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

100 Mbps for $100 per month - DOCSIS 3.0. Optimum Online Ultra is the Internet access service offered for end users in New York City. For 100 USD subscription fee, the subscriber gets 101 Mbps download and 15 Mbps upload speeds. Since December, such an offer has been presented to the public by Cablevision - the fifth largest cable TV operator in the U.S.
It outclasses the popular FIOS service of Verizon (50/20 Mbps for $150). FIOS is based on the most prospective broadband technology i.e. FFTH (Fibre To The Home). However, this solution is still expensive, especially when implemented in existing buildings (high infrastructure costs).
Optimum Online Ultra is based on DOCSIS 3.0 standard (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification), allowing cable operators to provide Internet access with throughput up to 200 Mbps, as well as to offer IP tlephony, AVOD (Audio Video on Demand), online gaming etc.

DOCSIS 3.0 is an economic solution, using popular HFC (Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial) networks, i.e combination of fiber-optic trunks and local/building distribution networks based on coaxial cables. The existing HFC infrastructure has been built by cable TV operators since the early nineties.

A jointing chamber of a cable TV network during the construction of the local HFC network based on coaxial cable

DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) is a family of standards managing digital data transmission in cable TV networks. DOCSIS 1.0 was accepted and published in March 1997, the next, most popular version (2.0) - in December 2001.
The latest DOCSIS 3.0 that radically increases maximum transmission speeds - including uploading - was officially approved in August 2006. DOCSIS 3.0 supports multichannel digital transmission (channel bonding technology - e.g. using 4 return and 4 forward channels it is possible to get 222.48 Mbps download and 122.88 Mbps upload. The standard also includes version with 8 forward channels).
All DOCSIS versions use 64-QAM or 256-QAM modulation in forward path, and QPSK or 16-QAM (DOCSIS 1.0), 32-QAM, 64-QAM or 128-QAM (DOCSIS 2.0 and 3.0) in return path. Implementation of QoS (Quality of Service) allows to provide VoIP and IPTV.
Similarly to previous versions, the subscriber is equipped with suitable cable modem. The headend/hubsite contains CMTS (Cable Modem Termination System) equipment.
The original DOCSIS has been prepared for NTSC standard (USA and some other countries) that uses 6 MHz channels. Its European version for 8 MHz channels (PAL) is known as EuroDOCSIS.

Fantasy or necessity? - Unusual supports for antenna masts. The pictures below show an interesting way of mounting antenna masts. It allows to place antennas on delicate roofs without chimneys. Has anyone of you come across this solution? Where it is popular you can find out at the end of this issue.

Modern wireless smart card splitter for Seca system. Our range of products has been expanded to include modern wireless splitter Clone+ A9910 for multi-room service.
Multi-room service allows to receive and watch several pay-TV satellite programs using only one subscriber card in Seca MediaGuard system which is employed by the following platforms:

Wireless smart card splitter Clone+
A9910

The Clone+ set contains the main unit (server) and two client cards, which allows to receive two different programs on two televisions (of course it requires another satellite receiver compatible with Seca system and connected to the satellite installation). If there is a need to use more televisions, the user can purchase additional client cards (A9911) to insert them to other satellite receivers. The maximum capacity of the system is 8 client cards (and independent receivers).

Clone + allocates the access of subscription rights wirelessly. At the beginning the user has to match the client cards with the server. But this process is very simple and takes only a few minutes. There is no need for nearing the cards to the server (like in the case of some proprietary solutions). According to the manufacturer's data, the transmission range is 150 m in an open area, which in practice corresponds to the coverage of a large one-family house.

The manufacturer ensures that Clone+ is compatible with all receivers and CI modules supporting Seca MediaGuard, including HD version. In the case of compatibility issues with a particular receiver, the manufacturer assures that the firmware will be upgraded. The most modern technology used in the Clone+ splitter provides superior television viewing experience even in harsh conditions, such as thick walls or ceilings etc.

Advantages of Clone+:

Basic specifications:

The diagram showing application of the splitter.
Simultaneous reception of four different programs due to use of the main unit of A9910
and four wireless client cards A9910.
(The A9910 set contains two client cards, the other two have to be bought separately)

Simple satellite and CCTV system with 4 outlets. Radial multiswitches of Signal series with active terrestrial path allow for distribution of terrestrial and satellite signals over distances up to 60-70 meters. They can be the basis of antenna systems in one-family homes. The multiswitches ensure maximum signal level of 101 dBuV for satellite broadcasts, and 85 dBuV in the case of terrestrial transmissions.

The multiswitch Signal MP-0504
R6944504

By centralizing the distribution of the signals and using star topology of the system, it is very easy to inject signals from other sources, such as analog CCTV cameras, receivers, DVD players. A proposal is shown below.

Simple satellite and CCTV system in a one-family house
(a PVR receiver in the living room can use two independent sat signals)

The multiswitch MP-0504 R6944504 distributes signals from one satellite and terrestrial television transmitters to up to four subscriber sockets. We can therefore connect up to four single satellite receivers. However, if some receiver has PVR function, its double tuner will need connection with two outputs of the multiswitch, like in the example above (with a double outlet for one PVR and two outlets for single receivers). Using the R871741 modulator it is possible to connect the CCTV camera (M11240). This solution enables the residents to to have a quick look at the image from e.g. the backyard garden, using any of the televisions in the home.

