Manuals+

Control4 Composer Media Edition User Guide

1. Introduction

Use the Control4® Composer Media Edition (Composer ME) application to set up your media and playlists and perform other tasks related to your music, movies, and videos.

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this document is to give you instructions, examples, and tips about how to add and manage the media for your Control4 system. This document applies to the Control4 Operating System (OS) 2.0 (OS 2.0).

Words that appear in red are either in the Glossary or provide tips, examples, and other important information.

1.2 Related Documents and Resources

Document file name Title and location
Control4 System Quick Start Guide (200-00153) PDF: http://www.control4.com/products/documentation/
Control4 System User Guide (200-00001) PDF: http://www.control4.com/products/documentation/
Help: http://www.control4.com/uploads/help/ComposerHE_UG/Composer_HE_User_Guide.htm
Control4 Composer Home Edition Getting Started (200-00169) Help: Composer HE application
PDF: http://www.control4.com/products/documentation/
Control4 Composer Home Edition User Guide (200-00170) Help: http://www.control4.com/uploads/help/ComposerHE_UG/Composer_HE_User_Guide.htm
Control4 System Remote Control SR-250 User Guide (200-00152) PDF: http://www.control4.com/products/documentation/

1.3 What's New in This Release?

The Control4® Composer Media Edition (Composer ME) software and hardware updates are detailed below.

Note: This document for OS 2.0 has not been updated since Release 1.6.0.

Highlights:

1.3.1 New Media and Hardware Support

1.3.2 New or Updated Sections

1.3.3 Hardware and Software No Longer Supported or Partially Supported

1.3.4 Hardware that Doesn't Support ZigBee Pro

2. Getting Started

Control4® Composer Media Edition (Composer ME) is the software you use to add, scan media, edit media information, and create playlists in the Control4 system for use with the Control4 Navigators. Using a Windows XP-based PC, this program uses a drag-and-drop interface and runs on the Control4 Operating System (OS) Release 2.0 (OS 2.0).

The brains of the Control4 system is the Control4 Controller (Home Controller HC-200, HC-300, or HC-1000 V3). The Controller communicates with Control4 and third-party products to enable home automation and interaction of Control4-controlled devices.

Note: When the term 'Controller' is referenced in this document, it refers to any Control4 product that contains the Director component, such as Home Controller HC-1000 V3.

2.1 Requirements

Control4® Composer ME requires that your system is functioning correctly before attempting to use the software (OS 2.0 and later). Talk to your Control4 Dealer if this product does not function as documented; this may indicate that the Conrol4 system is not set up properly.

Software and network requirements for using Composer ME:

Registration at my.control4.com is required. See your Control4 Dealer or the Control4 System Quick Start Guide for details.

2.2 Installing Composer ME

Follow the steps below to install the Control4® Composer ME software.

2.2.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that you understand the software and network requirements to use this product. Your Control4 Dealer or Installer can assist you if needed.

2.2.2 Procedure

To install Composer ME:

  1. Start the Composer Media Edition installation and follow the on-screen instructions. You might be asked for a registration key. If so, check with your Control4 Installer or Dealer for details.
  2. If prompted to update, follow the on-screen instructions to update to the latest version of Composer ME.

The Composer ME software and device drivers may have been updated when the CD or Web download was created. Control4 recommends, however, that you always choose to update.

2.3 Starting Composer ME

When you start Composer ME, you must connect to Director on your home network.

2.3.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that you have installed Composer ME and registered on my.control4.com. You may want to sign up for and use Rhapsody® also (a subscription-based music service).

2.3.2 Procedure

To start Composer ME:

  1. From the desktop, double-click the Composer ME icon.
  2. At the Composer ME startup screen, click Director on Local Network.

2.4 Refreshing the Navigators

Use the Control4® Composer ME Menu to refresh your Touch Screens, On-Screen Navigators, and System Remote Control whenever you make changes to Composer.

2.4.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that the Navigators are added and identified to the Control4 system. Your Control4 Dealer or Installer can help you do that.

2.4.2 Procedure

To refresh the Navigators:

In case your Navigators do not automatically refresh after you've made changes to Composer ME, from the menu bar, choose File > Refresh Navigators.

Tip: New media shows up automatically in the Navigators unless your device is disconnected or has changed locations. In this case, you may need to identify the device again.

Refer to the Control4 System User Guide to test your Navigator features.

2.5 Closing Composer ME

Use the Control4® Composer ME File > Exit or Exit Composer options to close the application.

Before Composer ME exits, the application asks you if you want to back up your project. It is always good practice to do so.

3. Introducing Composer ME

The Control4® Composer ME interface lets you:

3.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that Composer ME has been installed.

