Enhanced MediaLink Controller with Ethernet Control

The Extron MLC 226 IP MediaLink Controller is an enhanced control panel for controlling AV equipment in any classroom or conference room. It standardizes the control interface for all systems, making display systems simple to use. Standardization also makes setup and maintenance easier to support. The MLC 226 IP also includes IP Link with GlobalViewer, a free Web-based AV resource management and remote control software application.

The MLC 226 IP MediaLink Controller offers several enhanced control capabilities including six input selection buttons, two bidirectional serial ports for display and switcher control, three unidirectional serial/IR control ports, six relays, and support for optional IRCM - Infrared Control Modules to control VCRs, DVDs, and other IR controllable equipment.

The flexible MLC 226 IP acts as an extended remote control panel. It is not a switcher; instead, as a controller, it tells the display when to switch between its various inputs. Presenters with little or no training can walk into any multimedia classroom and operate the AV system. The MLC 226 IP includes universal display control for a display's power, input switching, and volume control. The MLC 226 IP features backlit buttons that can be custom-labeled for easy identification. Because the buttons illuminate, they are helpful for presenters in low-light environments. The input selection and room/function buttons on the MLC 226 IP can be utilized for source selection and relays, as well as sending various RS-232 or IR commands.

Especially vital for high traffic areas, the MLC 226 IP is housed in a secure, three-gang enclosure. It has the same look and functionality regardless of where it is mounted: a lectern, desk, wall, rack, or wall box.

Easy System Configuration using Global Configurator Software
The MLC 226 IP is designed to be configured with Extron's Global Configurator. With Global Configurator, the MLC 226IP can be configured with a wide selection of commonly used display control drivers. These RS-232 or IR drivers are essential for the MLC 226 IP to effectively communicate with a display device. They enable the MLC 226 IP to control basic display functions such as power, input selection, and volume adjustment. Users can create their own drivers or go to the Extron Web site to download RS-232 or IR drivers compatible with the latest and most popular display devices. Global Configurator also adds support for GlobalViewer, a free Web-based AV resource management and remote control software application specifically designed to work with products that include IP Link technology.

The MLC 226 IP is designed to work with almost every Extron switcher, including the MediaLink Switchers, which are specifically designed to complement MediaLink Controllers. MediaLink Switchers are available to accommodate a variety of video, RGBHV, and audio signals while providing unique features that expand AV system capabilities. The MLC 226 IP can also work as a stand-alone device to control a display without the aid of a switcher.

Ethernet Control
The MLC 226 IP is equipped with Ethernet control and is designed to work in conjunction with GlobalViewer, Extron's Web-based AV resource management and remote control application. Together, these form a powerful control solution with the following features:
- Proactive maintenance — GlobalViewer can store and display information about connected devices like serial numbers, owner identification, maintenance history, and installed firmware versions. This centralized data can be collected and used to reduce maintenance costs and guide future purchasing decisions. For instance, a projector can be polled routinely to track lamp usage and total life time. When lamp usage reaches a predetermined number of hours, the MLC 226 IP can send a report via e-mail.
- Event scheduling — User-defined tasks are easy to configure and schedule with GlobalViewer without the need for traditional programming. For instance, an administrator may want to turn off all projectors every Friday at close of business. The administrator can schedule the system to turn off all projectors at a specified time, and raise all projection screens that were left down.
- Remote technical support — Technicians can troubleshoot systems remotely because GlobalViewer provides the real-time status of connected devices. Information such as connection status, power state, and current input selection is displayed in a central location. For many connected devices, technicians can toggle power on or off, switch sources, control volume, and more without leaving their office. Many common problems can be resolved without traveling to the equipment.
- Theft alerts — IP Link-enabled products are always on and routinely poll their attached devices for status information. If any serially controlled device such as a projector or display is physically disconnected from the network, the MLC 226 IP monitoring its status will know immediately. In such an event, it can send an e-mail message notifying security personnel of the possible theft. For fast action, e-mails can be sent to multiple addresses including cell phones and wireless devices.

Data Logger
Data Logger is a free Microsoft Excel-based spreadsheet application that allows administrators to automatically gather up-to-date lamp hour and usage statistics for multiple rooms of AV equipment. It provides a simple, convenient way to retrieve AV system usage statistics into a single document for data analysis, collecting critical system information such as frequency of usage for each front panel input and current lamp hours of connected projectors.