NOTICE: MULTI-DISC DVD PLAYERS
It has come to our attention that the multi-disc DVD players supported by the UltraNEXUS, NEXUS, TCD/V3, and TCD/IP are in short supply. Customers have reported great difficulty in finding retailers with stock for the LEIGHTRONIX supported multi-disc models (listed below in the table of "Recommended DVD Players").

Multi-disc DVD players have proven to be very popular due to their amazing capacity and advanced random disc access. The multi-disc DVD player support option will remain within the capabilities of the UltraNEXUS, NEXUS, TCD/V3, and TCD/IP.

Unfortunately, the future of the multi-disc DVD players is uncertain, as is the possibility of replacement models. LEIGHTRONIX will continue to research DVD products and develop new interfaces for devices that prove to be suitable for commercial playback settings.

Overview

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

• Integrated IR - built-in infrared control ports - basic DVD player control (Play, Stop, Record)
• PRO-BUS – optional control interfaces - basic DVD player control (Play, Stop, Record)
• DVply - built-in RS-232 control ports- full random-access DVD playback control, including title/chapter cuing
• PLUS-BUS – optional control interfaces - full random-access DVD playback control, including title/chapter cuing and disc loading with select DVD changers

Mastering your own DVD content is the best approach for automated DVD playback.  Playback of commercial DVD source material presents many challenges because commercial DVDs are often encoded with overriding control commands that force playback of certain content, regardless of what the DVD player is commanded to do by the user or automation system.

Things to Be Aware of When Considering a DVD Automation System

Despite our best efforts, some operational functions are beyond our control.  Even with the power of DVply and PLUS-BUS control interfaces, some DVDs possess formatting that prevents cuing to specific disc titles and chapters. The control method and protocol utilized by the DVD player can also impact control of DVD playback. 

Newer consumer model DVD players may automatically power off after a period of inactivity as part of an energy saving effort sponsored by the U.S. Government. This makes control difficult and, in some cases impossible. Not all consumer models have this energy saving feature. The effected models can sometimes be identified as they carry the ENERGYSTAR® label on the shipping container and often on the product itself. Please refer to www.energystar.gov  for more details.  The use of commercial/professional DVD equipment is recommended to avoid this problem.

Commercial movies licensed for broadcast on a cable network are often no different from movies rented at a local video outlet.  DVD movies usually contain formatting that forces the viewing of copyright warnings, movie previews, and main menus.  In some cases, once the DVD is placed in the DVD player, the DVD forces the player into a PLAY mode and cannot accept external control until certain information has been displayed in its entirety, hindering the ability to control the DVD. 

While LEIGHTRONIX DVply and PLUS-BUS control schemes support random access of DVD media, the DVD itself may inhibit the operation of the control system.  Not all movie DVDs may be suitable for use within an automated playback system. 

The Integrated IR and PRO-BUS DVD control schemes support DVD PLAY and STOP functions and have the ability to initiate playback of a movie from the beginning of the DVD.  The results of the PLAY command are dependent on the DVD structure.  Use of Integrated IR and PRO-BUS (infrared and wired control) is not recommended with commercial movie playback from DVD. (more on infrared control)

DVD authoring software in conjunction with DVD recordable drives allows the user to specify how a DVD will be formatted. If you are burning DVDs using a personal computer, use the minimum in menuing and interactivity.  If possible, burn only one title on the DVD. If you intend to invest in an advanced DVD control system capable of addressing individual programs, you can burn multiple titles:chapters to make better use of the DVD. 

DVDs Created on a Stand-Alone DVD Recorder

DVDs created on a stand-alone DVD recorder often have one main menu and one or more titles.  It has been observed that in most DVD players, these types of DVDs will start with the first title when a PLAY command is received. Whether or not the DVD will continue through the disc, playing multiple titles in sequence, is determined by the DVD recorder. The DVD recorder burns preset DVD settings and configuration information on the DVD during the finalization of the disc. The settings can vary, depending on the make and model of the DVD recorder. This formatting may impact playback operation. 

Infrared Control Capabilities
LEIGHTRONIX has made every attempt to offer support for low-cost DVD players by even working within the limitations of the DVD players themselves. Most low-cost models offer only wireless infrared control. Infrared communication limits the control functionality to basic PLAY-STOP-RECORD commands. This is due to the fact that the DVD and the DVD player rely on interactive on-screen menus for selection of specific programs on the disc. An automation system simply cannot receive the visual prompts necessary to negotiate through various levels of menus (imagine operating a DVD player with a wireless remote while blindfolded!).  

