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

No. 34/2010 (Oct. 18, 2010)

Super Hi-Vision - awe-inspiring television.

On September 29, 2010, the optical fibers from London to Tokyo had to face the toughest challenge. For the first time in history, Super Hi-Vision signal was transmitted live over very long distance.
Japanese fans of the British The Charlatans rock band could watch them live and enjoy the form of the group as well as (maybe more) the quality of picture and sound.
The Japanese are ahead of the rest of the world in issues relating to television and multimedia. Now, when the Europeans are watching with admiration new channels in High Definition, the people of Japan are not satisfied with such "outdated" technology. An interesting fact is that their broadcasters were capable of distributing high-definition analog TV channels in the late 80s of the last century.
Super Hi-Vision at IBC 2010 in Amsterdam
(digitalproductionme.com)
Super Hi-Vision digital video format has been proposed by Japanese public broadcaster - NHK television. The project is also supported by the BBC (UK) and Italian RAI.

The capacity of the format is impressive - the video is displayed at the resolution of 7680 x 4320 pixels (over 33 megapixels), so it is 16 times higher resolution than that of Full HD standard. The number of frames per second is 50 or 60.

Any fan of cinema and television knows how much experience is provided by the sound. The component of the Super Hi-Vision format is the "Hamasaki 22.2" surround sound system, called in short "22.2". It is a milestone in the transmission of audio streams and sound fidelity.
The sound is transmitted and reproduced in 24 channels: 9 channels for loudspeakers situated over the head, 10 channels for the height of the head, 3 channels below the level of the head, 2 channels for special effects at low frequencies.
With 24 speakers, the term "surround sound" takes on an entirely new meaning. Comparatively, the sound quality of Dolby Surround seems to resemble an old cassette player. Similarly, a Full HD picture displayed on the Super Hi-Vision screen would look like a fuzzy blur.
Presentation of the capabilities of the Hamasaki 22.2 surround sound system
(mail2web.com)
The current assumption is that the first transmissions of Super Hi-Vision will reach consumers by 2020. So there is some time to develop and test the technology. The first opportunity will be the Olympics in London in 2012. BBC, responsible for the media coverage of the event, announced that the Olympic Games will be shown on huge screens around the city, where viewers will be able to admire both the exploits of the athletes and the quality of the images presented in Super Hi-Vision technology.
Television with such a high resolution requires enormous bandwidth of transmission links, about 25 Gbit/s for each TV channel. There is no doubt that the only suitable media for this purpose are optical fibers. Given the state of FFTH in Europe (in most European countries the percentage of homes connected directly to an optical cable does not exceed 1%), the Super Hi-Vision will not achieve popularity even in 2020.
By the way, is the successor of Full HD the standard for the masses? Does the average consumer need a TV of the size of a whole wall, even in 2040? We'll wait and see...

Readers voting - "Engagingly about Antennas."

Of the 182 images submitted for the contest we have chosen 21, the most interesting in our opinion. The authors of the pictures have been awarded with "Magic mugs".
We ask you, dear reader, to vote for the one you like most. You can cast only one vote.
"DIPOL Hungaria" has funded a bottle of brand-name Tokay for the author of the photo that will get the most votes.
The online voting lasts until November 28.
Vote for the most interesting picture of the 2010 photo contest
Vote for the most interesting picture of the 2010 photo contest
Vote for the most interesting picture of the 2010 photo contest
Gubalowka island
Roman Lipinski
Loss of reception?
Time for pigeons
Jarek Stefanski
Antenna tangle
Jakub Rybicki

The problem of too strong signals in multiswitch systems.

Until recently, a good practice was to ensure the highest possible level of satellite signals at the input of multiswitch system. It was achieved by installing satellite dishes of a larger diameter.
Due to more powerful satellite transmitters it turns out that, especially in the case of simpler multiswitch systems, large dish can be a source of problems.
The experience of installers shows that multiswitch systems built for two satellite positions (e.g. Hotbird and Astra) in areas with very high signal level and using large dishes have problems with overdriving the active equipment. For example, if the maximum input level of a multiswitch is 93 dBuV, an increase by 3 dB will cause serious problems with overdriving the device.
If the too strong signals come from both satellites, the simplest solution to this problem is application of a smaller dish, or the use of multiswitches with gain adjustable in both satellite paths (e.g. TERRA MSV series).
The problem of a too high signal level from one satellite can be solved by any TERRA multiswitch, both from the mentioned MSV series and MSR series.
Other possible solution - the use of attenuators - is less convenient due to discrete values of attenuation.
Comparison of MSR and MSV multiswitches
in the case of too strong signals at their SAT inputs
The designer and installer can avoid any problems using at the design stage of even simple systems the SatNet2.3 software. The program allows to identify potential problems in the designed system.

