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

No. 31/2010 (Sept. 27, 2010)

Not affected by crisis, still on the increase - before the European meeting in Essen.

The driving force behind the good condition of the security industry is a constant threat. The years of economic crisis, dominated by various forms of social unrest and terrorist threats, further stimulated interest in the security market.

Between October 5 and 8, the trade fair of the security and fire prevention industry - Security Essen 2010 - will be held in Essen, Germany. In terms of significance the event does not equal IFSEC in Birmingham, however, it is the most important security trade fair in continental Europe.

Many analysts believe that Security Essen examines products and solutions which make their debut every May at IFSEC in Birmingham - for several months the new technological solutions can be valued by the market.

The overall trend is clear and unchanging - rapid development of security systems based on image analysis, offering unrivaled opportunities for effective surveillance.

We can also see significant development in CCTV equipment:
  • still increasing resolution of security cameras (availability of cameras with a resolution of 16 Mpx),
  • increasingly sophisticated methods of signal compression,
  • improving quality of recorded images and new methods of their analysis, both in NVRs (Network Video Recorder) and DVRs (Digital Video Recorder).
But the major breakthrough can be achieved by organizational and software solutions.

The development of the industry began from protection of individual objects and places, but now moves towards large, network solutions and integrated systems (video surveillance combined with building management, access control, fire protection).

Unique solutions, which seemed to be advantageous years ago, now pose serious problems - the market needs common standards.
Since 2008, such standards have been under development by two organizations - ONVIF and PSIA. Currently, about 70% of the leading manufacturers of CCTV hardware and software obey their recommendations. The vast majority of them applies ONVIF standards.
Despite bold declarations and announcement of a revolution, for the time being there is no full range of standardized products, from which one could build complete video surveillance systems. There are many IP cameras compliant with ONVIF standard, but there are shortages of software and DVRs which can cooperate with them.
In this situation, an interesting fact is that the revolution in CCTV is likely to be led by companies located outside the industry - the producers of NAS (Network Attached Storage), which, having experience in manufacturing hard disks and engineering server software, can add new functionality - video data recording and image analysis. The solutions presented by QNAP and Synology, made in accordance with the ONVIF guidelines, confirm this trend.
Video surveillance increasingly relies on complex network systems
We see a growing importance of large-scale systems (border security, communications routes, urban surveillance), which should provide an analysis of the images, and further integrate into a single installation many different kinds of sensors.
In Essen, professionals from the security industry will be of great interest to see offers of such companies like Siemens, Nice, DVTel, March Networks, IndigoVision, Verint, ObjectVideo.

The demand for advanced surveillance systems - difficult to design, construct and maintain - has generated a new kind of service, which is experiencing a rapid development this year.
Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) or Managed/hosted video - these are the names of the concepts that outsource the whole organization of security systems (designing, installation, management, operation, intervention, and maintenance). The investor expects implementation of the latest hardware, software, and organizational solutions.

The October meeting at the trade fair in Essen should show the state of progress in transition towards networking and integration of image analysis in video surveillance systems.

The contest "Engagingly about Antennas".

These are the last days when you can send your photos. Next week the competition will be adjudicated and the authors of the best pictures will be given prizes.
Engagingly about Antennas - 9th DIPOL's Summer Holiday Contest 2010
Engagingly about Antennas - 9th DIPOL's Summer Holiday Contest 2010
Engagingly about Antennas - 9th DIPOL's Summer Holiday Contest 2010
Reception at sunset
Lukasz Leszczynski
The Moon over Siberia
Anna Krzystowska
Competition
Grazyna Leonowicz

TERRA MSV-932 - a real gem among multiswitches.

The MSV-932 R70832 multiswitch from Terra is a professional device that can be used either in individual buildings or as part of huge SMATV systems with hundreds of outlets.
9/32 Multiswitch: TERRA MSV-932 (active terr. path, w/o p.s.)
MSV-932 TERRA R70882 - one device allows to connect 32 outlets
Main features of MSV-932 multiswitch:
  • very large number of outputs, despite compact dimensions;
  • active terrestrial TV path with 17 dB gain adjustment range;
  • independent gain adjustment for each satellite band-polarization;
  • high maximum output levels: 93 dBuV (SAT), 91 dBuV (terr. TV);
  • high Modulation Error Ratio (MER),neded for error-free reception of digital satellite and terrestrial TV signals;
  • powering from an external power supply directly through AUX connector or via H lines, as well as from SA-901 R70901 amplifier;
  • ideal as a standalone core of a middle-size installation (up to 32 outlets) or as component of larger SMATV systems employing a number of multiswitches.

