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No. 8/2009 (Feb. 23, 2009)
What's new in HDTV televisions? Two basic technologies of flat screen panels (LCD and plasma) have a stable position in the market, however the manufacturers are still making strenuous efforts to develop products with improved technical and functional parameters. Most innovations are being introduced into dominating on the market LCD panels. This technology, inherently more energy-efficient than plasma competitor, allows further reduction of energy consumption with the use of LED backlights instead of standard CCFL lamps (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp). Additionally, LED-backlit displays allow to improve dynamic contrast. The company which is especially dedicated to LED technology (with its new series) is Samsung. Other manufacturers in most products continue to use CCFL lamps, but with improved efficiency and a wider spectrum (e.g. WCG-CCFL - Sony). An example is the series Bravia TV KDL-52VE5, Bravia KDL-46VE5, and the Bravia KDL-40VE5 from Sony, equipped with lamps of smaller size and power consumption reduced by 40%. The overall power consumption of these televisions is also reduced by a zero-watt standby power switch and a presence sensor, turning off the TV set after a period of no motion in front of the screen (sensitive motion detector).
Sony is also a leader in accelerating the speed of image processing in LCD panels in order to eliminate the difference in performance of dynamic content between LCD and plasma. In addition to the existing Motionflow 100/120 Hz solutions, the company introduced a family of LCD TVs with double refresh rates - Motionflow 200/240 Hz. Samsung also followed in Sony's footsteps and unveiled two new series of LCD HDTVs, including sets with 240 Hz refresh rate. However, the real speed daemon is the 480 Hz prototype shown at CES by LG.
Some manufacturers (e.g. Sharp) already equip TVs with built-in BluRay players, many producers have implemented in televisions USB ports and memory card readers. TV makers began to appreciate the power of the Internet - the interfaces can be found in the new TV sets from Sony, Panasonic, Samsung and LG. In the case of the latter company, NetCast function allows (on the U.S. market) to have access to subscription of video services from Netflix and Youtube. Cooperation with Yahoo makes it possible to use Yahoo Widgets which complement the viewed programs with the information downloaded from the Internet and allow interactive activities, such as online purchasing of products being advertised on TV.
LG, like other manufacturers, launches new products that allow wireless transmission of signals from 1080p set-top-boxes or BluRay players, without further compression of the signal. In January this year, LG joined the group of the largest producers of electronics, called WHDI SIG (WHDI - Wireless Home Digital Interface), which wants to establish a uniform standard of wireless transmission between any high-resolution signal source and a displaying device, each located anywhere in the home.
One can see a clear division of LCD televisions according to size and resolution - from 32 inches upwards the new TVs are completely dominated by Full HD screens (1080p standard, 1920 x 1080 pixels). There are also LCD panels with a true cinema format, such as Philips Cinema 21:9 (the ratio of width and height is 21:9 instead of typical 16:9), eliminating black margins when playing widescreen cinema movies.
On the fringe of the mainstream there are plasma TVs with lowered energy consumption (even earning Energy Star 3.0 certification), or having extreme performance parameters like Xcanvas PDP TV 50PQ60D and 42PQ60D from LG - incredibly high contrast rate of 1,000,000,000 : 1 and 600 MHz frequency response.
Sony is also a leader in accelerating the speed of image processing in LCD panels in order to eliminate the difference in performance of dynamic content between LCD and plasma. In addition to the existing Motionflow 100/120 Hz solutions, the company introduced a family of LCD TVs with double refresh rates - Motionflow 200/240 Hz. Samsung also followed in Sony's footsteps and unveiled two new series of LCD HDTVs, including sets with 240 Hz refresh rate. However, the real speed daemon is the 480 Hz prototype shown at CES by LG.
Some manufacturers (e.g. Sharp) already equip TVs with built-in BluRay players, many producers have implemented in televisions USB ports and memory card readers. TV makers began to appreciate the power of the Internet - the interfaces can be found in the new TV sets from Sony, Panasonic, Samsung and LG. In the case of the latter company, NetCast function allows (on the U.S. market) to have access to subscription of video services from Netflix and Youtube. Cooperation with Yahoo makes it possible to use Yahoo Widgets which complement the viewed programs with the information downloaded from the Internet and allow interactive activities, such as online purchasing of products being advertised on TV.
