CHAPTER 3 INSTALLATION

REQUIRED CONNECTIONS.. 10 Cameras 116.. 10 Main Mon... 10 Power... 10 OPTIONAL CONNECTIONS.. 10 Call Mon... 10 VCR In.. 10 VCR Out... 11 S-VHS In... 11 S-VHS Out... 11 Alarm... 11 Alarm Inputs.. 11 Alarm Hold Input.. 12 Alarm Output... 12 Motion Alarm Outputs.. 12 Autodetect VCR Speed.. 12 Remote... 12 Remote Control Panel Option.. 12 SYSTEM CHECKOUT.. 13 Monitor Calibration.. 13 Camera Check.. 14 Making a Test Tape.. 15
Table of Contents (continued)

CHAPTER 4 SETUP

SETUP MENU SYSTEM.. 16 Selecting a Menu... 16 Positioning the Highlight.. 16 Setting an Option... 16 SETUP MENUS.. 17 Menu 1 System Time/Date.. 17 Menu 2 Day/Night Start Time.. 18 Menu 3 Toggle Options.. 18 Alarm Message Display. 18 Alarm Message Latch.. 19 Video Loss Alarm... 19 Audible Alarm.. 20 Alarm Input Polarity.. 20 Alarm Output Polarity.. 20 Pass-Thru Extrnl Alrms.. 21 Image Tenderizer.. 21 Menu 4 VCR Record Time.. 21 Menu 5 Alarm Duration.. 22 Menu 6 Global Dwell... 22 Menu 7 Camera Titles.. 22 Motion Setup Screen... 23 Motion Options.. 24 ALRM (Alarm)... 24 SENSE (Sensitivity).. 25 SIZE... 25 DELAY... 26 Working with Motion Targets.. 26 Menu 8 Security Lock.. 27

CHAPTER 5 OPERATION

LIVE MODE... 28 TAPE MODE.. 28 Tape Playback With Two VCRs.. 29 Tape Preview.. 29 SETUP MODE... 30 Viewing One Camera.. 30 Main Monitor... 30 Full Screen... 30 The 2x Zoom... 30 Zoom Control.. 30 Call Monitor.. 31 Viewing Multiple Cameras.. 31 Picture in Picture (PIP).. 31 2x2 Format... 32 3x3 Format... 32 4x4 Format... 32 Sequencing Cameras.. 33 Videotape Operations.. 33 VCR Setup... 33 Autodetect VCR Speed.. 34 Tape Recording.. 34 Multicamera Recording.. 34 One Camera Recording. 34 Tape Playback... 35 VCR Special Effects.. 35

CHAPTER 6 ALARMS

MECHANICAL ALARMS.. 36 MOTION ALARMS... 36 Motion Alarm Status Table.. 37 Alarm Counter.. 38 Live Mode Alarm Response.. 39 Tape Mode Live Alarm Response. 40 RECORDED ALARMS.. 41 VIDEO LOSS ALARMS.. 42
CHAPTER 7 SPECIAL APPLICATIONS
SIMULTANEOUS RECORD AND PLAY. 43 MULTIPLEXED VIDEO TRANSMISSION. 44 One-Way Video Transmission.. 44 Two-Way Video Transmission.. 44 APPENDIX A ALARM CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENTS.. 45 APPENDIX B ALARM RECORDING CONTROL. 46 Uncontrolled Alarm Recording. 46 Controlled Alarm Recording.. 47 APPENDIX C IN CASE OF TROUBLE. 48
APPENDIX D TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.. 51 Operating Defaults.. 51 Video Format.. 51 Video Level.. 52 Alarm... 52 Display.. 52 Resolution.. 52 Controls... 53 Connectors.. 54 Electrical... 55 Physical Characteristics... 55 Options... 55

FIGURES

Figure 1 Basic Multivision Pro System.. 4 Figure 2 Multivision Pro System with Two VCRs. 4 Figure 3 One-Way Multiplexed Video Transmission.. 5 Figure 4 Multivision Pro System with Remote Control Panel.... 5 Figure 5 Front Panel Controls and Indicators. 6 Figure 6 Rear Panel Connectors.. 8 Figure 7 Motion Setup Screen.. 23 Figure 8 Motion Alarm Status Table.. 37 Figure 9 Alarm Counter.. 38 Figure 10 Alarm Connector.. 45 Table 1 Alarm Connector Pin Assignments.. 45 Table 2 Troubleshooting Guide.. 49

Multivision Pro Installation and Operation Manual
Video inputs and outputs provided for both standard and Super VHS video cassette recorders (except B&W units). Nonvolatile program memory protects all programmable features against power loss.

