12V Trigger
Is an output/connection on a Total Control system that allows for control of external devices such as projector screens, TV lifts, or any device requiring a 12V signal for control. These 12 triggers can be easily be used in macros.
70-Volt
70-volt speaker systems refer to networks of loudspeakers which are connected to an audio amplifier using step-up and step-down transformers to simplify impedance calculations and to minimize power loss over the speaker cables. The voltage is constant only in the sense that at full power, the voltage in the system does not depend on the number of speakers driven (as long the amplifier's maximum power is not exceeded). In Canada and the US, they are most commonly referred to as 70-volt speakers.
Astronomical Clock
Allows timed events based upon the physical location of a system set in Total Control with a specific location based upon a city or coordinates using Latitude and Longitude to determine Sunrise and Sunset bypassing the need to make adjustments for daylight savings time.
Audio Video Bridging
AVB (Audio Video Bridging) is an extension to the Ethernet standard designed to provide guaranteed quality of service, which simply means that audio samples will reach their destinations on time. AVB allows you to create a single network for audio, video, and other data like control information, using an AVB-compatible switch.
Automation
Is control of the home WITHOUT any user interaction. The system configures, sets, senses, and operates with no need to press a button or create an action. Total Control offers a level of automation not found in Complete Control products.
Automation Macro
An advanced system operation that allows complex actions to be set by the installer such as multiple device settings all in one action. Turn on lights, adjust HVAC levels, unlock doors, start a favorite music selection, and more from a custom created macro. These can also be set based upon a specific device or time period.
Automation Trigger
A feature of Total Control that allows automation to occur based upon another event or action. For example, you could places a Camera Pop-Up in a sensors Automation Trigger macro so that when the doorbell rings, the user sees the front door or front gate camera feed and has the ability to quickly allow the visitor into the premises.
Auxiliary Controller
When multiple System Controllers are added to a project, the subsequent controllers act as Auxiliary Controllers to the “Master Controller.” Only one System Controller can be designated as a Master System Controller but you can add multiple Auxiliary Controllers to a project.
Bridge Mode
Is a setting in your ISP router to allow the addition of another, higher quality router into your network. Some cable and ISP provided routers need to be configured to allow this operation. Some specific examples would be routers supplied by AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, and Verizon. Some service providers offer a method to change their router to bridge mode while other companies require a technician to make a change.
BTU
The British Thermal Unit, or BTU, is an energy unit. It is approximately the energy needed to heat one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. 1 BTU = 1,055 joules, 252 calories, 0.293 watt-hours, or the energy released by burning one match. 1 watt is approximately 3.412 BTU per hour. BTU can also be used pragmatically as a point of reference for the amount of heat that an appliance generates; the higher the BTU rating of an appliance, the greater the heating capacity.
Clipping
is a form of waveform distortion that occurs when an amplifier is overdriven and attempts to deliver an output voltage or current beyond its maximum capability. Driving an amplifier into clipping may cause it to output power in excess of its power rating.
Coaxial Digital
Coaxial cables are used in home entertainment systems to connect an audio source (such as a set-top box, Blu-ray player, or video game console) to a component (such as an amplifier, audio receiver, or speaker system). Coaxial digital connections and cables transfer a digital audio signal from one device to the other.
Connected Device
A part of the system such as a DVR or Blu-ray that is added to the Total Control system. Connected devices feature commands used operate that device and generate macros using specific actions such as an input command for a TV or power commands for a SAT device.
daisy chain
A daisy-chain topology allows you to connect devices serially. Daisy chain is a wiring scheme in which multiple devices are wired together in sequence or in a ring, similar to a garland of daisy flowers.
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network protocol that enables a server to automatically assign an IP address to a computer from a defined range of numbers (i.e., a scope) configured for a given network.
Discrete Power
Commands that are a single action operation where a device has a specific Power On and Power Off command to insure correct operation and control of the state of a device. Total Control does not require devices that feature discrete power support. Many high end devices such as TV’s and AVR’s feature discrete power commands.
dynamic range
Dynamic range is the difference between a music track or microphone dialogue's loudest and quietest moments. It is measured either as a ratio or as a value of the difference between the smallest and largest signal values.
GUI (Graphcial User Interface)
Is an automation system device that provides graphics and data to a the user for feedback and ease of use. Common GUI devices in a Total Control System are handheld remotes, touchscreens, mobile devices, or tablets.
Hard Buttons
Any non-movable buttons on a variety of URC user interfaces. Examples include the Hard Buttons on the TKP-2000 or the non-moveable on the URC Mobile App or TKP-7000. Often these include volume & mute functions.
HDA Ducking Event
An HDA Ducking Event is essentially a Macro programmed in the software that allows the playing of two inputs in a zone. One input or sound file is “ducked” on top of another. When an input is “ducked” on top of another, the original input in the zone may have its volume reduced by a percentage.
