LEIGHTRONIX VCR/DVD Automation Control

LEIGHTRONIX has met the need over the years for automated control of VCR and DVD playback and recording with several device interface control schemes. With digital video technologies redefining the video communications industry, most manufacturers have discontinued or greatly reduced their VCR and DVD player and player/recorder product lines. As such, many of the consumer and commercial VCR and DVD devices compatible with the LEIGHTRONIX device interface control schemes are no longer being manufactured. And while consumer DVD models are more widely available, these devices are now often equipped with an energy saving, automatic shut-off feature that is incompatible with LEIGHTRONIX device control.

For those who are looking to add device automation control to their LEIGHTRONIX broadcast workflows, we recommend the commercial Tascam DVD player, model DV-D01U. Additionally, there are many legacy VCR and DVD players and players/recorders that are compatible with LEIGHTRONIX device control. Although many legacy consumer VCR and DVD models are supported, LEIGHTRONIX has not tested every model and operation is not guaranteed.  Refer to the following section for more information on the LEIGHTRONIX device interface control schemes and the supported VCR and DVD device models.

LEIGHTRONIX Device Interface Control Schemes

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

NOTE:  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 (NEXUS, UltraNEXUS, UltraNEXUS-SDI), 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: NEXUS series, 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. Click here to see the currently available and legacy PRO-BUS DVD control interfaces and the compatible DVD makes and models.
• PRO-BUS for VCRs: click here for a complete listing of the currently available and legacy PRO-BUS VCR control interfaces and the compatible VCR makes 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 (legacy)

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.