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW

Video Input and Output
The Multivision Pro series includes MV94p, MV99p, MV96p color multiplexers and MV19p, MV16p B&W multiplexers. The multiplexer is available configured for either NTSC/EIA or PAL/CCIR video standard. The unit features video camera inputs with a passive looping output for each. Camera input impedance termination is set independently for each camera using switches on the back panel. Synchronizing or phasing cameras is not required. Video recording and playback is supported by VCR connections for both composite and S-Video signal formats (color units only). The multiplexer automatically determines the format used during tape playback. Two monitor outputs allow viewing live camera or videotaped pictures on standard monitors. The main monitor displays selected cameras in any available display format. The call monitor displays any alarm images or any live camera image full screen.

Motion Detection

The multiplexer continuously monitors all camera inputs for motion. When motion is detected, the multiplexer increases how often that camera is recorded and displayed. If the motion alarm feature is ON, the multiplexer also alerts the operator with blinking panel LEDs. It also sounds an alarm tone and encodes camera images as ALARM if those setup menu options are ON. Motion detection options for day and for night can be set for each camera input using a 192-target (16 wide by 12 high) graphic overlay. This allows using more effective settings for alarm delay, object size, sensitivity and target position for the two time periods. You can also set motion alarms ON for night and OFF for day, or vice-versa.

Video Display

The main monitor displays either live camera pictures or pictures from tape. The display is based on a 512x512x16 (512x464x16 NTSC/EIA) bit digital video memory containing two interlaced video fields. As many as 256 gray shades and 16 million colors can be displayed in six screen formats: full screen, 2x zoom, Picture-In-Picture (PIP), 2x2, 3x3 (9 and 16-camera models only) and 4x4 (16-camera models only). The call monitor displays full screen images of cameras associated with alarms or images from any selected camera. It is based on switched analog camera video. Color demodulation is based on luminance and color difference processing. Demodulation circuitry operates on a line by line basis and will correctly demodulate chroma information conforming to the NTSC (PAL) video standard. A graphic generator with two interlaced bit mapped pages provides the alphanumeric and graphic overlays required for onscreen menus, camera titles and system messages.

Camera Check

The multiplexer multicamera display capability makes checking camera performance as simple as comparing two pictures on one screen. This method is preferable to the direct camera to monitor technique because it allows precise adjustment of each camera against a chosen reference camera. This minimizes differences between cameras, and optimizes picture quality. NOTE: Before performing a camera check, complete the monitor calibration procedure described in the previous section. Adjusting camera picture quality is more effective on a monitor which is already calibrated. The camera check procedure is as follows: 1. 2. Complete the monitor calibration procedure. Connect all system cameras directly to the multiplexer camera inputs. Remove all connections to the looping (lower) camera outputs. Make sure that the multiplexer is set up for 75 ohm termination (the default state). The switches on the back panel should be down. Select the format (2x2, 3x3 or 4x4) which displays all of the attached cameras. Pick the best looking picture and use that camera as a reference. If necessary, adjust the camera for an optimum picture. Do NOT adjust the monitor. Adjust each remaining camera, in turn, for an optimum picture. Try to obtain the same picture quality as the reference camera.
The cameras are now correctly adjusted with respect to the calibrated monitor and each other. You may now adjust the monitor for the best overall display. If you choose to make further monitor adjustments, it is best to do so with all cameras displayed.

Making a Test Tape

The easiest way to verify multiplexer system operation is to make a test recording and play it back. This process effectively tests every piece of equipment in the system. Before proceeding with the test tape, it is recommended that you complete both the monitor calibration and camera check procedures. Make certain that the multiplexer monitor and all system cameras are correctly adjusted. Doing so will help to ensure the best results during the tape test. The tape test procedure is as follows: 1. Place the VCR in the record mode at the 24-hour speed (this is the multiplexer default VCR record speed and can be changed). The VCR begins recording multiplexed camera video. You may select any viewing mode or display format while recording. Doing so will not affect the tape since camera recording and display are completely independent multiplexer functions. After several minutes, stop the VCR and rewind the tape. Place the VCR in the play mode. Press the tape button on the multiplexer.

