The new software upgrade offers additional support for a wide array of devices, including monitors, routers, projectors and lighting consoles. It also features improvements to a number of existing features and expanded functionality. Beta versions of UDC 3.2.3 are available now; the official release is expected this fall.
Support for new devices leads the extensive list of selling points for UDC 3.2.3. “It marks a pretty big expansion of the roster,” says sales engineer Drew Taylor. “It’s been almost entirely driven by customers who want specific device control and by the need to support additional types of control protocols, such as infrared remote control (IR) and contact closure.”
Among the new devices supported by the software release are:
*LG LCD monitors
*Avitech multiviewers
*Vista Systems URS
*PowerPoint PCs
*Global Cache IR and contact closure devices
*Kiss-Box contact closure and IP-to-serial devices
*Blackmagic Videohub routers
*Barco MatrixPRO routers
*Barco ImagePRO signal processors
*Barco Encore presentation systems
*BrightSign Digital Signage playback
*PESA matrix IP and serial routers
*Abekas Mira broadcast video servers
*Synchromesh video servers
*ETC lighting consoles under UDP Ethernet or serial control
*Opengear IP-to-power strip controllers
*Canon projectors
In addition, improvements to a group of feature sets provide greater efficiency and functionality for UDC-400 users.
The new software also includes an improved TCP engine to support all types of TCP devices, while improved DMX and ArtNet translation enhances capabilities that users are employing on major live shows and broadcasts.
An improved web server feature promises better sizing and scaling of controller interfaces on iPad, Android and Windows plus improved speed and reliability and additional web server security. New multiple user functionality and access support for the web server also holds promise for various applications, Taylor says. There’s also a new automatic refresh feature, which pushes changes to all clients without having to refresh or manually download configuration changes.
The software has also been enhanced with a variety of applications designed for many UDC-400 user groups.
Support will now be available for standard broadcast protocols, including Odetics, Amp, BVW-75 and Sony 9-pin for controlling broadcast playback devices. “Customers are using the UDC-400 in broadcast facilities, and we’re pleased to be able to offer them greater control of video playback, screen switching, even changing lights and light presets in the studio,” said Taylor.
The new software release also adds command synchronization for use with synch-rolling playback machines, a feature originally designed for a customer who was synch rolling AJA KiPros for simultaneous play.
New PowerPoint control using the UDC-R application includes live preview of the remote PowerPoint computer on an iPad through the webserver feature.
Also new is keyboard control, which allows left and right keyboard arrows to cycle through buttons on a controller; added support for IR devices with the Global Cache partnership and devices; and sending and receiving of contact closures through Kiss-Box and Global Cache IP-based contact closure products.
For more information, visit www.hrscontrol.com.
