Overview

This article explains how to establish communication with Omega, Ultra, and MaxColor Series devices. Whether working with a factory-default device or an established system, the first step is identifying the device IP address and ensuring network connectivity.

Once communication has been established, devices can be accessed using the webUI, Telnet, or HTTP API.

Before You Begin

Before accessing a device, you must have:

• The device IP address

• Network connectivity between your PC and the device

The following sections explain how to obtain this information when working with either a local connection or an established system.

Device Access Methods

After identifying the device IP address and establishing network connectivity, choose the access method that best matches your workflow:

Connecting to a Device

Devices can be accessed in two primary ways:

• Local Connection: Used when working with factory-default devices or isolated setups.

• Established System: Used when devices are already configured and part of a system network.

Select the method that matches your environment.

Accessing a Device Locally

WARNING: If the device is an Encoder, disconnect the HDMI cable before connecting the unit to your network. Leaving HDMI connected can flood the network and disrupt other devices.

This method is used when working with factory-default devices or when network access is not yet established.

For Windows users, download Bonjour Browser.

For macOS users, Bonjour is built into Safari under Settings > Advanced > Bonjour.

1. Connect the device to a PoE switch or directly to a PC using a PoE injector or local power supply.

2. Connect your PC via Ethernet.

   

3. Disable the Wi-Fi adapter on the PC.

   

4. Open Bonjour Browser.

   

Bonjour Device Identification

• Select Web Server (HTTP).

• Use the Name and IP Address columns to identify devices.

Devices will appear using the following naming conventions:

Once the device IP address has been identified, you can access the device using the webUI, Telnet, or HTTP API.

Accessing a Device on an Established System

When working with an established system, devices are already configured and operating on a dedicated device network that is separate from the control or local network.

Because of this, you should not connect directly to Encoder or Decoder ports on the switch. Instead, access is performed from the control network using a static route.

Use one of the following methods to identify device IP addresses:

• Use Advanced Matrix Programmer (AMP) or JADConfig to identify device IP addresses.

• Review the project Report File if available.

• Use the Takeover Form when taking over an existing installation.

Your PC should be connected to the same network as the control system or switch management interface.

To access a device on an established system:

1. Disable the Wi-Fi adapter on the PC.

   

2. Connect the PC to the local network using DHCP.

   

3. Configure a static route on the router or PC.

   

4. Once the static route is configured, access any Encoder or Decoder using its IP address through the webUI, Telnet, or HTTP API.