How to configure and use the AREC DS-9CU Speaker Tracking Station

Please be aware that this is one of the longer lessons and will require a bit more time than usual.

The DS-9CU is a device that has many similarities and shares a lot of functions with the main AREC product line – Media Stations. It can capture, mix, switch, stream, and display video sources, but its defining feature is its ability to track speakers. As a result, since the DS-9CU is configured almost the same way as a Media Station, we will only focus on the differences, unique features, and applications of this station in this lesson.

For more information about the basics of setup, such as how to access the web interface, connect video sources, set up streaming, and other such topics, you can refer to previous ADENAcademy lessons in the Basics and In-Depth categories on the ADENAcademy page.

Differences in the web interface of the DS-9CU

Same as with AREC Media Stations, the DS-9CU is configured through the “Administrator” web page. Unlike the Media Stations, however, the DS-9CU does not have “Online Director” and “Video Manager” pages.

Instead, the DS-9CU has an “Online Controller” page. This page can be used to manually track speakers and change how the station’s mixed video looks. The default username and password for this page is "controller". We will come back to it later in this lesson.

Differences in setup, preview, and control of video channels on the DS-9CU

Video channels are configured, previewed, and controlled the same way on the DS-9CU as on Media Stations with the exception of the following differences:

• Channels are numbered from 1 to 9. There is no “content” channel. Same as on the Media Stations, any signal and video source type can be selected in any channel.

• When “Signal type” is set to “Network Camera”, it is possible to select VISCA-over-IP in “PTZ control”.

• When previewing a video source with enabled PTZ controls, it is possible to configure and toggle any of the device’s PTZ presets.

• There are 4 dedicated RS-232 outputs for controlling cameras and a 1-in-1-out RS-232 port for external control and camera control. These ports are configured through the “Administrator” → “Media I/O” → “PTZ control port” page, same as the USB to RS-232 adapters.

Note that when using ONVIF for PTZ control, the station will display all of the camera's currently registered presets in sequential order, regardless of the actual preset number. Meaning that in a camera with presets 0, 1, and 10, presets will be numbered 0 (0), 1 (1), 2 (10). In this example, if a new preset is created on the camera through the DS-9CU, it will be numbered 3 () and appear after preset 2 (10). To update the preset order, you must first completely remove the camera from the "Video inputs" and the "Network device manager" and then reconnect it.

Alternatively, you can use VISCA-over-IP if a camera supports it, since VISCA allows presets to be configured out of order and displays all of the camera's possible presets (whether they are configured or not).

Differences in setup and purpose of video outputs on the DS-9CU

The DS-9CU has the same number of video outputs as the current Media Stations (e.g., LS-210, LS-310, LS-410). However, with the exception of the HDMI 2 loop through port (which simply outputs the source connected to the HDMI 2 port as is), their purpose is different.

Display 1 – Director’s output

Display 1 output of the DS-9CU shows the preview of all video channels of the station. Its layout depends on how many video channels have a signal type selected: if 4 or fewer channels have it, a 4-channel layout is used. If a signal type is selected in 5 or more channels, a 9-channel layout is used instead.

This output is designed for the operator to monitor video sources and select which ones to focus on for the DP output. Because this output is not intended for the audience, it is locked to 1080p30.

The station’s GUI is also displayed through this output. The GUI can display the current settings of the station and control its PTZ. Just like on AREC Media Stations, a USB computer mouse or touch input can be used to interact with the GUI.

Display 2 – Mixed video output

Display 2 output shows the mixed video produced by the DS-9CU without the GUI. This video is produced automatically or manually by activating microphones on connected microphone systems, applying the “General default” scenario when no microphones are active, or a scenario matching the number of active microphones.

Display 2 output resolution settings

It is possible to manually adjust the resolution of the Display 2 output. It is configured on the "Administrator" → "Media I/O" → "Display" page.

DP – focused source output

The DP output of the DS-9CU displays the channel that is selected through the Display 1 output (indicated by blue borders). Its purpose is similar to the loop through port on Media Stations, allowing the user to show a particular channel to the audience.

For example, it can be used to show connected computer content like presentation slides, a lead presenter or chairman’s camera, or any other channel.