HDA Input Level
Input Level is adjustable within an HDA product since the signal strength varies from input source to input source. If the input signal strength is too low the HDA amplifier most likely will not reach its maximum output. Increasing the input level will ensure the amplifier now can produce its maximum, non-clipped output potential. Likewise, if the input level is set too high the amplifier output will sound distorted and clipped. If the input level is not lowered on a higher voltage input signal there is a strong risk of clipping and distortion.
HDA Paging Event
An HDA Paging Event is a Macro programmed in the software that is triggered by a sensor condition, an IP string, or at a defined specific time. The most common use for a Page Event is a doorbell interrupt in a zone. A Page Event can be programmed to play a Chime Sound File, a different input in a zone, or simply affect the volume of a zone.
HDA Parametric EQ
The HDA Parametric EQ is designed to provide greater and more accurate control over tone and frequency – a significant leap beyond just simple bass and treble tone controls. They can raise (boost) and lower (cut) the decibel output of specific bands (frequencies of sound). Every HDA zone in an installation will have different “room acoustics” which affect the sound in that room. Based on room building materials, location (indoor or outdoor) and room size. The HDA Parametric EQ is designed to help shape the sound of a zone to compensate for all of the above-mentioned factors.
Heat Sink
Simply put, a heat sink is an object that disperses heat from another object. They're most commonly used in amplifiers and computers but are also found in cell phones, DVD players and even refrigerators. In amplifiers and computers, a heat sink is an attachment for a chip that prevents the chip from overheating and is as important as any other component to prevent premature component failure.
HID
HID - Human Interface Device A human interface device or HID is a type of computer device usually used by humans that takes input from humans and gives output to humans. The term HID most commonly refers to the USB-HID specification.
HPF
(HPF) Attenuates content below a cutoff frequency, allowing higher frequencies to pass through the filter.
IGMP Snooping
IGMP snooping is a method that network switches use to identify multicast groups, which are groups of computers or devices that all receive the same network traffic. It enables switches to forward packets to the correct devices in their network. The Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) is a network layer protocol that allows several devices to share one IP address so they can all receive the same data. Networked devices use IGMP to join and leave multicasting groups, and each multicasting group shares an IP address.
Integration
Is the act of adding different products and platforms into one seamless system to take advantage of subsystems and feedback for the end user. URC Total Control allows different products to become part of the main system offering a wide range of integration with popular subsystem/products.
IP (Internet Protocol)
The Internet Protocol (IP) is the principal communications protocol in the Internet protocol suite for relaying datagrams across network boundaries. Its routing functions enable internetworking and essentially establishes the Internet. Also commonly referred to as TCP/IP.
IR (Infrared)
Remote controls are Infrared (IR) devices which send digitally-coded pulses of infrared radiation to control functions such as power, volume, tuning, temperature set point, fan speed, or other features. A Total Control system is able to control many of theses common IR devices.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
Is an organization that provides services for accessing, using, or participating in the Internet. Internet Service Providers may be organized in various forms, such as commercial, communityowned, non-profit, or otherwise privately owned. Internet services typically provided by ISPs include Internet access, Internet transit, domain name registration, web hosting, and colocation. Examples of an ISP could be your cable company or telephone company.
Kiosk Mode
Selecting and enabling the Kiosk Mode on a URC keypad will have the keypad display ONLY the selected module interface. The user will not be able to exit it or control any functions outside of what the module allows.
LAN (Local Area Network)
A computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building using network media. The defining characteristics of LANs, in contrast to Wide Area Networks (WAN), include their smaller geographical area, usually a single home or business.
Limiter
A limiter limits the dynamic range of an audio source playing through the zone's speakers. The limiter serves as a ceiling which signal volume cannot pass. If the signal's volume hits this ceiling, it will be harshly compressed so that it does not pass above. As a Limiter's compression ratio increases, so will the amount of compression. Eventually, that compression amounts to an impermeable ceiling for the audio volume level.
Low Impedance
Low-Z – Low Impedance, High Current. Normally used to describe 4 or 8 ohm speakers. Z=impedance.
LPF
(LPF) Attenuates content above a cutoff frequency, allowing lower frequencies to pass through the filter.
mA
A milliamp (mA) is a unit of measurement for an electric current flowing through an electrical conductor and a measure of the rate of flow of electrons. One milliampere is equal to one-thousandth of an ampere.
Macro
A single command or a series of commands used to operate a device or subsystem. For example, a turn-on macro can turn on the TV, turn on the Blu-ray, and select the correct input on the TV.
Master System Controller
The Total Control System requires a Master System Controller. You can add multiple System Controllers to a system file. When this is done, the subsequent controllers act as “Auxiliary Controllers” to the “Master Controller.” Only one System Controller can be designated as a Master System Controller.