LG, like other manufacturers, launches new products that allow wireless transmission of signals from 1080p set-top-boxes or BluRay players, without further compression of the signal. In January this year, LG joined the group of the largest producers of electronics, called WHDI SIG (WHDI - Wireless Home Digital Interface), which wants to establish a uniform standard of wireless transmission between any high-resolution signal source and a displaying device, each located anywhere in the home.
One can see a clear division of LCD televisions according to size and resolution - from 32 inches upwards the new TVs are completely dominated by Full HD screens (1080p standard, 1920 x 1080 pixels). There are also LCD panels with a true cinema format, such as Philips Cinema 21:9 (the ratio of width and height is 21:9 instead of typical 16:9), eliminating black margins when playing widescreen cinema movies.
On the fringe of the mainstream there are plasma TVs with lowered energy consumption (even earning Energy Star 3.0 certification), or having extreme performance parameters like Xcanvas PDP TV 50PQ60D and 42PQ60D from LG - incredibly high contrast rate of 1,000,000,000 : 1 and 600 MHz frequency response.
OLED television from Samsung
OLED seems to be the technology of the future. In comparison with LCD screens, these displays ensure wider color range, higher brightness and contrast, and nearly 180 degree viewing angle - without change of brightness or color. Additionally, OLED displays have hundreds times shorter reaction time, even only 0.01 ms (modern LCD: 2-10 ms). They are also energy-efficient and eco-friendly (no need to use mercury). The main problem which has to be solved before wider use of this technology is a limited lifetime of organic materials.
Life is getting back to tower blocks. Large housing developments built in the countries of Eastern Europe since the sixties of the last century were only bedroom suburbs. Due to lack of cultural and commercial infrastructure the residents returned to their homes to go to sleep. Neighbors did not know each other till... the beginning of the Internet. This time lack of adequate infrastructure and collapse of communism resulted in grassroots initiatives to create a network between neighbors. The first happy ones who got permanent access to the Internet often shared the connection with others in the building or established small firms offering Internet access. The visible signs of the new social bonds are cables running through staircases, on facades, and even between buildings.
"Workers of the world, unite!" unexpectedly resulted in that the residents of all blocks have really united...
One of Moscow's bedroom suburbs - cables connecting people (the picture can be enlarged)
Control of MMH-3000 headend via LAN or Internet. There are many situations when a hotel wants to change the set of distributed TV programs according to the needs of organized groups, for the accommodation period. Often the guests during their short stay want to watch one/several specific channel/s.
Reprogramming of a headend is usually a troublesome task which requires to hire a technician and pay for the service. The modern Modular Headend TERRA MMH-3000 makes a huge difference. Remote control interface PCS-200 R81716 enables remote (LAN, Internet) programming and diagnostics of the headend, with an Internet browser. Additionally, the PCS web server is equipped with interface that allows to connect an IP camera or video server cooperating with analog CCTV camera. It enables the installer/operator to remotely instruct someone from the hotel staff to perform simple maintenance operations.
A short guide to MMH-3000 TERRA design
Reprogramming of a headend is usually a troublesome task which requires to hire a technician and pay for the service. The modern Modular Headend TERRA MMH-3000 makes a huge difference. Remote control interface PCS-200 R81716 enables remote (LAN, Internet) programming and diagnostics of the headend, with an Internet browser. Additionally, the PCS web server is equipped with interface that allows to connect an IP camera or video server cooperating with analog CCTV camera. It enables the installer/operator to remotely instruct someone from the hotel staff to perform simple maintenance operations.
A short guide to MMH-3000 TERRA design
Remote control of MMH-3000 headend
ULTISYSTEM - a unique and honored surveillance software - use of alarm inputs. ULTISYSTEM software can cooperate with alarm, fire prevention, and access control systems. The main purpose of integrating these systems with ULTISYSTEM is to provide the information on their statuses to the operator in the monitoring center.
Depending on the functions of these systems and configuration of ULTISYSTEM, the operator can be informed about:
Depending on the functions of these systems and configuration of ULTISYSTEM, the operator can be informed about:
- breaking and entering,
- assault,
- fire,
- sabotage,
- operation status (ON/OFF),
- standby status (system ready to go into operation),
- any other functionality implemented in the system.