Differences in audio inputs and outputs on the DS-9CU

Currently, the DS-9CU supports only balanced Phoenix inputs, 3.5mm line and mic inputs. It can output audio via the 3.5mm headset output and network (RTMP/SRT/RTSP streaming).

It is possible to configure audio shift on the DS-9CU just like on the Media Stations, but the setting is found on the “Administrator” → “Video” → “Streaming” page, since the DS-9CU does not record.

General description of the DS-9CU operation

The DS-9CU was designed for automatic and simultaneous tracking of multiple speakers using multiple video channels in selectable layouts. The station’s design allows channels to dynamically change their position in these layouts based on the microphone activation order queue and the station's settings.

This queue is formed with all activated microphones. There are three possible statuses a microphone can have:

• Active: meaning the microphone is on, and there is a free video channel that is currently used to display it.

• Waiting: meaning the microphone is on, but there is currently no free video channel that can be used to display it.

• Off: meaning the microphone is off.

The system applies different scenarios – called themes – depending on the number of currently active microphones and channels that can be used to display them. While it is possible to assign multiple video channels to track and display the same microphone, only one video channel will be used to display it.

There are 9 themes that are used to display active microphones. Each theme includes one layout, and each layout includes a number of channels. In the DS-9CU, channel numbers inside layouts indicate their priority for displaying microphones in ascending order, meaning that “1” is used for the earliest activated microphone and “9” is used for the last.

The DS-9CU always displays the video channel associated with the most recently operated microphone (turned on or off) in the lowest-priority channel position of the layout (for example, channel “9” in a 9-channel layout).

If the operated microphone is assigned to a video channel that is already displayed in that position, the layout does not change. Instead, the system simply updates the active microphone associated with the video channel and recalls the PTZ preset associated with this microphone.

The channel position changes only when the operated microphone is assigned to a different video channel. In that case, the newly selected video channel moves to the lowest-priority position, while the channel that was previously in that position shifts to the next higher-priority position.

Configuring the DS-9CU speaker tracking

The DS-9CU tracking does not require programming to set up since the tracking function relies on integrations with different brands and models from these brands. You can see the list of integrated microphone systems on our website’s technology partners page: www.a-dena.com → “Solutions” → “Technology Partners”. It can also be found in the device’s datasheet (downloadable from the www.a-dena.com → “Resources” → “Technical Information” page).

Note that if the microphone system you require is not in the list, we may be able to integrate it. Contact us at www.a-dena.com or via email at info@a-dena.com to discuss this in more detail.

To configure speaker tracking, open the “Administrator” → “Speaker Tracking” → “Control settings” page.

At the very top of the page, under “Speaker Tracking settings” you will find “Camera Control”. Toggle it off to make any changes to the microphone systems and tracking presets. When the function is toggled off, the speaker tracking function is disabled. To enable the speaker tracking function, toggle it back on.

Adding a microphone system

The DS-9CU allows connecting an unlimited number of microphone systems. To add a microphone system, click “Add” under “External system”. This opens the “Setting External system” window. Click on the drop-down menu under “Microphone” to select a system from the list. After a microphone system is selected, type its IP address in the field under “IP address”.

If you are also using an AREC Media Station together with the DS-9CU, you can enter the Media Station’s IP address under “Recorder IP address”. Doing so will enable the DS-9CU to automatically change the recording and streaming themes of this Media Station based on activation and deactivation of microphones. If you are not using an AREC Media Station or do not need this feature, type 0.0.0.0 instead.

The configuration process can differ from one model and brand to another and so it is important to follow the microphone system configuration guide to set everything up properly. You can download the guide from our website's Firmware & Resources page: https://www.a-dena.com/firmware-resources. For example, Bosch CCS 1000 D requires authentication, a parameter that is not used by many other integrated systems. If your microphone system requires authentication, tick the box next to “Login Authentication” and enter the username and password of the account that has the necessary authentication.

After the system is successfully added, it appears in a table under “External System” with an ID number. This number is used in certain API commands.

Adding a microphone system that requires authentication – example

Configuring what happens when all microphones are off – the "General default" scenario

The “General default” scenario is the default state of the DS-9CU. It is triggered when no microphones are active. It can be configured through the "Administrator" → "Speaker Tracking" → "Control settings" page.

