MultiPro Plus FAQ's

 

  1. How do I make the connections to the MultiPro Plus?
  2. What do the buttons mean?
  3. How do I read the Icon menu?
  4. Why does my VGA monitor go out when plugged into the MultiPro Plus?
  5. Why does my VGA monitor look fuzzy when I plug it into the Multipro Plus?
  6. Why does my VGA monitor look all scrambled (out of sync)
      when I plug it into the MultiPro Plus?
  7. How do I install the "Y" cable?
  8. Why does the Mode or Select button not work?
  9. Why do I have to make the setting for underscan mode all the time?
  10. How come there is no software for the MultiPro Plus?
  11. Why can't I get the right size image (underscan) on TV at 1024x768?
  12. Why is my picture to big on TV when set to 1024x768?
  13. What if my laptop already has built in TV output?
  14. Why can't I get sound out of my MultiPro Plus?
  15. How can I make the TV image quality better?
  16. Why do I only see snow on my tv?
  17. Why do I only get a blank blue or black screen on my TV (or connected to a VCR)?
  18. Why can’t I get the scan converter to connect to my TV?
  19. How far can I run a cable to the TV?
  20. How many TV’s can I use with my scan converter?
  21. Can I use the scan converter with my laptop computer?
  22. When I use my laptop can I see it on the TV and the laptop?
  23. How do I get my laptop into this CRT mode?
  24. How do I use the MultiPro Plus with a Macintosh?
  25. Can I use my scan converter in DOS mode?
  26. How do I use my scan converter with a PAL TV?
  27. Parts

How do I make the connections to the MultiPro Plus?

  1. Connect the cable from your VGA monitor to the connector at "A".
  2. Connect the small round connector (Mini DIN) on the encoder cable at "B".
  3. Connect the other end (15 pin DB15 connector) to your computer's VGA port.
  4. Make ONE of the two connections as described below:
        a. Connect your S-Video cable (provided) to the connection at "C" (recommended if available).
       
    b. Connect your RCA cable (provided) to the connection at "D".
  5. Connect the other end of the cable (a or b above) to the proper connection on your television.
  6. Connect the power adapter connector to the socket at "E".

Please refer to the full length manual  Scan Converter Install Guide for more information and graphics if you need more help with any of these these connections or connectors.      

What do the buttons mean?

How do I read the Icon menu?

Why does my VGA monitor go out when plugged into the MultiPro Plus?         back to top

We have found that some few monitors have a very sensitive sync pulse circuit that does not like going through the scan converter.    What happens is that the monitor does not recognize the sync pulse and shuts down as if it were getting no video at all.  The fix for this problem is to get one of the VGA "Y" cables that we provide.  Please see tech bulletin number 7 that addresses this issue. MultiPro Plus - monitor blurry or out of sync.

Why does my VGA monitor look fuzzy when I plug it into the Multipro Plus?        

This problem is related to the sync line on the monitor. The fix for this problem is to get one of the VGA "Y" cables that we provide.     Please see tech bulletin number 7 that addresses this issue. MultiPro Plus - monitor blurry or out of sync.

Why does my VGA monitor look all scrambled (out of sync) when I plug it into the MultiPro Plus?   

This problem is related to the sync line on the monitor.    The fix for this problem is to get one of the VGA "Y" cables that we provide. .  Please see tech bulletin number 7 that addresses this issue.  MultiPro Plus - monitor blurry or out of sync.

How do I install the "Y" cable?             back to top

Install the "Y" cable by going through the steps outlined below

  1. Remove the existing connection of the MultiPro Encoder Cable (connector shown upper right below).
  2. Disconnect the cable from your monitor, now on the rear of the MultiPro Plus.
  3. Connect the MultiPro Plus Encoder Cable to one leg of the "Y" cable as shown below.
  4. Connect your monitor to the other leg of the "Y" cable - see labels below.
  5. Connect the 'head' of the "Y" cable to your VGA card on the rear of your computer.