Metadata Feedback
Is data that describes other data. Metadata is commonly used to describe the data and information that is displayed on keypads and user interfaces when provided by media devices, thermostats, security systems and many other subsystems used in an automation system.
Millisecond
A millisecond is a thousandth of a second. Therefore, 1000 milliseconds is equal to one (1) second.
MSC
The Total Control System requires a Master System Controller. This device holds all the programming, and executes any and all commands. One of these (MRX-8, MRX-10, MRX-20) is required in the system.
Network
A computer Network or data network is a telecommunications network which allows computers to exchange data. In computer networks, networked computing devices pass data to each other along data connections (network links). Data is transferred in the form of packets.
Network Admin
A person or team of people who have designed and are assigned to maintain a computer system or network. The administrator (admin) can set specific parameters for the network operation and choose key information such as network addresses security settings and permission levels. The person who created the network and programmed the router information in a Total Control.
Node
This term is commonly used to refer to devices in an automation system. In communication networks, a Node is a connection point, a redistribution point, or a communication endpoint.
Overlay
An Overlay is an on-screen graphic “overlay” used to provide ease of control or information to the end-user. An example is the Overly on the MRX-20 System Controller that features channel icons and shortcuts as well as selected device control graphics.
Permanent Zone Grouping
URC amplifiers can be configured to combine two or more outputs together so that they behave as a single zone. This can be used to provide a 4 speaker zone,or more, for example.
PoE - Power Over Ethernet
Describes a system which passes electrical power along with data on Ethernet cabling. This allows a single cable to provide both data connection and electrical power to devices such as keypads, touchscreens, wireless access points, or IP cameras. Also known as standard PoE with supply voltage of 44-57V, and supply current of 10-350mA. In this standard, the maximum power output of a port is limited to 15.4W. However, some power will be lost on the Ethernet cable during the transmission. Thus, the minimum guaranteed power available at the device is 12.95 watts per port.
PoE+ - Power Over Ethernet
PoE Plus or Power-over-Ethernet, describes a system which passes electrical power along with data on Ethernet cabling. This allows a single cable to provide both data connection and electrical power to devices such as keypads, touchscreens, wireless access points, or IP cameras. In this standard, the maximum power output of a port is limited to 30.0W. However, some power will be lost on the Ethernet cable during the transmission. Thus, the minimum guaranteed power available at the device is 25.50 watts per port.
PoE++ - Power Over Ethernet
PoE plus plus or Power-over-Ethernet, describes a system which passes electrical power along with data on Ethernet cabling. This allows a single cable to provide both data connection and electrical power to devices such as keypads, touchscreens, wireless access points, or IP cameras. In this standard, the maximum power output of a port is limited to 60.0W. However, some power will be lost on the Ethernet cable during the transmission. Thus, the minimum guaranteed power available at the device is 51.0 watts per port.
Power Menu
Total Control allows the end-user to jump to the Rooms automatically created Power Menu. By default, the end-user sees “Room Off” and “House Off” on every Rooms Power Menu, but new options can be added for each room in the “Edit Special Macros” programming step. The Power Menu can also be accessed by pressing holding the “Power” button for 3-4 seconds.
Power State
A definition of the “power status” of the device, usually on or off. Total Control tracks the Power State of devices to allow for efficient macro operation and system control.
Punch-Through
A URC software feature that allows the ability to use certain features from one device inside of another device. The most popular Punch-Through is for Vol+, Vol-, and Mute in an AVR to become part of a device without volume and mute such as Blu-ray player. Total Control automatically set Punch-Throughs that can be modified for a specific system or device.
Quick Connect Wi-Fi
Used on various URC handheld remotes, this Quick Connect feature allows for extremely quick connection to Wi-Fi network for seamless system control.
Quickbar
A feature on the MRX-20 that allows custom functions to be added for quick access or device control. For example, a Quickbar item can be added for gate control.
Relay
An electrical device, typically incorporating an electromagnet that is activated by a current or signal in one circuit to open or close another circuit. Relays are used to activate or control many common devices such as shades, blinds, screens, lifts, and sprinkler systems in a home automation system.
Room Link Groups
These groups are utilized in custom macros to temporarily combine two (2) or more rooms.
Room Linking
A Total Control DMS music feature that allows for easy temporary linking of any room or zones for any user interface. This Room Linking feature is also easily customized by the installer for permanent linking if desired.
Rooms Menu
Total Cotnrol Feature that allows for easy navigation and control/monitoring of any room from any user interface. This Rooms Menu feature is easily customized by the installer.
RS-232
In telecommunications, RS-232 is a standard for serial communication transmission of data to various devices. Some of the popular consumer devices that are RS-232 controlled are AVR’s, TV’s, matrix switches, and numerous other controlled devices.
