APPENDIX 1 - X-Pert GPI

GPI in X-Pert Playout

GPI (General Purpose Interface) is implemented in X-Pert Playout, X-Pert Graphics and X-Pert Ingest as a set of triggers, associated to certain pins on the standard PC RS-232 Serial Ports (COM1, COM2, etc.). In order to function, the COM port should be correctly installed in the Windows environment (See Device Manager  Ports).

GPI-IN can be used to slave X-Pert Playout, X-Pert Graphics and X-Pert Ingest to triggers from external devices or simple contact switches, 4 triggers per COM port.

GPI-OUT can be used to slave external equipment to events taking place in X-Pert Playout or X-Pert Graphics, 2 triggers per COM port.

GPI Pinout

Each COM port accommodates 4 GPI-IN pairs and 2 GPI-OUT pairs, but not at the same time. A particular COM port can be assigned as either IN, OUT or Unused.

GPI-IN pairs are located at output pins DTR&RTS and input pins DSR, CTS, RI, CD. You can use any of the output pins for supplying voltage to the GPI circuit.

GPI-OUT pairs are located at output pins DTR&RTS, the first GPI trigger generates a pulse on DTR, and the second GPI trigger generates a pulse on RTS.

GPI-IN Implementation

The simplest triggering device would be a pair of wires running from the COM port GPI pair, soldered to a momentary contact switch. This switch can be either Push Button Normally Open (PBNO) or Push Button Normally Closed (PBNC). The trigger type is configured in X-Pert Playout GPI Settings Panel as High or Low pulse. Many external devices like switchers or mixers have dedicated GPI connectors or screw terminals with a description of what GPI trigger type (low or high pulse) was implemented. Depending on the trigger setup, a trigger can be a temporary closing or opening of the GPI circuit. High pulse means the GPI trigger is activated when the circuit is temporary closed. Low pulse means the GPI trigger is activated when the circuit is temporary opened.

According to the number of installed COM ports, X-Pert Playout supports up to 32 GPI-IN triggers (up to 8 COM ports with 4 GPI-IN triggers per port).

GPI-OUT Implementation

In order to control external devices by GPI, a simple 12V contact relay should be used. It should be connected to the corresponding COM port pin pair (4-6 or 7-8) and it should close or open the GPI circuit of the external device. Depending on the X-Pert Playout setup, the GPI trigger will generate a pulse (low or high, user-defined) to the corresponding output pin for a short user-defined period (pulse duration).

According to the number of installed COM ports, X-Pert Playout supports up to 16 GPI-OUT triggers (up to 8 COM ports with 2 GPI-OUT triggers per port).

X-Pert Playout as a GPI Slave

A wide variety of X-Pert Playout actions can be associated to a GPI trigger:

oStart playback

oPause/Resume playback

oStop playback

oJump to next clip

oJump to specific clip (predefined playlist index)

oJump to specific location in the clip/playlist (predefined timecode)

oPlaylist reset (during stop mode only)

oHardware reset (terminates the playback!)

oTurn logo on

oTurn logo off

oCue the selected clip

oCue to specific clip

oJump to bookmark in time range

oJump to bookmark name

X-Pert Playout as a GPI Master

X-Pert Playout can activate a GPI trigger though specially designated GPI Output event. Please check the following page for GPI Output reference.

X-Pert Playout GPI Settings Panel

All GPI-IN triggers can be assigned to a specific X-Pert Playout action. From X-Pert Playout Settings -> Modules -> Remote Control, select “GPI Input” enabled, to allow the GPI-IN trigger. Press the Configure button, to invoke a table for setting the COM ports, GPI groups and the available actions for them.

All GPI-OUT triggers can be activated by specific X-Pert Playout event: From Settings -> Modules -> Remote Control, select “GPI Output” enabled, to allow the GPI OUT trigger. After that you can Add/Insert GPI Output event in the playlist, by right mouse clicking.

RS232 9-pin D-SUB pinout reference

GPI INPUT Reference

(Triggers that control X-Pert Playout, X-Pert Graphics, and X-Pert Ingest)

GPI OUTPUT Reference

(Pulses sent out from X-Pert Playout and X-Pert Graphics)