Test output in CCTV cameras.

At the place of installing a camera it is necessary to adjust the image to the lighting conditions, to choose or adjust appropriate focal length of the lens, and to set the focus accordingly.
Most analog cameras have video output mounted on the rear panel, which is often inconvenient for test use. In many cases, even if a camera has additional output there, it is impossible to use it without changing the position of the camera or disassembling it from its bracket. Additionally, testing a camera without a test output, the technician has to disconnect the camera from the system.

A very useful solution has been implemented in the cameras n-cam 640 + IR M11273 and u-cam 680 M11274, which have an additional video output placed at the bottom and operating in parallel with the main output. This solution allows for quick and convenient connection of a test monitor, during normal operation of the camera.
Color CCTV Camera: n-cam 680 + IR (2.8-12 mm, 600 TVL)3.5
Application of the test output in M11274 and M11273 cameras
The suitable adapter is supplied with each of these cameras

Video surveillance at Lodz-Widzew train station.

In order to improve the safety of traveling by rail, the PKP S.A (Polish State Railways) division of real estate management in Lodz commissioned installation of CCTV monitoring system at Lodz-Widzew station.
The aim of the investor is to increase the safety level at the station, as well as in its immediate vicinity. Selection of equipment and installation work has been carried out by Technitel company.
The Lodz-Widzew station building
Due to the nature of the facility and a high risk of damage to the equipment, as the indoor cameras there have been employed color V-CAM 540 + IR (4 - 9 mm) equipped with vandal-proof housings. The cameras are very well prepared for operation in difficult lighting conditions. Thanks to high sensitivity, their color images are free of "snow" even in relatively low lighting.
As the type of outdoor camera there has been chosen VF-515 IR/B M11278, equipped with with 4-9 mm varifocal lens and IR illuminator. Its very good 1/3" SONY Super HAD sensor provides images with increased resolution (520 TVL). Higher resolution of the images allows to see better more distant objects and use some digital zoom.
Outdoor Color CCTV Camera: VF-515 IR/B<br /> (with 4-9 mm varifocal lens and IR illuminator) Color Vandal-proof Camera: V-CAM 540 + IR (4-9 mm) Color Vandal-proof Camera: V-CAM 540 + IR (4-9 mm)Outdoor Color CCTV Camera: VF-515 IR/B<br /> (with 4-9 mm varifocal lens and IR illuminator)Network DVR: HIKVISION/ULTIMAX DS-7316HI-S H.264 (16-ch.)HDD SEAGATE 1 TB 7200 rpm 32MB CACHE SATA2HDD SEAGATE 1 TB 7200 rpm 32MB CACHE SATA2CCTV cable: CAMSET 100 75-0.59/3.7+2x1.0 [1m]<br />(92% braid coverage, 2 power wires up to 230V AC)
Installation diagram
The monitoring center has been equipped with 16-channel Hikvision-Ultimax DVR DS-7316HI-S M74160.
This model can record images with 4CIF (704 x 576) resolution at 2 fps or with 2CIF (704 x 288) resolution at 12 fps. Browsing the archives locally allows to play them back simultaneously from all channels. Stable operation in the network allows to control the DVR remotely. The surveillance data is recorded on two 1TB SATA HDDs ( M89260 ), which, with the H.264 compression, allows to store an immense archive for a period of a month or so.
The employed power and transmission cable - CAMSET M6100 - ensures low voltage drops and low attenuation of video signals, as well as excellent durability.
The investor is very satisfied with the system.

Modernization of an analog monitoring system - using Pixord cameras.

Breaking and entering into the company designing and assembling steel structures has become the reason for the installation of modern megapixel cameras. The existing monitoring system did not implement a few basic things, which rendered the system ineffective.
The building was fitted with analog cameras having a low sensitivity, without mechanical IR filters, which significantly worsened the image quality at night. For this reason, the recording sent to the police showed only a burglar's flashlight, without giving any information about body shape or face of the perpetrator.
Outdoor Megapixel IP Camera: Pixord PL-621E (2Mpx, H.264, PoE)Outdoor Megapixel IP Camera: Pixord PL-621E (2Mpx, H.264, PoE)IR illuminator: Redbeam IRD60 (180 degrees)Megapixel network camera: PIXORD P600E (2.0 Mpx, H.264, PoE)IR illuminator: Redbeam IRD60 (180 degrees)Megapixel network camera: PIXORD P600E (2.0 Mpx, H.264, PoE)IR illuminator: Redbeam IRD60 (180 degrees)Megapixel network camera: PIXORD P600E (2.0 Mpx, H.264, PoE)IR illuminator: Redbeam IRD60 (180 degrees)Video Server: Pixord P1401Video Server: Pixord P1401Video Server: Pixord P1401Video Server: Pixord P1401Megapixel network camera: PIXORD P600E (2.0 Mpx, H.264, PoE)
Installation diagram

