Polycom VSX 8000

The ultimate in an easy-to-install, high performance video conferencing system
Polycom VSX 8000 Benefits Form Factor Sleek 1U rack mount design that's perfect for integrated environments Professional-Grade Connectivity Phoenix-style audio connectors for balanced, line-level input and output as well as S-Video, serial and VGA input and output for video Solutions Oriented Interoperability Designed to seamlessly integrate with Polycom Vortex Installed Voice Products, SoundStation VTX 1000 conference phone and Polycom MGC audio and video bridge products Versatility in Peripheral Choice Add on a touch panel control device, teletype device for closed-captioning, medical control device or secure encryption devices Modular Network Interfaces Use the 10/100 Ethernet connection built-in or plug in a QBRI or PRI ISDN network module or a Serial (V.35/RS-530/RS-449) network module The Polycom Solution Everything you need to deploy and manage a complete video conferencing network with Polycom Global Management System, Polycom PathNavigator, Polycom Conference Suite and the Polycom MGC
A sleek rack mount design, professional grade connectivity and versatile interoperability make this product the perfect choice for integrated and custom environments.
If you are looking for a video conferencing system that combines ease of installation with the highest quality audio and video, the Polycom VSX 8000 offers the perfect marriage of form and function. The VSX 8000 is specially designed with professional integrators in mind. Starting with the slim, highly integrated, 1U design including: professional grade connectivity, direct VGA input supporting People+Content collaboration and versatile slide-in trays to support circuit switched connectivity options (QBRI, PRI, Serial (V.35/RS4449/RS530). Audio integration flexibility is unparalleled with Phoenix-style connectors, true balanced signals along with the ability to support mixers, direct microphone inputs with phantom power as well the Polycom Digital Tabletop VSX Microphones. Polycoms patent pending Siren 14 Stereo Audio is an integral part of every system and is easily configured for any room. Video participants can hear far-end participants voices project in stereo through left and right speakers for a truly life-like meeting experience. The Polycom VSX 8000 delivers video performance that will impress even the most demanding customers using the industrys most advanced video technologies, H.264 and Pro-Motion. Standards based H.264 video offers outstanding video quality at call speeds up to 512 kbps, providing superior video without weighing down the network. For higher bandwidth calls, Pro-Motion, high-resolution, television-like video is an excellent choice for the absolute highest quality picture. The Polycom VSX 8000 offers a rich feature set including an easy to use, customizable user interface, AES encryption software, built-in quality of service and quality of experience with Polycoms implementation of audio and video error concealment, SNMP support and Gatekeeper and Firewall utilities. Control of the VSX 8000 is accomplished over multiple serial ports for complete API control by external control systems, a full range of IR options as well as control passing with the popular Polycom Vortex Installed Voice Products. All in all, a complete package for integrators to design into a wide range of video conferencing applications. The ultimate choice for professional integrators. The power of Polycom conferencing and collaboration solutions. With integrated video, voice, data, and Web capabilities, only Polycom solutions let your customers connect, conference, and collaborate anytime, anywhere and any way they want. Its our commitment to making distance communications as natural and interactive as being there. Install systems faster, smarter, and more efficiently with Polycom VSX 8000 and other Polycom conferencing and collaboration solutions.
Connect. Any Way You Want.
Polycom VSX 8000 Specifications
ITU H.323 and H.320 compliant Bandwidth Maximum Data Rate IP and Serial/V.35: Up to 2 Mbps Maximum Data Rate ISDN: Up to 2 Mbps Video Standards & Protocols H.261, Annex D H.263+ Annexes: F, I, J, L, N, T H.263++ Annexes: W H.264 ITU 60-fps full screen Pro-Motion Frame Rates (Point-to-Point) Intelligently selects frame rate for best performance video 30 fps at 56 kbps up to 2 Mbps 60 fields per second up to 2 Mbps Video Inputs: 4 Connectors 1 x S-Video; Professional Y/C BNCs (main video camera) - 1 x DB15; PowerCam and PowerCam Plus power, PTZ control, IR, mic input 1 x S-Video; 4-pin mini DIN (second camera with PTZ control) 1 x S-Video; 4-pin mini DIN (VCR or DVD player) 1 x VGA (Content input from laptop) Serial Data Port: 2 Connectors 2 x DB9 Control port for custom integration with remote devices such as Crestron and AMX control systems Integration with Polycom Vortex Installed Voice Products Communication port for transmission of serial data (i.e. medical devices) over ISDN calls Auxiliary camera control Video Outputs: 4 Connectors 1 x S-Video; Professional Y/C BNCs (main display) 1 x S-Video; 4-pin mini DIN (second display) 1 x S-Video; 4-pin mini DIN (VCR or DVD player) 1 x VGA (Content display) Video Formats NTSC/PAL Graphics: XGA, SVGA, VGA People Video Resolution Pro-Motion interlaced video (60/50 fields full-screen video for NTSC/PAL) 4SIF (704 x 480) 4CIF (704 x 576) SIF (352 x 240) CIF (352 x 288) Choice of 4:3 or 16:9 display aspect ratios Display People on VGA Second Monitor Content Video Resolution XGA (1024 x 768), SVGA (800 x 600), VGA (640 x 480) for Content on VGA displays People video support for 4CIF and SIF on VGA Display Up to 4CIF for Content on NTSC/PAL displays Audio Standards & Protocols Polycom Siren 14 Stereo ready 14 kHz bandwidth with Siren 14 on IP, ISDN, and IP/ISDN mixed calls 7 kHz bandwidth with G.722, G.722.1 3.4 kHz bandwidth with G.711, G.728, G.729A Audio Features Seamless integration with Polycom Vortex Installed Voice Products Audio add-in using SoundStation VTX 1000 conference phone Audio add-in over ISDN Audio add-in over POTS Full-duplex digital audio Instant Adaptation Echo Cancellation Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Voice activated Automatic Noise Suppression (ANS) Ability to turn off Echo Cancellation when external audio equipment is used Audio Mixer (Mic, VCR, line-in) Built-in tonal speaker test Real-time audio level meter for local and far-end microphones Microphone and VCR input audio mixing Ability to talk over VCR audio Audio Inputs: 6 Connectors 1 x Conference link - Supports up to (3) microphones - Supports SoundStation VTX 1000 conference phone 2 x RCA/Phono, line level input for VCR, DVD player or audio mixer 2 x Phoenix connectors; balanced line level or direct microphone inputs with 24 V Phantom power 