To configure it, click the “pen and paper” symbol under “Edit”. This opens the “User defined” menu, allowing you to configure which PTZ preset should be called for each channel. Type “-1” if no presets should be called for this channel.

If you are using an AREC Media Station together with the DS-9CU, you can select which theme should be applied on the Media Station when the “General default” scenario is triggered. Select the theme number in the dropdown menu under “Ext. Recorder Theme”. If you are not using a Media Station or do not need the theme to change, select “None” instead.

When finished, click “Preview” to trigger the “General default”. This will apply the presets you configured and change the mixed video output (Display 2) to “Theme_Home”. If you do not have a connected display, you can pull the station’s RTSP stream in any network video player using this URL for your station’s IP address:

rtsp://IP address of the DS-9CU/movie

Modifying the layout and other visuals of the "General default" scenario

You can change which layout, background, and overlay is used for the “General default” on the “Administrator” → “Video” → “Theme” page by editing “Theme_Home”.

Configuring presets for individual microphones

Presets for individual microphones are configured on the “Administrator” → “Speaker Tracking” → “Camera Control” page. Same as on the “Control settings” page, before any microphones can be added or configured, “Camera Control” under “Speaker Tracking settings” must be toggled off. After you finish adding and editing the microphones, don’t forget to toggle this function back on to resume tracking.

Adding a microphone – basic information

To add a microphone, click “Add” under “Camera Control”. This opens the “User defined” menu. At the top of this menu you can select a microphone system from the list of connected systems, enter the microphone ID, and give it a name.

To ensure that the configuration is correct, refer to the microphone system configuration guide (downloadable from our website's Firmware & Resources page).

Attendee name is an optional feature that can be used to display a textual overlay when this microphone activates (for example, to introduce a speaker). This overlay’s placement and style can be customised on the “Administrator” → “Video” → “Theme” page.

The “lock” button next to the microphone ID field allows to set this microphone ID as always active regardless of actual microphone activation/deactivation. For example, this feature can be used to display video channels that are not associated with any microphones, such as those with computer sources.

Note that a “locked” microphone is considered always active, and so it overrides the “General default” scenario. Furthermore, because a “locked” microphone is always active, the channel used to display it will take the first position in every layout.

If multiple microphones are “locked” and they have different channels assigned to show them, the order in which they take positions in the layout is determined by the actual channel number from the “Administrator” → “Media I/O” → “Video inputs” page. The priority follows ascending order, meaning that the first channel takes precedence. For example, a “locked” microphone displayed by channel “3” will take precedence over a “locked” microphone displayed by channel “8”.

If you wish to display a particular video channel without "locking" a microphone and overriding the “General default” scenario, you can do so using the “group” mode. This method is described later in this lesson.

Adding a microphone – setting channel presets

As we mentioned previously, in the DS-9CU, a microphone can be tracked by sources in multiple channels, but only 1 channel will be used per microphone at any time. When multiple channels are assigned to track a microphone, the system picks the first available in ascending order, meaning that it will try to use the 1st channel above any other and the 9th channel after all other channels. Channels are assigned by typing preset numbers in the fields underneath their names. If a channel should not be used to track or display a microphone, set its preset to “-1”.

Using the "User defined" image nearby as an example, if microphone 8 activates, the system will try to use the channel called A-TC20 to track this microphone. If this channel is busy (i.e., used for another active microphone already), the system will try to use the A-TC30 channel instead. If it is busy as well, it will try the CI-T21H channel. If all these channels are busy, the system will apply the standard DS-9CU “Speaker action settings” logic: following “FIFO” or “Override” rules. This can be configured on the “Administrator” → “Speaker Tracking” → “Control settings” page.

If you are using an AREC Media Station together with the DS-9CU, you can select which theme should be applied on the Media Station when this microphone ID activates. Type its number in the field below “Ext. Recorder Theme”. If you are not using a Media Station or do not need the theme to change, type “-1” instead.

Same as in “General default”, you can click “Preview” when finished to check if the presets work correctly. Note that this will not change the mixed video theme, so if you also want to see how the video will change when various scenarios are triggered, we recommend either opening the DS-9CU’s network stream or connecting its mixed video output.

Note that the number of microphones that can be added is unlimited.

