The Extron MLC 104 IP Plus L MediaLink Controller with built-in Ethernet Control and Lectern Faceplate is an easy-to-use control panel for any small classroom or meeting room. It is designed to control a wide range of smaller AV systems and enables Web-based remote diagnostics, AV resource management, and support. The MLC 104 IP Plus L standardizes the control interface for all systems, making display systems simple to use. Standardization also makes setup and maintenance easier to support.

The flexible MLC 104 IP Plus L acts as an extended remote control panel. It is not a switcher; instead, as a controller, it tells the display when to switch between its various inputs. Presenters with little or no training can walk into any multimedia classroom equipped with the MLC 104 IP Plus L and operate the AV system. The MLC 104 IP Plus L includes universal display control for a display's power, input switching, and volume control. For one-button functionality, the MLC 104 IP Plus L features backlit buttons that can be custom-labeled for easy identification. Because the buttons illuminate, they are helpful for presenters in low-light environments.

The MLC 104 IP Plus L is also capable of learning IR commands for centralized control of external source devices, such as DVD players and VCRs, when used with an optional IRCM - Infrared Control Module.

Especially vital for high traffic areas, the MLC 104 IP Plus L utilizes a low profile, 3.15 inch (8 cm) tall faceplate that fits into a compact space on a lectern or desk. It mounts in a rack or wall using an Extron UCM RAAP or UCM 10X8P Universal Controller Mounting Kit; mounts on a desk using an Extron SMB 203 L Lectern Series Mount Box.

Easy System Configuration using Global Configurator Software

The MLC 104 IP Plus L can be fully configured using Extron's Global Configurator software. Extron creates and administers a wide selection of drivers for use with the MLC 104 IP Plus L. Drivers enable the MLC 104 IP Plus L to control basic display functions such as power, input selection, and volume adjustment. Users can create their own drivers or go to the Extron Web site to download RS-232 or IR drivers compatible with the latest and most popular display devices. Global Configurator also adds support for GlobalViewer®, a free Web-based AV resource management and remote control software application specifically designed to work with products that include IP Link technology.

The MLC 104 IP Plus L is designed to work with almost every Extron switcher, including the MediaLink Switchers, which are specifically designed to complement MediaLink Controllers. MediaLink Switchers are available to accommodate a variety of video, RGBHV, and audio signals while providing unique features that expand AV system capabilities. The MLC 104 IP Plus L can also work as a stand-alone device to control a display without the aid of a switcher.

Ethernet Control

The MLC 104 IP Plus L is equipped with Ethernet control and is designed to work in conjunction with GlobalViewer, Extron's Web-based AV resource management and remote control application. Together, these form a powerful control solution with the following features:

• Proactive maintenance — GlobalViewer can store and display information about connected devices like serial numbers, owner identification, maintenance history, and installed firmware versions. This centralized data can be collected and used to reduce maintenance costs and guide future purchasing decisions. For instance, a projector can be polled routinely to track lamp usage and total life time. When lamp usage reaches a predetermined number of hours, the MLC 104 IP Plus L can send a report via e-mail.
• Event scheduling — User-defined tasks are easy to configure and schedule with GlobalViewer without the need for traditional programming. For instance, an administrator may want to turn off all projectors every Friday at close of business.
• Remote technical support — Technicians can troubleshoot systems remotely because GlobalViewer provides the real-time status of connected devices. Information such as connection status, power state, and current input selection is displayed in a central location. For many connected devices, technicians can toggle power on or off, switch sources, control volume, and more without leaving their office. Many common problems can be resolved without traveling to the equipment.
• Theft alerts — IP Link-enabled products are always on and routinely poll their attached devices for status information. If any serially controlled device, such as a projector or display, is physically disconnected from the network, the MLC 104 IP Plus L monitoring its status will know immediately. In such an event, it can send an e-mail message notifying security personnel of the possible theft. For fast action, e-mails can be sent to multiple addresses including cell phones and wireless devices.

Data Logger

Data Logger is a free Microsoft® Excel®-based spreadsheet application that allows administrators to automatically gather up-to-date lamp hour and usage statistics for multiple rooms of AV equipment. It provides a simple, convenient way to retrieve AV system usage statistics into a single document for data analysis, collecting critical system information such as frequency of usage for each front panel input and current lamp hours of connected projectors.