RS-232 Control Capabilities
RS-232 control is most often associated with commercial grade DVD players.  An RS-232 control port on a DVD player usually allows random access of DVD titles:chapter and in the case of multi-disc players, it allows a specific disc to be loaded.  RS-232 communication through LEIGHTRONIX PLUS-BUS control interfaces also provides device status.  This allows the automation system to communicate with supported DVD players and properly achieve disc and title:chapter selection.

Supported DVD Players and Recorders

LEIGHTRONIX maintains an extensive database of supported playback and recording devices, including consumer, commercial, and broadcast equipment. Continue to the end of this page to see our tables of supported DVD players and recorders.  Although many consumer DVD models are supported, LEIGHTRONIX does not test operation with every model and operation is not guaranteed.  

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.

Three Levels of Control for DVD Players/Recorders
LEIGHTRONIX offers three levels of control for DVD players and recorders.  The levels of control are related to both the event controller model and the control scheme. Integrated IR and PRO-BUS provide basic PLAY, STOP, and RECORD control. DVply provides PLAY, STOP, and random disc access (cue title:chapter).  PLUS-BUS DVD interfaces provide PLAY, STOP, random disc access (cue title:chapter), and disc selection for select multi-disc DVD players/changers.

I. Basic DVD Control

A. Integrated IR
Integrated IR is a standard control feature on the UltraNEXUS, NEXUS, TCD/V3, and MINI-T-NX. These controllers have Integrated IR control ports on their rear panels and are shipped with infrared transmitter cables. Integrated IR provides basic PLAY and STOP functions along with RECORD capability for select DVD recorders. The control ports are configurable for use with DVD players and recorders from Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony, and Tascam. 

B. PRO-BUS
PRO-BUS interfaces are available for DVD players and recorders from JVC, Marantz, Sony, Panasonic, Philips, and Pioneer. Many consumer and most commercial models are supported. PRO-BUS DVD control interfaces are usually the infrared type (adhesive) and support PLAY-STOP-RECORD functions. PRO-BUS DVD interfaces are intended for the control of select single disc DVD players/recorders and DVD/Tape 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. 

PRO-BUS interfaces are for use with the following LEIGHTRONIX systems:
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 DVD Player Interfaces Listed By Manufacturer

LEIGHTRONIX Interface Part Number: PRJVDVD

Type: Infrared
Compatibility: Commercial Combo Models SR-DVM600, SR-DVM700, SR-MV45, and SR-MV55
DVD Functions: Play, Stop, Record
VCR Functions: Play, Rewind, Record, Stop

The PRJVDVD interface does not control the hard disc drives (HDD) of the JVC combo decks. 

LEIGHTRONIX Interface Part Number: PRJVSRM (version 1.09 and higher)

Type: Wired Mini-Plug
Compatibility: Commercial Combo Models SR-DVM600, SR-DVM700, SR-MV45, and SR-MV55
DVD Functions: Play, Stop, Record
VCR Functions: Play, Rewind, Record, Stop

The PRJVSRM interface does not does not control the hard disc drives (HDD) of the JVC combo decks.

LEIGHTRONIX Interface Part Number: PRMZDVD

Type: Infrared
Compatibility: Commercial Model PMD910
Functions: Play, Stop

LEIGHTRONIX Interface Part Number: PRPADVD

Type: Infrared
Compatibility: Commercial Models DMR-EZ17, DMR-T2020, DMR-T3030, DMR-T3040, LQ-DRM200, & DMR-T6070 (Alert!).
Functions: Play, Stop, Record

The PRPADVD is also compatible with many consumer DVD products from Panasonic, including the DMR series recorders and DVD series players.

LEIGHTRONIX Interface Part Number: PRPIDVD

Type: Infrared
Compatibility: Commercial Models PRV-9000, PRV-9200, DVD-V7200, DVD-V7400, DVD-V5000, & DVD-V8000
Functions: Play, Stop, Record

The PRPIDVD is also compatible with many consumer DVD products from Pioneer including DVR series recorders and DV series players.

LEIGHTRONIX Interface Part Number: PRPI9000

Type:  Wired Mini-Plug
Compatibility: Commercial Models PRV-9000, PRV-9200, DVD-V7200, DVD-V7400
Functions: Play, Stop, Record

The PRPI9000 offers the same functionality as the PRPIDVD infrared interface yet provides the advantage of a wired remote.

