The Extron MLC 226 IP MediaLink Controller is an enhanced control panel for controlling A/V equipment in any classroom or conference room. It standardizes the control interface for all systems, making projection systems simple to use. Standardization also makes setup and maintenance easier to support. The MLC 226 IP also includes IP Link for Ethernet control, monitoring, and asset management.

The flexible MLC 226 IP acts as an extended remote control panel. It is not a switcher; instead, as a controller, it tells the projector when to switch between its various inputs. Presenters with little or no training can walk into any multimedia classroom and operate the A/V system. The MLC 226 IP includes universal projector control for a projector's power, input switching, and volume control. For one-button functionality, 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 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.

System Configuration

Extron creates and administers a wide selection of commonly used projector control drivers. These RS-232 drivers are essential for the MLC 226 IP to effectively communicate with a display device. They enable the MLC 226 IP to control basic projector 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 drivers aligned with the latest and most popular projectors.

The MLC 226 IP is designed to work with almost every Extron switcher, including the MediaLink Switchers (MLS) and VersaTools MediaLink Switchers, which are specifically designed to complement MediaLink controllers. Each product of the MLS line switches video, computer-video, and/or audio and provides unique features such as volume and tone control. The MLC 226 IP can also work as a stand-alone device to control a projector without the aid of a switcher.

IP Link Ethernet Control

The MLC 226 IP is equipped with Extron's IP Link, an IP integration technology specifically engineered to meet the needs of professional A/V environments from small K-12 classrooms to large universities and businesses. GlobalViewer, a free Web-based asset management and remote control software application, is specifically designed to work with products that include IP Link technology. It facilitates key asset management functions including:

Proactive maintenance The 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 The GlobalViewer uses the real-time clock and calendar in IP Link-enabled devices to maximum value. User-defined tasks are easy to configure and schedule with the GlobalViewer Configurator (GVC) and don't require high-level programming skills. 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 the 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 a trip to where the equipment is located.

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 plasma 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 PDAs.