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Author Topic: Dolby CP650 processor tech question Al Hopfer Film Handler Posts: 3 From: Chicago, IL USA Registered: Jan 2005 posted 10-25-2006 08:22 AM                     Hi, my question is regarding reading the block number (time code) off the read-head into a CP650 sound processor and out the Serial Data port (rear of processor). This (I believe) involves using the Dolby Reader Alignment Program (on a PC plugged into this serial port). Basically I need to "turn-on" a data stream of timecode information out this serial port to be used with an external unit. The DA10, DA20 and CP500 outputs this timecode data continuously as a default. It appears this 650-port must be enabled to stream the timecode data (rather than simply Set-up or adjustment data). I do not have a copy of the Dolby Reader Alignment Program software. I assume I need this? And are my other assumptions correct. Thank you. Al  |  IP: Logged Frank Dubrois Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 896 From: Cleveland, OH Registered: Mar 2005 posted 10-25-2006 02:08 PM                    I was able to plug my laptop right into the CP650 and get information right away (using CP650 setup software and Dolby Reader Alignment Software). I don't know that theres and on/off mode for the serial port. I say get the software, plug in your laptop, and it should work just fine. You do need the correct software in order to communicate with the unit..if that was your question...simply plugging a laptop into the serial port without and software running that can decode the information simply wont work.  |  IP: Logged John Hawkinson Film God Posts: 2273 From: Cambridge, MA, USA Registered: Feb 2002 posted 10-26-2006 12:57 PM                     You can download Dolby's software from the Manuals section of this site. If you have reverse engineered any part of the data format, though, I think we'd all appreciate your posting a summary, if you have it conveniently. It would be nice to have better software than [Win-]DRAS for routine use, esp. for QC purposes. --jhawk  |  IP: Logged Alexander Smith Expert Film Handler Posts: 128 From: Walney Island, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. Registered: Jun 2003 posted 10-26-2006 06:39 PM                     I realise it's a bit far-fetched, but an open-source version of WinDRAS which isn't fussy about which COM port it uses, displays all that information such as block number e.t.c. and runs on your favourite operating system (whatever that may be) would be a very useful bit of software. I think it's beyond my programming and reverse engineering skill, being realistic. Alex.  |  IP: Logged John Hawkinson Film God Posts: 2273 From: Cambridge, MA, USA Registered: Feb 2002 posted 10-27-2006 01:36 AM                     Norm at Dolby sent me this document Interface Document: Synchronization of External Equipment to: Model DA10 Digital Film Sound Processor; Model DA20 Digital Film Sonud Processor; Model CP500 Digital Cinema Processor. It doesn't address how to make the 650 start, but it does give some overview of the format, as well as telling you how to parse the reel and block numbers. I've emailed a copy to Brad for the manuals section. --jhawk  |  IP: Logged Fabrice Dubourg Film Handler Posts: 43 From: Granville, France Registered: Feb 2003 posted 10-29-2006 12:10 PM                     for the CP650, it's on the ethernet port!  |  IP: Logged

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