 

Why does the Mode or Select button not work?        back to top

We have found that some of the units were compressed during fabrication, resulting in the buttons being held in their pressed state.  Grip the unit in both hands with the thumbs across the top and the fingers spread across the bottom.  Now squeeze and slightly twist on the plastic housing.    It should make some clicking noises.  Do this once or twice only.   This should free up the buttons that got stuck during fabrication.  If this does not fix your button problem please return the unit to your vendor for a replacement unit.  You should have to do this one time only.

Why do I have to make the setting for underscan mode all the time?          back to top

The MultiPro Plus gets reset every time you turn it on or whenever your computer changes the screen mode.  After being reset by the mode change in your system, the MultiPro Plus falls back to its default mode of overscan.  If this is a problem for you there is a utility on our Software Download page that will set the MultiPro Plus back into underscan mode whenever it is reset by the system.  This utility effectively locks the unit into the underscan mode. MultiPro Plus.

How come there is no software for the MultiPro Plus?   

The MultiPro Plus was designed as a Plug and Play device that required no software to install or operate.

Why can't I get the right size image (underscan) on TV at 1024x768?    

The MultiPro Plus was not designed to give underscan at 1024x768.    It may work partially on some TV's but this is not a function of the device.    Change your system display properties to 800x600 and set 16 bit color and

Why is my picture to big on TV when set to 1024x768?     

Underscan is not supported in the 1024x768 mode.    Set your system up for 800x600.  In some cases you may see the image shrink horizontally but not vertically.

What if my laptop already has built in TV output?        back to top

If your laptop has a built in TV output circuit, you must make sure that this function is turned off.    Usually this mode will change your VGA output.  If this is the case it may affect the output of your MultiPro Plus.  Usually the VGA signal associated with TV output is a non standard output adjusted because of the TV output.  When the MultiPro Plus sees this non standard VGA signal it may not convert it correctly.

Why can't I get sound out of my MultiPro Plus?       

Your MultiPro Plus was designed as a VIDEO device.  It is a scan converter and it does not work with the audio signal associated with the TV. If you want to get sound from the computer to your TV or VCR you will need to connect the line out port on your sound card to the audio input of your video device (TV or VCR).  You will need two items to do this. First you will need a 3mm stereo to RCA stereo adapter and second you will need the RCA stereo cable to connect to your video device. You should be able to find these items at your local Radio Shack store or any video or audio dealer in your area.

How can I make the TV image quality better?        back to top

You are probably looking at the very fine text that is under the folders and icons on the Windows Desktop. This text is about the finest text you will find displayed in Windows.  A TV does not have the capability of displaying fine text clearly on the screen.  If it did we would all be using cheep TV's on our computers instead of expensive VGA monitors.  What you see displayed on your TV screen is a function of that TV.  Some TV's are better than others, and this is not always a function of the cost of that TV.  There are several controls in the TV that can enhance the display you see.  Adjusting for color, sharpness, contrast, and brightness can help enhance the image coming from the computer. 

A VGA monitor of a given size will cost ten to fifteen times that of a TV.  A 21 inch TV costs about $200 while a 21 inch monitor will cost you about $3,000. The TV does not have the ability (band width) to make the changes that would allow you to see fine text clearly. You can opt for using large text within Windows.  In most cases this display ability will not be a problem for you.  Most likely you will be using this for presentations using applications like PowerPoint, or you will be playing games, showing pictures, working with graphics, or surfing the web.  For these applications your scan converter will work well for you.  It is only in the applications such as word processing, databases work and the like that you will have a problem with the fine text.  This can be corrected by choosing large block or bold fonts for your presentation.

There are several things you can do to enhance the fonts on your system if you need to make presentations with programs that have smaller fonts. 

        Internet Explorer 4.0

You can select a larger font for displaying the Internet pages you are showing on the TV.  Click View - Fonts - and select a larger font to your liking.  Note that Medium is the default font size for the normal screen view.