1 x RJ-11 for analog speaker telephone Audio Outputs: 6 Connectors 2 x Phoenix connectors; balanced line level output 2 x RCA/Phono, Line Level output for VCR record 2 x RCA/Phono, Line Level output for speakers Other ITU-Supported Standards H.221 communications H.224/H.281 far-end camera control Annex Q standard for FECC in H.323 calls H.225, H.245, H.239, H.241 H.231 in multipoint calls H.243 MCU password H.233, H.234, H.235V3 encryption standards Bonding, Mode 1 Network Interfaces Supported IP (LAN, DSL, cable modem) Single 10/100 Ethernet port (10 bps/100Mbps/Auto) Optional ISDN QBRI (Basic Rate Interface) Module Optional ISDN PRI (Primary Rate Interface) Module T1/E1 Optional Serial Module (V.35/RS-530/RS-449 with RS-366 dialing) Network Features Integration with Cisco Systems' CallManager Version 4.0 Automatic IP/ISDN calling Down speeding over IP and ISDN Audio & Video Error Concealment over IP and ISDN, mixed calls IP address conflict warning Fast Connect IP for quick video connections Maximum call length digital timer Auto SPID detection and line number configuration MGC Click&View for individual screen layouts Polycom OneDial intelligent call management attempts call on preferred network (IP or ISDN) and automatically rolls over to secondary network if needed Polycom PathNavigator support for easy call placement and network cost optimization TCP/IP, DNS, WINS, DHCP, ARP, HTTP, FTP, Telnet Basic SIP* (Session Initiation Protocol) implementation Chair control through API command or Integrated Web Interface Software Upgradeable Inverse Multiplexer (IMUX) Conference on Demand Initiates unscheduled MGC calls from the endpoint Utilizes Polycom Office (PathNavigator and MGC) Auto selects either the internal or external bridge Dials all participants simultaneously Security COMSEC tested by Titan Systems, Information Security Systems Division, and independently validated to operate with approved government encryption technologies KG-194/KIV-7 encryptor support with on screen and address book dialing Enhanced integration for independently certified, classified encryption devices Account validation number entry Secure password authentication Unique factory default passwords Administrator password Dial-in meeting password Encrypted password for VSX Web access Ability to disable remote interfaces (FTP, Telnet, HTTP, SNMP) Ability to disable mixed protocol multipoint calls Auto-Answer (On/Off) Allow access to user settings (On/Off) Embedded Encryption Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) FIPS validated by National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) certified agency 128-bit key length AES software encryption on ISDN, IP and Serial/V.35 up to 2 Mbps Standards-based H.235V3 (IP) Standards-based H.233/H.234 (ISDN/Serial) Automatic key generation and exchange Supported in People+Content Supported in Point-to-Point IP, ISDN and mixed network calls User Interface User-friendly graphical interface Customizeable home screen and color themes Kiosk mode with scrolling marquee User-selectable camera icons and ring tones Up to (99) user defined camera presets Speed Dial List on home page Persistent Preview (Far-site PIP) on all screens Picture-In-Picture (PIP) (On/Off, Moveable) Dual-Monitor Emulation Numerical menu navigation (Similar to mobile phone) Date, Time Server accessibility Calendar and Conference scheduling Alert Signal on home page Do Not Disturb (On/Off) VSX Web for remote monitoring Directory Services 4,000+ number global directory 1,000+ number local directory Limitless multipoint entries Live address book with Polycom Global Directory Services automatically and quickly updates directory with address changes or new endpoints Live address book with Polycom Global Directory Services automatically and quickly removes endpoints from directory if they are turned off Polycom Global Directory Services integrates with Active Directory/LDAP Directory Server backup in the event Polycom Global Directory is not accessible Automatic ISDN localization of calls System Management SNMP for enterprise management Diagnostics and software upgrades via PC, LAN Integrated VSX Web management tool Web Director: Remote administrator video monitoring and control from VSX Web (enabled/disabled from endpoint for security) Out-of-box setup from VSX Web Place a call from VSX Web Language independence between set-top interface and VSX Web System configuration from VSX Web Recent Calls Log Records last 99 incoming and outgoing calls Call Detail Record (CDR) Reports all incoming and outbound calls along with call statistics CDR Feature On/Off Downloadable CDR data for processing requires no external management system Account number validation at call initiation integrated with Polycom Global Management System for billing purposes Administrator-configurable dialing speeds Complete support for The Polycom Office including: - Polycom Global Management System - Polycom OneDial - Polycom PathNavigator - Polycom Conference Suite - Polycom MGC - Polycom SoundStation VTX 1000 - Polycom Vortex Quality of Service and Experience iPriority Video Error Concealment Audio Error Concealment Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) IP Precedence (ToS) DiffServ (DSCP) (COS) Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation Proactive Network Monitoring Packet and jitter control Network Address Translation (NAT) support Automatic NAT discovery Configurable video/audio/FECC service value Asymmetric speed control Alternate Gatekeeper support TCP/UDP fixed-port firewall support Lip synchronization Echo cancellation Echo suppression Auto gatekeeper discovery Automatic gateway dialing profiles Specify outbound call routing for gateway/ISDN Collaboration Solutions Closed captioning support Web Streaming in and out of a call, RTP based, suitable with QuickTime players System Options People+Content (using ImageShare II) PowerCam Plus Camera PowerCam Camera Polycom Digital Tabletop Microphone Internal Multipoint Feature Language Support (12 languages) Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish - Documentation translations in all languages - User interface translations in all languages - Keypad audio dialing confirmation in all languages - VSX Web translations in all languages - Remote controls labeled in all languages Electrical Auto sensing power supply Operating voltage/power 90-250 VAC, 47-63 Hz/ 80 watts Environmental Specifications Operating Temperature: 0-40 C Operating Humidity: 15-80% Non-Operating Temperature: -40-70 C Non-Operating Humidity (Non-condensing): 10-90% Physical Characteristics Video Base Unit (W/H/D): 17.25"/1.73"/9.68"; 438.15 mm/43.83 mm/245.85 mm Video Base Unit Weight: 8.4 lbs; 3.8 kg Polycom VSX 800 Warranty One-year return to factory parts and labor One-year software updates and upgrades