Video Loss Alarm

The VIDEO LOSS ALARM option controls the multiplexer video loss detection feature. It toggles as follows: ON The multiplexer responds to camera video loss as an alarm event and displays the message VIDLOSS in place of the cameras picture on both monitors. If ALARM MESSAGE DISPLAY is set OFF, the message only displays on the call monitor. The ALARM COUNTER counts a video loss as an alarm for that camera input. OFF Camera video loss is not treated as an alarm event, and a VIDLOSS message is not displayed on either monitor. The ALARM COUNTER does not count the video loss as an alarm. The only sign of video loss is that the monitor displays the last image received from that camera until you change the display format, when a blank window with the camera number displays. Refer to Video Loss Alarms for more details. The default VIDEO LOSS ALARM setting is ON.

Audible Alarm

The AUDIBLE ALARM option controls the multiplexer alarm tone. It toggles as follows: ON The multiplexer sounds an alarm tone when it detects a mechanical alarm, motion alarm or video loss. Press any button to turn the alarm tone off. OFF The multiplexer is silent when it detects a mechanical alarm, motion alarm or video loss. The default AUDIBLE ALARM setting is OFF.

Alarm Input Polarity

The ALARM INPUT POLARITY option allows you to set the polarity of all multiplexer alarm inputs. It toggles as follows: ACT LOW Active alarm inputs are low. The multiplexer recognizes a contact closure or TTL/CMOS logic low as an alarm event. ACT HI Active alarm inputs are high. The multiplexer recognizes a contact opening or TTL/CMOS logic high as an alarm event. The default ALARM INPUT POLARITY setting is ACT LOW.

Alarm Output Polarity

The ALARM OUTPUT POLARITY option allows you to set the active polarity of the TTL/CMOS alarm signal for pins 2035 (motion outputs 116) on the alarms connector. It toggles as follows: ACT LOW The alarm output signal goes low when a motion alarm occurs or for an alarm input or vidloss when PASS-THRU EXTRNL ALRMS is set to YES. ACT HI The alarm output signal goes high when a motion alarm occurs. NOTE: The duration of the alarm output signal is determined by the ALARM DURATION setting. The default ALARM OUTPUT POLARITY setting is ACT LOW.

Pass-Thru Extrnl Alrms

This menu option lets you loop (pass-thru) the external alarm inputs to the alarm outputs. YES Alarm outputs represent all alarms for a particular camera; motion alarms, mechanical alarms and video loss alarms. NO Alarm outputs are for motion alarms only. External alarms are not included (not passed-thru). The default PASS-THRU EXTRNL ALRMS setting is YES.

Image Tenderizer

This option reduces the shakiness and jitter associated with high resolution compressed multicamera images. ON Uses the special filtering circuit when the multiplexer displays a multicamera image on the main monitor. OFF Turns off the special filtering circuit. The default IMAGE TENDERIZER setting is ON. When finished, press the zoom button to go to menu 4 or press function+zoom to save all changes and leave the setup system.

Menu 4 VCR Record Time

Menu 4 allows you to enter the VCRs normal and alarm recording speeds. With autodetect VCR speed, these settings are used if that signal is lost. Use the up and down arrow buttons to set each speed as follows: VCR RECORD TIME The VCRs normal (nonalarm) operating speed (2999 hours). The default VCR RECORD TIME is 024 HRS. VCR ALARM RECORD TIME The VCRs recording speed for alarms (2999 hours). The default VCR ALARM RECORD TIME is 002 HRS. NOTE: If the multiplexer alarm output is not connected to the VCRs alarm input, the VCR RECORD SPEED and the VCR ALARM RECORD SPEED should be set to the same value. When finished, press the zoom button to go to menu 5 or function+zoom to save all changes and leave the setup system.

Menu 5 Alarm Duration

Menu 5 allows you to set the minimum multiplexer alarm time. The ALARM DURATION setting determines how many seconds the multiplexer remains in the alarm state after an alarm event occurs. Set the ALARM DURATION time using the up and down arrow buttons. You may use any setting between 2 and 999 seconds. The default ALARM DURATION setting is 4 seconds. When finished, press the zoom button to go to menu 6 or function+zoom to save all changes and leave the setup system.

