AV Automation Guide

Modified on Wed, 5 Oct, 2022 at 6:15 AM

Find a complete guide here: https://lesmills.egnyte.com/fl/UD0McqA66D 


Overview


Lights diming, blinds closing, audio set to the correct volume and
input, projectors screen coming down – these are all examples of
systems that can be automated to begin when a Virtual class is
about to start, or end.

Studio automation is tricky, and we strongly recommend contacting
an experienced AV partner who can guide you through an
installation that is tailored to your studio and equipment. There
are lots of combinations of equipment, brands, models and a good
installation is the key to reliable trouble free use.

The Les Mills Virtual iPad supports projector automation, connection
to automation control systems (Crestron, AMX, Extron etc)
and common protocols PJLINK, TCP and UDP. 

Projector Automation

The Les Mills Virtual iPad sends automation commands using the
PJLINK protocol, a common communication method used by most
projectors, using the WiFi LAN network to send and receive
automation commands.


Installation Guidance - PJLINK



Requirements:

- iPad and projector are connected to the same network

- The port used by the projector for PJLINK is not blocked by a firewall (port 4352)

Installation:

1. Ensure you have a PJLINK compatible projector

2. Check the projector settings to confirm communication is ENABLED. Without this, the projector may not be able to receive commands to turn on or off

3. Write down the following details from the projector setup:

                - IP address

                - Password (We suggest you leave the default password in place. Should the projector ever be replaced or reset, the password will still work)

4. After the Les Mills Virtual iPad app has been configured for use, unlock the administration features using the admin passcode and navigate to the Les Mills Virtual iPad app SETTINGS tab

5. In the Projector Settings, enable Automation, select PJLINK, and then enter the details from step 3:

                - IP address

                - Password 

6. Lastly, check the 'Automation Enabled' toggle is ON - it will display Connected 

(info) When status is ‘Connected’ automation commands are NOT SENT.


Test the PJLINK connection by using the TEST buttons. The command sent will be shown in a ribbon at the top of the iPad screen.




Command sent for TEST CONNECTION:     %1POWR(SP)?\r(CR)

Command sent for TEST POWER ON:         %1POWR(SP)1\r(CR)

Command sent for TEST CONNECTION:     %1POWR(SP)0\r(CR)


(info) (SP) denotes space and (CR) denotes a carriage return


Test AV automation in Admin Mode


  1. Press the padlock, and enter the admin code
  2. Press Classes, and select a class for playback
  3. Press the play icon to commence playback (a footer will appear with a scrub bar and other player controls) 



Start offsets and End offsets

Start and End offsets allow fine grained control of playback, accounting for the time it takes to power on/off your club's specific projector/AV system so that these events are handled gracefully without delay or interruption to member experience. Offsets apply to on demand/admin mode and scheduled playback.


Start Offset
Send class start x seconds before video playback begins
End Offset
The minimum interval between two classes before the end automation command is sent

Explain More About PJLINK

To see an explanation of each field, and what the different connection statuses mean click 

Show Projector Messages

When enabled, any messages received from a connected PJLINK projector will be displayed on the top of the iPad screen.

 

Send Continuous Commands

May improve automation performance for some projector brands / models by constantly sending commands.

Known projectors that required continuous commands

  • Manufacturer: NEC
  • Models: NP-ME301W & NEC NP-ME361W

Automation control units

Les Mills Virtual App easily integrates your club automation control system (Crestron, AMX, Extron etc). TCP and UDP protocols are both supported. 



Live class automation

When 'Live automation enabled' is on, a custom start command for Live Classes is sent to the AV automation unit. This enables a studio to differentiate the automation events required for Virtual Scheduled Classes vs. Live Classes. 

Example: 

  • Virtual scheduled classes require blinds to be automated
  • Live class start required HVAC and Volume settings to be automated, but blinds need to remain up


Installation guidance - TCP/UDP







Requirements:

Ensure that:

- iPad, automation unit, and devices to be automated (e.g. projector) are connected to the same network

- The port(s) used for TCP/UDP is not blocked by a firewall

Installation:

  1. Unlock the administration features using the admin passcode and navigate to the Les Mills Virtual iPad app SETTINGS tab
  2. In Projector Settings, enable automation and select TCP or UDP
  3. If you would like to send a custom 'Video Start Command' for live classes (different to the video start command for virtual scheduled classes), select 'Live Automation Enabled'.

For help at any time please 'Explain More About TCP (question)'  

4. Enter the IP address and Port details for connection to the automation unit. 

5. Optionally, customize the values for the following: 

Keep Alive Command

  • Every 60 seconds the user-defined `Keep Port Alive` command is sent over the network. This ensures that robust connectivity is maintained. 

Start Offset

  • Send class start x seconds before video playback begins

End Offset

  • The minimum interval between two classes before the end automation command is sent

Video Start Command

  • The custom command sent to the TCP automation unit device when a class starts

Video End Command

  • The custom command sent to the TCP automation unit device when a class ends

Live Class Start Command (if live class automation enabled)

  • The custom command sent to the TCP automation unit device when a live class starts

(info) Offsets apply to on demand/admin mode, scheduled playback, and live automation. 

6. Test buttons - will send the respective command string, The command being send will appear as a thin line at the top of the screen.

7. Lastly, check that you see a green Connected status. For UDP the status is displayed as Ready

(info) When status is ‘Connected’ automation commands are NOT SENT.


Append Command Strings


  • If your automation unit or other hardware does not respond to a given command, it may be necessary to select one of the following options:




Test AV automation in Admin Mode


  1. Press the padlock, and enter the admin code
  2. Press Classes, and select a class for playback
  3. Press the play icon to commence playback (a footer will appear with a scrub bar and other player controls) 


AV automation examples


Schedule with virtual and live classes


TODO: Insert examples based on https://www.draw.io/?page=2&title=Virtual%20Requests#Uhttps%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2Fa%2Faccedo.tv%2Fuc%3Fid%3D1fA-cnLqjlPPgKez652unbDGYtLismGUm%26export%3Ddownload



AV automation in on-demand mode


TODO: Add example 


Glossary

Term
Definition
Les Mills Virtual App    
The iPad application that displays your studio schedule and connects to your AV system for playback
Scheduled Virtual Class
A scheduled class based on the Les Mills Virtual content your studio is entitled to use
Scheduled Live Class
A space on the schedule reserved for a Live Class
Admin Mode
Used to control playback and edit settings for your studio. To access: Press the padlock, and enter your admin code
On-Demand Mode
When an On-Demand slot is scheduled, club members can select and playback a class of their choice








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