Self Healing Network
A feature and function of a Z-Wave Network where the system automatically locates the best and most efficient rout back to the controller for better performance and reliability. This is especially useful if a device is removed or otherwise inoperable.
Sensor Based
Automation based upon sensors is considered Sensor Based. Total Control sensors can be used to poll the power status of a device with the passive node and also can actively monitor the status of a device and execute a command or macro when status changes, reactive mode. URC offers a choice of six different sensor options for system design.
Smart Mesh Network
Is a feature and function of Z-Wave network where adding more device to the system increases the integrity of the mesh network for better performance and reliability.
Soft Buttons
Are any moveable or software-customizable buttons on a URC user interfaces. Examples include the Soft Buttons on the TKP-2000 or the name-editable buttons on the URC Mobile App or TKP- 7000. These buttons are often added by the installer for control of a custom device.
SSID
The name of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). All wireless devices on a WLAN must employ the same SSID in order to communicate with each other. In order for a network to communicate the correct name and information must be added to your Total Control software. The SSID itself is a 32 character string (the characters can be anything a computer can type, such a letter, number, symbol, punctuation mark, and even a blank space).
star topology
It is important to mention that the Daisy-chain topology creates the potential for additional and unnecessary hops that could be omitted when using a centralized AVB Switch. This is where the Star topology becomes ideal for networks that require the use of more than just a handful of devices. A star topology utilizes the network’s bandwidth more efficiently. It also minimizes hops and the additional latency that can come with it. Star networks are based around a centrally located switch or switches. All the nodes on the network are connected to this switch, so there are fewer hops between devices.
Static
Simply a “permanent” address that remains associated with a single network location over an extended period of time. Use of a fixed, defined, or preselected IP Address in a Total Control system allows devices to remain in the same location. This is set in the Total Control software and is desired for devices such as IP cameras and media servers.
T.O.A.D. (Toggle Only Activated Device)
A device (cable box, sat receiver, etc.) that does not have discrete on/off or input commands but only a toggle or cycle input select option.
TC
TC is the abreviation used for "Total Control"
Timer Based
Automation based upon a timer. These events can be created with a set schedule or run based upon time of day that allow specific actions such as controlling lights based upon sunset or having a scheduled event run at a specific time.
Tone Shaping
Tone Shaping: Provides the user with five (5) tone shaping presets. These presets can be used to make adjustments based on a particular application.
Toslink Optical
TOSLINK is a standardized optical fiber connector system. Also known generically as optical audio, its most common use is in consumer audio equipment, where it carries a digital audio stream from components such as CD and DVD players, computers, and modern video game consoles, to an device that can decode two channels of uncompressed lossless PCM audio or compressed 5.1/7.1 surround sound such as Dolby Digital or DTS Surround System.
Two-Way Feedback
Provided on various URC interfaces and mobile devices when used with a Two-Way module and a compatible 3rd party device. This Two-Way Feedback consists of any data that the developer wants to make available. Examples include (but not limited to) cover art & titles, temperature, volume level, selected channel or security system zone status.
uMotion
A term used for URC’s two new handheld gyroscopic remotes used exclusively for the MRX-20 System Controller that allows full control and navigation on the TV screen as easily as using a game controller.
URC 2.4
The radio communication & frequency used in various wireless devices such as the TRC-780 handheld remote, the THZ-100 thermostat and various other RF devices. It is used for its combination of low cost, low power consumption, and long range.
User Interface (UI)
UI is an acroynym for the User Interface in a Total Control System, specifically, within the Accelerator software, Step 11 Edit User Interfaces. Buttons containing macros, jumps and subfolders can be added to the UI in Step 11 so that they can appear on devices such as handheld remotes, touchscreens, mobile devices, or tablets.
Variable Output
Allows adjustment of the voltage output of an emitter port. URC uses Variable IR outputs on System Controllers and Base Stations to allow for reliable operation of a large variety of IR controlled devices such as cable boxes and satellite receivers.
WAN
Covers a broad area and is used for communications outside of the local network. The Internet can be an example of a WAN as well as large commercial networks set up by business/government.
WAP
Wireless Access Point or simply Access Point (AP) is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi or related standards. The AP usually connects to a router (via a wired network) as a standalone device, but it can also be an integral component of the router itself. An AP is often added in larger installations to provide more network coverage inside and outside the project. Many network hardware companies offer different types of access points to help with network coverage in a Total Control system.
WMDC - Windows Mobile Device Center
Windows Mobile Device Center was written as a successor to the ActiveSync program that was previously used to synchronize Windows CE based devices with Windows operating systems prior to Windows Vista. Ways to interface Windows Mobile devices with Windows Mobile Device Center include Bluetooth, USB, and for legacy purposes, Serial.