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Global Configurator is a simple-to-use, yet comprehensive software application that allows users to configure a wide range of Extron Ethernet-enabled control products. It provides an integrated environment for defining AV control system functionality from an easy-to-use graphical user interface. It's simple enough to use to configure a single room controller, yet powerful enough to facilitate building a Web-based resource management and remote monitoring system for hundreds of AV devices in multiple locations.

Intuitive, Easy-to-Use Configuration Tool

Global Configurator's intuitive, step-by-step menus walk the user through the process of configuring a device's functions. For large installations with Ethernet-enabled systems, Global Configurator guides the user through adding devices to the system, organizing them in a logical fashion, configuring IP and security settings, and defining monitoring and alert parameters.

TouchLink®-Based Control Systems

Global Configurator makes setting up TouchLink-based control systems quick and easy. First, add your control processor and TouchLink touchpanel devices to your Global Configurator project. Next, import your GUI Configurator project from disk or download it directly from the TouchLink touchpanel. From the Front Panel tab in Global Configurator, you'll be able to view each of your TouchLink pages and easily configure the button actions.

Ethernet Device Drivers

The Global Configurator support of Ethernet drivers expands the control capabilities of Extron IPL T S Series, IPL T CR48, IPL 250, and IPCP 505 control processors. Historically, RS-232 and IR have been used to control projectors, displays, and AV source devices. Now, Ethernet device drivers allow control of IP-enabled devices over a network, preserving the other ports for devices without IP control. This capability allows IP Link control processors to support up to six Ethernet devices, in addition to its hardware ports. 

Simplified Change Management and Configuration Replication

Configuration changes may be required when a device is replaced or additional functionality is desired. With Global Configurator, modifying a configuration is fast and easy. The program creates and stores unique configuration files, which can be recalled whenever changes are required. Modifying a configuration is as simple as opening the configuration file, making the necessary changes, and uploading the new Web pages and device drivers. This feature is also useful for replicating “cookie cutter” systems with only a few mouse clicks.

Extensive Library of Extron Certified, Ready-to-Use Device Drivers

Extron has developed an extensive library of IR, and serial, and Ethernet device drivers to ensure compatibility with Extron configurable control systems and third-party devices. Extron programmers regularly create and test drivers for additional devices and post them online. The complete Extron driver package, as well as individual driver files, can be downloaded from the Extron Web site. With the driver subscription feature in Global Configurator, it's easier than ever to ensure you always have the latest driver.

Enhanced Monitoring and Scheduling

Global Configurator allows users to easily configure schedules and monitors to observe specific behaviors and plan activities on controlled devices. The user can effortlessly set up multiple actions within one schedule or monitor. For example, when a room is controlled and monitored by an MLC 226IP MediaLink Controller, Global Configurator can be used to create one schedule that will power ON multiple devices with user defined time delay between them. Similarly, a monitor can be created that will perform many tasks when a condition or multiple conditions are satisfied.

Global Configurator allows users to configure any activity on any IP Link device port or on multiple ports. There's no need for multiple schedules to schedule an entire room full of tasks and responses to monitor triggers. For example, when a room is controlled and monitored by an MLC 226 IP MediaLink^® Controller, Global Configurator will allow you to schedule a series of devices to turn on at a given time, with a user configurable time delay between startup tasks. It's also possible to set up a monitor that triggers multiple actions, such as sounding an alarm and simultaneously setting a switcher's front panel lockout mode, when a lectern door is opened during a preset time range.

Create an Additional Point of Control for TouchLink

Global Configurator version 3.5 or later enables TouchLink for iPad, which is an easy-to-use AV control system app designed for the Apple iPad. TouchLink for iPad provides users with an additional point of control for rooms equipped with any TouchLink touchpanel. With this app, presenters can wirelessly control their AV system using a Wi-Fi network, allowing them the freedom to move around the room, or even between rooms. Each button press is tracked in real time between the app and the touchpanel, so that both stay in sync. TouchLink for iPad requires no additional GUI configuration, as it emulates the interface of the existing touchpanel. TouchLink for iPad is available for download on the App Store.