The inputs integrated with ULTISYSTEM are controlled directly by the sensors of the alarm, fire prevention, and access control systems, e.g.:
- motion detectors,
- reed relays,
- glass breakage detectors,
- vibration detectors,
- access barriers,
- fire detectors.
Access control procedures for a room can include information on opening the door, presence of people etc.
Input settings window and E-map function allow to elicit desired responses to activation of individual inputs:
- recording any channel/s for a defined period of time,
- triggering alarm:
- sound,
- text warning,
- displaying any channel in the main window,
- going to any preset of a PTZ camera,
- alarm cancellation.
Input settings window
Connection of PTZ camera to a video server. Analog PTZ cameras (e.g. M1224) are connected to video servers in two cases: the existing analog installation is upgraded to digital system, or a well-tried model of analog camera should be used in a new IP CCTV system.
In both cases the PTZ camera should ensure full functionality, i.e. provide video signal and allow to utilize its PTZ functions. In practice it will be possible after proper configuration of control ports of the camera and video server. The basic parameters that have to be synchronized are the protocol (e.g. Pelco P), transmission speed (e.g. 9600) and camera ID (e.g. 001).
It is worth mentioning that some PTZ cameras do not use popular RS-485 port but RS-232. In this case, e.g. in ACTi ACD-2100 K2113 video server, the installer has to readjust the relevant dip switches.
In both cases the PTZ camera should ensure full functionality, i.e. provide video signal and allow to utilize its PTZ functions. In practice it will be possible after proper configuration of control ports of the camera and video server. The basic parameters that have to be synchronized are the protocol (e.g. Pelco P), transmission speed (e.g. 9600) and camera ID (e.g. 001).
It is worth mentioning that some PTZ cameras do not use popular RS-485 port but RS-232. In this case, e.g. in ACTi ACD-2100 K2113 video server, the installer has to readjust the relevant dip switches.
Business promotion - surveillance video on a website. The prospective customers of BITNET - ISP and CCTV installation company from Ozarow, Poland - are able to access video from analog camera connected to ACD-2100 K2113 video server of ACTi. Internet users can display the image. Thanks to ACD-2100 K2113 video server converting analog video signal to IP digital stream with MPEG-4 SP compression, the results are really impressive. In local networks the ACD-2100 server can transmit 25/30 fps at D1 (720 x 576) resolution. Parameters of Internet transmission are limited by the number of simultaneously connected users. The image can be viewed only with Internet Explorer.
Additional advantage of the employed video server is cooperation with ULTISYSTEM software, allowing to integrate local CCTV systems with city surveillance.
The author gets "Chameleon mug".
How to get "Chameleon mug"?
Additional advantage of the employed video server is cooperation with ULTISYSTEM software, allowing to integrate local CCTV systems with city surveillance.
The author gets "Chameleon mug".
How to get "Chameleon mug"?
Video from BITNET
Recording of road traffic with the use of ULTIAIR devices and IP CCTV cameras from ACTi. Failing to yield right of way and going over a red light at the crossroads are important reasons of collisions and accidents in large cities. It is often difficult to establish the fault of the driver who caused the collision, especially when there are no witnesses available. These problems can be solved with IP video surveillance systems using wireless transmission technology that allows to deploy camera points anywhere in the city.
Video transmission system based on professional ULTIAIR devices allows easy creation of wireless network backbone. ULTIAIR is a family of professional Access Points, designed for creating efficient wireless IP CCTV and ISP networks. The electronics and antenna have been put in outdoor housing of IP 66 class, which guarantees full protection against adverse weather conditions and corrosive environments. ULTIAIR operate in unlicensed 5GHz band - no special permissions are required.
IP CCTV cameras from ACTi belong to the leading products in the market. The offer of this corporation includes fixed and high-speed PTZ cameras, megapixel cameras, video servers and transcoders.
IP cameras compress the video signals to MJPEG/MPEG-4 streams that can be transmitted within the whole IP network. The images are available in any place, with the use of typical PC with appropriate software. It is not important whether the user is connected to the LAN or WAN (Internet) - the only condition is adequate bandwidth. ACTi cameras enable the designer to create optimum solution regardless of the size of the system.