3.2 Procedure

To use Composer ME:

  1. Start Composer ME.
  2. Connect to the Director on Local Network. (See “Director's Dialog" section below.)
  3. View the Media pane (see below).

Composer ME interface:

[Description of Composer ME interface screenshot: Shows the Composer ME application window with a media scanning interface. The left pane lists media types like CD, DVD, Network File Storage, etc. The main area shows media scanning options including schedule, files to scan, and devices. A "Connected" status indicator is visible.]

When you add or scan media (Media Scanning Options), you can then view and select the stored/ broadcast media and playlists from the Touch Screens or On-Screen Navigators: TV monitor, Touch Screens, and System Remote Control (in List format).

3.3 Directors Dialog

After you start the Control4® Composer ME application, the following dialog appears; you need to use the Controller's network address to connect to the Director.

Directors Dialog:

[Description of Directors dialog screenshot: A dialog box titled "Directors" is shown. It contains a table with columns "Name" and "Address". One entry is listed: "c4:control4_director-mc36-Kath..." with address "10.0.0.3". Buttons include "Connect", "Cancel", "Add...", and "Refresh".]

Connecting to a Director on the home network lets you set up your media cover art and metadata on your Controller so it is viewable on the Touch Screens or On-Screen Navigators. Each Director has an associated address.

Director's Dialog buttons:

3.4 Media View

Use the Control4® Composer ME Media view to add or scan your media.

Media view (same view as the main screen after startup):

[Description of Media view screenshot: This is the same as the Composer ME interface screenshot described in section 3.2, showing the Media Scanning Options.]

There are two (2) types of media that can be added or scanned in a Control4 system:

  1. Stored Media
  2. Broadcast Media

Note: The AMG lookup service has been switched to Gracenote®. The Sony 777 Disc Changer uses Gracenote, but the Media Controller can no longer access album, title, or artist information from AMG. CDs, however, can be imported and will show up in the Media database with a date and time stamp.

Other Media Managers: You can use other media managers, for example, iTunes, Windows Media player, and Media Monkey to create MP3s. You can still use Composer ME to add files to the Control4 system.

3.4.1 Stored Media

Media types supported:

3.4.2 Broadcast Media

Media types supported:

3.5 Menu Options

Control4® Composer ME menu options:

3.5.1 File

The File menu lets you perform project file management tasks, connect to Director, start Interviewer, and refresh Composer ME and the Navigators, including the Touch Screen and On-Screen Navigators. The file management options relate to the Composer ME project files you back up on your PC (they have a .c4p extension). Project files always save by default to the 'My Documents' directory.

When you set up a Control4 system, you create live project configuration information on the Controller that is backed up to a project file on your PC. This lists specific information about each system, including devices, connections, configuration, programming information, and media.

3.5.2 Media

From the Media menu, the media either has been scanned or manually added to the Media Database. After an item is added to the Media Database, the cover art and metadata about the media is viewable and selectable from any of the Navigators.

Tip: Control4 recommends that you use the Export Media List (see below) feature which lists of all your media saved to the hard drive on your PC.

The following options are available:

3.5.3 Help

From the Help menu, you can access the online help of this Composer ME User Guide with Index, Glossary, and Search options, or check the version of your Composer software and Director component.

4. Setting Up Media and Playlists

Before you can view and select your media from the Control4® Navigators, the Control4 system needs to be able to recognize it. So you first need to add and scan your media to the Controller using the Composer ME Media view. See “Auto-Scan Media in Composer ME” in this document.

To add and scan songs and albums for playlists, they must be available in MP3, AAC, or FLAC format on a PC, Controller, or network share. With the MP3, AAC, or FLAC files you add and scan, you can create playlists and save them either to the Controller's hard drive or a network storage drive.

Tip: Composer ME requires that your system is functioning correctly before using your media. For example, if a Disc Changer does not appear in the left pane of the Media view, there's no Disc Changer in the system to add media to it. Contact your Control4 Dealer if this is the case.

4.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that the appropriate devices have been added and identified to your Control4 system. Your Control4 Dealer or Installer can do this for you.

4.2 Procedure

To add and scan available Digital Audio Player media:

  1. Start Composer ME and connect to Director.
  2. In the Controller pane, click Add.

Tip: If you get a dialog box that states you cannot add media, make sure your Control4 Installer or Dealer has identified your Controller for you.

  1. Browse to the directory of music files that you want to add or scan.

After the files have been added, the scan automatically starts. In a few moments, the media is scanned and you will see a list of albums appear. You might see the On-Screen Navigator update during this process also.

Tip: Another way to add files from a network share to a Controller is to go to the Windows Start menu, and select Run. Type ///media/audio/music// and copy the files there.