* SIP video extensions are in the process of being standards ratified.
VSX 8000 shown with optional QBRI network module installed
2004 Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved. Polycom, the Polycom logo and Vortex are registered trademarks and VSX, Polycom PathNavigator, Global Management System, Siren, Pro-Motion, MGC, Click&View, Polycom OneDial, People+Content, The Polycom Office, iPriority, PowerCam and SoundStation VTX 1000 are trademarks of Polycom, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

www.ivci.com

1-800-224-7083
Part No. 3726-17107-001 Rev. 6/04

Vortex / VSX 8000 Integration
Application Note Polycom Installed Voice Business Group

December 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION....4 CONNECTING THE VSX 8000 INPUTS AND OUTPUTS...4 ENABLING THE VSX 8000 TO WORK WITH A VORTEX DEVICE..6 GAIN STRUCTURE....7
Microphone Levels.... 7 Gain Structure for Line Input Sources.... 8
TESTING THE AUDIO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS...8 CONTROLLING A VORTEX DEVICE VIA THE VSX 8000...8
1.) Enable Vortex Mixer as an RS-232 Option in the VSX 8000.. 9 2.) Create the Appropriate Macros in the Vortex Device(s)... 10
Muting.....10 Volume Control (Codec Only).....12 Volume Control (Codec and Telephone)....15
3.) Verify that the VSX 8000 Remote Control properly controls the Vortex Device. 16
STANDARD AEC OPERATION...17

Example..... 18

Introduction / Room Layout.....18 System Layout.....20 Conference Composer Layout.....21
Matrix Mixer..... 21 Presets...... 22
STEREO AEC OPERATION...24
Vortex Integration with the VSX 8000 Stereo AEC... 24 Example..... 26
Introduction / Room Layout.....26 System Layout.....27 Conference Composer Layout.....28
Mic/Line Inputs..... 28 Matrix Mixer..... 28 Presets...... 30
INTEGRATING A VSX 8000 / SOUNDSTATION VTX 1000 / AND A VORTEX DEVICE.32
System Layout...Error! Bookmark not defined.
WIRING FROM VSX 8000 TO VORTEX DEVICE...34
Input to VSX 8000 from Output of Vortex device... 34 Output of VSX 8000 to Input of Vortex device... 34
TIPS FOR VSX 8000....35 TECHNICAL SUPPORT....36
Polycom Installed Voice Business Contact Information... 36

