Allonis provides most commercial projects full user interface and programming assistance.
For good project management, it is essential to ensure that the following steps are accomplished on site before Allonis is asked to begin remote assistance.
The below is considerable work. It takes multiple days of concentrated work even on smaller projects. Please note this before setting an opening date of the facility. Keep Allonis updated on the status so we can schedule our personel to kick in AFTER the below is accomplished by the Installer.
Project quoting:
Best is to provide the Allonis spreadsheet filled in with all available information of what hardware is being considered for the project, how many (and what brand) TVs, the type of video distribution (HDBaseT or Video Over IP) what audio zones will need to be supported, what video content sources (DirecTV / Cable Boxes / Streaming players (and what type)) etc.
User Interface:
Send to Allonis CAD floorplans. PDF is not CAD. non CAD requires additional labor ($) to process for professional results. You cannot create real CAD from a PDF.
Send a graphic of the floorplan with TV locations, numbers (that match the spreadsheet) and TV orientation.
Keep the Allonis spreadsheet updated and forward to Allonis updates with the date in the filename. ONLY use Excel - not "Numbers" or other spreadsheet software. Send as an email attachment (not as an online link via a service).
Project installation:
Control system:
myServer controller installed to ethernet and USB-C power (power supply connected to UPS outlet)
UPS is installed and ideally USB cable connected to myServer controller so myServer can monitor battery level (see Allonis for compatible UPS).
Network switches installed as per Allonis documentation. Power connected to UPS outlet.
Available IP address assigned to each network switch and updated in the spreadsheet.
Equipment rack is ideally centrally located, with flowing cool air across all equipment, most importantly the myServer controller. Heat kills electronics.
Video Distribution:
Video transmitters installed to all video sources via HDMI. Power typically is via POE to network switch. Proper switch ethernet ports used (see Allonis).
Video players enabled for External Control (DirecTV - also enable Playing Now). Connected to ethernet network switch to correct ports (see Allonis).
Cable boxes connected IR to IP2IR hardware with emitters in correct IR location on the box and then covered with "duct tape" or similar mask to keep emitter stuck on the cable box, and not to allow IR light out.
Emitters are connected to IP2IR's correct port. Spreadsheet is updated with which cable box is plugged into which IP2IR and which port (left is port 1).
TVs:
All TVs wired with 2 or 3 CAT 6 cables to centrally mounted equipment rack (Video / TV on and off control / Spare cable)
Video receivers installed at all TVs Powered via POE from network switch. Short HDMI cable to TV primary HDMI input port.
TVs are enabled with External Control (use the TV remote control). See Allonis documentation for each specific TV. Sony / LG / Samsung are best supported.
If a video wall is being installed, TV1 is top left, TV2 top right, TV3 is bottom left, TV4 is bottom right. 3x3 Video walls use same logic.
Update the Allonis spreadsheet with the TV glass (not bezel) height and width. And another measurement for side of TV1 glass to TV2 glass (ie: the distance inbetween glass including the bezels and gap inbetween TVs).
Audio:
Most all commercial audio is wired 70v MONO (not stereo). Amp output channel is connected to speakers. Use highest watt speaker taps to start. If a speaker is known to need lower output (close to ears or in quiet area - like restrooms), wire that one for fewer watts.
For Allonis Video over IP systems - we get audio for the video players directly from our Video Transmitters digital connection - so no analog cables to wire. For non video audio sources (like a Music Jukebox), wire these MONO to the audio matrix audio inputs noting which device is connected to which input (and document this on the spreadsheet). Document which audio channel is connected to which Output as well.
Network:
Ensure that all devices are "pingable" on the network and all cables are tested for connectivity and bandwidth. Ensure no conflicting IP addresses are set. All must be unique and within the range of the subnet.
Once you have completed the above, or the end is in schedulable sight, send the updated spreadsheet to Allonis and schedule for the final configuration and testing. Please provide ample notice.
It can be stressful to complete a project like this, especially if the facility open date is looming or dependent. But following the above will greatly reduce issues and time to complete. The projects are quoted assuming the above is done. If items are left undone, and additional hours are accrued by Allonis than quote, they are billable to the project when the project is completed.
As always, contact Allonis if there are questions.