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Feature Comparison |
MCS-EX
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MCS-EX PolyTune |
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Control Modules
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AMX, Crestron,
RTI |
AMX, Crestron,
RTI |
| Control iTunes |
ü |
ü |
| Microsoft Media Player |
ü |
ü |
| Microsoft Vista Media Center |
ü |
ü |
| Supports Purchased Music with DRM |
ü |
ü |
| BluRay DVD Playback (requires ArcSoft Total Media Player) |
ü |
ü |
| Multi-Source Output |
|
ü |
| Control Media Center Extenders |
|
ü |
| Control Media Center Extenders |
ü |
ü |
|
IP Control Protocol |
ü |
ü |
|
RS-232 Control Protocol |
ü |
ü |
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Send IR Commands |
ü |
ü |
|
Real-time Transport Feedback |
ü |
ü |
| Real-time Navigation Feedback |
ü |
ü |
|
Direct WMC Navigation Commands |
ü |
ü |
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Browse Music |
ü |
ü |
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· Now Playing Art |
ü |
ü |
|
· Album Cover Art |
ü |
ü |
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· Album List |
ü |
ü |
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· Artist List |
ü |
ü |
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· Genre List |
ü |
ü |
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· Title List |
ü |
ü |
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· Now Playing List |
ü |
ü |
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· Queue Management |
ü |
ü |
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Browse Movies |
ü |
ü |
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· Browse DVDs |
ü |
ü |
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· Browse Movies on HD |
ü |
ü |
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· DVD Cover Art |
ü |
ü |
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· DVD List |
ü |
ü |
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· Actors and Directors |
ü |
ü |
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· Release Year List |
ü |
ü |
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· Ratings List |
ü |
ü |
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· Text Search |
ü |
ü |
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Browse Recorded TV |
ü |
ü |
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· Thumbnails |
ü |
ü |
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· Title |
ü |
ü |
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· Channel |
ü |
ü |
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· Rating |
ü |
ü |
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· Date Recorded |
ü |
ü |
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Browse Videos |
ü |
ü |
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· Thumbnails |
ü |
ü |
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· Title List |
ü |
ü |
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· Folder List |
ü |
ü |
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Browse Photos |
ü |
ü |
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· Thumbnails |
ü |
ü |
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· Display Image |
ü |
ü |
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· Folder List |
ü |
ü |
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· Browse by Metadata |
ü |
ü |
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· Date Taken List |
ü |
ü |
Compatibility
Media Control Server is compatible with Media Center and iTunes.
Multiple Outputs via PolyTune(TM)
Media Control Server version 2.0 introduces a powerful new feature called PolyTune which allows a standard 5.1 sound card to act as three controllable sources. A 7.1 card can provide four audio sources. Each source can be independently addressed and controlled via the control system touch panel.
Two way IP & RS-232 Control Protocol
MCS provides real-time feedback and media control using a robust, two way TCP-IP communications protocol. A control system client can manipulate the transport, navigation, and media library features of iTunes or Media Center through a local area network, or remotely through the internet.
Browse Music, Movies, Recorded TV, Videos, and Pictures
MCS provides a rich interface for browsing and searching the computer’s media library by genre, album, DVD, artist, actor, rating, play list, title, and more. Media can be randomly accessed for instant playback or added to the play-queue at any level. (ie, the command ‘PlayGenre “Jazz” Queue=True’ instructs the server to add all jazz titles in the media library to the queue without interrupting the currently played media)
Album and DVD Cover Art
Display album and DVD art on your device for the currently playing media, or provide album and DVD art in the browsing interface. Media Control Server provides a HTTP image host and sends your client a URL to the cover art.
IR-Remote Control Emulation
Command the server to issue any IR command available on the Media Center Remote Control.
Direct Access to Windows Media Center Interface Navigation
Control systems can command MCS to randomly access most areas of the WMC Interface. Commands are available for direct navigation to Start, MyMusic, Music Albums, Music Artists, My Pictures, My TV, Recorded TV, start a Slideshow, and many more. Refer to the MCS TCP-IP Protocol document for a complete list.
Media Transport and Metadata Feedback
MCS provides control systems with real time transport feedback and meta-data for music, video, DVD, and television media such as album, artist, title, duration, genre, release date, composer, chapter, director, rating, channel, station id, program guide title, and more.
Real-Time Event and Navigation Feedback.
MCS Clients can issue a command to the server to subscribe to real-time events within the WMC interface. These events can be used for real time touch-screen feedback, even when the user is interfacing directly with the WMC box. Events are sent for transport controls, navigation, start-up and shutdown, and more.
WMC Interface Messages and Prompts MCS can send messages and prompts directly to the WMC Interface for display on the TV. Display Caller ID, Alarm Zone status, prompts, and any text message to Media Center's television interface. Users can be prompted to select from multiple choice options and the response is sent back to the control system for processing.
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