player control (PLAY, STOP, RECORD)
• PRO-BUS – optional control interfaces - basic VCR/DVD player control (PLAY, STOP, RECORD)
• DVply - built-in RS-232 control ports- full random-access DVD playback control, including title/chapter cuing

Control for Supported VCRs/DVD Players and Recorders

LEIGHTRONIX maintains an extensive database of supported playback and recording devices, including consumer, commercial, and broadcast equipment.   Although many consumer VCR and DVD models are supported, LEIGHTRONIX does not test operation with every model and operation is not guaranteed. Click here for more information on DVD compatibility.

I. Basic Control for VCRs/DVD Players and Recorders

A. Integrated IR
Integrated IR is a standard control feature on the NEXUS series, TCD/V3, and MINI-T-NX. These controllers have Integrated IR control ports on their rear panels and are shipped with infrared transmitter cables. The control ports are configurable for use with VCRs/DVD players and recorders from Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony, and Tascam. 

B. PRO-BUS
PRO-BUS interfaces are for use with the following LEIGHTRONIX systems: UltraNEXUS-SDI, UltraNEXUS, NEXUS, TCD/V3, MINI-T-NX, TCD/IP, NET-164, NET-EC, MINI-T-NET, MVP-2000/2000r, TCD-1000, PRO-16, PRO-8, and MINI-T-PRO.

• PRO-BUS for DVD Players and Recorders: PRO-BUS DVD control interfaces are usually the infrared type (adhesive) and are intended for the control of select single disc DVD players/recorders and combo decks using DVDs containing one program or program block per disc. The PRO-BUS does not provide random disc access.  Playback is initiated from the first title. The most popular supported DVD players and recorders for our PRO-BUS DVD interfaces are as follows:
  • Sony
  • Tascam
  • JVC Combo
  Click here to see the legacy DVD players and recorders supported for use with PRO-BUS interfaces.
• PRO-BUS for VCRs: click here for a list of VCR PRO-BUS interfaces and the corresponding VCR make and models.

II. DVply Control for Select DVD Players

The NEXUS series units, TCD/V3, NET-EC, and NET-164 are equipped with two RS-232 DVply control ports capable of sending PLAY, PLAY Title:Chapter, and STOP commands to the following single disc DVD players:

• Commercial Tascam Model DV-D01U
• Commercial Tascam Model DV-D6500

It is important that you fully understand the capabilities of the various technologies involved in your playback system before making a buying decision.  LEIGHTRONIX is ready to answer your automation system questions.  Please feel free to contact LEIGHTRONIX via email at sales@leightronix.com or call us at (800) 243-5589, Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 5:00 PM EST.