ADENA Hack: How to hide the GUI on AREC stations?

Every AREC Media Station from versions 2.6 and newer comes with an inbuilt way to control it — the graphical user interface, shortened to GUI. We covered this interface in detail in the very first ADENA Hack, and mentioned additions to it in subsequent posts. GUI can be opened and closed easily by left-clicking anywhere away from it with a computer mouse or by touching on a USB-connected interactive display. You can also use the dedicated hide/show buttons in the corners of the GUI. Starting from firmware versions 2.11 and on stations with the MCU version 4.3 or 4.4, it is now also possible to completely disable the GUI until it is needed again. To do so, open the “Administrator” web page of your station, go to “Media I/O” -> “Display”. You will find two settings dedicated to this: “OSD Menu'' and “OSD Menu - Playback Video”. Toggling off “OSD Menu” will shut down the GUI until this option is toggled on. Toggling off only “OSD Menu - Playback Video” will keep the GUI, but remove the playback feature from it. If you want to keep the GUI available, but remove the ability for your operators to see previously recorded videos, make sure to toggle off this option.

As of May 2024, the option to completely disable the GUI is available on LS-2, LS-200, LS-300, LS-400, LS-410, LS-860 and KL-3T models, with plans to include it in LS-110 and LS-US2 in the coming months. Would you like to know more about this or other AREC Media Station features? Make sure to reach out to us at www.a-dena.com and we will be happy to arrange a call with you!

ADENA Hack: How to use RADA Duo microphones with AREC and other devices?

The RADA DUO is a wireless microphone system comprising two transmitters and one receiver. Both transmitters can operate simultaneously using UHF radio frequencies and maintain effectiveness at distances of up to 50 metres from the receiver. One of DUO's distinctive features is its compatibility with various devices. DUO sets include standard 3.5mm TRRS and TRS cables, a 3.5mm to USB Type-C cable, a USB Type-C to Type-A adapter, a 3.5mm to 6.5mm adapter, and additional accessories like a phone mount, making DUO sets easy to set up in any scenario.

There are several ways to use DUO with AREC Media Stations, and the choice depends entirely on the station model you possess. For instance, on stations like LS-2, LS-200, and others with 3.5mm Line inputs, you can connect DUO using the provided 3.5mm TRRS to 3.5mm TRRS cable. Simply plug it into the monitoring output of the DUO receiver on one end and the Line input of the Media Station on the other. When configuring the audio, keep in mind that you can adjust the volume level both through the DUO system and through the Media Stations. While DUO transmitters and receivers have dedicated buttons for this purpose, volume adjustment on Media Stations can be accomplished in various ways, including through the 'Administrator' web page. To access it, navigate to 'Media I/O' -> 'Audio' subpage.

For stations without 3.5mm inputs, you can use the USB cable instead. Connect the 3.5mm TRRS to USB Type-C cable to the receiver's "monitoring" output, attach the USB Type-C to Type-A adapter, and then connect it to any of your AREC station's USB ports. On most models (e.g., LS-300), DUO will be automatically recognized when connected in this manner. However, on others, such as LS-860, you may need to select it from the list of audio devices first.

To connect DUO to other devices, refer to the datasheet or user manual of the device to determine the appropriate cable. Typically, you'll need a 3.5mm TRRS to 3.5mm TRS cable for DSLR cameras, USB Type-A or Type-C for computers, a 3.5mm to 6.5mm adapter for musical instruments and amplifiers, and the 3.5mm TRRS to 3.5mm TRRS cable for all other standard connections where a stereo signal is used.

ADENA Hack: How to choose between AREC Media Stations?

There are currently 8 Media Station models in the LS/KL series. All of these devices share core features, such as recording, streaming, automatic backup, calendar scheduling, video layout, overlay, background controls and more. But there are certain differences that can help you choose the right model for your needs. We’ve previously covered some of these unique differences in the ADENA Hack №54, and so this time we are diving deeper into the topic.

To begin with, we can divide the Media Stations into three categories - 2, 3, and 4 video

channel models. By channels here we mean the maximum simultaneous number of video sources that a Media Station can work with. 2 channel models are LS-US2(N), LS-110, LS-2, and LS-200, 3 channel models are LS-300 and KL-3T, whereas 4 channel models are LS-400 and LS-860(N). Within these categories, these models are different from each other in terms of their AV inputs and outputs, as well as certain unique features.

For example, we’ve highlighted the unique feature of LS-110 in ADENA Hack №33. LS-US2’s unique feature is its ability to work with USB video inputs and also an optional NDI-HX licence. LS-2 and LS-200 are both rack-mounted stations, with the LS-2 being a more budget model. As for the 3 channel models, KL-3T is defined by its inbuilt touchscreen, which makes it perfect for placements on lecterns, podiums, and mobile usage. Lastly, in the 4 channel category, LS-860 is defined by its multiple HDMI and 3.5mm line/mic inputs, optional NDI-HX licence, and inclusion of a specially integrated accessory called ARECast.

Precise differences between the Media Station models can be examined via our comparison table. Take a look at it by clicking here, or access it anytime through our main page www.a-dena.com -> Resources -> Catalogues -> AREC Media Station Comparison Chart. And if you would like to know more about any of our products, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.