INTRODUCTION

This application note is designed to give instruction as to the setup and integration of the VSX 8000 to a Vortex Device.
CONNECTING THE VSX 8000 INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
In order to send and receive audio to the Polycom VSX 8000 codec, you need to connect the system as shown in Figure 1 and described below. 1. Connect one of the Outputs of the Vortex device to the mixer Input of the codec. By default, Outputs A, B, or C of the Vortex device are mix-minus versions of the Inputs A, B, or C signals, respectively. Any of these signals can be used with the default factory preset on the Vortex. If you are using Polycom InstantDesigner, choose the input and output that InstantDesigner recommends. 2. Connect the auxiliary line level output of the codec to one of the line level inputs of the Vortex device (Inputs A-D). If you have more line inputs, you may use one of the Mic/Line level inputs instead of a line level input, but you need to disable all processing on that Mic/Line input (AEC, AGC, NC, Automixer), disable Phantom Power, and set the input to line level versus the default of mic level. 3. Optionally connect the RS-232 interface between the VSX 8000 and the Vortex device.
Figure 1. Connecting the VSX 8000 to a Vortex EF2241.
You may use either the left or right channels for sending and receiving monaural audio to the VSX 8000. For stereo operation, both the left and right channels must be used. Please follow our instructions for wiring the Vortex device to the codec (See the section WIRING FROM VSX 8000 TO VORTEX DEVICE). Failure to do so may induce him and ground noise into the signals sent and received from the codec.
ENABLING THE VSX 8000 TO WORK WITH A VORTEX DEVICE
1. Connect a video monitor to Video Output 1 of the codec. 2. On the VSX 8000 User Interface, go to SYSTEM, ADMIN SETTINGS, AUDIO SETTINGS, and select NEXT for Page 2. Select the LINE INPUT option for the Input Type. Set the Level setting to 5. 3. (Optional) Enable the VSX 8000 to control the Vortex Device by setting Serial Port 1 or Serial Port 2 to Vortex Mixer. In the VSX 8000 User Interface, go to SYSTEM, ADMIN SETTINGS, GENERAL SETTINGS, SERIAL PORTS. For the appropriate port, select VORTEX MIXER for RS-232 Mode. Verify that the baud rate of the VSX 8000 matches the baud rate of the Vortex Device. See the page CONTROLLING A VORTEX DEVICE VIA THE VSX8000 for more information. 4. Once that is completed, make sure that the Codec Input to the Vortex Device is assigned to the appropriate AEC Reference signal if the VSX 8000 will be used in Mono mode (Standard AEC Operation). If using InstantDesigner to create the configuration settings for the Vortex, the reference will be set automatically. For Stereo Mode, please refer to the STEREO AEC OPERATION section.

GAIN STRUCTURE

MICROPHONE LEVELS
For wired microphones, the input gain on the Vortex is dependent on the sensitivity of the microphone as well as the typical distance from the talker to the microphone.
Table 1. Recommended microphone settings.
Type of Microphone Tabletop Ceiling Podium Gooseneck Wireless
Average Level Mic Mode, 15 dB Mic Mode, 25 dB Mic Mode, 10 dB Mic Mode, 5 dB Depends on the receiver*

*Some wireless receivers transmit audio at line level (approximately 0 to -10 dB) and others transmit at mic level (approximately -30 dB). Based on the transmit level, you may need to apply gain in the Vortex Device. For example, if a wireless receiver's nominal transmit level is -10 dB, you will need to apply +10 dB on the input of the Vortex Device to achieve unity (0 dB) gain. In order to set the gain appropriately, we recommend leaving all processing enabled and having someone talk into the microphone. Have another person watch the levels in Conference Composer or via the front panel of the Vortex device. You want the speech to light up the first yellow LED (0 dBu) and flicker the second yellow LED (+3 dB) during normal conversation. This level indicates that the Vortex device has a good level for processing while having about 20 dB of headroom.
Figure 2. The microphone level adjustment control within Conference Composer.
GAIN STRUCTURE FOR LINE INPUT SOURCES
Once the external devices have been wired to the Vortex Device, the Input and/or Output gain of the Vortex Device needs to be set to match the nominal level of the external devices. Here is a table that references the types of connectors to the proper input / output level of a Vortex Device:
Table 2. Recommended input and output gain settings based on connection type
Connector Type RCA 1/8 inch XLR Phoenix / Terminal Block
Input Gain +10 dB +10 dB 0 dB 0 dB
Output Gain -10 dB -10 dB 0 dB 0 dB
The issue of nominal levels will affect the gain structure of the Vortex Device. Devices that have RCA and 1/8 inch style connectors are normally designed to operate with a nominal level of.3 Vrms. The Vortex Device is designed to operate with a nominal input and output level of.775 Vrms. This equates to a difference of 8.24 dB between the two nominal levels. For simplicity, you may round that value to 10 dB. Therefore, the inputs of the Vortex that receive consumer level outputs need to be set to +10 dB in order to achieve a unity gain. The outputs of the Vortex will be about 10 dB too high for the consumer level equipment and, in turn, need to be set to -10 dB to avoid clipping and to maintain enough headroom in the consumer level devices. The Input gain of a Vortex device that is connected to a SoundStation VTX 1000 should be set to +10 dB. The Output gain of a Vortex device that is connected to a SoundStation VTX 1000 should be set to -10 dB. The Input and Output gains of a Vortex Device that is connected to a VSX 8000 and any other balanced devices should be set to 0 dB.