Tracking microphones – "Mic mode"

The DS-9CU can track microphones in two modes: “Mic mode” and “Group mode”. The mode can be selected in “Control selection” under “Speaker mode settings” on the “Administrator” → “Speaker Tracking” → “Camera Control” page.

“Mic mode” is the standard mode of tracking for the station. In this mode, every microphone ID is tracked separately and can have individually assigned PTZ presets. To use this mode, add microphone IDs and configure channel presets for them as described under the Adding a microphone – setting channel presets image.

Tracking microphones – "Group mode"

“Group mode” allows merging multiple microphone IDs into groups, so that activation of any microphone belonging to a group would apply the group scenario instead of an individual microphone’s configuration. When a group is tracked, any additional activations of microphones belonging to that same group do not cause new channel activations or PTZ movements. This mode can be useful in situations where multiple speakers can be covered with a single camera preset, or when speakers may be simultaneously captured by multiple microphones.

Example of preset configuration in "Group mode"

To set up “Group mode” tracking, you will need to either add new microphone IDs or use existing ones. It is not necessary to add presets for individual microphones if they will be used in “Group mode”. After individual microphones are created, create groups by clicking “Add” under “Camera Control (Group)”. In the “User defined” menu that opens, use “Group Name” for easier identification. Same as with configuring individual microphones, you need to type which presets must be used on which channels when microphones in this group are activated.

Example of assigning microphones to groups in "Group mode"

Lastly, assign created microphone IDs to groups in the table under “Camera Control (Group Settings)” by ticking and unticking boxes.

The number of groups that can be created is unlimited. It is possible to create a unique group for each individual microphone ID.

Using “Group mode” to call multiple sources simultaneously with a single activation

The DS-9CU generally assigns 1 video channel per microphone or group, but it is possible to configure “Group mode” in a way that it assigns more. The advantage of doing this over “lock” in the microphone configuration is that it gives greater flexibility over when the source assigned this way is displayed. It allows the station to display "General default" when no microphones are active and to display additional video channels only when associated groups are called.

In the following example, we will demonstrate how to configure this function to track microphones and display an additional video source when they are active.

Create a group for the channel that must be displayed simultaneously with others

First, create a group for the channel you want to display together with other channels. Give this video channel any preset except “-1”. For our example, it will be a computer, and we will call it ComputerGroup. This channel must not be called in any other active group, meaning that its preset must be set to “-1” in all other groups.

Those microphone IDs that must display this source should be assigned to this group

Next, in the “Camera Control (Group Settings)” table, assign (tick) this group to any microphone IDs that need to be able to display that channel. Press “Apply” to confirm the changes. In our example, we will assign all 4 of our speaker microphones to the ComputerGroup

The order in which groups are assigned determines their position in the video layout. In our example, assigning ComputerGroup before any other group ensures that it takes the position of the first microphone/group in a layout.

Create other groups with channels and presets as you would normally

If you haven’t created groups for tracking targets and presets yet, do it now. In our example, we created an individual group for each of the microphones and configured two camera presets per group.

Finally, assign other groups that should be used for microphone IDs and press “Apply” to confirm the changes.

Assign other groups to microphones as you would normally

With this configuration, whenever a microphone in any of the 4 groups is activated, it activates two groups: ComputerGroup and the microphone group. Because we assigned the ComputerGroup before any other, it takes the first microphone position in a layout. Additional microphone activations use the standard DS-9CU “Speaker action settings” logic: following “FIFO” or “Override” rules. When all microphones are released, the station returns to the “General default” scenario.

The same method can be applied to create more groups and use more video channels.

Layouts, overlays, backgrounds, and themes configuration on the DS-9CU

Same as on AREC Media Stations, backgrounds, overlays, and themes can be configured on the “Administrator” → “Video” → “Theme” page.

Themes of the DS-9CU

Themes control the mixed video output of the DS-9CU. When no microphones are active, the system displays “Theme_Home”. In other cases, the system displays a theme that matches the number of active and displayed microphones or groups, meaning “Theme_Micx1” for one active and displayed microphone or group, “Theme_Micx2” for two, and so on. Note that the DS-9CU uses only one video channel per microphone in standard usage scenarios. "Theme_Home" is the only theme that can have any number of video channels (defined by the layout it is using).

