DIPOL Weekly Review - TV and SAT TV, CCTV, WLAN

No. 40/2013 (Dec. 12. 2013)

DOCSIS 3.1 - when cable TV operators will give a chance to fiber optics?

On October 21-24, 2013, there was held in Atlanta, USA, a meeting of members of the SCTE organization Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers).
The association, founded in 1969, organizes annual conferences on issues important for telecommunications industry. This year, the participants were focused on the future of access technology in cable networks, with particular emphasis on DOCSIS 3.1, the latest version.
DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) is a family of standards managing digital data transmission in cable TV networks based on HFC Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial technology. DOCSIS standard has been modified for use in Europe (the EuroDOCSIS variant has channel width of 8 MHz instead of 6 MHz).
Since the beginning, the DOCSIS family has been developing very quickly. DOCSIS 1.0 was accepted and published in March 1997, the next, more popular version (2.0) providing broadband access - in December 2001. The next version, DOCSIS 3.0, radically increasing maximum transmission speeds, was officially approved in August 2006. DOCSIS 3.0 supports multichannel digital transmission, with revolutionary channel bonding technology, allowing "downstream" speeds up to 400 Mbps.
John Chapman (Cisco CTO) at SCTE,
talking about the benefits of DOCSIS 3.1
As expected, the new DOCSIS 3.1 platform will provide a number of benefits to operators of cable TV networks and their users. The most important information is the fact that version 3.1 compared to 3.0 allows for increasing spectral efficiency by 50% and for bonding small (20-50 kHz - wide) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier intervals into a block spectrum with widths of hundreds of MHz. This way, CATV operators will be able to offer "downstream" bandwidth up to 10 Gbps and "upstream" bandwidth up to 1-2 Gbps. As pointed out by CableLabs, the newly developed system will be compatible with the earlier versions, making it much easier for operators to migrate to the new specification.
All the benefits of DOCSIS 3.1 will not be immediately available for CATV subscribers. Leaving aside the real needs for using such high bandwidths, there are no plans for mass production of cable modems that can handle such high speeds. The first modems compliant with the new standard will be hybrids capable of operating both in DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1. By bonding band equivalents of maximum 24 current "downstream" channels and 8 current "upstream" channels, they will allow data rates 4-5 Gbps and 1.5 Gbps, respectively.
The implementation of DOCSIS 3.1 in cable TV networks can effectively postpone the deployment of FTTH (Fiber To The Home) networks. The latter, dedicated rather for "typical" telecom operators and ISPs, are more expensive to implement. According to the "Superfast Broadband: Catch up if you can" report published by BNP Paribas experts in late 2011, the cost of connecting a household to a DOCSIS network was then 150 Euro. The cost of deploying fiber optic link and equipment in FTTH technology was estimated at over 500 Euros. Will the telecom operators be able to fight with CATV competitors? It will be difficult, and all the hope is in the magic word "fiber" and the falling prices of FTTH solutions.

Adapters in FTTx networks.

In one of the previous editions of the Newsletter we described the differences between APC and UPC fiber optic connectors. The special feature of APC connectors is that their ends are polished at an angle of 8 degrees, ensuring very low back reflection.
Adapters are indispensable elements of any FTTH system, used for connections of pairs of optical fibers terminated with optical connectors. They are designed to properly position the fronts of the ferrules and secure permanent connection with the lowest possible signal loss.
Multimode Adapter ULTIMODE A-011S (1xSC to 1xSC)
Single-mode Adapter ULTIMODE A-511S (1xSC to 1xSC)
Single-mode Adapter ULTIMODE A-522S (1xSC/APC-1xSC/APC)
Multimode Adapter ULTIMODE A-011S (SC-SC)
L4011
Single-mode Adapter ULTIMODE A-511S, SC-SC
L4211
Single-mode Adapter ULTIMODE A-522S, SC/APC-SC/APC
L4222
As in the case of connectors, there are different types of adapters, but their construction is very similar. For example, SC/PC (MM), SC/UPC (SM) and the SC/APC (SM) adapters have the same dimensions. The most important part of each of the presented adapters is a zircon ceramic positioning sleeve. In contrast to less expensive e.g. polymer solutions, this kind of material ensures the smallest possible deviation from the nominal dimensions, which is especially important in the case of connecting single-mode fibers.
For practical reasons, adapters are manufactured according to a certain color scheme. Due to the fact that they are often mounted in distribution frames and it is impossible or difficult to see the kind of the connectors plugged on the opposite sides of the panels, the color scheme is very helpful. Gray color is reserved for multimode fibers, blue corresponds with PC/UPC connectors, green with APC connectors.

Cascade connection of Signal DVB-T modulators.

