How to play PianoVideo with PDS-228CFX, PDS-128Plus, or PianoCD

Connecting a video player to your PianoDisc control unit is easier than it sounds. Let's start with the video. Simply connect the video output of your video player directly to the video input of your display or TV. That's it!

Next, we'll connect the audio. Make a stereo connection from the analog audio outputs of the video player to the “CD IN” jacks on your PianoDisc unit. Then, connect the “AUDIO OUT” ports of your PianoDisc control unit to the system's speakers or the TV's speakers (if you want the accompaniment audio to come through the TV).

While PianoCD uses the “CD IN” ports automatically, you need to put your PDS-228CFX or PDS-128Plus into CD Mode to make use of those ports. Once in CD Mode, your unit will monitor those inputs for data.

Regardless of which control unit you have, ensure that the bypass feature is turned OFF. Also, if your unit has an internal CD drive, do not try to play from a CD in the drive at the same time you are playing from an external player.

Unlike the iQ which uses a variable input level, your control unit requires the audio input to be set at a fixed volume. In many cases, the pre-set output of your video player will work right away, and no adjustment is needed. However, if your control unit indicates a data error, you'll need to adjust the audio level of the video player.

If your audio level needs adjustment, this is where a video player with a variable line output or volume control comes in handy. If your video player does not have an adjustable audio output, you may need to purchase an inexpensive mixer or attenuator to achieve the proper level. Your local music store or RadioShack likely has products that can help.

Experiment with the volume control of your video player by sweeping it from the minimum value to the maximum value. You will notice the PianoDisc control box report data errors much more at the minimum and maximum extremes. Set your volume somewhere in between, where you experience no data errors. After playing the system for a few minutes without data errors, you are good to go. If you do get an error, try adjusting the volume slightly up or down until the errors disappear.

Now that the volume is set, leave it alone. Unlike the iQ, your PianoDisc control unit requires the volume level to be fixed at a specific point. To adjust the volume of the system, use the PianoDisc remote control, or the volume up/down buttons on the front of your PianoDisc control unit. DO NOT adjust the volume of the video player once it has been set.