To avoid such events in the future, it was decided to install indoor 2-megapixel cameras Pixord P600 K1532 with mechanically switching IR filter - automatically switched on or off depending on light intensity. The images captured at night in office rooms have good quality thanks to application of IR illuminators - Redbeam M1642. Power supply via PoE greatly reduced the number of cables needed for the proper functioning of the system.
The cameras that had been previously used were transferred to the production hall, where there is a constant source of light. They have been integrated into the system using video servers Pixord P1401 K2131. The video streams from the megapixel cameras and from the video servers are recorded on a PC, using free software supplied with Pixord cameras.
The future plans include installation of outdoor Pixord cameras PL-621E K1533 for monitoring the yard with steel elements outside the building.

Home/SOHO network based on 3G router.

Increasingly, the Internet connection is provided by a cellular network. The modems offered by cellular operators enable mobile connection of one computer at any location within the range of the service. Application of TP-LINK 3G/3.75G router allows anyone to build a local network.
TP-Link TL-MR3420 N2957 enables quick creation of a wireless and wired network allowing access to the Internet via a 3G service or traditional DSL line. The device allows wireless transmission speed within the local network up to 300 Mbps (802.11n) and LAN connectivity (Ethernet) up to 100 Mbps. Communication with the Internet via a 3G network is done through USB interface, which has to be connected to the suitable 3G modem.
Main features of the router:
  • Possibility of data transmission through a UMTS/HSPA network (via an external USB modem),
  • Failover function enabling automatic switching between 3G and WAN interface in the case of an Internet connection loss through the current medium,
  • Wireless AP (802.11n, 300 Mb/s),
  • QSS,
  • WDS,
  • Bandwidth control mechanism (IP-layer QoS).
Failover function is ideal for offices and businesses, where a loss of Internet connection would mean problems for normal business activity. After repairing the DSL failure, the device will automatically switch to the original state (access to the Internet via DSL line).
3G Wireless Router: TP-LINK TL-MR3420 (802.11n, UMTS/HSPA)ADSL Annex A Router: TP-Link TD-8816Wireless 802.11n USB Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN821N (300Mbps)
An example application of the device

SatKrak 2010 - digital TV exhibition in Krakow.

The trade fair comes at an interesting time of technology change in television. Digital methods of transmitting signals have reached market maturity. We see growing competition - cable TV vs. IPTV, digital terrestrial platforms as an alternative to satellite broadcasts. Confrontations between transmission platforms include qualitative change in video resolution - HDTV - still on the increase.

The manufacturers and operators will present their products at SatKrak 2010 in Krakow, Otober 14-16, 2010.
We invite everyone to Virtual DIPOL Stand
We have written about:

HD sets in pubs and clubs - a complete solution based on Signal-HD HDMI equipment. ... The owner decided to upgrade the TV system. The installation should distribute HD and SD signals to 5 LCD TVs and an HD projector. The sources of the signal should be a satellite TV receiver (pay-TV digital platform) and a multimedia device (Ferguson Ariva HDplayer 110 - A99391 )...

Quick adapter to DC 2.1/5.5 power connector and professional compression BNC connector. S-55 quick adapter E3511 and BNC connector E8282 are indispensable accessories for professional installers of CCTV systems...
BNC connector Platinum and S-55 quick adapter on CAMSET CCTV cable - Installing
Home antenna system integrated with LAN/WLAN and CCTV. ... shows a small, multi-purpose system allowing to:
  • receive terrestrial radio (FM) and TV programs,
  • receive satellite broadcasts from 2 satellites (8 outlets),
  • monitor chosen areas with 4 analog CCTV cameras and record the video on DVR,
  • use home LAN/WLAN wirelessly connected to the Internet (desktop PCs and laptops, netbooks etc)...
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