Menu 6 Global Dwell

The GLOBAL DWELL setting determines the rate at which the multiplexer sequences cameras on the main monitor (either full screen or in the lower right window) when sequence is selected. It also determines the rate at which the call monitor switches cameras during multiple alarm events. Set the GLOBAL DWELL time in seconds using the up and down arrow buttons. You may enter any setting between 1 and 99 seconds. This setting applies to all cameras. NOTE: The GLOBAL DWELL setting affects on-screen camera display only. It does NOT affect the rate at which the multiplexer sends images to the VCR. The default GLOBAL DWELL time is 2 seconds. When finished, press the zoom button to go to menu 7 or function+zoom to save all changes and leave the menu system.

Menu 7 Camera Titles

Menu 7 allows you to assign a title to each camera input. It also provides access to the MOTION SETUP screens described below. Initially each title is the cameras number. To change a title, use the arrow buttons to position the flashing highlight and select characters. A title can contain up to 10 characters selected from the following: 09 AZ _(represents a space) / : = - +.(period)

ALRM (Alarm)

SENSE (Sensitivity)
The SENSE option is based on the degree of contrast between the moving object and background for the current camera. The motion test can help you pick the most effective SENSE setting. It toggles as follows: XLO Extra low sensitivity. LO Low sensitivity. MED Medium sensitivity. HI High sensitivity. XHI Extra high sensitivity. The default sensitivity setting is MED.
The SIZE option determines the minimum object size detected at the current camera. You set the object size by selecting its height and width in targets. For example, a 2Wx4H setting is an object two targets wide and four targets high. A 1Wx1H object is a single target. The largest possible object setting is 9Wx9H. A smaller object size makes motion detection more likely, and a larger size means fewer objects will be large enough to trigger a motion alarm. To set the object size, use the arrow buttons to move the flashing highlight to W (width) or H (height). Use the up and down arrow buttons to set the value (19). NOTE: To be detected, an object must trigger at least one row and one column of targets covered by the SIZE setting. For example, a 2Wx5H setting requires an object to trigger at least 2 targets horizontally and 5 targets vertically within a 2Wx5H active target area. The object may trigger additional targets. The default SIZE setting is 1Wx1H.
The DELAY option determines how long the multiplexer must detect motion at the current camera before initiating a motion alarm. Motion of shorter duration does not trigger a motion alarm. DELAY is useful in preventing sudden changes (like those caused by lights or shadows) from triggering a motion alarm. The DELAY setting has no affect on activity detection (priority-based camera recording). To set the DELAY in seconds, use the arrow buttons to move the flashing highlight to the DELAY option and select a value: OFF, 0.5S, 1SEC, 1.5S, 2SEC, 3SEC or 5SEC. The default DELAY option setting is OFF.
Working with Motion Targets
The targets on each motion setup screen can be turned on or off individually, by row or by screen. Active targets are circled (this is the default). Inactive targets are not circled. To set up targets, use the following front panel buttons: zoom turns the target cursor on or off. up arrow moves the target cursor up one row at a time. down arrow moves the target cursor down one row at a time. left arrow moves the target cursor to the left (4 and 9-camera models only). right arrow moves the target cursor to the right (4 and 9camera models only). live turns all targets in the current row ON. tape turns all targets in the current row OFF. sequence turns all targets on the screen ON. call turns all targets on the screen OFF. camera (116) toggles the corresponding target on the cursor line off or on. Move left or right (16-camera models only) by pressing camera buttons to the left or right of the current target. function saves current motion target setting and displays the next screen.

Tape Preview

SETUP MODE
Setup mode allows you to customize multiplexer operation to suit a specific application. To enter the setup mode, press the buttons required to access system setup menus (see Security Measures in the front of this manual for instructions). See Chapter 4 Setup for a description of the setup menu system.

Viewing One Camera

Main Monitor The main monitor can display any live or recorded camera in the full screen format. It can also display a movable 2x zoom of any camera. Press any camera (116) button when the call light is not lit. The multiplexer displays the selected camera full screen. You can also press the full screen button to switch to the full screen format. The main monitor displays the last camera selected in this format. Press the zoom button while viewing full screen to zoom the main monitor display. The multiplexer displays a 2x zoom picture with a zoom window insert. The zoom window contains a one quarter sized view of the current camera, overlaid with a movable zoom pointer. The pointer marks the part of the picture on display. Zoom Control 1. 2. 3. Display the desired camera in the full screen format. Press the zoom button to display the zoom window. Press the up, down, left and right arrow buttons to move the zoom pointer. The multiplexer moves the 2x display accordingly.

