4:3/16:9 Remote Controlled Screen Masking System
Written by:  Shane Mattson

Components used:
1. Motorized Drape Controller (2 manually configurable set points)
http://www.smarthome.com/3142.HTML

2. IR X10 Command Console (Receives X10 IR commands from a remote control and then converts the commands to X10 signals)
http://www.smarthome.com/4040.html

3. X10 Appliance Module (Receives commands from the IR X10 device)
http://www.smarthome.com/2001.html

4. Sony RM-AV3100 Universal Remote

5. DIY Screen/Drape mount/frame to support drape track.

Connect the drape track string to the drape controller/motor. Plug the controller/motor into an X10 appliance module. Plug the IR X10 Command console into a wall outlet (same electrical circuit is preferable to avoid potential X10 signal problems). Program your universal remote (must support X-10) to control X10 devices and then create a macro to turn the drape motor on.  Note: Because the drape motor has 2 set points, all that's required is to apply power.   Alway's set an X10 'OFF' command before applying an 'ON' command because after the drape motor shuts off when it reaches a set point, the appliance module is technically still ON.  In order to activate the motor again, first turn OFF the appliance module and then turn it ON.   Preset the drape motor so at the "Close" set point, 4:3 masking is applied and at "Open" set point, 16:9 masking is applied.  Once the first set point is reached (4:3) the motor will shut off.  When power is applied again, the motor will run to the next set point (16:9) and then shut off automatically.   Next, program 4:3 and 16:9 control buttons (X10 OFF and then ON command for each) on your touch screen universal remote and at the press of a button either 16:9 or 4:3 vertical masking will be activated! 

Comments?  Please drop me an email!

Shane Mattson
shane@soundreproduction.com