  1. Refresh your Navigators.
  2. The media is now selectable for viewing from the Touch Screens, On-Screen Navigators, and System Remote Control.

4.3 Setting Up Media on a CD or Disc Changer

When setting up a Control4® Disc Changer (or CD Changer), you can add and scan media according to the controls available on your Disc Changer. Adding and scanning populates the media information to the Media Database, which lets you view the media from your Touch Screens, On-Screen Navigators, and System Remote Control.

Notes:

The AMG c4lookup service from previous releases has been changed to Gracenote® and Control4 has not implemented a UI for browsing CDs stored in a Disc Changer in OS 2.0. Use an older navigator (prior to OS 2.0) that supports this functionality if this is important to you.

Other Media Managers: You can use other media managers, for example, iTunes, Windows Media player, and Media Monkey to create MP3s. You can still use Composer ME and Composer HE to add files to Control4.

THE SONY 777 DISC CHANGER USES GRACENOTE, BUT THE MEDIA CONTROLLER CAN NO LONGER ACCESS ALBUM, TITLE, OR ARTIST INFORMATION FROM AMG (THE PREVIOUS LOOKUP SERVICE). CDS, HOWEVER, CAN BE IMPORTED AND WILL SHOW UP IN THE MEDIA DATABASE WITH A DATE AND TIME STAMP.

In the Media pane, if you select CD or Disc Changer, the following options are available. In some cases, you select an entry and click a button, or just click one of these buttons (Search and Scan):

The following steps show how to add media to the Media Database using these options.

4.3.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that the CD or Disc Changer has been added and identified in the Control4 system. Your Control4 Dealer or Installer can do this for you.

4.3.2 Procedures

To scan media on a CD Changer to the Media Database:

  1. Select the CD Changer in the Media pane.
  2. In the Disc Changer pane (right pane), click Scan.
  3. The scan results appear in the Discs pane. After you refresh your Navigators, you are ready to play music.

To search media on a Disc Changer to add to the Media Database:

  1. In the Disc Changer pane, click Search. The search dialog appears.
  2. Type the DVD name in the blank box. For example, type 'A Beautiful Mind,' and then click Search. The 'DVD Title' matches appear in the Search Results window.
  3. Use the scrollbar if necessary to find the appropriate DVD title.
  4. Select the DVD title, drag it directly over the empty line item in the Disc Changer list, and then select it.
  5. Click Finished.
  6. Repeat the previous steps for the DVDs/CDs in the Disc Changer that you want to add to the Media Database.
  7. Refresh your Navigators. The media you added is now available to view in the Navigators.

To add and search using the New DVD or New CD options:

  1. Select CD or Disc Changer in the Media pane.
  2. Select an 'empty' line item for the New DVD and New CD buttons to appear.
  3. Click either New DVD or New CD as appropriate.
  4. The New Movie or New Album dialog appears. In the Title box, enter the DVD you want to play, for example: 'A Beautiful Mind.'
  5. Click Search.

4.4 Setting Up Videos for a Media Player

[Description of New DVD dialog and Search Results screenshot: The "New DVD" dialog shows fields for Title, Director, Studio, Genre, Run Time, Released, Rating, and Art. A "Search..." button is present. Below this, a "Search Results" window lists several entries for "A Beautiful Mind" with associated genres like "Drama".]

[Description of detailed DVD results screenshot: A dialog box shows detailed information for "A Beautiful Mind [P&S Awards Edition] [2 Discs]", including Title, Director (Ron Howard), Studio (DreamWorks), Genre (Drama), Run Time (136), Released (2001), Rating (PG13), Art (image of movie poster), and Cast/Synopsis. It notes content provided by All Media Guide, LLC.]

[Description of New CD dialog screenshot: A dialog box titled "New Album" shows fields for Album, Tracks, and Notes. Fields include Name, Artist, Label, Genre, and Year. An "Art" section indicates "No Artwork Available" and provides options to "Find Art File..." or "Paste From Clipboard". Buttons include "OK" and "Cancel".]

Note: If no cover art is found in the file's metadata, then no cover art is associated with the music unless the system is registered in 4Sight, and you can go to the online media lookup (Media view > Edit > Name > Search > Select > Next) to obtain the cover art for your music. Check with your Control4 Dealer or Installer for details.

Your Control4® Dealer or Installer can help you get set up to play videos on your Control4 Media Player. Your videos must already exist on a network-attached storage drive before they can be scanned for the Media Player.

For information about scanning files for the Media Player, see the Control4 Media Player Installation and Setup Guide or the Control4 Media Player User Guide.

