Introduction
The Audio Authority® 1800 Soundbar Demonstrator adds CEC volume control to interactive soundbar displays and LED lighting control to synchronize LEDs with product selections. It allows demonstration of three soundbars using digital (optical) audio, with an option for rear speakers connected to the amplified outputs of the 1800. Control is available via RS-232 using any compatible device, such as a Brightsign® Model XD1033 media player.
Features
- Digital audio switching for three soundbars.
- Volume control via CEC (HDMI connection).
- Synchronize lighting with soundbar selections (lights not included).
- RS-232 control port (RS-232 adapter cables are available from Audio Authority).
- 6 watt analog audio amplifier for rear speakers.
This device is compatible with Brightsign® media players.
Diagram: 1800 Soundbar Demonstrator Rear Panel
The rear panel of the 1800 Soundbar Demonstrator features the following ports and indicators:
- POWER INPUT: For connecting the 12V DC power adapter.
- POWER LED: Indicates power status.
- POWER BUS: Provides power output for other compatible devices.
- LED OUTPUTS 1, 2, 3: Ports for connecting LEDs.
- SPEAKER OUTPUT LEFT / RIGHT: Terminals for connecting left and right rear speakers.
- RS-232 CONTROL: Port for RS-232 communication.
- FIRMWARE UPDATE: Port for firmware updates.
- MICRO SD CARD: Slot for SD card.
- DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT: Optical audio input for the primary audio source.
- DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUTS 1, 2, 3: Optical audio outputs for connecting to soundbars.
- CEC CONTROL SOUNDBAR 1, 2, 3 HDMI CABLE: HDMI ports for CEC control signals to soundbars.
- ANALOG AUDIO INPUT: 3.5mm stereo input for analog audio sources.
- ANALOG GAIN SWITCH: Selects the gain level (Low, Med, High) for the analog audio amplifier.
Package Contents
Before installing this product, please check the packaging and make certain the following items are contained in the shipping carton:
- 1800 Soundbar Demonstrator
- 12V 3A DC power adapter
An example of a custom overlay touch panel (TS04 and serial to system bus adapter sold separately) and an LED lit shelf is shown for illustrative purposes.
Port Descriptions
CEC Control
The CEC Control Out 1-3 ports pass manufacturer CEC commands, such as Volume Up and Volume Down, over HDMI cables to up to three soundbars. CEC commands may not be compatible with all soundbar brands; refer to soundbar manufacturers for correct commands, and test before deployment.
Diagram: Close-up of CEC OUT ports labeled CEC OUT 3, CEC OUT 2, CEC OUT 1.
RS-232 Control
The RS-232 Control port connects via modular RS-232 to any compatible device. RX is located on pin 3, TX on pin 6, and GND on pin 7.
Diagram: Close-up of RS-232 CONTROL port with pinout labels: GND (PIN 7), TX (PIN 6), RX (PIN 3).
12V DC Power
Connect the 12V power adapter to the Power Input port. The Power Bus Out may be used to power more Audio Authority compatible devices within the power supply's capacity by using an 801-077 power extension cable. The Power LED is visible from the side view.
Diagram: Close-up of power-related ports: POWER BUS, POWER LED, POWER INPUT.
Analog Audio
In an application with passive rear speakers, the following connections are made:
- Speaker Outputs: Connect speaker wiring to speaker terminal blocks securely, observing proper polarity (positive [+] and negative [-]).
- Analog Audio Input (fixed): Connect a 3.5mm stereo cable to this jack.
- Analog Gain Switch: The gain can be set to Low (1.5W), Med (3W), or High (6W) to match the rear speaker volume with the soundbar at maximum volume.
Diagram: Close-up of analog audio ports: SPEAKER RIGHT, SPEAKER LEFT, ANALOG INPUT, ANALOG GAIN SWITCH.
Digital Audio Input / Soundbar Outputs 1-3
Connect an optical cable from the audio source to the Digital Audio Input of the 1800. Connect an optical cable from each Digital Audio Output (1, 2, and 3) to the corresponding soundbar's optical input.
Diagram: Close-up of digital audio ports: DIGITAL INPUT, DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUTS 1, 2, 3.
LEDs
Connect LEDs (not provided) to the corresponding output ports on the Model 1800. Observe correct polarity when connecting to LED strips or bars. The LED output is driven by the power supply with a maximum of 1 amp.
| LEDs | Bar or Strip Length | Typical mA Draw |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 11.8 in | 210-565* |
| 60 | 23.6 in | 355-955* |
*Variance depends on wavelength and LED intensity.
Diagram: Close-up of LED output ports: LED 3, LED 2, LED 1.
RS-232 Commands
The RS-232 ports pass communications through to other serial devices at a 9600 Baud rate. Serial commands are shown in the table below. All commands are capitalized and must be terminated by a carriage return (
) to trigger an action. RS-232 adapter cables are available from Audio Authority: PN 801-373 (3.5mm to RJ-45) and PN 801-249 (RJ-45 to DB9).
Example String: Query the volume setting for sound bar position 2.
A2
VQ
| COMMAND | RESULT |
|---|---|
| A1 | LED 1 Output on, switch CEC control and SPDIF output to position 1*. |
| A2 | LED 2 Output on, switch CEC control and SPDIF output to position 2*. |
| A3 | LED 3 Output on, switch CEC control and SPDIF output to position 3*. |
| CA1 | Activate CEC on position 1 only (keep awake/status checks)*. |
| CA2 | Activate CEC on position 2 only (keep awake/status checks)*. |
| CA3 | Activate CEC on position 3 only (keep awake/status checks)*. |
| M0 or M1 | Turn 3.5mm Audio Input off or Input on. |
| LO1 or LF1 | Activate or deactivate LED Light output 1. |
| LO2 or LF2 | Activate or deactivate LED Light output 2. |
| LO3 or LF3 | Activate or deactivate LED Light output 3. |
| CAO1 or CAF1 | Activate or deactivate CEC on position 1. |
| CAO2 or CAF2 | Activate or deactivate CEC on position 2. |
| CAO3 or CAF3 | Activate or deactivate CEC on position 3. |
| A01 or AF1 | Activate or deactivate SPDIF output 1. |
| AO2 or AF2 | Activate or deactivate SPDIF output 2. |
| AO3 or AF3 | Activate or deactivate SPDIF output 3. |
| TO | Deactivate all LEDs, disable all CEC, and all SPDIF outputs. |
| VQ | Query the volume level of the selected soundbar. |
*Only one soundbar position may be active at a time.
The CEC commands follow the structure 'CEC' + <CEC command> + '
'.
Example String: Send a volume up command to position 1 sound bar, using CEC command 05:44:41.
A1
CEC05:44:41
Note: CEC commands may not be compatible with all soundbar brands; refer to soundbar manufacturers for correct commands, and test before deployment.
Installation
- Attach the 1800 to a flat surface with the screws provided.
- Connect RS-232 cable from the 1800 to the control device or touch panel.
- Connect HDMI cables from the 1800 to soundbars for CEC control.
- Connect a digital audio source to the 1800 (also connect analog audio if rear speakers are present).
- Connect digital audio output cables from the 1800 to audio soundbar optical inputs.
- Connect LED (and speaker) wires to terminals securely, observing polarity.
- Connect the 12V power adapter to AC power, then to the 1800 power port.
- For questions not addressed in this manual, contact Audio Authority.
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