lbeckste@ryerson.ca

If I want to use Max to control multiple DVD players, what kind of interface do I need between the computer and the DVD players?

Is there some kind of infra-red output signal box that can beam commands to DVD players just like a regular remote control?

(I once had a satellite TV box which could control my VCR...the satellite box had a little cable coming out of it and the other end of the cable was attached to the front of the VCR where the remote IR beam sensor was...this is the kind of thing I have in mind, but I need to do up to 10 different DVD players at once, and I don't know how to get the data from the computer to the DVD players.)

controlling-multiple-dvd-players

Maybe you can use a program called WINLIRC, you'll have to build a simple interface though.

Or, if you're cheap + your program is short + all you need is sync, you can hack the factory remotes so all machines get the "play" command at the same time. (Think midi relay board) If they're all the same brand they often hold +/- 2 frames for a half-hour or so. Then you trigger the "chapter skip backwards" button on a timer shortly before the program ends. That way they all resync for each loop. It could be done without a computer if you're willing to rig up a timer and a few relay contacts.

Another approach I've used in the past for self-syncing loops is to have a sub-audible signal in the audio, when the program fades to black there is a 20Hz pulse that triggers the hacked remote. This was accomplished with a simple lopass filter and a sound-sensitive relay circuit. (relay pulls in for the duration of the tone, like a finger hitting the button) A bit Rube Goldberg but it was absolutley solid. This was actually syncing 3 cheap CD players before 5.1 DVD audio provided budget multichannel audio in installations!

A bit OT for the MAX list but sometimes it works to think outside the "box" especially if you're poor!

A bit OT for the MAX list but sometimes it works to think outside the "box" especially if you're poor!
-zlp


controlling multiple DVD players