VBrick Systems Portal Server ETV v4.2 - Manual (Page 54)

42 © 2007 VBrick Systems, Inc.
Connecting Control Devices
To set up a device that can be remotely controlled from the Portal Server, you connect the
serial interface on the source device (the DVD or VCR) to the passthrough port (COM1 or
COM2 for Slots 1 and 2 respectively) on the VBrick encoder using an appropriate cable (see
Table 10) from those shipped with the encoder. For more about Serial Port Passthrough, see
the online help for the encoder. You can also control devices using VBrick's VBIR remote
controller. To use the VBIR remote controller, you connect the VBIR SpitFire device to
COM1 or COM2 on the VBrick encoder. The VBIR subsequently communicates with the
DVD or VCR via infrared commands (see Figure 9) at the configured baud rate.
If necessary, connect one end of the XIR emitter cable to the SpitFire and the other to the
DVD or VCR making sure the adhesive lead is securely attached to the device. The emitter is
used when there is no direct line-of-sight to a control device (for example when the VCR is in
a cabinet) and you can't use the remote control. On the back of the VBIR, be sure the
SpitFire is in RS-232 mode.
Figure 9. Connecting Control Devices