4.5 Auto-Scan Media in Composer ME

This section applies to a Sony CX777ES Disc Changer.

The benefits of running a Control4® Disc Changer with bi-directional communications (RS-232), for example, Sony CX777ES, is that you can scan your DVDs or CDs stored in the Disc Changer to identify, index, and automatically apply cover art and media information. You can have your Control4 Dealer or Installer configure your Control4 system in Composer ME to scan media automatically, or you can set a manual scan using the Scan button. The default is to scan media manually.

Notes:

  1. If you scan a DVD or CD, and the media is not recognized, it will be titled “unknown.” You can edit the DVD or CD's metadata and manually provide this information from either Composer ME or the Navigators. If this DVD or CD is then changed to a different slot, the system will apply this same information.
  2. Because media scanning has been moved to the background, the scanning status is only available through Director status messages. To do this, you can either watch the Director status line or re-select the media to view the content that has been scanned.
  3. Composer ME does not need to be open to scan media. This lets you use other media managers (iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc.).

4.5.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that the devices you want to scan have been added and identified in the Control4 system. Your Control4 Dealer or Installer can do this for you.

If you want to schedule regular scans, ensure that your network-attached storage is set up and is accessible from Composer ME.

4.5.2 Procedure

To schedule a regular scan of media from a network-attached device for a Media Player, for example:

  1. From the Composer ME main screen, select Media Scanning Options. To scan your media now (and not set up a scheduled scan), click Scan Now and skip the Scanning Schedule in Step 2.
  2. In the Options pane, set the schedule as follows:
    • Scanning Schedule. Select one.
    • Never. Select if you never want to schedule an automatic scan.
    • Every x Days or Weeks (up to 10). Select the frequency to scan.
    • On the following days. Select Sunday through Saturday.
    • At <time>. Use the up and down arrows to select the time. Highlight AM or PM and type the value: AM or PM.
    • Files To Scan. Select a device and extension.
    • Network File Storage. Select if you have a NAS you want to scan.
    • USB Drive. The manufacturer's USB drive appears here. Select if you have a USB drive you want to scan.
    • Extensions. Use the up and down arrows to choose the file type to add or remove. To add a file extension if it doesn't appear in the list, use the down arrow to select the extension, select Video or Audio, and then click Add. Click Remove to remove that file type from the list.
    • Use Online Media Lookup to improve scan results. Check if you don't want the search to access the Internet for every format lookup, for example, a specific title or cover art.

      Tip: Properly tagged files will result in must faster access.

    • Remove media from the database if the files no longer exist. Check to remove database information when a media file has been deleted. Be careful, however, because if for example you disconnect a USB drive with media on it, the database files will delete them if checked, and you may not want to delete them if you use the drive again.
    • Update media database if file tags have changed. Check to have the database updated if the metadata changes.
  3. Click Apply.
  4. Click Scan Now to start the scan immediately or Stop Scan if you've started the scan and want to stop it.

4.6 Testing the Media Connection

To test control of media through the Control4® Navigators (System Remote Control, On-Screen Navigator, LCD Navigator, or Touch Screens), use the steps outlined in the Control4 System User Guide.

Suggested test items:

4.7 Setting Up Media for Television Stations

Use the Control4® Composer ME Media view to set up a broadcast television station and listings for display in the Navigators.

4.7.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that your television is added and identified in the Control4 system. Your Control4 Dealer or Installer can help you do that.

4.7.2 Procedure

To set up media for broadcast television channels:

  1. Highlight UHF/VHF or another broadcast media type.
  2. Click Search.
  3. When the dialog appears, type your zip code in the box.
  4. Click Search, and use the pull-down menu to select Local Broadcast Listings. The available channels are populated according to the Search Results.
  5. Check the boxes to select the desired channels that you want to appear on the Touch Screens, On-Screen Navigators, and System Remote Control.
  6. Click OK.

[Description of Search dialog for TV stations: A dialog box titled "Search" shows fields for Zip code, Provider (NTSC (analog) Broadcast), and a "Search Results" table. The table lists channel names (e.g., WDYRLP), Channel #, Description, Genre, Rating, and Audio Only status. Checkboxes are present for selecting channels. Buttons include "Select All", "OK", and "Cancel".]

The selected stations populate in the UHF/VHF pane. You can edit the information as needed; add a description, genre, etc.

(Optional) To edit a channel, select the channel, and click Edit. The following dialog appears.

[Description of Edit dialog for UHF/VHF channels: A dialog box titled "Edit" shows fields for Name, Channel, Description, Genre, and Art. It also shows "No Artwork Available" and options to "Find Art File..." or "Paste From Clipboard". Buttons include "OK" and "Cancel".]