LEIGHTRONIX Interface Part Number: PRSY9P

Type: RS-422
Compatibility: Commercial Models PRV-LX1
Functions: Play, Stop, Record

LEIGHTRONIX Interface Part Number: PRSYDVD

Type: Infrared
Compatibility: Various consumer models, including the DVP-NS57 DVD player and SLV-D380 and SLV-D281 DVD/VCR combo decks
DVD Functions: Play, Stop, and Pause
VCR Functions (combo decks only): Play, Rewind, Record, Stop

LEIGHTRONIX Interface Part Number: PRTADVD

Type: Infrared
Compatibility: Commercial Models DV-D01U and DV-D6500 Single Disc DVD Players
Functions: Play, Stop

II. DVply
The NEXUS, TCD/V3, NET-EC, and NET-164 are equipped with two RS-232 DVply control ports capable of controlling single disc DVD players.

Compatibility: Commercial Models DV-D01U and DV-D6500 Single Disc DVD Players
Functions: Play, Play Title:Chapter, Stop

III. PLUS-BUS
The PLUS-BUS is an advanced device control bus exclusive to the TCD/V3 and TCD/IP.  PLUS-BUS interfaces provide full function control with status and are available for a range of single disc and multi-disc DVD players.

Compatibility: Please see the PLUS-BUS Interfaces page
Functions:  Play, Play Title:Chapter, Load Disc #(DVD Changer Only), Stop, Status

Recommended DVD Players

Manufacturer / Model	PRO-BUS	PLUS-BUS	DVply	Integrated IR
Pioneer DVD-V8000	PRPIDVD	PLPIDVD	N/A
Pioneer DVD-V7400	PRPI9000	PLPIDVD	N/A
Pioneer DVD-V5000	PRPIDVD	PLPIDVD	N/A
Manufacturer / Model	PRO-BUS	PLUS-BUS	DVply	Integrated IR
Tascam DV-D01U	PRTADVD	PLTADVD	*
Tascam DV-D6500	PRTADVD	PLTADVD	*
Manufacturer / Model	PRO-BUS	PLUS-BUS	DVply	Integrated IR
Sony DVP-NS57	PRSYDVD	N/A	N/A
Sony DVP-NS55	PRSYDVD	N/A	N/A

Other Supported DVD Players/Recorders

Manufacturer / Model	PRO-BUS	PLUS-BUS	DVply	Integrated IR
JVC SR-DVM600, SR-DVM700	PRJVDVD, PRJVSRM	N/A	N/A	N/A
JVC SR-MV45, SR-MV55	PRJVDVD, PRJVSRM	N/A	N/A	N/A
Manufacturer / Model	PRO-BUS	PLUS-BUS	DVply	Integrated IR
Panasonic DMR-HS2	PRPADVD	N/A	N/A
Panasonic DMR-T2020, DMR-T3030, DMR-T3040, DMR-T6070	PRPADVD	N/A	N/A
Panasonic DMR-E30, DMR-E50, DMR-E55	PRPADVD	N/A	N/A
Panasonic DMR-ES10, DMR-ES20	PRPADVD	N/A	N/A
Panasonic DMR-EZ17	PRPADVD	N/A	N/A	N/A
Panasonic LQ-DRM200	PRPADVD	N/A	N/A
Panasonic DVD-S27, DVD-S29	PRPADVD	N/A	N/A
Manufacturer / Model	PRO-BUS	PLUS-BUS	DVply	Integrated IR
Pioneer DV-F07 (300 Disc Carousel)	N/A	PLPIDVDCH	N/A	N/A
Pioneer PRV-9000, PRV-9200	PRPI9000	N/A	N/A	N/A
Pioneer PRV-LX1	PRSY9P	PL422	N/A	N/A
Manufacturer / Model	PRO-BUS	PLUS-BUS	DVply	Integrated IR
Marantz VC8100 (300 Disc Carousel)	N/A	PLPIDVDCH	N/A	N/A
Marantz PMD910	PRMZDVD	N/A	N/A	N/A
Manufacturer / Model	PRO-BUS	PLUS-BUS	DVply	Integrated IR
Sony DVP-NS425, DVP-NS525, DVP-NS575, DVP-NS775	PRSYDVD	N/A	N/A
Sony DVP-CX777ES (400 Disc Carousel)	N/A	PLSYDVDCH	N/A	N/A
Sony SLV-D380 and SLV-D281 (DVD/VCR Combo Decks)	PRSYDVD (version 1.04 or higher)	N/A	N/A	N/A

*Requires LGX-DVply interface cable.