 

        Windows 95/98 Desktop

In Windows you can specify the font you use for the different areas of the Windows Desktop. To get to your Display Properties just right click a blank area of your desktop - click Properties at the bottom of the menu - and click the Appearance tab at the top of the dialog box as shown below.

 TextSize1.jpg (51682 bytes)

Please note the graphic above that show you how to set the font for the different areas of the Windows.  Note the Item list shown immediately above.  This list will allow you to change the appearance of virtually all areas of your desktop.  For the purpose of these instructions you will only be interested in changing the font size for the Icons.

 TextSize2.jpg (47592 bytes)

 

The graphic above shows you how to change the size of the font.  Select the size you think will work and click the Apply button.  If this setting is not suitable for your needs choose one higher or lower that you like better.     Note that the default font size is 8 point text. Standard printed text is 12 point. The list goes up to 18 point text but this setting may be too large.   Click the OK button when you find a font size that you like.

Why do I only see snow on my tv?            back to top

Snow on the TV screen (the random gray screen with the sound of rushing water (white noise)) is an indication that the TV is expecting to get input from its tuner via the antenna or cable box. In most cases you will need to manually switch your TV to its video mode. There are a few TV models that have an automatic switching mechanism. Please refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on switching your TV to its video mode. See also the associated article in this section listing many TV brands and their method of switching. In most all cases you will need to use the remote control that came with your TV to make this video mode change. Many so-called universal remotes do not include some of the special functions like this one. See also the section below on switching a VCR to its video mode.

 

Why do I only get a blank blue or black screen on my TV (or connected to a VCR)?     

Your VCR (as well as some newer and more expensive TV’s) has a video blanking feature that will not allow the loud white noise and ‘snow’ to be displayed on the TV when it does not get a normal TV signal. The above section describes the setting of a TV to its video mode. Setting the VCR is very similar and usually requires the standard remote control to switch to video mode. Like the TV, the VCR requires you to switch it to its external video mode. Please refer to your owner’s manual for how to do this and see also the associated article in this section listing many VCR brands and their method of switching.

Why can’t I get the scan converter to connect to my TV?                      back to top

There are two types of connectors available with our scan converters, the composite video (RCA) and the S-Video connector. In order to use the scan converter you must connect it to a matching connector on your TV or VCR. All VCR’s have at least one set of video input connectors on the rear (newer units have one set on the front). This is to allow for recording from an external camera. Most newer TV’s have these same RCA connectors for direct video input. Some newer and more expensive TV’s and VCR’s also have the S-Video input. If you have both types of connectors on your TV, use the S-Video for a sharper image on the TV.

If your TV does not have an RCA connector for direct video (composite) input you will not be able to use your scan converter in its current configuration. You will have two choices at this point. You can use your VCR if you have one or purchase an RF Modulator. The RF Modulator changes the composite video signal to an RF signal. The RF Modulator attaches to the TV using the F connector – the screw on coax connector where your antenna or cable-box cable attaches. You can purchase an RF Modulator from Radio Shack for about $30.  You cannot use a simple adapter that changes the RCA cable connector to the F connector.

If you attach the scan converter to your VCR you will have to set the TV channel to the one used in your area for VCR’s (channel 3 or 4). You will then have to switch your VCR to its External Video Mode. See the next entry for how to do this.

 

How far can I run a cable to the TV?                       back to top

There is a practical limit of about 20 feet between the scan converter and the television. We have received reports from customers that they have achieved distances up to about 50 feet using good shielded cable using the composite output (RCA) connector. We have also had reports of up to 100 feet using expensive Monster Cable on the S-Video output.

Please note that AITech will NOT troubleshoot nor support installations with cables longer than the stated 20 feet. If you have in installation with a cable longer than 20 feet and you need technical support for you scan converter please install the requisite 20 foot cable before calling us. If you need a long run from the scan converter to the TV it is recommended that you purchase a video amplifier and use this to drive your long cable. You should be able to find one of these amplifiers at any good video supply store.

 

How many TV’s can I use with my scan converter?             