In addition, only “Theme_Home” layout channel numbers represent channels from the “Administrator” → “Media I/O” → “Video inputs” page. In all other themes, layout channel numbers represent their priority for displaying microphones, meaning that the channel that is used to display the first activated microphone is located in channel position “1”, the channel that is used to display the second activated microphone takes channel position “2”, and so on.

Editing themes in the DS-9CU

Themes can be edited by selecting them and clicking “Edit”. Overlays and backgrounds can be picked freely from available options. As for layouts, they can only be selected if they are not currently in use in any other theme and if they are allowed by the number of microphones in a theme. For example, a layout with two video channels can only be selected in "Theme_Micx2" as that is a theme for two microphones or "Theme_Home" since it supports layouts with any number of channels.

Unlike AREC Media Stations, the DS-9CU does not have unused layouts by default. New layouts must be created through the DS-9CU’s built-in Layout Editor. It can be accessed by clicking “Open” under “Layout manager settings” at the top of the “Administrator” → “Video” → “Theme” page.

Layout Editor in the DS-9CU

Here is what each function allows you to do:

1. Add a layout: click to add a layout from a template. The template can then be further modified.

2. Copy the layout: select an existing layout from the list of layouts (4) and click this button to copy it.

3. Delete the layout: select an existing layout from the list of layouts (4) and click this button to delete it.

4. List of layouts: shows all created layouts in the system. Click on a layout to copy (2), delete (3), or modify it (5). The selected layout gets a blue outline in the list.

5. Selected layout: this shows the selected layout from the list of layouts (4). Click on a channel in the layout to select it (6). You can remove a channel (9), change priority/channel number (7/10), order (11), crop mode (12), coordinates (13), and dimensions (14).

6. Selected channel: blue outline and squares on a channel indicate that this is the currently selected channel.

7. Priority/channel number: the numbers inside channels represent their priority for displaying microphones. When a microphone is activated and a video channel/source is picked to track it, the channel is chosen in ascending order, taking the first channel spot (if it is available). If it is already occupied, it will take the second channel spot (unless it is occupied), and so on.
   

   However, if this layout is applied for the “General default” (Theme_Home) scenario, the numbers represent specific channel numbers from the “Administrator” → “Media I/O” → “Video inputs” page, i.e. "1" is the first channel, "2" is the second, and so on.
   

   Note that the channel numbers that you see here may change after this layout is used. They can change to the specific channel number that was last displayed in this channel spot. This does not affect the layout configuration and the actual priority numbers can still be seen from the layout thumbnail in the list of layouts (4).

8. Add a channel: click to add a channel. After a channel is added, you need to designate its priority/channel number (10) before the layout (5) can be saved.

9. Remove a channel: click to remove a selected channel (6).

10. Priority/channel number designation: click to change the channel number or priority of the selected channel (6). Channels cannot share priority/channel numbers in the same layout.

11. Arrangement: click to change the order in which the selected channel (6) is displayed relative to other channels.

12. Crop mode: click to change how this channel is displayed. The options are identical to the Layout Editor application for AREC Media Stations: letterbox (default), Fit to Width, Fit to Height, Fill.

13. Coordinates: change the X/Y coordinates of the selected channel (6).

14. Dimensions: change the width and height of the selected channel (6).

15. Save: click to save changes to the selected layout (5).

After creating a layout, refresh the "Theme" page and edit themes to apply it

If you had the "Theme" page open before clicking "Save" in the Layout Editor, you will need to refresh the page for the layouts to update. After the page is refreshed, you will see the new and edited layouts when editing themes.

Using the Layout Editor to create single speaker tracking scenarios

As we mentioned earlier in this lesson, the DS-9CU was designed for automatic tracking of multiple speakers, and so it works in multiple speaker tracking mode by default. While in the current firmware version 1.0.0.29 it is not possible to enable single speaker tracking mode, the station’s Layout Editor can be used to achieve a similar effect. The layout setup is different in Override and FIFO modes, but we cover configuration of both modes in the following section.

Select a layout template that features all used video channels

We will start with the Override mode. To begin, open the Layout Editor and create a new layout. You can start with a 9-channel layout if that is how many video channels you are using for tracking, or any other template.