TESTING THE AUDIO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
1. Go to SYSTEM, DIAGNOSTICS, AUDIO, AUDIO METER and then speak into one of the microphones. Your level should be around 0 dB on the BALANCED IN meter. You may also use the loop-back feature to listen to your own audio in the local room. That feature is under SYSTEM, DIAGNOSTICS, NETWORK, NEAR END LOOP. 2. Go to SYSTEM, DIAGNOSTICS, AUDIO, SPEAKER TEST to listen to a codec-generated 400 Hz tone.
CONTROLLING A VORTEX DEVICE VIA THE VSX 8000
When connected via an RS-232 cable to the VSX 8000, a Vortex Device can be controlled via the Mute button of the Remote Control of the VSX 8000. When the Mute button is pushed to mute the 8
VSX8000, the VSX 8000 will send ***MACROX180 to Serial Port 1 or Serial Port 2. When the Mute button is pushed again to unmute the VSX 8000, the VSX 8000 will send a ***MACROX181 to Serial Port 1 or Serial Port 2. Also, the Volume Up / Down buttons on the remote control also can control a Vortex Device. The Volume Up button will send a ***MACROX183 command to Serial Port 1 or 2 and the Volume Down button will send a ***MACROX184 command to Serial Port 1 or 2. Here are three steps to follow in order to set up this functionality:
1.) ENABLE VORTEX MIXER AS AN RS-232 OPTION IN THE VSX 8000
In the VSX 8000 User Interface, go to SYSTEM, ADMIN SETTINGS, GENERAL SETTINGS, SERIAL PORTS. For the appropriate port, select Vortex Mixer for RS-232 Mode. Each Serial Port of the VSX8000 is wired as DTE. This means that the VSX 8000 transmits on Pin 2 and receives on Pin 3. In order to connect the VSX 8000's serial port to the Vortex Device's serial port, a "straight through" serial cable should be used. Below is a diagram that shows how to make this connection:
Figure 3. The RS-232 serial port wiring diagram.
Match the baud rate and flow control requirements of the VSX 8000 device to the baud rate and flow control settings of the Vortex Device. (When communicating with a Vortex device at baud rates higher than 9600, we recommend the use of flow control between the RS-232 device and the Vortex Device). Go to Vortex System Settings on the LCD display, select the Enter key, and use the Up or Down buttons to scroll until you see Baud Rate. Once that parameter is set, use the Up or Down buttons to scroll until you see Flow Control.
2.) CREATE THE APPROPRIATE MACROS IN THE VORTEX DEVICE(S)

MUTING

As previously mentioned, the Mute button on the Remote Control sends a command to execute Macro 180 and Macro 181. Here is an example of how to write Muting Macros for a system with 4 microphones and an EF2241: First, label Macro 180 as "Mute" and Macro 181 as "Unmute":
Figure 4. Macro labeling.
Next, insert the muting command for Input 1. Click Insert Command, Input, 1, Mute, On:
Figure 5. Inserting the muting command.
If you are successful, you should see this in the window:
Figure 6. Result of inserting the macro definition.
Repeat this process for Inputs 2-4. When you are done, you should see this:
Figure 7. Mute macro definition.
For Macro 181, repeat the same steps as for Macro 180 except that the Mute for Inputs 1-4 should be off. When you are finished, you should see this:
Figure 8. Unmute macro definition.
If there are more inputs on other Vortex Devices in your system that need to be muted and
unmuted, repeat these steps for the appropriate inputs.
VOLUME CONTROL (CODEC ONLY)
To use the Vortex Device to perform volume control, first set the VSX 8000s Balanced Outputs to FIXED. On the VSX 8000 User Interface, go to SYSTEM, ADMIN SETTINGS, AUDIO SETTINGS, and select NEXT twice for Page 3. Select the FIXED option for Output Mode. Set the Level setting to 5. As previously mentioned, the Volume Up / Down buttons on the Remote Control send a command to execute Macro 183 and Macro 184. Here is an example of how to write a Volume Control Macro for a system that has the VSX 8000 connected to Input A of a Vortex Device. Inside the Vortex Device, Input A is routed to Output B and to R1. The Macros should control the crosspoint gains to Output B and to the R1 reference bus so that the room gain stays consistent for increasing volume. First, label Macro 183 as "Volume Up" and Macro 184 as "Volume Down":
Figure 9. Volume macro labels.
Next, insert the cross-point muting command for Input 1. Click Insert Command, Matrix, A (From VSX 8000), B (To Amplifier), Gain, +, 1 dB:

Figure 10. Volume increment macro creation.
Figure 11. Result of selecting the volume increment option.
Next, add the cross-point control for R1. Click Insert Command, Matrix, A (From VSX 8000), R1 (Reference 1), Gain, +, 1 dB:
Figure 12. Incrementing the gain in the reference.
Figure 13. Volume up macro definition.
For Macro 184, repeat the same steps as for Macro 183 except that the increments for each cross-point should be -1 dB. When you are finished, you should see this:
Figure 14. Volume up and down macros.
VOLUME CONTROL (CODEC AND TELEPHONE)
If the Vortex Device to be controlled has a built in telephone hybrid (such as the Vortex EF2241) or if the Vortex Device is linked via the EFBus to another Vortex Device that does have a built in telephone hybrid, the Volume Up / Down buttons of the VSX 8000 remote control can also control that volume. Here is an example of how to write a Volume Control Macro for a system that has the VSX 8000 connected to Input A of a Vortex Device and a built-in telephone hybrid on Input T. Inside the Vortex Device, Input A and Input T are routed to Output B and to the reference R1. The Macros should control the cross-point gains for Inputs A and T to Output B and to the R1 reference bus so that the room gain stays as the volume is increased. First, follow the directions given in the VOLUME CONTROL (CODEC ONLY) section to setup Macros 183 and 184. Next, assign the Input T to Output B cross-point at +1 dB and the Input T to Output R1 cross-point at +1 dB to Macro 183. If you are successful, you should see the following:
Figure 15. Adding the phone volume to the Volume up macro definition.
Finally, assign the Input T to Output B cross-point at -1 dB and the Input T to Output R1 crosspoint at -1 dB to Macro 183. If you are successful, you should see the following:
Figure 16. Adding the phone volume to the Volume up and down macro definitions.
3.) VERIFY THAT THE VSX 8000 REMOTE CONTROL PROPERLY CONTROLS THE VORTEX DEVICE
If there is only one Vortex Device, go to System, Diagnostics, Audio, Audio Meter in the VSX 8000 User Interface and first verify that there is activity on the Balanced In meter by talking into one of the microphones. Next, press the Mute button on the Remote Control. Now, there should be no activity on the Balanced In meter. Press the Mute button again and you should see meter activity on the Balanced In meter. To test the Volume Up / Down buttons, turn on the signal generator in the VSX 8000 User Interface. Go to System Info, Diagnostics, Audio, Speaker Test. If there are multiple linked Vortex Devices in the system you can perform the same series of steps, or you can connect your computer to the RS-232 port of the second Vortex device, run Conference Composer, autoscan, and open a Console Window in Conference Composer by right clicking on the Comm port in the left side of the window and select Console as shown in Figure 17.

Figure 17. Open the console window by right clicking on the device chain and selecting Console.
Now, push the Mute button on the VSX 8000's Remote Control. If the Macro programming was successful, you should see activity in the Console Window:
Figure 18. The console window.
Repeat the process for the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons if you have assigned commands to Macros 183 and 184.

STANDARD AEC OPERATION

The default operation for the VSX 8000 and Vortex System is as a mono video codec connected via a single line level input and output to the Vortex Device.

EXAMPLE

INTRODUCTION / ROOM LAYOUT
This example illustrates a medium sized conference room with dimensions of 38 ft. X 24 ft. The ceiling height is 10 ft. The conference room that has 8 tabletop microphones and 4 ceiling loudspeakers. The system includes an EF2280 matrix mixer, a VSX 8000 video codec, and a stereo program audio source. There is no sound reinforcement in this room.
Figure 19. Typical conference room layout.

SYSTEM LAYOUT

The audio components for the room are 8 tabletop microphones, 1 EF2280, 1 VSX 8000 video codec, 1 program audio source, and 4 ceiling loudspeakers. The video codec will use Input A / Output A. The program audio will use Inputs C and D. The amplifier will use Output B. On the VSX 8000, either the left or right input / outputs can be used for mono operation. We will assume that the microphones, amplifier, program audio, and VSX 8000 have balanced connections.
Figure 20. Vortex design with VSX 8000.
CONFERENCE COMPOSER LAYOUT
Most of the default parameters of the EF2280 will satisfy our design. However, we will need to change the Matrix Mixer and Presets to satisfy our design goals.

Matrix Mixer

The matrix mixer will need to be changed from the default settings in order use Output A for the VSX 8000 and Output B for the Amplifier. Inputs 1-8 need to be assigned to Output A so that the people on the far end of a VSX 8000 call can hear the local microphones. The cross-points are colored blue to indicate that they are automixed to Output A. Inputs C and D are attenuated by 3 dB to Outputs A, B, and R1 to account for a stereo signal being routed to a mono output. Since the two signals may not be correlated (i.e. have no time relationship between each other), then when they are added together, the summed signal will be +3 dB higher. In this example, we will assume that the VSX 8000, program audio, and amplifier are designed to send and/or receive a professional level signal. Therefore, Inputs A, C, and D and Outputs A and B will be set to 0 dB. For more information as to the reasoning behind the gain levels, please see the Gain Structure for Amplifiers and Other Sources page. Local Microphones should NEVER be included the reference signal!
Figure 21. Matrix for the VSX 8000 and Vortex integration.

Presets

In order to permanently save the settings to the EF2280, you must use a User Preset. Here, we've used PRESET 16, although you may use any of the User Presets 16-47 to accomplish this task. We've also renamed USER PRESET 16 to CONFERENCE ROOM. Once the User Preset has been saved, you must also change the POWER ON PRESET to reflect the proper Preset that you want the unit to power up to if the unit loses AC power.
Figure 22. Preset page within Conference Composer.