Edit the information and click OK.

Refresh your Navigators. The media can now be selected to view in the Navigators.

4.8 Setting Up Media for Radio Stations

Use the Control4® Composer ME Media view to set up radio station listings to display on the Navigators.

4.8.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that your devices are added and identified in the Control4 system. Your Control4 Dealer or Installer can do that for you.

4.8.2 Procedure

To set up media for radio stations:

  1. Under Broadcast, select the radio type: AM Radio, FM Radio, or XM Radio.
  2. Click Search.
  3. When the dialog appears, type your zip code in the box.
  4. Click Search again. Use the pull-down menu to select AM Broadcast Stations or FM Broadcast Stations if applicable. The available stations are populated in the Search Results window.

[Description of Search dialog for radio stations: A dialog box titled "Search" shows fields for Zip code, Provider (AM Broadcast Stations), and a "Search Results" table. The table lists station Name, Channel #, Description, Genre, Rating, and Audio Only status. Checkboxes are present for selecting stations. Buttons include "Select All", "OK", and "Cancel".]

Check the boxes to select the desired stations that you want to appear on the Touch Screens, On-Screen Navigators, and System Remote Control for that radio type.

Click OK.

The selected stations display in the AM or FM Radio pane.

(Optional) To edit a station, select the station, and then click Edit.

[Description of Edit dialog for AM radio: A dialog box titled "AM Radio" shows fields for Name, Channel, Description, and Genre. It also shows "No Artwork Available" and options to "Find Art File..." or "Paste From Clipboard". Buttons include "OK" and "Cancel".]

Edit the information, and then click OK.

Refresh your Navigators.

Repeat Steps 1-5 for each radio broadcast (AM, FM, XM) you want to set up. Set up each one separately. The media is now ready to view in the Navigators for selection.

4.9 Using External Storage Devices

Access digital music from an external storage device attached to your Control4® system. External storage devices include USB flash drives, USB external hard drives, or a PC's hard drive located on the home network. Set up your music according to the external storage device and networked file storage as described here.

Note: When you remove the external drive (network, USB, etc.), the music is no longer available. To access the music again, re-attach the external storage device, and refresh your Navigators.

4.9.1 Prerequisites

External storage devices must have media stored in unprotected MP3, AAC, or FLAC formats.

4.9.2 Procedures

To attach and scan external storage devices using a USB connection:

  1. Power on the external storage device.
  2. Use the documentation provided with your Controller to attach the external hard drive to the USB port.
  3. After connecting the external storage device, scan the music on the external device connected to the Controller to make it available on the Control4 system. Highlight the Controller to which the external device is connected.
  4. Click the Media view.
  5. In the view, select the external storage device.
  6. Click Scan. When scanning, the media appears as it is located on the Controller.

Note: You can add media from the external storage device when connected to the Controller, however, Control4 recommends that you connect your external drive directly to the PC where you want to copy media.

To access and scan the network-shared storage devices:

  1. Use the documentation provided with your operating system to create a shared network drive. Example: Using Windows XP to make a local C:/ Drive directory available on the network, right-click the folder and select Sharing and Security. Click Share this folder.
  2. Configure the username, password, and workgroup (or domain) for the network file share. This information varies between types; contact your Control4 Dealer or Installer if you need help with this information.
  3. Highlight the Network File Storage object.
  4. Click Add or Scan.

4.10 Setting Up Playlists

Use the Control4® Composer ME Media view to set up a playlist to play songs and albums from your Touch Screens, On-Screen Navigators, and System Remote Control.

4.10.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that the appropriate audio devices are added and identified on the Control4 system. Ensure that you have scanned your media in the Digital Audio player. Your Control4 Dealer or Installer can help you do this.

4.10.2 Procedure

Playlists are designed exclusively for streaming media in Digital Audio. If you subscribe to the Rhapsody® Music Service, then Rhapsody playlists can be created using a Navigator. In OS 2.0, playlists can include CDs/DVDs, broadcast channels or stations, but they are a separate playlist from those in Rhapsody.

Note: To set up a Rhapsody subscription on behalf of the user or yourself, obtain a Rhapsody account at http://www.control4.com/rhapsody, and then refer to the information found in the Control4 System User Guide.

To create a playlist:

  1. From the Media menu, select New Playlist.
  2. A 'New' playlist appears. You can rename it now, or later you can right-click and select Rename Playlist to change the name. Example: Change New to Frank's Playlist.
  3. Drag the list of songs to the playlist.
  4. (Optional) Have your Control4 Dealer or Installer add any albums or songs you want to the playlist. See Control4 System User Guide for details.
  5. Create, edit and play songs from your playlists using your Touch Screens or On-Screen Navigators.