Full Screen

The 2x Zoom
To move diagonally, press the up or down arrow button and the right or left arrow button simultaneously; for example, press the up arrow button and the left arrow button to move the zoom window diagonally to the upper left of the display. The zoom window disappears two seconds after the last button press to provide a clear view. Press any arrow button to recall it. To return to the full screen format, press the zoom button again or press any camera button. The multiplexer remembers the selected camera and the position of the zoom window between zoom operations.
The call monitor can display any live camera in the full screen format. To select a camera for display on the call monitor: 1. Press the call button. The call light comes on, indicating the multiplexer is in the call select mode. If the light does not come on, the multiplexer is in the main select mode. Press call again to start over. Press any camera button. The call monitor displays the selected camera.
To exit the call select mode, press the call button. The multiplexer resumes normal operation.

Viewing Multiple Cameras

The main monitor displays multiple cameras in any available format: Picture-In-Picture (PIP), 2x2, 3x3 (9 and 16-camera models only) and 4x4 (16-camera models only). Compose each format by selecting the cameras and their location on screen. Cameras not already displayed can be sequenced in the lower right window of any multiple camera format. See Sequencing Cameras for details.

Sequencing Cameras

The multiplexer allows sequential display of cameras on the main monitor in any available format. In the Full Screen format, all cameras can be sequenced full screen. In multicamera formats, cameras not already displayed can be sequenced in the lower right window. Cameras sequence in camera number order at a rate determined by the GLOBAL DWELL setting (see Chapter 4 Setup). To start camera sequencing: 1. 2. Select the desired format. Press the sequence button. The sequence light comes on and the multiplexer switches cameras in the lower right window of the display (or full screen) at the current GLOBAL DWELL rate.
To stop camera sequencing: Press the sequence button again. The sequence light goes out. Sequencing stops with the current camera displayed in the lower right window (or full screen).

Videotape Operations

The multiplexer allows recording of multiple cameras onto a single videotape. This encoding function is performed in the background and does not interfere with other operations. All multiplexer features remain available while recording. If two VCRs are connected, tape playback does not affect recording. It is possible to review a previously recorded tape while recording continues on a second VCR. See Simultaneous Record and Play for details. For optimum tape recording and playback, the multiplexer must be correctly set up for use with the VCR. This is done by changing settings in the setup menu system. Two setup options affect camera recording: VCR RECORD TIME VCR ALARM RECORD TIME

VCR Setup

Refer to Chapter 4 Setup for a description of these VCR menu options and their use.
If pin 37 on the alarms connector is connected to the VCR for the timing signal (it may be named clock or trigger) the multiplexer switches to the same recording speed as the VCR. Not all VCRs send a signal when switching to an alarm recording rate. See your VCR manual for details about whether this feature is supported by your VCR. If the VCR does NOT send a signal, be sure you enter the settings you want in the multiplexer menu for VCR RECORD TIME and VCR ALARM RECORD TIME. Refer to Figure 1 Basic Multivision Pro System. Make certain that the video input of the VCR is connected to the vcr out or s-vhs out connector on the multiplexer. Multiple camera recording involves simply placing the VCR in record mode. All cameras connected to the multiplexer are encoded on tape. No action is required at the multiplexer. NOTE: Several factors affect the order and rate at which cameras are recorded. These include the number of connected cameras, the number of cameras with motion, and the number of alarms generated during recording.

Tape Recording

Multicamera Recording

One Camera Recording

The multiplexer can be directed to record a single priority camera exclusively. This feature can be turned on or off at any time. To start one camera recording: 1. 2. Press and hold the 1 cam (function) button. Press the camera (116) button for the camera to be recorded. The indicator light above that camera button comes on. The multiplexer displays the selected camera on the main monitor and flashes the 1 cam light to indicate that the system is in one camera record mode.

