Appendix: Serial programming interface

Introduction

This section of the document describes the remote control protocol for controlling the DV29 via the

RS232 interface.

Conventions

nThe remote controller is referred to as the ‘RC’, with the DV29 called the ‘DV29’.

nAll values in this section are hexadecimal values, unless otherwise specified.

Data transfer format

nTransfer rate: 19,200bps.

n1 start bit, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no flow control.

Command and response formats

Communication between the RC and the DV29 takes the form of sequences of ASCII characters, with all commands and responses having the same basic format. With the exception of status triggers (see below), the DV29 shall transmit only to respond to communication from the RC. The DV29 shall always respond to a received command.

Each transmission by the RC shall be five bytes long in the following format: <STR> <CC> <P1> <P2> <ETR>

nSTR (Start transmission): 0x21

nCC (Command code): the code for the command

nPx (Parameter code): the parameters for the command

nETR (End transmission): 0xD

Each response by the DV29 shall be seven bytes long in the following format: <STR> <RC> <AC> <P1> <P2> <P3> <ETR>

nSTR (Start transmission): 0x21

nRC (Reply code): = command code

nAC (Answer code): answer code (see below)

nPx (Parameter code): the parameters for the reponse

nETR (End transmission): 0xD

The RC shall transmit commands and receive answers according to the following procedure:

1.The RC shall transmit a command.

2.Having issued a command, the RC shall wait at least 100ms before transmitting a subsequent command (otherwise commands may be lost). Ideally, the RC shall wait for an answer from the DV29 before issuing the next command.

3.The RC shall analyse the RC, AC and Px values of a received message to decide whether the command has been executed normally.

4.The time from the completion of command transmission by the RC to the beginning of the response by the DV29 shall be maximum two seconds.

5.The DV29 shall not accept any commands from the RC for five seconds after the power switch is turned on or a ‘power-on’ command is recieved.

The exception to the above communication protocol is when ‘status triggers’ are enabled by the RC (using the ‘Status Triggers’ command). In this case, the DV29 shall transmit messages whenever the status of the player changes. These messages shall be transmitted by the DV29 at asynchronous intervals.

State changes as a result of other inputs

It is possible that the state of the DV29 may be changed as a result of user input via the front panel buttons or via the IR remote control. Changes resulting from these inputs shall be relayed to the RC (using the appropriate message type) only if ‘status triggers’ have been enabled by the RC.

For example, if the user changed the front panel display brightness using the DISP button on the remote control, a display message (defined below) would be sent to the RC. A similar action would be taken for all other state changes.

Answer codes

The following answer codes are defined:

nCommand OK ‘@’ (0x40): The command has been accepted and processed completely.

nCommand ACC ‘A’ (0x41): The command has been accepted but not yet processed fully.

nStatus update ‘B’ (0x42): Status change message

nInvalid command ‘0’ (0x30): The command or command format was invalid

nInvalid request ‘5’ (0x35): The command is not valid for the current player state

English

If the answer code returned is anything other than ‘Command OK’ or ‘Status update’ then all parameter

DV29

fields in the return message become ‘reserved’.

 

E-27

Page 26 Page 28
Page 27
Image 27
Arcam DV29 manual Appendix Serial programming interface, Command and response formats
Page 26 Page 28

DV29 specifications

The Arcam DV29 is a high-performance DVD player that has garnered attention for its exceptional build quality and sound reproduction capabilities. As part of Arcam's renowned range of high-fidelity products, the DV29 is designed to cater to audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, making it an attractive option for those seeking an elevated viewing and listening experience.

One of the main features of the Arcam DV29 is its robust construction, which minimizes vibrations and enhances stability during playback. The player is built with a heavy duty chassis and high-quality components that contribute to its overall performance, ensuring that both audio and video signals are crystal clear and free from unwanted interference. This attention to detail in engineering reflects Arcam’s commitment to producing durable and reliable audio equipment.

The DV29 supports a wide array of formats, including DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, and audio CDs, making it a versatile addition to any media collection. It also has the capability to handle various video formats, including MPEG-2 and MPEG-4, which ensures compatibility with a range of discs. This flexibility caters to users who have diverse content libraries and want a single device that can play multiple formats seamlessly.

In terms of video performance, the Arcam DV29 employs advanced image processing technologies that deliver stunning picture quality. It utilizes the Faroudja DCDi technology for enhanced progressive scanning, which guarantees that DVD video playback is smooth and detailed. The upscaling feature allows standard DVDs to be played in high-definition, providing an impressive viewing quality on large screen displays.

The audio capabilities of the DV29 are equally noteworthy. It supports various high-resolution audio formats and includes digital outputs such as coaxial and optical, allowing for easy integration with external DACs or AV receivers. The multi-channel audio output further enhances the home theater experience, providing immersive sound to match the stunning visuals.

Another highlight is the remote control, which offers easy navigation for users, allowing them to operate the player with convenience. The intuitive interface ensures a smooth user experience, making it easy to access settings, select discs, and manage playback options.

In conclusion, the Arcam DV29 is a standout DVD player that combines sophisticated technology with exceptional audio-visual performance. Its impressive range of features, robust construction, and compatibility with various formats make it an ideal choice for anyone serious about enjoying their home entertainment to the fullest. Whether it’s the latest blockbuster movie or a cherished concert recording, the DV29 promises to deliver a captivating experience that meets the high standards of discerning viewers and listeners alike.
Top Page Image Contents