[LCtalk] Can the LCM control a DVD player via RS232?

[Fokko van Duin]

Hello all,

Sometimes even I discover new possibilities of a LanBox :-) But this 
one has been asked many times, and I always said that it was not 
really possible (well not without additional convertors).

Many industrial DVD (and video) players can not be controlled by MIDI 
or DMX, but only with RS232 @ 9600 baud, so it is a problem to get 
these devices in sync with your lighting cues of a LanBox.

But I completely overlooked the possibilities of a LanBox-LCM :-)

Using a LanBox-LCM standalone, and a RS232 controllable DVD player is 
possible, and easy. Just connect your player to the RS232 port of the 
LCM, and run your presentation/show. Initially connect your LCM with 
LCedit+, set the serial speed to 9600 (global settings), and 
create/test your cues.

Controlling your DVD player is done with the "write to MIDI" action; 
When the LCM is in serial mode it writes to RS232, instead of to MIDI!

A "Play chapter 23" cue for the Pioneer V7400 will be like this:

// Cuelist 10 (5 steps), stored 21-09-2005 11:26
  -- Play C23
  -- CH23PL
  write 43 48 32 33 to MIDI
  write 50 4C 0D to MIDI
  hold for ever

The first write sends the string "CH23" (chapter 23 option), while 
the second write sends "PL<CR>" (Play + return command). You have to 
lookup the hex values from an ASCII table, but you can write any 
string you need.

After creating the needed pioneer cues, you can run them in a layer 
from your control/show cue. If you are willing to do some cable 
fiddling, it's even possible to start a show from one or two buttons. 
See wiring diagram in your manuals folder.

I hope this info was enough to get your multimedia show up and 
running, but if you have questions, just post them.

Regards,

Fokko van Duin,                     Creators of the LanBox-LC
CDS advanced technology bv,         DMX lighting controller.
http://www.cds.nl/                  http://www.lanbox.com/

Member of MIDI Manufacturers Association, MMA