IP cameras compress the video signals to MJPEG/MPEG-4 streams that can be transmitted within the whole IP network. The images are available in any place, with the use of typical PC with appropriate software. It is not important whether the user is connected to the LAN or WAN (Internet) - the only condition is adequate bandwidth. ACTi cameras enable the designer to create optimum solution regardless of the size of the system.
Video surveillance system at a large traffic circle using ACTi cameras and ULTIAIR APs
Internet through power outlet? - Yes, it's possible! TP-LINK manufactures powerline Ethernet adapters TP-LINK TL-PA201 N3355 and TP-LINK TL-PA101 N3350, allowing to transmit Ethernet signal over existing power line. The pair or set of the adapters is an ideal solution in every case when it is impossible to install Ethernet cables or the environment does not allow to use wireless connectivity.
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Distinguishing features:
The required number of the powerline adapters is the same as the number of different locations within the home, office etc. that will use Ethernet connection via electrical power network (230VAC).
Notice: The network has to use the same models of the transmitters.
It is very easy to install the adapters. The "first" one should be connected to the router (with the included network patch cable) and plugged into the nearest power outlet. The second/next adapter is to be connected via its patch cable to the computer in the second/next room and plugged into the nearby power outlet. The maximum length of the electrical wires between the outermost points of the network cannot exceed 200m. All outlets should use the same branch (phase) of the power network.
The TP-LINK TL-PA201 N3355 devices allow to create several independent networks with 128-bit AES encryption.
The TP-LINK TL-PA201 N3355 devices allow to create several independent networks with 128-bit AES encryption.
Point-to-point connection
Point-to-multipoint connection
We have written about:
ULTISYSTEM - advanced surveillance software The ULTISYSTEM software has functionality of professional NVR (Network Video Recorder) that manages IP CCTV systems based on transmission of surveillance data in Ethernet network. The software can fully integrate a whole set of IP CCTV devices (IP cameras, video servers, DVRs). Application of video servers and ULTIMAX DVRs allows to utilize any analog cameras. The distinguishing feature of this software is support for megapixel IP cameras...
- Library
Instructions on how to properly protect connections with SCAPA 2501 self-amalgamating tape Self-amalgamating tape SCAPA 2501 is based on PIB (Polyisobutylene) rubber. It is a versatile material for waterproofing, corrosion protection, jointing and repair of cables - used indoors and outdoors. Product properties and correct application ensure waterproof connections (for fresh and sea water) in a wide range of temperatures...
- Library
ULTIAIR - efficient and secure wireless data transmission ULTIAIR has been designed for creating efficient wireless IP CCTV and ISP networks. ULTIAIR is a family of professional Access Points, designed for efficient long-term outdoor operation. Integration of the transceiver and antenna into one weather-resistant housing enables the installer to perform the job quickly, without additional operations...
- Library
Index of published issues
ULTISYSTEM - advanced surveillance software The ULTISYSTEM software has functionality of professional NVR (Network Video Recorder) that manages IP CCTV systems based on transmission of surveillance data in Ethernet network. The software can fully integrate a whole set of IP CCTV devices (IP cameras, video servers, DVRs). Application of video servers and ULTIMAX DVRs allows to utilize any analog cameras. The distinguishing feature of this software is support for megapixel IP cameras...
- Library
Instructions on how to properly protect connections with SCAPA 2501 self-amalgamating tape Self-amalgamating tape SCAPA 2501 is based on PIB (Polyisobutylene) rubber. It is a versatile material for waterproofing, corrosion protection, jointing and repair of cables - used indoors and outdoors. Product properties and correct application ensure waterproof connections (for fresh and sea water) in a wide range of temperatures...
- Library
ULTIAIR - efficient and secure wireless data transmission ULTIAIR has been designed for creating efficient wireless IP CCTV and ISP networks. ULTIAIR is a family of professional Access Points, designed for efficient long-term outdoor operation. Integration of the transceiver and antenna into one weather-resistant housing enables the installer to perform the job quickly, without additional operations...
- Library
Index of published issues