The scan converter you have was designed to send a signal to a single TV but should be able to drive two TV’s without using an amplifier. You may be limited to a total of about 20 feet of cabling (to both televisions). Note that you have two outputs on your scan converter. These outputs are the composite (RCA) and the S-Video outputs. There is no reason that you cannot use both outputs at the same time. If one TV has an S-Video input use that for one TV and the composite (RCA) input for your second TV. If you need to drive many TV’s it is recommended that you purchase a video distribution amplifier for this purpose. You can get one of these from a good video supply store.

 

Can I use the scan converter with my laptop computer?                    back to top

Yes. There is no practical difference at all between using a desktop computer and a laptop. The main difference is in the monitor connection. Since you are using a laptop you will likely not be attaching a standard CRT monitor to the scan converter.

notebook-scuba-tv.jpg (25228 bytes)

 

When I use my laptop can I see it on the TV and the laptop?                  back to top  

This is a function of the hardware design of the laptop. In most cases you will probably  be able to see both displays at the same time. The reason for this has to do with the way a TV operates and the fact that the scan rate is not dependent on the computer. When the laptop is in the simultaneous mode the computer switches the signal back and forth splitting it between the LCD display and the CRT display (where the scan converter is attached). You may have to switch your laptop to the CRT (or external monitor) mode in order to see a stable display on your TV. You will know you are in the CRT mode when the laptop screen goes black. When in the simultaneous mode the TV gets its signal chopped up and you get a chopped up image on the TV. If your application requires a local display we recommend that you look into purchasing the MultiPro Plus.

 

How do I get my laptop into this CRT mode?                 

Most laptops have a hot-key combination using the Fn key (lower left corner of the keyboard) and one of the function keys at the top of the keyboard (F1 … F12). You should see an icon of a monitor on one of these keys or the lettering LCD/CRT or something similar. Hold the Fn key and press the associated F# key. This is usually a three mode switch – it rolls around between LCD, Simultaneous, and CRT modes. You will usually have to press this key combination two times to turn off the laptop screen. Please refer to your user’s manual on how to do this. There is an associated page in this technical support section that gives you a listing of many laptop brands, the hot key combinations and what you should expect to see on that key. Note that this compilation does not cover every laptop in existence nor does it specify models.

Macintosh Installation                      back to top

Installing the scan converter on a Macintosh requires the use of the two supplied adapters. Note that one is longer than the other. The longer adapter is connected between the Macintosh and the scan converter (#1 below); the shorter adapter connects between the Mac monitor and the scan converter VGA output connector (#2 below). Note that some Macintosh models may not require the use of both of these adapters.

  1. Connect your encoder cable to the VGA Out side of the shorter adapter. The Mac In side of this connector attaches to the monitor connection on your Macintosh computer.

 

    MacMP+In.jpg (11490 bytes)

    Figure 1 - Showing how to connect the Macintosh input adapter to the scan converter. The Mac In side of this connector connects to your Macintosh VGA (monitor) output connector.

     

  1. Connect the VGA IN side of the longer Mac adapter to the side of the scan converter on the VGA Out (VGA connector). Your Macintosh monitor cable then connects to the Mac Out side of the longer adapter.

MacMP+Out.jpg (10541 bytes)

Figure 2 - Shows how the Macintosh output adapter attaches to the VGA Out connector on the scan converter. Connect your Mac monitor to the Mac Out side of the adapter.

Can I use my scan converter in DOS mode?              

The simple answer is yes.  Usually the default state of the video card is 60 Hertz in the DOS mode.  This may or may not affect the image quality on the TV depending on both your system and your TV.

How do I use my scan converter with a PAL TV?               

You will only have to move the switch on the rear of your MultiPro Plus to the PAL position to your the scan converter with PAL equipment.  If you are going to use this device in a PAL country you will need to get the necessary power adapters or order a PAL version of the unit from our international sales staff.

Parts                                                                                            back to top

Replacement "Encoder Cables" can be purchased from our Online Store.

Replacement power supplies can be purchased from our Online Store.


Last update 02-17-01