To delete albums or songs from the playlist:

  1. After you add the albums, select the playlist that contains the songs to delete.
  2. Right-click on the songs you don't want in your playlist, and select Delete.

Tip: To remove multiple songs, press Shift, select the songs, and then right-click Delete.

4.11 Editing Media Information

Use the Control4® Composer ME Media view to edit CD or DVD media information. You can edit media information also on the Touch Screens or On-Screen Navigators.

4.11.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that the appropriate media devices have been added and identified to the Control4 system. Your Control4 Dealer or Installer can help you do this.

4.11.2 Procedure

To edit CD information:

  1. In the Media view, double-click the device on which you want to edit a CD, such as a CD Changer, Disc Changer, Controller or Digital Audio.
  2. Click the Edit button, or double-click the media under <Media> Title.
  3. To edit and enter any changes, click the Album tab (for music), for example. Edit the information in the boxes under Name, Artist, Label or Genre. Click the Tracks and Notes tabs to view and edit Track Titles and Notes. Click Find Art File or Remove Art to change the cover art. When finished, click OK.
  4. Click one of the Search buttons next to the Name to search the database for similar entries.
  5. To select a search result, select the album Title and double-click, or click Next. At the next screen, view and edit the album information, including Name, Artist/Composer, Label, Genre, Year, Art, and Notes.
  6. Make your changes, and click Finished. To return to the previous screens, click Back.

To edit DVD information:

  1. In the Media view, select the Disc Changer or DVD, and then select a movie.
  2. Click the Edit button, or double-click the title under Discs.
  3. Click the Movie tab. Edit the Title, Director, Studio, Genre, Run Time, Release date and Rating as desired.
  4. Click the Cast and Synopsis tab. Click in the Cast and Synopsis boxes to make the desired changes.
  5. Click the Movie tab.
  6. Click Search to search the database for other DVDs.
  7. Double-click the desired DVD, and edit the information as desired according to the previous steps.
  8. When you are finished, click Finished.

5. Other Composer ME Tasks

Use the Control4® Composer ME to perform other media-related tasks (see the sections below).

5.1 Clearing a Media List

Use the Control4® Composer ME Media menu to clean out information (metadata) about albums and songs.

5.1.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that media has been added and identified to the Control4 system. Your Control4 Dealer or Installer can help you do that.

5.1.2 Procedure

To clear a media list:

  1. Select the device on which you want to clear the media information. Example: Digital Audio.
  2. From the Media menu, select Clear Media List. This removes the information including the title, Cover Art, and related information from the Media Database.

Note: This option does not remove the media files.

5.2 Exporting a Media List

Use the Control4® Composer ME Media menu to export a media list from your Media Database to your PC.

5.2.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that the device to export to and the media have been added and identified in the Control4 system. Your Control4 Dealer or Installer can help you with that.

5.2.2 Procedure

To export the Media List:

  1. Select the device on which you want to export the Media List. Example: Digital Audio.
  2. From the Media menu, select Export Media List.

This saves a copy of the file that contains all the title art and information from the Media Database to your PC.

IMPORTANT: This option moves the media files.

5.3 Importing a Media List

Use the Control4® Composer ME Media menu to import a media list from your PC to your Controller's Media Database.

5.3.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that the device to export to and the media have been added and identified to the Control4 system. Your Control4 Dealer or Installer can help you with that.

5.3.2 Procedure

To import the Media List from your PC to the Media Database:

  1. Select the device on which you want to import the Media List. Example: Digital Audio.
  2. From the Media menu, select Import Media List.

This saves a copy of the file that contains all the title art and information from your PC to your Controller's Media Database.

IMPORTANT: This option does not move the media files.

5.4 Updating Composer ME

Use Control4® Composer ME to update the software to a new version.

You can update three (3) ways:

  1. Help menu
  2. Windows Start menu
  3. Run the Composer ME install

5.4.1 Prerequisites

Ensure that Composer ME has been installed on your PC.

5.4.2 Procedure

To update Composer ME:

  1. Update according to these options.
    • From the Help menu, select Check for Updates.
    • From the Windows Start menu, select Start > All Programs > Control4 > Composer > Update Composer.
    • Run the installation.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

6. Glossary

4Sight:

An Internet service that provides a connection to the Home-Automation System any time and from any place worldwide.

AAC:

Advanced Audio Coding. A successor to the MP3 format. A standard, lossy compression and encoding scheme for digital audio. Touts better sound quality.

AV:

Audio Video

CD:

(Compact Disc) - An optical disc that stores digital data. This format is compatible with Control4 products.