To end one camera recording: 1. 2. Press and hold the 1 cam button. Press the live button.
The 1 cam light stops flashing and the multiplexer resumes multicamera recording. NOTE: When the 1 cam light is flashing, only the selected camera is recorded. You must end one camera recording to resume recording all cameras. Tape Playback To review a videotape with the multiplexer, press the tape button and place the VCR in the play mode. The multiplexer decodes the recorded video signal and displays it in the current format. Cameras appear in the order they were recorded. Multiplexer operation during videotape playback is the same as when viewing live cameras. All front panel buttons have the same effect. The difference is that the VCR is the source of video. VCR Special Effects Most special video playback features can be used while reviewing a multiplexer recording. Field-oriented features such as field advance or still field should work, provided the VCR reproduces each video field accurately.

Chapter 6 Alarms

This chapter describes how the multiplexer responds to alarms and what can be done when an alarm occurs. The multiplexer detects and responds to four types of alarm events: mechanical alarms, motion alarms, recorded alarms and video loss. A mechanical alarm occurs when there is a contact closure at any multiplexer alarm input. A motion alarm occurs when motion is detected at a camera with motion detection (ALRM) ON. A recorded alarm occurs when the multiplexer detects an alarm encoded field during tape playback. A video loss alarm occurs when the multiplexer detects video loss at an active camera input.

MECHANICAL ALARMS

The alarms connector provides one mechanical alarm input for each camera input. These inputs connect to any security device equipped with either a contact closure or TTL/CMOS standard alarm output. Each alarm input requires two wires. One wire connects to the desired alarm input pin. The second wire connects to the multiplexer ground post (gnd). See Table 1 Alarm Connector Pin Assignments for details. Alarm polarity is selectable via multiplexer setup menus. See Menu 3 Toggle Options for details. The multiplexer always responds to mechanical alarms. The type of alarm response depends upon whether it is in live or tape mode.

Figure 9 Alarm Counter

Live Mode Alarm Response
When a mechanical and/or motion alarm occurs in the live mode, the multiplexer alerts the operator and performs tasks required to record the alarm event on videotape. When it detects the initial alarm in live mode, the multiplexer does the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Flashes the associated camera (116) light. Sounds the audible alarm (if ON in setup menu). Toggles the alarm relay. Activates the alarm output (only motion alarms unless PASS-THRU EXTRNL ALRMS is YES). Displays the alarm camera on the call monitor, overlaid with the ALARM message. Switches the main monitor to the highest multicamera format if the alarm camera is not already on display (unless the ALARM MESSAGE DISPLAY option is set to OFF). Overlays the alarm camera on the main monitor with the ALARM message (unless the ALARM MESSAGE DISPLAY option is set to OFF). Switches to the VCR ALARM RECORD TIME encoding rate. Encodes the camera as alarm and sends it to the VCR on a priority basis.
The multiplexer remains in the alarm state until ALL of the following occur: All contact alarms are released. No motion is detected at cameras set for motion alarm. The ALARM DURATION time elapses. The alarm hold input is released.
Multiple alarms are processed in the order they occur.
Tape Mode Live Alarm Response
When a mechanical and/or motion alarm occurs in the tape mode, the multiplexer processes the event in the background. If two VCRs are connected, it records the alarm event on videotape but does not indicate the alarm to the user. This allows alarm recording during tape playback. When the multiplexer detects the initial live alarm in tape mode, it does the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. Toggles the alarm relay. Activates the alarm output (motion alarms only unless PASS-THRU EXTRNL ALRMS is YES). Switches to the VCR ALARM RECORD TIME encoding rate. Encodes the camera as alarm and sends it to the VCR on a priority basis.
The multiplexer remains in the alarm state until ALL of the following occur: All mechanical alarms are released. No motion detected at cameras set for motion alarms. The ALARM DURATION time elapses. The alarm hold input is released.

RECORDED ALARMS

The multiplexer detects recorded alarm events by monitoring the VIS information returned from tape. Each field of recorded video is encoded with alarm status information, camera number, camera title, time and date. The multiplexer uses this information to identify camera related alarm events. The multiplexer must be in tape mode to display and process recorded alarms. The processing of recorded alarms is completely independent from live alarm processing. The multiplexer can perform both tasks at the same time. In tape mode, live alarm events process in the background and display on the call monitor. The multiplexer does the following when it detects a recorded alarm while in tape mode: Flashes the associated camera (116) light. Overlays the alarm camera with the ALARM message on the main monitor.