Minimum System Requirements

• Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD Athlon processor
• Microsoft® Windows® XP SP3, Windows® Vista, Windows® 7, or Windows® 8
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
• 512 MB of RAM
• 100 MB of available hard disk space
• A network connection with a data transfer rate of 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps recommended

Minimum firmware requirements for compatibility with Global Configurator:

Features

• No programming skills required — Step-by-step menus walk the user through the process of organizing system resources, building a network configuration, and uploading configuration files to the system.
• Configures Extron IP-based control products, including TouchLink^®, MediaLink^®, and IP Link^® — Enables easy configuration of supported Extron TouchLink Touchpanels, IP Link control processors, MediaLink Controllers, as well as the System 5 IP switcher.
• TouchLink GUI integration — Only a few steps are required to add a TouchLink Touchpanel and upload the touchscreen layout project.
• Supports TouchLink for iPad — With Global Configurator 3.5 or higher and the TouchLink for iPad app, TouchLink touchpanels can now be emulated on an iPad.
• Ability to synchronize states of TouchLink for iPad and TouchLink touchpanels upon reconnection
• Integrated IP Link device management capabilities — Provides full management and control of IP Link devices within Global Configurator, including setting IP properties, passwords, mail server settings, etc.
• Allows the creation of GlobalViewer Host hierarchical tree views — Each GlobalViewer Host administrator can access only a subset of an organization's IP Link devices, while the global administrator can access all devices.
• Device configuration copy and paste — Enables replication of an existing IP Link device configuration, including schedule and monitor settings, to one or more identical IP Link devices.
• Enhanced front panel button configuration — Colorful device representations and drag-and-drop capability speeds configuration of button actions.
• Button actions from multiple touchpanels can be accessed simultaneously
• Ability to define the upper and lower bounds for a feedback gauge
• Extensive library of thousands of Extron certified, ready-to-use serial and IR drivers — Extron pre-engineered, tested, and documented IR and serial device drivers simplify configuration and maintenance of control systems.
• Supports Ethernet device drivers — Allows for control of Ethernet-enabled AV devices such as displays, switchers, and sources.
• GlobalViewer system designer — Drag-and-drop tool for organizing equipment in the Global View on up to eight levels according to your specific needs.
• Device driver subscription service — Ensures that the latest driver available is included when the configuration file is uploaded.
• Serial and Ethernet driver replacement maintains configuration settings when a serial driver is replaced — Updating a serial or Ethernet driver does not require re-entering device configuration settings.
• Checks for missing drivers — When opening a project file, Global Configurator checks for any missing serial or IR drivers and provides the user with instructions for downloading them from the Extron web site.
• GlobalViewer Help button — Provides a customizable URL link that appears on every GlobalViewer Web page for quick access to an e-mail form, contact info, or online user guide.
• Project file import and export — Import and export an entire configuration project file, for creation of a new configuration project or to merge into an existing file.
• Multiple action scheduling — Schedule multiple simultaneous actions at a specific day and time on a single IP Link control processor.
• Event reporting — E-mail messages can be used to track device status and usage data for creating reports and making purchase decisions.
• Matrix switcher driver support — Serial and Ethernet drivers for Extron matrix switchers are fully supported for use with all Extron control systems.
• Ability to directly set the toggle state of a button
• New project wizard — Saves time by allowing administrators to set default values for IP addresses, Telnet and Web ports, timeout values, passwords, and date/time settings that are applied to every device in the organization.
• Intelligent upload manager — Optimizes the upload process by compiling and uploading only the necessary changes. The entire process, including error checking, compiling all files, and uploading GlobalViewer Web pages, graphics, and driver files to the IP Link devices on your system, takes only seconds.
• Backlit button color support — On-screen graphical representations of the buttons on a configured MediaLink controller in GlobalViewer will match the actual real-time color of the controller buttons.
• Scheduling and monitoring wizards — Step users through all of the scheduling and monitoring options available.
• Aggregate event triggers — Allows multiple events on a single IP Link device to trigger one or more actions within the same device.
• Enhanced labeling options — Provides extensive flexibility in renaming button labels in GlobalViewer Web pages.
• Multiple optional graphical interface skins — Global Configurator includes an assortment of colorful graphical user interfaces that can be selected during the configuration process to enhance the look of the GlobalViewer Web pages. Web page source code is available for user customization.
• View devices by location or IP Link device type — Configured devices can be sorted and displayed by IP Link device or by location.
• Project AutoSave — When the Enable Project AutoSave option in the Application Settings dialog is enabled, Global Configurator automatically saves the current project at a regular interval. The timer is configurable from 1 to 120 minutes. When a project has been changed, Global Configurator saves the project file, if the user has not done so, based on the timer's settings. Additionally, Global Configurator will make a backup copy of the current project when the user performs a manual file save.
• Optional Custom Graphical User Interfaces for PoleVault projects —
  For PoleVault Systems configured with an MLC 104 IP Plus or MLC 226 IP MediaLink Controller Global Configurator provides a custom graphical user interface based on the configured Controller buttons and installed drivers. The Custom GUI can be quickly uploaded to the controller using IP Link File Manager software.