Chapter 2: Connecting
Compatible IEEE 1394 Device
It is possible to connect devices to the media center that have IEEE 1394 connectors but are not compatible with the media center or with the NetCommand® control system. Areas of compatibility to consider are:
1. Digital Video Signals
The media center is able to decode MPEG2 video. Other types of digital video, such as DV video provided by some camcorders, must be decoded by the source device and sent to the media center as analog video or S- Video. If the camcorder uses a compatible digital control system, the IEEE 1394 cable can still provide control for the camcorder while the display is receiving the analog video or
2. Digital Audio Signals
The media center is able to decode Dolby Digital signals and MPEG audio signals. Other types of digital audio as provided by some digital recording devices, such as MP3 audio and DTS audio, cannot be decoded by the media center when received over IEEE 1394.
The media center may not be able to pass incompatible digital audio signals on the coaxial digital audio output, however these signals may pass on the IEEE 1394 cable to other devices.
3. Digital Control Signal
The media center is able to act as the control center for IEEE 1394 audio/video devices, such as VCRs, A/V Discs, tuners, cable boxes and amplifiers that are compatible with the following IEEE 1394 control standards.
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•AV/C (Audio Video Control) is designed to provide basic controls such as play, stop, channel selection and volume, as appropriate for the device.
Some devices may be a combination of two or more types of devices. For example, there may be a recording device that is also a tuning device. Each portion of the device is called a
•Do not place an IEEE 1394 device between the media center and the display.
•Do not make a loop with the last device in the chain. When the device chain is looped, the media center may not be able to work with the other devices.
•Place devices that have only a mechanical (two- position) power switch at the end of the chain or leave the power switch in the On position. When turned Off, IEEE 1394 signals may not be able to pass through the device to other devices.
•Place devices with the slowest communication speed at the end of the chain. Sometimes the communication speed will be marked near the IEEE 1394 connector with an “S” number. The higher the number, the faster the communication speed. This media center has a communication speed of S400. Devices with slow communication speed can interfere with IEEE 1394 signals from faster devices. When using NetCommand to set up a digital recording between a faster and slower device, the slower device should be the source and the faster device should be the recorder.
•Do not use an IEEE 1394 cable longer than 15 feet between each device.
•The media center is an IEEE 1394a Device. IEEE 1394b is currently under development. This system will provide for longer distances and multi- room applications. Included in the IEEE 1394b systems are IEEE 1394a to IEEE 1394b converters to maintain compatibility with this media center and other IEEE 1394a devices.
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