DVB-T modulator Signal-450 R86740 encodes input HDMI signal to transport stream and provides RF signal that can be distributed through coaxial cables as a DVB-T channel. A great advantage of this model is the capability of distributing HD content. The content may come from a media player, Blu-ray player, DVR, PC, STB decoder etc. In situations where users want to distribute two different HD channels, they have to employ two such modulators.
The signals from the two R86740 modulators can be combined in a typical RF combiner e.g. R60102 or directly in the RF loop of modulator that is connected as the second in the series. Due to the fact that digital DVB-T signals are described by a number of parameters identifying each broadcast and channel, an additional device configuration has to be done to setup two independent channels.
The injection of two or more television signals from the Signal-450 DVB-T modulators requires to change the Program number parameter. The device configuration can be done by entering the menu and selecting Menu->Encoder->Program Info->Program number. The default value is "101". If the default settings were not changed, the televisions in the network would not be able to store the both or more channels (with a greater number of modulators), even if they were operating on different RF channels. So, each modulator in the network has to have different Program number.
UHF TV Antenna: DIPOL 44/21-69 Tri DigitHDMI/USB - COFDM (DVB-T) Modulator: Signal-450HDMI/USB - COFDM (DVB-T) Modulator: Signal-4503-Way TV/FM Splitter R-3 Signal1-way Tap: Signal O-1-14dB (5-1000MHz)1-way Tap: Signal O-1-14dB (5-1000MHz)1-way Tap: Signal O-1-14dB (5-1000MHz)1-way Tap: Signal O-1-12dB (5-1000MHz)1-way Tap: Signal O-1-12dB (5-1000MHz)1-way Tap: Signal O-1-12dB (5-1000MHz)1-way Tap: Signal O-1-11dB (5-1000MHz)1-way Tap: Signal O-1-11dB (5-1000MHz)1-way Tap: Signal O-1-11dB (5-1000MHz)
Distribution of HD content from a Blu-ray and PC (as well as terrestrial DVB-T broadcasts) in a network with two Signal-450 R86740 DVB-T modulators

Security camera in a home intercom system.

Cameras built in intercoms are usually quite simple, without possibility of zooming or adjusting the field of view. Additionally, the locations of the cameras make them naturally vulnerable to vandals, or the view from the cameras can be easily blocked. A good alternative is an independent CCTV camera, e.g. Sunell IRC59/21AP M11286, which eliminates these problems and offers much better image quality.
Compact Outdoor Camera: Sunell IRC59/21AP (day/night, D-WDR, 650TVL, Sony Effio-E, 0.01 lx, 2.8-12 mm, OSD, IR up to 30m)Video Transmitter/Receiver (Balun): 1VP-B (BNC, angular, 2pcs)Video Transmitter/Receiver (Balun): 1VP-B (BNC, angular, 2pcs)Cat 5e UTP Cable: NETSET UTPw 5e <br />(outdoor - gel-filled, black) [1m]Video Signal Multiplexer RV-1/2PUHF TV Antenna: DIPOL 44/21-69 Tri DigitTV Modulator: Signal Digital Classic (ch.21-69, K - 6.5 MHz)
A video door entry system with the preview of the image from CCTV camera
on the intercom screen and on a television
The video from the camera is transmitted via outdoor UTP cable E1410 with the use of Etrix M16654 video baluns. Then, the signal is splt into two paths by the video signal multiplexer RV-1/2P M1707. One of them is used by the intercom, and the other modulates RF signal in the R95176 modulator, which can be displayed on a TV as another TV channel. Such solution allows for viewing the camera image both on the intercom and on the TV.

The importance of good video monitoring system - Sunell catches the thief in the act.

At this year's CPSE China Public Security Expo, a manufacturer of IP and analog security cameras - Sunell - presented new devices and software solutions. During the event, an unexpected incident happened - someone stolen mobile phone that had been used on the stand for the presentation of "cloud" solutions. Thanks to cameras installed in the booth and a video recording system, it was possible to capture the moment of the theft of the device and the face of the person who committed the act.
The recording from one of the Sunell cameras which captured the moment of the theft
The recording, although from a camera working in resolution of 720p only, very well shows the whole incident and enables identification of the perpetrator. DIPOL offers Sunell cameras with even higher resolution, 1080p: K1630, K1634, K1660, K1680, K1691, K1695 and K1698. The images from the IP cameras can be recorded on PC computers with free NVMS application, commercial NUUO software, or with NUUO, Hikvision, or Signal IP NVRs.
A short video from CPSE is available here

How to improve mobile Internet connectivity?

Wireless Internet access via cellular networks is an increasingly popular service. The growing popularity of this service among subscribers is the result of mobility, higher throughput and lower prices. The absolute highlight is LTE technology that enables the achievement of data rates similar to those in landline /cable or WiFi networks.
LTE technology is flexible both in the terms of the frequency range and bandwidth of the transmission channel. LTE networks can operate in frequency bands from 700 MHz (non-urbanized areas - longer range) to 2.6 GHz (metropolitan areas - higher capacity). An important element of LTE is MIMO technology (Multiple Input Multiple Output) increasing transmission efficiency by employing multiple antennas on both ends of the transmission links.
The antenna presented below has been designed for use in GSM/DCS/UMTS/HSDPA/LTE systems working in 800-2170 MHz range. Due to the broadband characteristics and MIMO technology, it is a very universal telecommunications antenna. It can be connected to the latest modems supplied by mobile operators.
LTE MIMO Antenna: ATK-LOG LTE (800-2170MHz, 10m cable, FME socket)
ATK-LOG LTE antenna (800-2170MHz, 10 m cable, FME socket)
A7057
New products offered by DIPOL:
Signal-HD HDMI to Fiber Optic Converter (with RC extender)
CCTV Network DVR: Ultimax 1408 (8ch-H.264-HDMI)
Switched Mode Power Supply PSD 48VDC/1.25A (2.1/5.5mm(+))
Signal-HD HDMI to Fiber Optic
Converter (with RC extender)
H3608
CCTV Network DVR Ultimax 1408
(8ch-H.264-HDMI)
M72408
SMPS PSD 48VDC/1.25A
(2.1/5.5mm(+))
M1894
DIPOL company news:

November 22, 2013 - Special Offers Info. Today, it was the first time we sent the Info to e-Store customers. Special Offers Info is sent at the beginning of each promotion. It presents items along with their main features and shows discount prices for the respective customer (company). Each promotion is valid for two weeks. The customer who wants to receive the Info has to register at e-Store and agree to get it by choosing suitable option in the My Account section.


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The distinguish features of TERRA multiswitch systems include ... more


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