Composer:

The Control4 software used to design and define a Control4 Home-Automation System.

Composer Pro:

Composer is used to set up and configure Control4 devices to communicate with each other in a Home-Automation System.

connection:

Binding or linking devices together in Composer so they can communicate with each other.

contact:

Contacts are generally used to monitor the status of something (door, window, water sensor, etc.) and can be hooked up through a security panel or directly using a Control4 Controller or Contact/Relay Extender. Contacts connected to a Control4 Controller or Contact/Relay Extender can be configured either as NC (normally closed) or NO (normally open).

Control4 system:

A Home-Automation System designed and developed by Control4.

Controller:

The main device that makes Home Automation possible. There may be multiple Controllers within a Control4 system. The Controller that runs Director is referred to as the Primary Controller.

device:

A component that requires a device driver; code that is used to allow the Control4 system to work with that device.

device driver:

Every device in the Control4 system needs a corresponding device driver to control the device.

Digital Audio Player:

Provides digital audio streaming capabilities from a Controller with hard disk space for music and movies.

Director:

Each Control4 Controller (such as a Home Controller HC-500) ships with pre-installed Director software (Linux based) embedded in the device. The Director communicates with Control4 products and third-party products to enable Home Automation and interaction of individual devices. Director runs the Control4 devices. Composer Pro is the software used to connect to and program a system Director that resides on a Controller.

DVD:

(Digital Versatile Disc) – A media format for video and data storage.

E

Ethernet:

Uses Ethernet category 5 (CAT5 or CAT5e) wiring to transfer data. Ethernet uses a star network topology that allows multiple points to communicate to a single point. The Speaker Point® and Mini Touch Screens use Ethernet to communicate to the Control4 Controller.

file format:

A format used by applications to store/read files.

FLAC:

Supported by Control4 for software release 1.8, this is a free, open source, lossless audio codec format that supports tagging, cover art and fast seeking. Audio is compressed with no loss in quality.

H

home network:

A network installed in the customer's home that provides an Ethernet or wireless connection so that Control4 devices can communicate with each other.

Home-Automation System:

The Control4 system: a line of Home Automation products that communicate with each other over Ethernet, WiFi, or ZigBee for a total Home Automation experience.

L

LCD:

(Lighted Crystal Display) - A display used with some Control4 interfaces.

LCD Navigator:

An LCD device used to control lighting, music, videos, etc., on an LCD screen.

List Navigator:

A System Remote Control device uses a Navigator that lists the options.

M

Media Database:

Media information is stored in the Media Database, which will permit users to view the media from the Navigators.

metadata:

The information that describes the media: title, cover art, artist, song or movie, genre, etc.

MP3:

A music format that makes streaming audio available.

N

Navigator:

A Control4 Navigator used with the Control4 system to control lights, music, videos, etc. Navigator is software that the customer interacts with using a Universal Remote Control, On-Screen Navigator, Touch Screen, or LCD Screen.

network-attached storage:

A hard drive or network share drive that can be attached to the Control4 system and used to retrieve and play music and movies in the system.

O

On-Screen Device:

Allows you to select the controller (Media Controller or Home Theater Controller) in the room that controls the source for the on-screen display.

P

playlist:

A list of songs compiled in a list. The list can be compiled by songwriter, album, song type, or any combination.

programming:

A machine-readable artificial language used to express computations that can be performed by a device.

project tree:

A tree view in Composer where the project is layered by the larger branches (Home, Office, etc.) and then the lower branches (floor, rooms, etc.), and finally to the leaf level (drivers).

R

Remote Director:

Connects you to the home network while working in Composer from a remote location.

S

scan:

An electronic read of media for replay on Control4 devices.

switch:

An extension of a router that adds more Ethernet ports to support additional devices or clients on the local network.

System Remote Control:

A Control4 System Remote Control is a universal solution that replaces System Remote Control devices from other manufacturers, and includes programmable buttons. This System Remote Control can access on-screen (Graphical) Navigators.

T

Touch Screen:

A Touch Screen is a Home-Automation System Navigator that controls the home's lighting, music, videos, and other devices on the Home-Automation System.

U

USB:

Universal Serial Bus) - A format used with USB sticks that plug in to a USB port on Control4 devices.

V

Virtual Connection:

A term used in Composer Pro to indicate a connection outside the network.

Virtual Director:

A connection to a virtual Controller only (a PC is the Director host rather than the Controller). Projects created or edited here are benign until the saved project is loaded onto a Controller.

W

WiFi:

Uses bi-directional wireless technology to transfer data. WiFi (wireless fidelity) devices “connect” to each other by transmitting and receiving signals on a specific frequency of the radio band using a wireless access point. This technology uses the star network topology. WiFi uses high bandwidth 802.11.