STEREO AEC OPERATION

This section explains what steps need to be taken in order to send a stereo microphone signal from a Vortex Device to the VSX 8000. In stereo operation, the Vortex Device is responsible for the acoustic echo cancellation, automixing, and matrix mixing for the microphones and the loudspeakers.
VORTEX INTEGRATION WITH THE VSX 8000 STEREO AEC
A Vortex can be used as a stereo echo canceller provided that the outputs that will feed the loudspeaker and the internal AEC references are setup properly. When the stereo far-end speech is reproduced in the local room, the matrix mixer will be used to create a local mix such that the stereo channel separation (difference) is about 10 dB. This difference is also applied to the R1 and R2 outputs so that the AEC can use both sources as a reference. Here are the Vortex tips when using the Stereo AEC of the VSX 8000 (see Figure 26 for the resulting matrix configuration): Assign the left channel codec input to the R1 output in the Vortex Device. Assign the right channel codec input to the R2 output in the Vortex Device. Assign the left channel codec input to the left channel output of the Vortex Device that will feed the left channel of the stereo amplifier. Assign the right channel codec input to the right channel output of the Vortex Device that will feed the left channel of the stereo amplifier. Assign the left channel codec input to the right channel output that will feed the right channel of the amplifier. Use the matrix mixer to create a crosspoint at -10 dB that is unmuted. Assign the left channel codec input to the R1 output also with a crosspoint attenuation of -10 dB that is unmuted. Assign the right channel codec input to the left channel output that will feed the left channel of the amplifier. Use the matrix mixer to create a crosspoint at -10 dB that is unmuted. Assign the right channel codec input to the R2 output also with a crosspoint attenuation of -10 dB that is unmuted. The microphones that are located on the left side of the room should only feed the left output of the Vortex Device that will be connected to the left channel input of the codec. Likewise, the microphones that are located on the right side of the room should only feed 24

the right output of the Vortex Device that will be connected to the right channel input of the codec. Any microphones that are considered in the center should feed both left and right outputs with a crosspoint attenuation of -3 dB. Each microphone on the left side of the room should have its AEC set to R1. Each microphone on the right side of the room should have its AEC set to R2. In the VSX 8000 User Interface, go to SYSTEM, ADMIN SETTINGS, AUDIO and select ENABLE POLYCOM STEREOSURROUND. Any stereo audio that is sent into the VSX 8000 will be reproduced on opposite channels at the far end when sent to a Polycom stereo-compatible codec, i.e. left channel input will be reproduced via the right loudspeaker and right channel input audio will be reproduced via the left channel loudspeaker. This is done so that audio will track the video image on the far side.
Here are some room design tips when using the Stereo AEC of the VSX 8000: We do not recommend using a channel separation any lower that -10 dB (e.g., -15 dB would not be recommended). Most small to medium rooms with table microphones should work well with a channel separation of 10 dB. These types of rooms would probably have a STI or RaSTI of.75 or higher. For larger rooms or rooms with ceiling microphones, the channel separation may have to be lowered (for instance to -5 dB) in order to prevent residual echo (echo that is never fully removed by the AEC). If residual echo remains an issue, the VSX and Vortex may have to be configured in mono mode (see the section entitled Standard AEC Operation) The use of front-of-room mounted stereo loudspeakers will enhance the stereo image. Distributed ceiling loudspeakers can also be used in addition to the front-of-room loudspeakers to provide broader coverage. Note that the ceiling loudspeakers should be assigned to a "left" or "right" zone and should be powered by a multi-channel amplifier. The use of output delay with the ceiling loudspeakers can also enhance the stereo realism. An approximation is 1 millisecond per foot delay to the signals that will be sent to the distributed loudspeakers. The delay can be added from the Vortex outputs page within Conference Composer.
An advantage to using the Vortex Devices internal AEC is that you can continue to use a Vortex telephony interface, such as the Vortex EF2201, when operating in stereo with the VSX 8000 because a separate mono mix can be created in the Vortex matrix mixer to feed the telephony interface separately.
This example illustrates a 38 ft. X 24 ft. X 10 ft. conference room that has 7 tabletop microphones and 2 stereo loudspeakers. The system includes an EF2280 matrix mixer, a VSX 8000 video codec, and a stereo program audio source. There is no sound reinforcement in this room.
Figure 23. Stereo room layout with the VSX 8000 and Vortex.
The audio components for the room are 7 tabletop microphones, 1 EF2280, 1 VSX 8000 video codec, 1 program audio source, and 2 program loudspeakers. The video codec will use Inputs C and D / Outputs C and D. The program audio will use Inputs A and B. The amplifier will use Outputs A and B. We will assume that the microphones, amplifier, program audio, and VSX 8000 have balanced connections (.775 Vrms professional nominal levels).

Figure 24. Vortex and VSX 8000 wiring diagram for stereo operation.
Most of the default parameters of the EF2280 will satisfy our design. However, we will need to change the Mic/Line Inputs, Automixer, Matrix Mixer, and Presets to satisfy our design goals.