The multiplexer remains in the alarm state until both of the following occur: The recorded alarm event ends. The ALARM DURATION time elapses (the default is 4 seconds).
Multiple alarms are processed in the order in which they occur. The multiplexer detects recorded alarm events at any playback speed (including forward and reverse search on many VCRs). When a tape plays at the speed it was recorded, the duration of each alarm is the same as the original event. Other tape speeds slow down or speed up alarm playback; however the default alarm time remains 4 seconds.

VIDEO LOSS ALARMS

The multiplexer detects loss of video at any connected camera input by monitoring the cameras video sync signal. The VIDEO LOSS ALARM option controls this feature. When this option is ON (the default), the multiplexer responds to loss of camera video by alerting the operator and recording the alarm event on videotape. When the VIDEO LOSS ALARM option is OFF, video loss is NOT treated as an alarm, and no message displays. The multiplexer does the following when it detects loss of camera video: 1. 2. 3. 4. Flashes the associated camera (116) light. Toggles the alarm relay. Switches the call monitor to the lost camera input and displays the VIDLOSS message. Switches the main monitor to the multicamera format (if ALARM MESSAGE DISPLAY is ON and the alarm camera is not already displayed) and displays the VIDLOSS message. Switches to the VCR ALARM RECORD TIME encoding rate. Encodes the camera as video lost and sends it to the VCR.
Multiple video loss alarms are processed in the order they occur. The multiplexer remains in the alarm state until ALL of the following occur: The ALARM DURATION time elapses. The alarm hold input is released.
Chapter 7 Special Applications
The features and flexibility of the multiplexer make it a powerful tool in special applications where unique capabilities are required. This section describes several ways to use the multiplexer.
SIMULTANEOUS RECORD AND PLAY
The multiplexer circuits simultaneously encode and decode video. This is referred to as full duplex operation, which uses two VCRs. The unit can encode camera video to one VCR while it decodes and displays video played on a second VCR. The two operations do not interfere with each other. Without this capability, camera video recording must stop while a previously recorded tape is viewed. Full duplex capability is most important in applications that demand continuous video recording of multiple cameras. It allows an operator equipped with a second video recorder to review multiplexer tapes without interrupting the recording process. Refer to Figure 2 Multiplexer System with Two VCRs. To add a second VCR to a standard multiplexer installation: 1. Connect a cable to video in on the VCR and connect the other end of this cable to the multiplexer vcr out connector. This VCR is now dedicated for tape recording. Connect another cable to the video out of the second VCR and the multiplexer vcr in connector. This VCR is now dedicated for tape playback.

APPENDIX C IN CASE OF TROUBLE
If you experience difficulties during the installation or operation of the multiplexer, review the section of this manual which explains the related feature or task. If necessary, consult the Troubleshooting Guide on the following pages. If the problem cannot be resolved, you may have to contact Technical Support. When you call, the representative will ask you to provide specific information about the installation. To save time, spend a few minutes getting organized before you pick up the telephone. Before calling, have the following information ready: The serial number of your multiplexer. The make and model of each piece of hardware connected to the multiplexer. Approximate date of purchase and of installation. A specific description of the problem.
NOTE: Please do NOT return any product to the Factory without first obtaining a Return Authorization (RA) number. Failure to do so can result in a significant delay in processing your repair. Contact Technical Support to obtain an authorization number. Sensormatic Video Products Division Technical Support (800) 440-5334 (858) 642-2400
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES Video Problems in Live Mode
Live pictures too bright, too dark, bad color or gray tones. Monitor not correctly adjusted. Termination not set correctly. Camera iris is not correctly adjusted. Some cameras are not terminated. Camera iris is not correctly adjusted. Black horizontal lines in picture, picture unstable. One or more camera images do NOT change. Faulty camera sync or video output. VIDEO LOSS ALARM set to OFF, or VIDLOSS message cleared before video loss is fixed. Adjust monitor using gray or color bars, as applicable. Check termination switches on back panel for each camera output. Adjust camera iris using calibrated monitor. Check rear panel switches for each camera, set for 75 ohms. Adjust camera iris using calibrated monitor. Replace affected camera with a known good camera. Change display format, if camera window is blank, check video connections and camera.

SUGGESTED ACTION

Some live pictures too dark. Some live pictures too light.
Video Problems in Tape Mode
Poor pictures, bad color, image unstable. RECORDER STOPPED message on monitor. VCR faulty or requires maintenance. Operator changing operating mode of unit. Perform periodic maintenance and test VCR performance. For tape playback, press play on the VCR.