MLS (MediaLink® Switcher) Port Tab

The MLS Port tab is used to add a MediaLink Switcher (MLS) to your network configuration.  A MediaLink switcher is an A/V switcher used with a MediaLink Controller (MLC) to:

  • Increase the number of available audio/video input ports

  • Enhance the audio controls

  • Simplify the cabling installation

The MLS Port tab is present with the following devices:

  • MLC 226 IP

  • MLC 104 IP Plus

  • MLC 104 IP

  • MLC 104

The procedures below provide instructions to:

Note:  You can add and configure a MediaLink Switcher without a physical switcher connection.  However, the switcher must be physically connected for the GC build and upload process to be successful.

Add a MediaLink switcher

To add a MediaLink switcher to your network configuration:

  1. Select the MLS Port under an MLC device in the IP Link® Tree  window.

The MLS Port tab is displayed (see below).

  1. Select an available auxiliary switcher.

  2. Click the Add button or the green Right Arrow button.

The Add Auxiliary Switcher dialog box opens.  Click OK.

The new auxiliary switcher is now displayed in the Current Auxiliary Switcher (4) section, and in the IP Link Tree window.

Configure a MediaLink switcher

To configure a MediaLink switcher:

  1. Select an auxiliary switcher.

  2. Click the Configure button.

The Configure <switcher> dialog box opens (see below).

The toolbar options are:

  • Refresh – Connects to the attached MediaLink switcher to send or receive current data.

  • Reset – Resets the MediaLink switcher to its factory default state.

  • Exit – Saves and exits the Configure page.

  • Lockout –

  • Unlock – Allows input and volume changes via the MediaLink switcher's front panel.

  • Front Panel – Locks the front panel of the MediaLink switcher so that no input changes can be made.

  • Front Panel & Volume – Locks the front panel and volume control of the MediaLink switcher so that no changes can be made.

Gain / Attenuation Audio Input

Set the gain level for the four audio inputs of the MediaLink switcher.

Global Audio / Video Configuration

Provides Volume, Bass, and Treble controls that affect all of the MediaLink switcher's audio channels.

Provides RGB Delay (aka Triple-Action Switching™).

Triple-Action Switching is when the RGB input signal is muted during switching until the projector has time to sync up to the new image.

This prevents viewers from seeing a scrambled image that may occur during switching. Viewers will instead see a blank screen for the duration of the RGB Delay setting.  The RGB Delay options range from 0 to 5 seconds in 0.5-second increments.

Video Input Configuration

Input ports 3 and 4 of the MediaLink switcher are capable of accepting either RGB (3 or 5 wire) or composite video
(1 wire) inputs.

Use this screen to identify which type of input is present on ports 3 and 4 of the MediaLink switcher.  

Monitor Mode

MediaLink switchers have a local Monitor output connector whose output is dependent on the currently selected input signal type and the Monitor Mode setting.

Options for the Monitor Mode setting are:

  • Mode 1 (aka RGB Follow Mode) – If all configurable inputs are RGB and the selected input is 1, 2, or 3, the highest numbered RGB input signal is present on the Monitor Output connector.

  • Mode 2 (aka Distribution Amplifier Mode) – If any configurable input is S-video or composite video, there is no Monitor output.  If all configurable inputs are set for RGB, the highest numbered input signal is present on the Monitor Output connector.

  • Mode 3 (aka Standard Mode) – If the selected input is S-video or composite video, there is no Monitor Output.  If the selected input is RGB, that RGB signal is routed to the Monitor Output.

The table below summarizes the Monitor Mode options.

IP Link Device

Monitor Mode

Selected Input

Input Condition

Monitor Output

MLS 304MA

MLS 304SA

1 / RGB Follow

 

1 or 2

 

3 & 4 = RGB

Input 4

3 or 4

3 & 4 = RGB

Selected Input

3 or 4

3 or 4 = Composite Video

None

2 / DA

 

any

 

3 & 4 = RGB

Input 4

any

3 or 4 = Composite Video

None

3 / Standard

 

any composite video

 

n/a

None

any RGB

n/a

Selected Input

MLS 406

MLS 406MA

MLS 406SA

1/ RGB Follow

 

1,2, or 3

 

4,5, & 6 = RGB

Input 6

4,5, or 6

4,5, & 6 = RGB

Selected Input

4,5, or 6

4,5, or 6 = S-Video or Composite Video

None

2 / DA

 

any

 

4, 5, & 6 = RGB

Input 6

any

4, 5, or 6 = S-Video or Composite Video

None

3 / Standard

any S-Video or Composite Video

n/a

None

4, 5, or 6

4,5, or 6 = RGB

Selected Input

 

Mixer

MediaLink Switchers have an Aux/Mix input that accepts mono line level audio signals that can be mixed with the current input.  Use the Mixer option to turn the mixed audio function on or off.

  • On

  • Off

 

Loudness

The Loudness control boosts low and high frequencies to compensate for the normal decreased hearing ability of the human ear at low volume levels.  Use this control to turn the Loudness function on or off.

  • On

  • Off

 

Output Mode

  • Stereo

  • Mono

  • Unbalanced -10 dBV

  • Balanced  +4 dBu

 

Audio Mute

  • On

  • Off