Mic/Line Inputs

On Inputs 5-7, the AEC needs to be set to R2 as shown in Figure 25.
Figure 25. Setting the microphone inputs to reference R2.
The matrix mixer will need to be changed from the default settings in order use Outputs A and B for the amplifier, and Outputs C and D for the VSX 8000.
Inputs 1-3 need to be assigned to Output A to feed the left channel of the VSX 8000. Input 4 will be assigned to Outputs A and B at -3 dB since it is considered a center mic. By assigning a crosspoint attenuation of -3 dB, the level from the microphone when reproduced on the far end will be about the same as the left or right side microphones. The channel separation is shown via the Input A to Output D and Input B to Output C crosspoints as well as the Input A to R2 and Input B to R1 crosspoints. These crosspoints must have the same value in order for the Vortex AEC to be able to track both left and right channels of audio. If the channel separation needs to be raised from -10, then all four crosspoints will need to be changed to the new value. Inputs C and D are attenuated by 3 dB to Outputs R1 and R2 to account for a stereo signal being routed to a mono output. Since the two signals may not be correlated (i.e. have no time relationship between each other), then when they are added together, the summed signal will be +3 dB higher. In this example, we will assume that the VSX 8000, program audio, and amplifier are designed to send and/or receive a professional level signal. Therefore, Inputs A, B, C, and D and Outputs A, B, C, and D will be set to 0 dB. For more information as to the reasoning behind the gain levels, please see the Gain Structure for Amplifiers and Other Sources page. Local Microphones should NEVER be included the reference signal!
Figure 26. A sample matrix for using the Vortex with the VSX 8000.

Figure 27. The preset page within Conference Composer.
INTEGRATING A VSX 8000 / SOUNDSTATION VTX 1000 / AND A VORTEX DEVICE
This section only applies if the SoundStation VTX 1000 has software release 1.5 or later and VSX software release 7.5 or later. In lieu of a newly purchased VSX 7400 or VSX 8400 bundle, if you have an existing SoundStation VTX 1000 and VSX 7000 or VSX 8000, you will have to upgrade your software per the above, as well as purchase the SoundStation VTX 1000/VSX Upgrade Kit to integrate the two products. 1. Follow the instructions for integrating the SoundStation VTX 1000 and the Vortex Device in the Application Note entitled Interfacing to the SoundStation VTX 1000 http://www.polycom.com/common/pw_item_show_doc/1,1276,2321,00.pdf 2. Connect the Conference Link port of the SoundStation VTX 1000 to the VSX 7400 or VSX 8400. 3. In the VSX 7400 or VSX 8400 User Interface, go to SYSTEM, ADMIN SETTINGS, AUDIO and ensure ENABLE POLYCOM MICROPHONES IS NOT SELECTED.
As an example, here is a system that contains 6 tabletop microphones, 1 EF2280, 1 VSX 7000 video codec, 1 program audio source, 1 SoundStation VTX 1000 (the loudspeakers are not shown), and the SoundStation VTX 1000/VSX ConferenceLink cable. The video codec will use Inputs 7 and 8 / Outputs 7 and 8. The program audio will use Inputs A and B. The SoundStation VTX 1000 will use Input A / Output A.
Figure 28. The system schematic for using the VSX 7000 with a Vortex EF2280 and a SoundStation VTX 1000.
WIRING FROM VSX 8000 TO VORTEX DEVICE
INPUT TO VSX 8000 FROM OUTPUT OF VORTEX DEVICE
Figure 29. Building a cable for the balanced to balanced connections on the Vortex and VSX 8000.
Both the Vortex device and the VSX 8000 have the ground pin tied to the chassis ground of the unit. Thus, you may connect the shields between both units and that will not degrade the audio quality. Any ground loops that are formed between the two units will flow exclusively on the shields. Connect the Positive, Negative, and Shield of the VSX 8000 to the Positive, Negative, and Shield of the Vortex Device.
OUTPUT OF VSX 8000 TO INPUT OF VORTEX DEVICE
Figure 30. Building a cable for the balanced to balanced connections on the Vortex and VSX 8000.

TIPS FOR VSX 8000

The internal volume control for the VSX 8000 controls the incoming remote audio and the local tone generator. It does not, however, control the sound effects inside the units such as incoming call ring and the female speech that occurs when you dial a number. This is important to note because if the volume control is very low, it may appear that the codec audio is operating correctly because the sound effects are still generated and will be heard in the local room. However, when a call is connected, the local side may not hear the far side because the local volume control is too low. Since the local participants heard the sound effects audio at a normal level, it may not be obvious that the volume control is set too low. If the volume control is performed in the Vortex Device, this will not be an issue. The sound effects volume control can be adjusted in the System, Admin Settings, Audio Settings page. Also, if you are using the Vortex Device to perform volume control, you should set the Balanced Line Output of the VSX 8000 to Fixed. Note that if the volume control is raised or lowered via the VSX 8000 remote control, you will still see the volume bar displayed on the video monitor; however, the VSX is not raising or lowering the volume to the balanced output. This setting can be adjusted in the VSX 8000 User Interface. Go to SYSTEM, ADMIN SETTINGS, AUDIO SETTINGS, and select NEXT twice for Page 3. Select the FIXED option for Output Mode. Set the Level setting to 5.

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