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WHAT IS SOURCE-POWER SYNCHRONIZATION?
The A4.6Ci has been designed to keep track of the ON/OFF condition of the three source components connected to
the system. This allows you to automate source components that utilize the same IR command for ON and OFF.
For this feature to function as designed, you need synchronization (sync) between the A4.6Ci and source com-
ponents that utilize the same IR command for ON and OFF. This assures the users of the system that the A4.6Ci
will always issue power commands correctly when they press a Master Key or the Off Key.
Source Power Sync makes it possible for users to always have a source component turn ON when they need
it on and to always have all the components turn OFF when they turn the system off.
Source Components that Require Power Synchronization
Source components that utilize the same IR command for ON and OFF need to be synchronized. The power
button for these source components sends the same IR command to turn the source components ON if they are
OFF, and to turn them OFF if they are ON. It is necessary to “synchronize” these source components with the
A4.6Ci so it knows not to send an ON command if the source components are already ON (if it did, the source
components would turn OFF, which is not the desired result). Conversely, synchronization keeps the A4.6Ci from
issuing a “power” command when the OFF Key is pressed, if the source components are already OFF.
The A4.6Ci has three Sync Inputs for each of the source components. It allows synchronization via voltage and video
signals. (see Choosing a Synchronization Method on page 25 for more information on how to synchronize components).
Source Components that Do Not Require Synchronization
Two types of components do not require synchronization: Those with separate ON and OFF IR commands and
those with “latching power.”
Source Components with Separate ON/OFF IR Commands
Synchronization is not required for source components that are included with and respond to separate ON and
OFF IR commands. When power commands are programmed as separate ON and OFF, the A4.6Ci will issue
ON commands only if sync is not present. Separate OFF commands for source components are always issued
when the last zone turns OFF regardless of sync status.
Source Components with “Latching Power”
Some source components, Such as CD players and tape decks, usually are plugged into the switched AC out-
let of the preamplifier/receiver with which they are installed. These components simply turn ON when the sys-
tem’s receiver/preamplifier turns ON, meaning that they “latch” into an ON or OFF state and do not need an
IR command to turn ON or OFF.
Because they turn ON as soon as there is power on their AC cord, once the preamplifier/receiver is turned on,
these components will turn on as well. They do not need individual synchronization.
Since the A4.6Ci does not provide a switched AC outlet, the 12V control output connected to a voltage-triggered
AC power strip (i.e., Niles AC-3) provides perfect control of latching source component. (See Configuration 1 in
the Systems Configurations section of this manual for more information.)
SOURCE-POWER SYNCHRONIZATION