DVB-T signal meter Digiair PRO.

The Digiair PRO R10510 meter is designed and manufactured by engineers of Emitor company in Sweden. It allows to measure parameters of analog TV and digital DVB-T - COFDM signals and diagnose antenna systems. Digiair PRO is a very sensitive meter detecting even the weakest signals (30 dBuV).

Distinguishing features:
  • Frequency range: 45-860 MHz
  • Measurements of the major parameters of digital signals: Pre-BER, Post-BER, MER
  • Measurements of parameters of analog TV signals
  • High sensitivity: 30 dBuV
  • Simultaneous measurements of up to six channels
  • Channel lists
  • Signal spectrum analyzer
  • DVB-T COFDM signal constellation diagram
  • Maxhold function
  • Power supply for antenna preamplifiers (5, 12, 24 V)
  • AC and car charger included
DVB-T Signal Meter: Digiair PRO
The R10510 device has been designed to assist installers in adjusting TV antennas.
The meter is recommended for all installers of terrestrial TV antennas. Its power supply is provided by 8 AA rechargeable batteries. Operating time depends on the function of the meter, but when using the fully charged batteries is not shorter than 2 hours. In the event of a particularly difficult, time-consuming installation, the meter can be supplied with typical alkaline batteries (AA/R6 1.5 V).

Carefully designed and produced, reliable AverMedia NVR.

While IP video surveillance has been present in the market for several years, its practical implementations make only a small part of CCTV systems.
Incompatibility of equipment hindered designers and installers from a wider use, and more complicated operation required comprehensive training programs for the surveillance staff. These factors significantly limited the development of IP CCTV technology.

Availability of Network Video Recorders (NVRs), especially from AverMedia, has radically changed that situation. The two versions of the product 4-channel EXR6004Mini M76004 and 8-channel MXR6008Mini M76008 are CCTV devices designed for network operation. The operating system and architecture signal processing have been carefully thought out and tested by engineers of AverMedia.
High performance of the processor and operating system is fully dedicated to processing the surveillance data from the cameras.
Distinguishing features of the NVRs:
  • Resolution of recording from IP cameras: each channel up to 2.3 Mpx, the last channel up to 5 Mpx;
  • Two LAN ports to support advanced network infrastructure;
  • Possibility to connect 4 or 8 IP cameras;
  • Supported video formats: MJPEG, MPEG4, H.264;
  • Advanced, free software package for monitoring, supporting multiple devices.
Among many advantages, the specially important one is compatibility with IP cameras coming from many manufacturers, including: ACTi, APPRO, Arecont, Asoni, AVerDiGi, AVICO, AXIS, BOSCH, CANON, Dentec, D-Link, Dynacolor, EtroVisioin, Eyeview, Hunt, iLink, iCanTek, IPD, IQinvision, IQeye, JVC, Level-one, Lilin, Linksys, Lumenera, Messoa, Mobotix, Panasonic, Pelco, Samsung, Sanyo, Sony, TOSHIBA, Truen, Veo, Vivotek, and many others.
The NVR can also cooperate with analog cameras connected via a compatible video server, e.g. MPEG-4 Video Server ACTi ACD-2100 ( K2113).
1.3 Mpix IP Dome Camera: ACTi ACM-3401MPEG-4 Video Server: ACTi ACD-2100High Speed Dome Camera: PH-10H (3.8-38 mm, mechanically switching IR cut filter)Megapixel Day/Night IP Camera: ACTi ACM-5611IP Speed Dome Camera: ACTi CAM-6630 IP DVR/NVR: AverMedia EXR6004Mini (4-ch. H.264 VGA)IP DVR/NVR: AverMedia EXR6008Mini (8-ch. H.264)HDD SEAGATE 1 TB 7200 rpm 32MB CACHE SATA2HDD SEAGATE 1 TB SV35.5 (for CCTV DVRs)Switch TP-Link TL-SF1005D (5 ports)
AverMedia NVR - application example
Using the NVR, one does not need to install additional software or operating system on a PC with specially configured hardware, asses the performance of the computer (to be used as the server), perform complicated configuration of the network etc.
The device is simple to operate and the preparation for work takes several minutes. With the large amount of free software included with the NVR, it can be both the core of a small, private CCTV system, or one of the components of a large, distributed IP CCTV network.

IP video surveillance in schools.

Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools (FTS) is an organization that develops and manages innovative systems for the modernization and maintenance of schools in Malta. To ensure the safety of students and teachers in one of secondary schools in Malta, they decided to install a suitable IP CCTV system. The system was to be based on ACTi megapixel cameras and free NVR software included with the cameras.
Outdoor IP Camera: ACTi ACM-1231 (1.3 Mpx)1.3 Mpix Dome Camera: ACTi ACM-3511 (IR)
System architecture
Due to very high image quality (resolution: 1280 x 1024) even in low light, PoE, built-in IR illuminator, and outdoor IP66 rated housing, the vicinity of the school buildings is monitored by ACM-1231 K1511 cameras. The interior of the buildings is observed by ACM-3511 K1315 cameras. The main advantages of this model are: day/night function with mechanical IR cut filter, SXGA resolution, sensitivity 0 lx (IR ON), hardware motion detection, PoE. The whole system is managed via user-friendly ACTi NVR software. The long-term goal of the foundation is to build or refurbish about 200 schools in Malta and provide them with an integrated security system.

Wireless ADSL router TP-Link TD-W8960N.

The N2904 router has been designed for sharing Internet connection provided by ADSL technology. It has built-in ADSL modem compatible with ADSL/ADSL2/ADSL2+ (Annex A), IEEE802.11n/b/g Access Point (transmission speed up to 300 Mb/s) and 4-port switch. The WAN port (RJ11) connects directly with telephone line.

TP-Link TD-W8960N provides many protective measures:
  • SSID broadcast disable function, limiting the stations to those which use the unique identifier,
  • 64/128/152-bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK and TKIP/AES encryption.
The distinctive feature of TD-W8960N is support for 802.11n standard - capability of using data transfer speeds up to 300 Mb/s.
TD-W8960N ensures advanced access control and NAT, its DHCP server supports static assignment of IP addresses. The device also supports virtual servers, DMZ zone, remote logging and management.
Additional advantages of the TD-W8960G router include easy configuration and management, performed via any Internet browser, as well as stable operation.
ADSL Router w. 4-port Switch &802.11n AP: TP-Link TD-W8960NWireless 802.11n USB Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN821N (300Mbps)Wireless-N 802.11n PCI Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN851N (300Mbps)
A typical application of the router

New HDMI cables.

DIPOL has launched a series of high quality HDMI cables supporting 1.3b standard and equipped with two filters.
Main features of the new cables:
  • Length: 1 m - 20 m
  • Compliance with HDMI v1.3b
  • Max. video resolution: FullHD
  • Deep Color (12-bit)
  • Transmission speed up to 10.2 Gb/s
  • Support for 1080p+
  • Two filters
HDMI-HDMI Cable (1m, 28AWG)
HDMI-HDMI Cable (2m, 28AWG)
HDMI-HDMI Cable (3m, 28AWG)
HDMI-HDMI Cable (20m, 24AWG)
HDMI-HDMI cable
1 m, 28AWG
H1011
HDMI-HDMI cable
2 m, 28AWG
H1021
HDMI-HDMI cable
3 m, 28AWG
H1031
HDMI-HDMI cable
20 m, 24AWG
H1203

Security Essen 2010.

Security Essen is the most important security trade fair in continental Europe.
What was most important and what was most interesting? - Welcome to a report.
Security Essen 2010
We have written about:

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...

TREND DVRs - perfection in its simplest form. A requirement for modern electronic equipment is intuitive and reliable software. This principle has been adopted and implemented by the manufacturer of TREND digital video recorders.
TREND DVRs also feature solid construction - they are designed for long-term operation without intervention of an operator. Forced air circulation ensures optimum environmental conditions for electronic components. The 8 and 16-channel models use even two fans (placed close to the HDD bay)...
Audio Module: MP-6/D (microphone w/ balanced output) Outdoor Color CCTV Camera: n-cam 210 + IRColor CCTV Camera: CAM 508 (2.8-12 mm)Color Camera CAM 502 (4-9 mm)Professional CCTV Monitor: SAMSUNG SMT-1922P (19CCTV Network DVR: TREND 250X04 (H.264, 4 channels)
Two signals in one cable. Is it possible to transmit the channel received by a sat receiver to other TVs in the home with the same coaxial cable that connects LNB?
Yes, employing two DC-009 R85300 TV/SAT combiners (diplexers) one can avoid the necessity of laying additional cable...

Steel Satellite Dish: FAMAVAL Off-Set 80 PP (80cm)TV-SAT Antenna Mount US-32x350 (painted)Full Band LNB: Golden Interstar GI-201 (0.3 dB) TV/Sat Combiner (Diplexer) DC-009 TerraTV Modulator TERRA MT41TV/Sat Combiner (Diplexer) DC-009 Terra2-Way TV/FM Splitter R-2 SignalVHF/UHF Amplifier - Terra HS-013(1-input / 2-output, 12V)Broadband TV Antenna (logarithmic-periodic):<br /> LOG 2-69 DIGITAL