Cover all channels with the last priority channel and change its arrangement to be displayed above all

For this example, we will use a 9-channel layout. After selecting the 9-channel template, click on the last priority channel (in our case, that is channel 9), and change its arrangement to display it above all other channels. Now, make this channel full screen by dragging its corners or changing its coordinates and dimensions.

Create the same layout with fewer channels for all other scenarios

Save the layout once you finish editing it. You can now copy it to make a version for a scenario with 8 speakers (or any other number). Click on the channel that is covering the whole layout (in our case, channel 9) and delete it. Click on the current last priority channel – in our case, channel 8 – change its arrangement to display it above all other channels and make it full screen. Save the layout and repeat this procedure for all remaining scenarios that are possible in your setup.

When finished, select the newly created layouts in every “Theme_Micx#” theme on the DS-9CU. In this configuration, the station will display the last activated microphone/channel on top of all other channels, completely covering them.

Note that you can also customise these layouts further, creating picture-in-picture or other layout styles as needed using arrangement to put the necessary channel spots on top.

Setting up single speaker FIFO tracking with custom layouts

FIFO layouts are configured the same way as they are for the Override mode, except channel 1 must be kept in front of all other channels. This will ensure that the earliest activated microphone is always on top of all other channels.

However, keep in mind that when such layouts are used in either FIFO or Override modes, covered video channels are still technically active in the background. As a result, in some cases it may not be possible to see layout changes when microphones displayed by covered channels are deactivated, as all changes will be happening in the background. In order to ensure proper visibility of all participants, we recommend using or customising standard layouts

Adding textual overlays for microphones on the DS-9CU

The DS-9CU can automatically produce textual overlays with attendee names. This function can be configured on the “Administrator” → “Video” → “Theme” page. Attendee names can be inputted when adding or editing microphone IDs.

Click on the dropdown list under “Placement” to set where the overlay should be placed or to disable it.

Adjust its font size, colour, background and transparency under “Display Output”.

Note that the DS-9CU’s textual overlays are only displayed through the station’s Display 2 HDMI output (mixed video). They are not visible in any of the station’s network streams.

Channel name and attendee name overlays in the Display 1 HDMI output (Director’s output) are not affected or configured by this feature.

Configuring speaker modes and delays on the DS-9CU

The DS-9CU can work in two speaker modes: "FIFO" and "Override".

“FIFO” stands for First In, First Out. When this mode is selected, the station will track the first microphone(s) to activate and keep tracking them as long as they are active. Newly activated microphones will be displayed in a layout with more channels (if using different channels for tracking) or placed in the queue (if using already occupied channels).

When “Override” is selected, the station will track the last microphone(s) to activate. If another microphone is activated, it will either be displayed in a layout with more channels (if using different channels for tracking) or take over a currently used channel (if using the same channel).

By default, channel switching in the DS-9CU is instant. Delays and transitions can be introduced with “Hold time” and “Theme change interval”.

“Hold time” allows you to configure the minimum time (in seconds) before a theme can be changed again after it was changed. In situations where microphones activate and deactivate too frequently, this setting can make tracking feel much smoother by forcing a pace to the video changes.

“Theme change interval” allows you to configure the length of time (in seconds) before the station displays a new theme. The primary purpose of this setting is to hide video adjustments, such as camera focus, pan and tilt movement, or others that should not be displayed. However, if a channel is already used in the currently displayed theme, its movement/application of new PTZ cannot be hidden and will be displayed.

Configuring microphone tracking through .csv

The DS-9CU allows users to export an editable .csv file with all current microphone IDs and channel presets for them. This can be particularly useful and time-saving in situations where channel presets and microphone IDs are following a linear order.

To use this feature, click “Export” under “Camera control export”. A preset configuration file will be downloaded. Open this file with any .csv editing application, such as Microsoft Excel. As long as you follow the structure, you can add new microphone IDs and channel presets for them. When finished, save the file and click “Import” in the DS-9CU to upload the presets back to the station.

Saving different configuration scenarios inside the DS-9CU

The DS-9CU can store and switch configuration files through its web interface. This feature can be used to provide an easy way to switch between different room scenarios, seat allocations, layouts, connected video sources, channels, and more. Functionally, this is similar to exporting and importing configuration files through the “Administrator” → “System” → “Configuration”, but it can be easier and faster.