DIPOL offers Signal multiswitches providing 4, 8, 12, or 16 independent satellite signals from one or two satellites.

Signal multiswitches


550 TVL, varifocal lens and the latest Sony sensor - a new series of dome cameras. DIPOL has enriched the range of CCTV cameras with high quality dome camera CAM 502 M10737 and vandal-proof dome camera V-CAM 540 + IR with built-in IR illuminator - M10752. Thanks to the latest 1/3'' Super HAD CCD II sensor from Sony, the both cameras provide quality video with resolution of 550 TVL. They are equipped with varifocal lenses (4-9 mm) that allow to adjust the viewing angle from 35^o to 65^o.

The cameras can be used at all locations where one needs high quality analog monitoring allowing for facial recognition and distinction of details, such as schools, warehouses, and shops.

Lenses for megapixel cameras. Megapixel cameras are increasingly being chosen by investors, so they should be carefully furnished by the installers. When applying a megapixel camera, the installer should take into account that the image quality equally depends on the device and the lens. It is not sensible to use, for example, a 2.0-megapixel camera with a standard lens. Poor quality of the lens can overcome the advantages of the megapixel camera.
A measure of lens resolution is the number of line pairs that can be distinguished in one millimeter. This parameter is closely related to the ability of the lens to provide image detail. The lenses for VGA cameras feature about 30 lp/mm, whereas megapixel lenses should guarantee at least 60 lp/mm.
For megapixel cameras DIPOL recommends lenses from Japanese Tokina company. The newest line of these megapixel lenses is dedicated for cooperation with megapixel cameras equipped with 1/2'' sensors of 3 Mpx resolution, but due to outstanding performance the lenses are suitable even for 5 Mpx cameras. They cover practically the whole range of focal lengths suitable for megapixel cameras: 1.4 mm (fisheye lens - M2236), 4.5-13 mm M2235 (the most popular lens), and NEW PRODUCT - 16-48 mm M2237.

Low-cost IP CCTV system in a one-family home - TP-Link. The wireless IP camera TP-Link TL-SC3130G K1150 is an ideal means for non-professional monitoring systems in homes, small offices, shops etc.
Thanks to wireless connectivity (802.11b/g - up to 54 Mbps) it does not require to install cables. The access to the camera is provided via any Internet browser, the included software (more functions), or a compatible cell phone. The latter option does not require to install additional software - the list of compatible phones is available here (in the "support" section).
In addition to basic functions such as motion detection and email alerting, there are available more sophisticated features: two-way audio transmission, two streams (with different bandwidth/image resolution), compatibility with 3GPP, error detection, and watchdog - which provide perfect solution for inexpensive indoor monitoring systems.

Here is the diagram of an installation in a single family home (the Internet is provided wirelessly from a local WISP).
When the Internet is accessed via ADSL, it is sufficient to connect the camera to the wireless ADSL router (Annex A) - TP-Link D-W8901G N2902.

An application of wireless IP cameras

Simple to install and convenient - Monako LCD mount. The DL109 E9633 bracket has been designed to place a modern LCD monitor/television on a vertical wall. Its load capacity is 23 kg. This wall mount allows easy adjustment of tilt (without additional tools) in the range -25 to 18 degrees.

The DL109 mount has a perforated mounting plate, allowing to suspend flat panels with screens from 13" to 31" diagonal, with VESA 75, 100, or 200x100 mounting system.

Japan - the country of lightweight roof constructions. Due to earthquakes, the traditional Japanese roofs are light constructions. The houses in the southern part of the country are usually not heated, so they do not have chimneys. These conditions are really unfavorable for antenna installers, but they are able to circumvent these problems...

We have written about:

Megapixel monitoring of a store. Densy B&W Technics is an electronics store, well known in Bulgaria. To protect the goods from theft the owner decided to install a monitoring system. After comparison of images from VGA, D1, and 1.3 Mpix cameras, the owner has chosen the latter kind that ensures high quality and detailed images...

Professional compression BNC connector E8293. BNC connectors can cause many problems during installation of CCTV systems. They may be responsible for the excessive amount of work. Already at the stage of starting up the system they often trouble the installer with unstable contacts. Outdoor operation causes corrosion and influences the quality of transmitted video. Temperature changes are the main reason of loss of tightness and water penetration. It is unacceptable, especially in important systems installed in banks, cities etc...

How to use wireless connectivity to develop the network at home or office. Internet access is nowadays indispensable at home and office. It can be easily distributed among many users by wireless means. If the connection is provided by the ISP (cable TV, DSL, or other operator) via Ethernet interface (for example cable modem with RJ-45 socket), the user will need suitable router, e.g. TL-WR542G N2950 (54 Mbps) or N2953 (108 Mbps), connected to the WAN port of the cable modem, with a RJ45 patch cable, or directly to the existing LAN (UTP with RJ45 plug)...