WMA:

(Windows Media Audio) – Audio data compression technology developed at Microsoft; an audio file format that competes with MP3.

Z

ZigBee:

A wireless network that uses bi-directional wireless mesh network technology to transfer messages from one device to another. Unlike a star network topology where devices can only send messages to each other by sending them first to a single central device (which then delivers the message to the recipient device), a mesh network topology allows the devices to forward messages from one device to another, thereby extending the effective range of the network. Uses low bandwidth 802.15.4. 250 devices are allowed per controller but Control4 recommends 125.

ZigBee Pro:

The 1.1 version of ZigBee that provides improvements in standardization by: allowing more interoperability with other Control4 devices, support for home automation profiles, and improves the scalability of multiple ZigBee access points.

7. Index

4Store, 7

AAC, 13

AAC format, 7

Add Director, 14

Add new CD, 21

Add new DVD, 21

Album tab, 32

AM radio, add, 28

AM/FM/XM, 16

AMG, 7

AMG lookup, 15

Audio products, and ZigBee Pro, 8

Broadcast media, scan, 15

Broadcast television selection, 27

Cable TV, 16

CD, 15

CD Changer, scan media, 21

CD Changer, set up media, 19

CD, add new, 20, 24

CD, edit information, 32

Clear Media List, 17

Composer ME interface, 11

Composer ME, get started, 9

Composer ME, update, 34

Composer, close, 12

Composer, refresh Navigators, 12

Connect to Director, 14, 16

Contact Information, 2

Copyright, 2

Cover Art, find, 32

Cover Art, not found, 25

Create playlist, 31

Delete media, 20

Delete Playlist, 17

Delete songs from playlist, 31

Digital Audio, 15

Digital Audio player, 31

Direct TV, 16

Director, startup, 11

Directors dialog, 14

Disc Changer, 15

Disc Changer pane, 21

Disc Changer, set up media, 19

Disclaimer, 2

Disconnect from Director, 16

Discs pane, 21

Dish Network, 16

DVD, 15

DVD, add new, 20, 22

DVD, edit information, 32

Edit metadata, 20

Exit Composer, 12, 16

Export Media List, 17

Export Playlists, 17

File extension, add, 26

File menu, 16

File tags, 17

Find cover art, 32

FLAC, 13

Flash interface, 7

FM radio stations, add, 28

GNU, 2

Gracenote, 2

Gracenote lookup service, 15

Gracenote online media lookup service, 8

Hard disk requirements, 9

Hardware not supported, 8

Hardware, and ZigBee Pro, 9

HDD, 15

Help menu, 16

Import DVD List from File, 17

Import Media List, 17

Import Playlists, 17

Installation, 10

IO Extender, 7

iTunes, 8

Legal Notice, 2

Local Broadcast Listings, 27

Media Auto-Scan, 25

Media Controller limitations, 15

Media database, 15

Media Database, scanning and adding to, 19

Media file tags, 17

Media list, clear, 33

Media list, export, 33

Media list, import, 34

Media menu, 16

Media Monkey, 8

Media pane, 20

Media Player, 25

Media Player, and NAS, 25

Media Player, scanning files, 25

Media scanning, status messages, 25

Media view, 14

Media, remove, 26

Memory requirements, 9

Menu options, 16

Movie tab, 32

Movie, add new, 22

MP3, 13

MPEG, 2

MR3, 8

Music, add new, 24

Network file storage, 15

Network requirements, 9

Network share, access, 30

New media, 7

New Playlist, 17

Playlist, create new, 31

Playlist, delete songs, 31

Processor requirements, 9

Purpose of document, 6

Radio stations, add, 28

Refresh Composer ME, 12

Refresh Director list, 14

Refresh Navigators, 16

Refresh screen, 16

Related Documents, 6

Remove media, 26

Rename Playlist, 17

Requirements, 9

Rhapsody, 31

Scan media, 14, 20

Scan Now, 26

Scanning

iTunes, 25

Schedule, 26

USB drive, 26

Windows Media Player, 25

Search dialog, 24

Search Results window, 24

Software not supported, 8

Software requirements, 9

Sony Disc Changer, auto-scan, 25

Start Composer ME, 10

Stop Scan, 26

Stored media, scan, 15

Test media, 26

UHF/VHF, 16, 27

UHF/VHF pane, 28

Unprotected format, media storage devices, 30

USB drive

scan, 26

using, 30

USB port, 30

Video requirements, 9

What's new, 7

Windows 7, 9

Windows Media Player, 8

Windows Vista, 9

Windows XP, 9

WMA, 13

WMA format, 7

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