By default, the station is using the “default” configuration file, and any changes made to any settings are saved with this file. To create a separate configuration file, click on the field below “Configuration name”, enter any name for the new configuration, and click “Save”. Doing so will add this configuration in the dropdown list under “Configuration selection”. Click on that list and select the newly created configuration. Click “Import” to load this configuration or “Delete” to remove it.

After the station reboots, any changes made to the configuration will be saved on the new configuration file.

Follow the same process to select or create additional configurations. Up to 10 configurations can be saved this way. Note that you can only delete configuration files when they are not set as the device’s current configuration.

Differences in configuration of network settings – second WAN

The DS-9CU’s “System” settings are almost identical to those of LS-210, LS-310, and LS-410 Media Stations, with the exception of the “Network” page. It is possible to change the LAN port function of the DS-9CU. To do that, open the “Administrator” → “System” → “Network” page of the DS-9CU, and find “LAN or WAN settings” in “Network adapter 2 Settings”.

By default, the port is set to “LAN”, meaning that the station functions as a DHCP server and can be accessed via its default IP address 192.168.11.254. Changing it to “WAN” can be useful to match the network of other AV devices, such as cameras and control systems, and preserve the station’s access to the Internet through another port.

Sending RS-232 commands from the DS-9CU to other devices

The DS-9CU is able to send RS-232 commands to connected devices (e.g. AREC Media Stations or video matrices) when microphones are activated or deactivated. To do that, select the port to which the device is connected, its baud rate, and type in the commands that must be sent.

Controlling the DS-9CU manually

While the DS-9CU was made for automatic usage with microphone systems, it is a standalone device, and it can be used manually and configured to work by itself. It is possible to add any “External system” on the “Administrator” → “Speaker Tracking” → “Control settings” page, create microphone IDs for it on the “Camera Control” page, and call them through the “Online Controller” page on computers and mobile devices, or via RS-232/TCP commands.

The “Online Controller” page can be accessed through the “Administrator” page by clicking its icon in the top-right corner of the interface.

Online Controller interface

Toggle on “Manual control” to disable the auto-tracking feature and start using the station manually. The page lists all configured microphone presets and allows turning them on and off. To call the "General default" scenario, click the "Home" button.

This interface can be accessed and functions the same way on mobile devices and tablets.

Microphone status indicators on the DS-9CU

As we described under the "General description of the DS-9CU operation" image earlier in this lesson, there are three possible statuses for a microphone:

• Off (green): the microphone is off, ready to be activated and displayed.

• Active (blue): the microphone is on; it is currently active and displayed.

• Waiting (red): the microphone is on, but there is currently no free video channel that can be used to display it.

Note that when using group mode, a microphone can have blue status even when it is not displayed or tracked. This happens when the microphone is assigned to multiple groups, at least one of these groups is active, and that microphone was triggered.

Using RS-232/TCP commands to control the DS-9CU

To control the DS-9CU through the RS-232/TCP commands, download the command list from our website: Firmware & Resources | ADENA Limited.

Since the functions of layouts, backgrounds, and overlays are tied to microphone activation, users must send commands to activate and deactivate microphones to toggle these elements.

That concludes the lesson. You can now test your knowledge and understanding by answering the questions on the lesson's form before moving on to the next lesson.

After you submit your answers on the form, make sure to click "View Scores" to see whether you answered correctly. You will also receive an email at the address you used when starting this lesson, containing your answers and a "View Scores" link.

ADENA Hacks

Please read this ADENA Hack on our website:

• ADENA Hack: How to edit layouts in the DS-9CU.

  https://www.a-dena.com/post/adena-hack-how-to-edit-layouts-in-the-ds-9cu

En español:

• Con ADENA: Cómo crear y editar layouts de video en el DS-9CU.

  https://www.a-dena.com/post/con-adena-crear-editar-layouts-video-arec-ds-9cu

На русском:

• Решаем с АДЕНОЙ: как создавать и редактировать макеты источников на DS-9CU?

  https://vk.ru/@adenalimited-reshaem-s-adenoi-kak-sozdavat-i-redaktirovat-makety-istochni